Against All Odds: Thekla Reflects on the Rare Rise of Austrian Stars in AEW and WWE
In the high-stakes world of professional wrestling, the path to the top is often paved by established pipelines and regional hotspots. However, for AEW Women’s Champion Thekla and WWE’s Gunther, the journey began in a place far removed from the industry’s traditional powerhouses. Both athletes have ascended to the pinnacle of their respective promotions, marking a historic and unlikely surge for talent hailing from Austria.
Speaking in a recent interview with Express U.S. Sport, Thekla reflected on the statistical anomaly of her and Gunther’s simultaneous success, emphasizing that their achievements are especially noteworthy given the lack of a robust wrestling infrastructure in their home country.
The Statistical Anomaly of Austrian Success
Austria is not typically known as a breeding ground for global wrestling superstars. The lack of an extensive domestic scene means that athletes from the region often have to seek training and exposure abroad to reach the elite level. Thekla views the fact that she and Gunther have both captured the attention of the two largest promotions in the United States as a remarkable feat.
“What are the odds that we both come from a very small country with basically no wrestling scene? What are the odds that that two people make it this far, him and WWE and me and AEW? It’s really remarkable.”
A Global Journey to Comfort
Thekla’s rise to the AEW Women’s Championship was not a linear path. Her career has been a global odyssey, moving through different cultures and wrestling styles before finding her footing in the United States. She described her journey as a search for a place where she could truly be herself, noting that this feeling of comfort isn’t necessarily tied to a specific geography, but rather a state of mind.
Navigating the International Circuit
Before dominating in the States, Thekla navigated the challenging environments of her home country and the rigorous landscape of Japanese wrestling. While she describes her time in Austria as “always a fun time,” she admits that her experience in Japan was “tough,” though equally challenging and rewarding.
Now established in the U.S., Thekla feels she has entered a new, positive chapter of her career. Despite being relatively new to the American scene—having been there for roughly a year—she believes the transition has been seamless. “I’d say the States has been very excellent to me. And I’ve had a great run so far,” she noted, jokingly adding, “maybe the States are the king.”
The “Once in a Lifetime” Persona
Confidence is a cornerstone of any championship run, and Thekla possesses it in abundance. When asked if there is other talent in Austria comparable to her, Thekla didn’t hesitate to lean into her unique identity.
“No,” she laughed, asserting, “I’m a one of once in a lifetime type of personality.” While she maintains a competitive edge, she clarified that her confidence doesn’t come at the expense of her compatriots, stating she wouldn’t “s**t on” her fellow Austrian people.
Key Takeaways: Thekla’s Path to the Top
- Rare Representation: Thekla and Gunther are the only two major U.S. Wrestling stars currently originating from Austria.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Both athletes succeeded despite Austria having “basically no wrestling scene.”
- Global Experience: Thekla’s development was shaped by experiences in Austria, Japan, and finally the United States.
- Rapid Ascent: Within roughly one year of arriving in the U.S., Thekla has risen to become the AEW Women’s Champion.
Looking Ahead
The success of Thekla and Gunther serves as a blueprint for international talent, proving that a lack of local infrastructure is not an insurmountable barrier to global stardom. As Thekla continues her reign as AEW Women’s Champion, her journey underscores a shifting landscape in professional wrestling where unique personalities and global experiences are increasingly valued over traditional regional backgrounds.
