Just before the NXT Women’s Championship match between Roxanne Perez and Lyra Valkyria got started, we see former STARDOM talent Giulia sitting amongst the crowd at NXT Stand & Deliver.
Post-match, we catch a glimpse of Giulia again, seemingly not too impressed with newly crowned champion Perez.
Per Fightful Select, multiple NXT sources have confirmed that Giulia will be reporting to the WWE Performance Center and NXT, upon completion of her remaining dates in Japan. A main roster debut is ruled out at this time.
Multiple NXT sources have confirmed to @FightfulSelect that Giulia will be reporting to the WWE Performance Center and NXT upon completion of her remaining dates, with an immediate main roster debut ruled out at this time.
— Corey Brennan Of Fightful.com (@CoreyBrennanFF) April 6, 2024
Giulia is known for her time in STARDOM and has been decorated throughout the promotion as a former World of Stardom champion, Wonder of Stardom Champion, Goddess of Stardom Champion, and Artist of Stardom Champion. She was also ranked No. 2 Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s PWI Women’s 250 in 2023.
She had recently lost the Strong Women’s Championship to Stephanie Vaquer at the Stardom Cinderella Tournament, and left the promotion at the end of March this year. Her most recent appearance was at Pro Wrestling NOAH and will make an appearance at the WRESTLE MAGIC pay-per-view, May 4.
? OFFICIAL – Giulia makes her in-ring NOAH debut at the #WRESTLEMAGIC PPV!
The biggest show on the NXT calendar of the year, Stand & Deliver, has welcomed a new champion. Roxanne Perez defeated Lyra Valkria to end her reign at 165 days.
Perez feels vindicated as she is now a two-time NXT Women’s Champion. One of only threw women to ever achieve this behind Shayna Baszler and Charlotte Flair.
The final moments of the match showed just how much Perez had to do in order to keep Valkyria down. A combination of a poisonrana, followed by pop rox and into a crossface was needed to make Valkyria eventually tap out. She tried to make it to the ropes but Perez pulled her further away to make that option fade away.
Tatum Paxley did try and help out Valkyria on the apron but received a response from Perez which knocked her off. Paxley approached Valkyria backstage later in the night to apologize but Valkyria made her know that this wasn’t the time.
After the match, Giulia was shown in the front row with William Regal and Rossy Ogawa seemed very emotionless and unimpressed.
Also at Stand & Deliver, Thea Hail picked up a big six woman tag team match win alongside Fallon Henley and Kelani Jordan. They defeated Jacy Jayne, Kiana James, and Izzi Dame. After Hail got some revenge on Jayne for how she had lied to her about their friendship for all of these months, it would be Dame to take the loss. Hail made Dame tap out with the Kimura. Even with her arm in a sling, Jazmyn Nyx did her best to try and help her side as well.
After this match, General Manager Ava says that the women of NXT are the best in the business and the backbone of the brand. She introducez a new women’s title coming soon – NXT Women’s North American Title.
NXT General Manager Ava spoke after the six woman tag team match at Stand & Deliver. She spoke at how NXT has the best women division and that they are the backbone of NXT! As a result she has introduce an exciting mid card title for the women – NXT Women’s North American Championship!!
Athena is about to enter a very prestigious club now that she has defeated Hikaru Shida at ROH Supercard of Honor on Friday. The deck was stacked for Athena as she is so close to 500 days as ROH Women’s World Champion and she had a three-time AEW Women’s World Champion in Shida standing in her way!
With her win last night, the Fallen Goddess is currently 483 and counting as champion. If she makes it over 500 days, she will be one of only two people to ever do so in a single reign in ROH history. She would join Samoa Joe and Nigel McGuinness as the only ROH world champions to achieve this.
The Champ Athena inflicting incredible amounts of damage to Shida's knee!
— ROH – Ring of Honor Wrestling (@ringofhonor) April 6, 2024
Other results from ROH’s Supercard of Honor includes Billie Starkz becoming the first ROH Women’s TV Champion in a defeat over Queen Aminata. More on that can be read here.
Incredible action in this Stardom Women's Trios match so far!
The biggest show of the year is here! And as it has been for the past few years it is a two night event. Unfortunately in those two nights we couldn’t get double the amount of women’s matches that they are offering up. But! Let’s celebrate the three amazing bouts we are about to see.
It is also an exciting time for Diva Dirt as we have a few new writers joining us! And unfortunately with that, we will have the exit of Colby as he moves on to bigger and better things.
COLBY: Of course I wish the tag titles could be defended at Mania, but at least the champions are on the card and in a fun feud, no less. This dynamic allows for Bianca Belair to potentially extend her streak, for Naomi to have a marquee match shortly after her return, and for Jade Cargill to have another showcase after debuting in the Rumble. I say all that to say that it’s hard for me to see that trio losing here. I hate that Damage CTRL would lose yet another big match if that is the case, but it seems very unlikely that Belair and Cargill specifically would be on the losing end here.
WINNERS: Bianca, Naomi, Jade
NICK: The winner here couldn’t be more obvious, but that doesn’t negate the fact that I get chills knowing all six of these women are POC. This match would never have happened a couple years ago. Or hell, even last year. And the fact that a year ago Naomi, Jade, and Bianca were all in different companies! Wild.
Anyway, my delusion mind hopes that after this match we still get a women’s tag title match announced for night two. Even if it is the Kabukis vs. Bianca and Naomi.
WINNERS: Jade, Naomi, Bianca
ALGEO: While I would love for the tag titles to be on the line here, this lineup for sure will not disappoint. Jade, Bianca and Naomi are a dream trio for many. Meanwhile on the other side, the Kabuki Warriors have been formidable champions and Dakota has been on the top of her game post-injury. Unfortunately, for Damage CTRL I see them taking the L here. I believe a win for Jade will propel her debut, Naomi will get the momentum she needs post-return, and the EST will remain UN-DE-FEA-TED at WrESTlemania.
WINNERS: Jade, Naomi, Bianca
JOEY: I’m glad this match was added to the card and usually with matches that don’t have any stakes on the line it would go to the babyfaces but I don’t agree with the tag team champions taking a loss here. The more interesting story would be a miscommunication between Bianca and Jade causing Damage Control to capitalize on the opportunity and take the W. Either way, it’s a low stakes match so as long as the match advances a story then I’m fine with either outcome but it would be nice for Asuka to finally get that win at mania so for that reason, Damage Control.
WINNERS: Damage CTRL
DAVID: Obviously Bianca, Naomi, and Jade. There is no way Jade is losing this match now that she’s going to be a regular in-ring competitor going forward. Some have pointed out that this will be another loss at the Show of Shows for Asuka, but the babyfaces coming out on top is the only logical outcome. The loss probably won’t affect Damage CTRL too much, as Kairi and Asuka don’t have to put the Women’s Tag Team Championships on the line and will very likely be busy interfering on IYO’s behalf on Sunday.
COLBY: There seems to be much debate about who should come out on top — Mami or The Man? And admittedly, I’m more torn on this than I am Bayley vs. IYO. I’m very much a fan of both of these women and would like to see both win, but obviously that’s not feasible. So where do we go from here?
Rhea has reigned for a year now and while it hasn’t been a perfect run, she certainly has eyes on her. Then you have Becky, who has largely stayed out of the title picture on Raw for well over a year. She’s now a best-selling author who also has eyes on her with this narrative questioning if she can beat Ripley at this stage in the game.
For months I’ve assumed that Becky would be the one to dethrone Ripley, but now I’m not so sure. I’m starting to believe this feud and their characters can heat up even more if Ripley manages to defeat Becky in Philly. So I’m going to stick with that before I convince myself otherwise.
WINNER: Rhea Ripley
NICK: Becky, who I love, doesn’t need a titlw right now. She has so much going on in and out of the ring that she can just help elevate Rhea even more. Becky has even said she doesn’t need the title. And actually, waiting to put it back on her will feel so much better when it does happen. I also selfishly want Liv to take this title off of Rhea.
WINNER: Rhea Ripley
ALGEO: It truly is a tossup here. Rhea has been a dominant champion for the past year, despite the criticisms of her reign. Meanwhile, Becky regardless of if she has a title or not will always stand prominent in this division as the “The Man”. I’m very split on this one, but I would have to give it to Rhea. I still think there’s a lot of story potential with Liv and the title, that for some reason still isn’t being capitalized on. But either way wouldn’t be mad if either woman took the win.
WINNER: Rhea
JOEY: I’m sure from a technical standpoint Becky and Rhea will deliver, but I don’t feel emotional investment going into the match other than I’m ready for the Raw Women’s Division to have a fresh coat of paint. I’m going to go with Becky Lynch for that reason as I feel like she has more viable storylines that will finally put the focus of the Women’s World Title on the women’s division but that being said, whomever wins this match, I hope they drop it at the next PLE.
WINNER: Becky Lynch
DAVID: This title reign should end soon, but not at Night 1 and not to Becky. Still waiting for the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour to resume. It also wouldn’t make sense for Becky to win the title if reports of her contract coming up in 2 months are true.
WINNER: Rhea
Night Two – April 7
WWE Women’s Championship
IYO SKY (c) vs. Bayley
COLBY: As women’s wrestling fans, we typically have more reasons than not to complain about something. However, I want to take this moment to commend the current booking team for their long term storytelling for both of the titles matches at this year’s WrestleMania.
Bayley received her due when she won the Royal Rumble match. And as soon as she did, it became clear that Damage CTRL was about to change forever. The turn happened shortly thereafter and the rest of the build was icing on top of the cake. Bayley is learning how to be a babyface again while other faces aren’t trusting of her. Meanwhile, Damage CTRL is cocky with seemingly little to no doubt in their minds that IYO will beat Bayley.
With that said, I’d love to see IYO continue to be champion, but her time will come again. I think it’s Bayley’s time now for another run after helping put over so many others these last few years.
WINNER: Bayley
NICK: I have seen a lot of people flip flop on this. When Bayley was with Damage CTRL, everyone complained how much she lost even as an individual. Where the rest of the group at times had gold, she didn’t. So despite the fact that IYO could still hold it a bit longer, why? This is Bayley’s year. Let her get her redemption.
WINNER: Bayley
JOEY: Tough call but I want the entirety of Damage Control to walk out of Wrestlemania weekend with W’s. Also, I think Becky should be the right winner for the Women’s World Title match and I don’t think a division reset with the 4HW back on top of both shows is best for business. I expect there to be interference from Damage Control so Bayley doesn’t look weak in defeat but an Iyo retention.
WINNER: IYO SKY
ALGEO: Iyo is truly one of the best wrestlers in the world, if not the best. From the ace of STARDOM to Women’s Champion in WWE, her journey is fabled. But, with this buildup and the story they’ve created I really want to see Bayley get her moment. Sure, she’s won at Mania before, but this time around she’s more confident in her own skin and the fans can feel that and are behind her now more than ever. I cannot see anyone else more deserving of that shining spot.
WINNER: Bayley
DAVID: She deserves a happy moment by beating the woman she brought into the main roster, and it would be a good time to begin the slow crumbling of Damage CTRL by having IYO lose her title. Bayley as champion also has potential to tell some compelling stories (for example, Bianca Belair with how she was doubting Bayley’s motives during the past month).
WINNER: Bayley
Don’t forget to join Diva Dirt’s night one of WrestleMania Discussion Post later today!
Before the WWE Superstars can walk into WrestleMania, the women of Team Blue took a brief detour to the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania tonight for Friday Night SmackDown, where WrestleMania XL is set to take to place at the nearby Lincoln Financial Field.
Kicking things off on the women’s side of things was Scarlett in a vignette with The Final Testament. She didn’t have a speaking role, but their attack on Bobby Lashley last week was explained by her hubby Karrion Kross as a “lesson of humility”. The Final Testament, represented by Kross and The Authors of Pain, and Bobby’s faction with The Street Profits, The Pride, will clash head-to-head on Night Two of WrestleMania XL on Sunday, April 7th.
Zelina Vega checked up on an injured Dragon Lee with Carlito and Cruz Del Toro of the LWO, but it was too late for Vega to do anything as she had to go out to the ring to face Elektra Lopez of Legado Del Fantasma, with Rey Mysterio by her side. When Elektra made her entrance, she was not only accompanied by Santos Escobar, but by Dominik Mysterio and Andrade as a nervous Zelina looked on before the commercial break.
Once we were back from the break, Zelina brought the fight to Elektra and seemed poised to win via DDT until Dominik got up on the ropes to distract the referee, but a resulting punch in the face got her put away via an Electric Shock from Lopez. After a match, the threesome of Dirty Dom, Andrade, and Santos attacked Rey while Elektra made Zelina watch. It quickly led to a swerve among the trio of hombres as Andrade turned his back on Dominik and Santos, helping Rey up and embracing his former manager in Zelina.
Next, Naomi and Bianca Belair made their way out to address Damage CTRL less than 24 hours before their big six-woman tag team match alongside Jade Cargill. Bianca started off by mentioning that everyone knows of her history with the group going back to the very beginning 2 years ago, fighting them time and time again to the point of wanting to give up, until Naomi returned to WWE and made her realize she was not alone in her goal of ridding them once and for all.
Jade Cargill was then introduced, and reassured the WWE Universe that with “The Big Three” of her, Naomi, and Bianca around, there will be “no Damage CTRL”; for Asuka, Kairi, and Dakota, this is no promise, simply a threat, as in Jade’s words, they are now “in the eye of the storm”.
Backstage after Zelina’s match, it was revealed that Dragon Lee would be unable to compete with Rey Mysterio against Santos and Dominik at Night One tomorrow. Andrade however, stepped in to tag with Rey at the Grandest Stage of Them All, leaving Zelina happy.
A victory by New Catch Republic over the team of Grayson Waller and Austin Theory was quickly interrupted by an attack from The Judgment Day, who of course were accompanied by WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley. Ms. Ripley watched on with glee as the two teams were laid out in the ring.
A vignette for Bayley followed. Bayley is no stranger to making history, as clips of her being the first ever Women’s Tag Team Champion and first ever women’s Grand Slam champion were shown early on. Damage CTRL was her brainchild, as she wanted to make something unique and groundbreaking. Her vision to take over WWE was shared by IYO and Dakota, as demonstrated by the success of the two as Women’s Tag Team Champions and IYO winning the Money in the Bank contract last year plus securing the WWE Women’s Championship at SummerSlam.
Dear loyal sheep, I did everything in my power to get my dream Wrestlemania entrance. But due to scheduling, it isn’t in the stars this year. Someday! So until then….Enjoy the official #Bayley vs #IYOSKY Mania hype video ft ‘Simmer’ by Hayley Williams. Thank you @paramore@WWEpic.twitter.com/P4WZSu9H9I
However, Bayley feels things took a turn once Asuka joined the group and Kairi Sane made her WWE return, as she became the group’s outcast. Not even winning this year’s Royal Rumble made IYO believe in her, and getting turned on made her question whether or not the friendship she had with the rest of the group was even genuine. Now, as the person who built Damage CTRL with all of her heart, it will take all of her soul to break what she created.
To end things before the big show, B-Fab appeared in a vignette with The Pride. Over the past few months, the group has continued to be the recipient of attacks by The Final Testament, but on Sunday, they’ll be finished as there will be nowhere to hide from and nothing to hide behind with the Philadelphia Street Fight stipulation. Scarlett and B-Fab will be accompanying their respective stables, and it is inevitable that they will get in on the action on Sunday.
The WrestleMania match card is as follows:
Night One:
Becky Lynch vs Rhea Ripley (c) for the WWE Women’s World Championship
Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, and Naomi vs. Damage CTRL (Asuka, Dakota Kai, and Kairi Sane)
Night Two:
Bayley vs. IYO SKY (c) for the WWE Women’s Championship
Billie Starkz became the inaugural ROH Women’s TV Champion as she defeated Queen Aminata at Supercard of Honor on Friday night. And boy did she fool us all!
MASSIVE kick to the face of Billie Starkz by Queen Aminata ?
— ROH – Ring of Honor Wrestling (@ringofhonor) April 6, 2024
An amazing fight between both women came down to Starkz drawing attention to her neck after it being targeted several times by Aminata. Which was payback as Starkz targeted Aminata’s neck early on. Starkz went up top to deliver a Senton but when she came down, Aminata got the knees up.
— ROH – Ring of Honor Wrestling (@ringofhonor) April 6, 2024
Starkz immediately yelled for the referee to come over and called for medical. She was put in a neck brace. A hush fell over the crowd that you could have heard a pin drop. Commentary was working the neck injury as the camera panned to them several times while Starkz was being checked out. Aminata was in the corner showing great concern and was upset over the situation.
Here's the final few minutes of Queen Aminata vs Billie Starkz with the neck injury angle.
You could feel the discomfort in fans' eyes and even the commentators voice. GREAT STUFF.pic.twitter.com/NeJmdzGh7b
Aminata tried to help Starkz out of the ring by opening the ropes, but Starkz proved she was faking the injury by hitting a german suplex and then locking in a rear naked chokehold for the victory.
— ROH – Ring of Honor Wrestling (@ringofhonor) April 6, 2024
We came to this final match at the end of a ROH Women’s TV Title tournament which began in February with 16 individuals. Starkz defeated Robyn Renegade, Diamanté, and former ROH Women’s Champion Mercedes Martinez. Aminata defeated J–Rod, Taya Valkyria, and Red Velvet on her side of the bracket.
Ahead of WrestleMania starting this Saturday, the women of NXT will be featured on Stand & Deliver.
It is also an exciting time for Diva Dirt as we have a few new writers joining us! And unfortunately with that, we will have the exit of Colby as he moves on to bigger and better things.
With that being said, here are our predictions for NXT’s biggest show of the year.
Thea Hail, Fallon Henley, and Kelani Jordan vs. Jacy Jayne, Kiana James, and Izzi Dame
COLBY: NXT has typically done a fantastic job with the women’s division on a weekly basis, so it would have been a huge miss if a second women’s match wasn’t booked for Stand and Deliver. In the last few years, the NXT Women’s Tag Team titles were defended, however the division no longer has that to rely on.
Instead, we are seeing a culmination of a few storylines in one six-woman tag team clash, which has me pretty excited. Thus far, the heel trio of Jacy, Kiana, and Izzi have been standing tall over Thea, Fallon, and Kelani, so I would say it’s about time the babyfaces get their comeuppance. I’m hoping Thea scores the win here as she continues on toward a future title shot.
WINNERS: Thea, Fallon, Kelani
NICK: I think based on Fallon losing to Jacy this last week it is safely in the hands of the faces to come out looking strong here.
WINNERS: Thea, Fallon, Kelani
JOEY: Low stakes matches usually have the babyface team win for a feel good moment, so I’m expecting that to happen here. Pulling for Thea, Kelani and Fallon on this one.
WINNERS: Thea, Fallon, Kelani
ALGEO: The Good Girls Vs The Mean Girls? Classic! I see Thea, Kelani and Fallon taking the win here. Thea getting the pin here would be the revenge that she just so needed against Jacy and co.
WINNERS: Thea, Kelani and Fallon
DAVID: The babyface team deserves the win more. Aside from the fact I have been loving the whole Riley/Thea storyline (and hopefully get a resolution to it soon), Fallon has really been proving herself over the past year and should take the mantle as the next top babyface of the NXT women’s division. Kelani’s kinda the odd woman out here as she hasn’t had too many notable storylines this year, but she has been impressive in the ring over the last 10 months of her being on TV and should keep that up. I also just can’t see what Jacy, Kiana, and Izzi get out of winning the match.
COLBY: I was admittedly skeptical about how a heel Roxanne run would go this early in her career, but I’m glad to say that I was wrong. I’ve enjoyed her promo and character work in the build up here, and it seems even Lyra may have to show some edge if she wants to keep ahold of her title. Factor in Tatum Paxley who has subtly faded to the background and I’m not 100% certain how this one will go. But since Roxanne’s first title reign didn’t have much substance, I’m hoping she can have a second chance here.
WINNER: Roxanne Perez
NICK: I am so torn with this. Roxanne’s whol change is screaming that she is going to win, but I also am kind of loving what Lyra has been presenting also in this feud. I am also thinking of moving forward from here is Lyra retains. What heels will likely have a chance at her? Kiana? Lash? Honestly, I want Kiana as champion so bad and she isn’t getting it if Roxanne is champion. So I have no choice…
WINNER: Lyra Valkyria
JOEY: While I’d have no issues with Lyra retaining (bc personally I’m a big fan) I can’t help but think with a new heel turn and attitude from Roxanne, we’re going to see a new NXT Women’s Champion crowned here. Roxanne is one of the most engaging in-ring performers in the division, so I’m looking forward to her receiving another shot to show us what she can do as champion and leading the division. Nattie is already waiting in the wings to put her over.
WINNER: Roxanne Perez
ALGEO: Lyra has been a great champion, defeating Becky is a feat all on its own. And she’s proven that she can handle many situations that she’s been thrown at, a true champion by all means. But 100%, Roxanne is taking it. This new attitude is so fresh, and she’s proven time and time again that she is “The Prodigy” of that ring. Her last reign felt so short-lived, and there’s so much potential for more high-stake matches.
WINNER: Roxanne
DAVID: While I don’t mind Lyra as champion, I think it would be far more interesting to see where Roxanne can go with her new heel attitude while holding the championship that she never truly lost.
WINNER: Roxanne
Make sure you are right here with Diva Dirt for the Stand & Deliver Discussion Post starting Saturday at Noon ET.
Tonight’s SmackDown is the LAST stop before WrestleMania weekend!
What will we see as the final build for the WWE Women’s Title Match on Sunday as Bayley challenges IYO SKY? And on Saturday we will be seeing a six woman tag with Naomi, Bianca BelIr, and Jade Cargill vs. Damage CTRL!
Tonight scheduled is Zelina Vega vs. Elektra Lopez. The LWO and Legado del Fantasma feud will play at for the men at WrestleMania, but the women from the two factions fight tonight!
Tiffany Stratton has felt a sigh of relief since being drafted and called up to the SmackDown roster. She is happy about the warm reception from the WWE Universe so far.
While speaking with Denise Salcedo of Instinct Culture, Stratton explains she had concerns from being called up when it comes to the fans. She wanted to make sure she was known from NXT to SmackDown.
“Honestly, it’s been so reassuring for me cause I think getting called up from NXT, you’re always worried like, are they gonna remember me? Are they gonna even know me? Are they gonna like me? It’s such a different audience than NXT. So it’s just been so reassuring for me to see that I won the WWE crowd over.”
Unfortunately for Stratton and fans alike, she is not on the WrestleMania XL card this weekend. She was a focal point and considered by many the MVP from February’s Elimination Chamber match.
Much as 2023, this year’s WWE Draft is scheduled for after WrestleMania.
Triple H spoke on Logan Paul’s IMPAULSIVE podcast and stated that the draft will be taking place in about “a month or so.” Last year it took place on April 28 and May 1.
During last year’s draft, all active women on the main roster were actively drafted. Carmella and Alexa Bliss were not included as they were out on maternity leave and still are at the time of this writing. Aliyah was not active at the time so she was not drafted and was subsequently released.
During an appearance on IMPAULSIVE, Triple H confirmed that the WWE Draft will take place in about ‘a month or so’. pic.twitter.com/jZ6ezu3v9e
Former two-time WWF Women’s Champion Jazz made a rare appearance at a WWE event. Jazz, who has made a name for herself outside of WWE with other promotions, is rarely included in a WWE setting.
WWE World has been taking place since Thursday which fans can attend to see various superstars. Below you will see a couple of fans who have posted their interaction on social media.
Got to tell Jazz "Thank you for showing us what women's wrestling could really look like" to which she said "You're damn right!" @Phenom_Jazz deserves all her flowers https://t.co/M5KTI8n6wi
Unfortunately, we will not be getting Paramore on the Show of Shows this weekend.
Bayley has been doing her best trying to get Paramore to perform her entrance at WrestleMania. And now that she has a singles main attraction match it would have been the perfect time. Unfortunately, the time doesn’t work for the band and they are unable to do it.
However, Bayley was able to use “Simmer” by Hayley Williams for the hype video for her match against IYO SKY.
Dear loyal sheep, I did everything in my power to get my dream Wrestlemania entrance. But due to scheduling, it isn’t in the stars this year. Someday! So until then….Enjoy the official #Bayley vs #IYOSKY Mania hype video ft ‘Simmer’ by Hayley Williams. Thank you @paramore@WWEpic.twitter.com/P4WZSu9H9I
A FOURTH women’s match has been added to tonights ROH Supercard of Honor (yes, more women’s matches in one night over WrestleMania weekend). This one will be on the pre show and it is between Mariah May and Momo Kohgo.
May and Kohgo were on opposite teams at yesterday’s STARDOM event in America. May teamed with her former Club Venus teammates Xia Brookside and Mina Shirakawa in a losing effort against Kohgo, Tam Nakano, and Mayu Iwatani.
The AEW Superstar will look to get revenge against Kohgo tonight at ROH.
It's Club Venus vs STARS at ROH Zero Hour TONIGHT! After her Stardom reunion yesterday, "The Glamour" Mariah May fights rival Momo Kohgo 1-on-1 TONIGHT pic.twitter.com/hMZ6f2vLkJ
Just one night before Hikaru Shida challenges Athena for the ROH Women’s World Title At Supercard of Honor, chaos erupted during the contract signing. Billie Starkz and Lexy Nair conducting the signing, but it would be Shida to take over.
Shida tells Athena that she is losing it and that she is in her head. She says that every time Athena closes her eyes she see Shida beating her. Athena delivers the first slap as Shida goes to retaliate with her kendo stick but strikes Starkz instead. Queen Aminata was also in the ring and focused on Starkz while Shida handled Athena.
Signed, sealed, and thrown through a table! Who will leave the @LiacourasCenter as the #ROH Women's World Champion?
— ROH – Ring of Honor Wrestling (@ringofhonor) April 4, 2024
Athena had set up the table in the corner but it would he her that slammed into it twice. The second time breaking it just enough to feel the pain in her lower back. Shida stands tall with the ROH Women’s World Title belt raised.
Prior to Shida and Athena’s signing, Aminata took to the mic and told Starkz she hopes she is ready for their ROH Women’s TV Title match. Starkz says she hopes Aminata is ready to see her become the inaugural champ.
Who will be crowned the FIRST-EVER #ROH Women's World TV Champion?
The April 4 episode of TNA IMPACT featured Ash By Elegance competing in her fourth TNA match, but this time it was a competitive contest against Xia Brookside.
Xia strategically targeted Ash’s face throughout the bout, but it wasn’t without resilience from Ash. Ash pulled out a monkey flip early on, which allowed Ash to stay in control for a bit. She tripped Xia into the ring steps and also hit her with a cutter on the floor.
Xia fired back up with strikes to the chest followed by running double knees in the corner to smash Ash’s face against the turnbuckle. Ash managed to kick Xia off of her, which allowed Iceman to throw champagne in Xia’s face. Ash then rolled Brookside up for the victory.
Masha Slamovich appeared backstage to address her recent frustrations when Alisha Edwards walked up and says she heard Masha needs a new partner with Killer Kelly out. Alisha wants to add more gold to The System and tells Masha to think about it.
Steph De Lander appeared backstage alongside Matt Cardona to discuss their returns last week. SDL and Jordynne Grace will have a Rebellion contract signing next week.
Women’s wrestling action gets started early this weekend as STARDOM travels to Philly as the promotion held their “STARDOM American Dream 2024 in The Keystone State” pay-per-view today.
To start off the show, the High Speed Championship is on the line as champion Mei Seira defends her title against Saki Kashima and Ram Kaicho in a three-way match.
Seira lives up to the high-speed name taking control of both challengers at the very onset of the match, with Kaicho and Kashima up to their usual shenanigans. Kaicho throws powder into the eyes of Seira, with Kashima rolling up Seira for the win. Kashima now becomes a two-time High-Speed Champion.
Up next, we have Queen’s Quest’s AZM and Saya Kamitani tagging alongside Camron Branae, formerly known as WWE NXT Superstar Amari Miller. They took on Black Desire’s Momo Watanabe and Starlight Kid, with current CMLL Women’s World Champion and Strong Women’s Champion, Stephanie Vaquer.
The match starts with rivals AZM and Starlight Kid in high speed action. Both teams make quick tags and trade blows. Despite the impressive showing from both teams, Black Desire manages to isolate Branae from her team and Vaquer pins her for the win.
Our next tag team match features AEW’s Willow Nightingale and Saki take on God’s Eye’s Syuri and Konami.
Syuri and Konami manage to isolate Saki from Nightingale for a while until she gets the tag. Nightingale looks strong until the God’s Eye tag team power back. However, it’s just not enough as Nightingale hits a Babe with the Powerbomb on Konami.
Next on the card, Club Venus is back in action as Artist of Stardom Champion Mina Shirakawa reunites with AEW’s Mariah May and TNA’s Xia Brookside. And of course, making an entrance that we are all too familiar with. At the opposition stands current IWGP Women’s Champion and Icon of STARDOM, Mayu Iwatani, alongside Tam Nakano and Momo Kohgo.
The action is back and forth with Club Venus being as flashy as ever and the STARS stable finding openings in their offense. Shirakawa makes it into the match, along with a little showboating between her and Nakano. Brookside makes the tag in, as both teams try to gain the upper hand. In the end, Nakano hits the Twilight Dream on Brookside claiming the victory.
With a distraught Club Venus, some familiar music lifts up their spirits as current AEW Women’s World Champion and former World of Stardom Champion “Timeless” Toni Storm makes an appearance.
Toni Storm… is she stealing @MariahMayx from Mina??
Toni gives her flowers to not only Stardom but to her current tag team partner Mariah May. Seemingly, Storm takes an interest in May’s former partner and tells Shirakawa that the “Forbidden Door is always open.” With Shirakawa ready to knock it down.
?AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm made a surprise return to STARDOM, presenting Mariah May with flowers and teased a potential forbidden door match against Mina Shirakawa! pic.twitter.com/SXvncyyWdS
— DS Ring the Belle ? (@ringthebelleds) April 4, 2024
#AEW Women’s World Champ “Timeless” Toni Storm shares a moment with Mariah May after her BIG surprise return to #STARDOM!
Bayne overpowers Maika throughout the match, with Maika attempting to get her offense in however she can. Maika manages to come back hitting a super Michinoku Driver off the top rope and hitting a second Michinoku Driver to retain her championship.
Post-match, Momo Watanabe makes her reappearance and challenges Maika for her World of Stardom Championship at All Star Grand Queendom, April 27.
Momo Watanabe spoiled the party as @_Maika0324 closed the show earlier, challenging the World of Stardom champ to a match in Yokohama BUNATI on April. 27!#STARDOM on @FiteTV
In the WWE x TNA crossover match, Shayna Baszler defeats Masha Slamovich at GCW’s Josh Barnett Bloodsport X event. She won due to referee stoppage. Zoey Stark joined Baszler for the fight and was at ringside. The TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace joined Slamovich.
It is being reported by PWInsider Elite that Rhea Ripley is set to get a special WrestleMania XL entrance. The band, Motionless in White, who already are featured as Ripley’s entrance music will perform live, “Demons in your Dream.”
The band is from Pennsylvania and formed 20 years ago in 2004. They have six studio albums. Ripley will be defending her Women’s World Championship, which she won at last year’s WrestleMania, against Becky Lynch.
Naomi has been recently helping Bayley since Damage CTRL turned their back on the former leader, but what was the original plan?
Many speculated that if Mercedes Moné/Sasha Banks would have returned to WWE that she would have been Bayley’s help. Instead, it was planned to be a different horsewoman, Charlotte Flair.
We have details on original plans for the Bayley/Damage CTRL story that were adjusted months ago coming to https://t.co/jy8u4a7WDa!
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) April 4, 2024
Per Fightful Select:
Bayley is poised for a WrestleMania 40 title match, but without the backup of her fellow Horsewomen against Damage CTRL.
There was much speculation that Mercedes Mone/Sasha Banks would eventually come to Bayley’s aid, which would have been a natural connection. However, we’re told that dating back to the fall, that actually wasn’t the working plan. The Damage CTRL split was planned months ahead of time, as far back as when Charlotte Flair was in the ring.
We’re told by members of WWE creative that the idea was for Charlotte to aid Bayley in fighting off Damage CTRL when the turn eventually happened. However, Charlotte’s unfortunate injury changed things.
One source in WWE said that Mercedes signing with WWE when they had talks definitely could have changed things, but that wasn’t the working plan and things didn’t get far enough for advanced creative pitches.
Naomi returned to WWE after almost a year with TNA. Her return happened at the Royal Rumble where she entered second and almost made it to the very end.
Since her return, Naomi has remained relevant on TV with the SmackDown brand. She currently is booked for WrestleMania alongside Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill to face Damage CTRL.
In a recent interview with Going Ringside she mentions how returning to WWE was always the plan.
“It’s been a rollercoaster ride, but it’s been a great journey and I’m extremely excited and happy to be back. Working my way back to the top,” Naomi told Going Ringside.
“WWE is home. It was never a doubt about returning. It was just a matter of when and me wanting to prove some things and do some things that I needed to do for myself. I did that. I accomplished that. It was just time. I missed it so much. WWE is always family.”
She continues to say, “I’m always pushing for more. More TV time. More talent for us. More titles, absolutely.”
The ROH Women’s World Champion Athena is set to defend her gold against Hikaru Shida at Supercard of Honor. The match takes place at the event on April 5, but first we have to do a contract signing. This will air on ROH’s weekly show on April 4.
It's time to put pen to paper as MIT Presents: the contract signing of the #ROH Women's World Title match between champion @AthenaPalmer_FG & challenger @shidahikaru.
The April 3 episode of AEW Dynamite featured Rosa vs. Mariah May in a number one contender’s bout for the AEW Women’s World Championship. “Timeless” Toni Storm joined commentary to watch.
Rosa controlled the pace early on, but May turned things around with a hip attack. The action spilled to the outside when Rosa hit a hurricanrana to the floor followed by a crossbody.
Back inside, Rosa connected with a release German suplex, to which May responded with one of her own. In the end, Rosa landed a backstabber followed by a driving slam into the mat for the three-count.
