Athena to Take Hiatus from Ring of Honor, Future of ROH Women’s Championship in Question
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Athena, the current Ring of Honor Women’s World Champion, is expected to be out of action for approximately five to six weeks, according to a report from Fightful Select. The exact reason for her absence remains unconfirmed, with sources indicating she may be dealing with an injury, general wear and tear, or a planned period of time off.
This news comes at a time when AEW President Tony Khan has expressed concerns about the health of the women’s division, particularly regarding the feasibility of a women’s Continental Classic tournament.
Athena’s Historic Reign
Athena’s absence is meaningful for Ring of Honor, where she has been a dominant force and the focal point of the women’s division for nearly three years. She recently surpassed a remarkable milestone, reaching 1,000 days as ROH Women’s World Champion – a reign of dominance rarely seen in modern professional wrestling.
During her championship run, Athena has successfully defended her title against numerous challengers from All Elite Wrestling, Ring of Honor, and the international wrestling scene. Some notable opponents include:
* Mina Shirakawa (most recent successful defense in late August)
* Various competitors throughout the ROH and AEW rosters.
Recent Matches and Championship Status
Athena’s most recent match took place at the AEW x NJPW: forbidden Door pay-per-view on August 24th, where she faced AEW women’s World Champion Toni Storm in a champion vs. champion match. While Storm emerged victorious, Athena’s ROH Women’s World Championship was not at stake in the bout.
Implications for Ring of Honor
Athena’s temporary departure leaves the future of the ROH Women’s Championship somewhat uncertain. It remains to be seen whether AEW/ROH will strip Athena of the title during her absence or allow her to return and continue her historic reign. The situation also presents an chance for other women in the ROH roster to step up and contend for the championship upon Athena’s return.
The health of the AEW/ROH women’s division has been a topic of discussion, as highlighted by Tony Khan’s comments regarding a potential women’s Continental Classic tournament. Athena’s time off underscores the importance of prioritizing wrestler well-being and managing the workload within the division.
As of today, September 6, 2023, there has been no official statement from Athena or AEW/ROH regarding the specifics of her absence or plans for the ROH Women’s World Championship. Further updates will be provided as they become available.