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Thekla had every reason to talk as much trash as she did.
She made her All Elite Wrestling (AEW) debut last year and quickly moved up the ladder to win the AEW Women’s World Championship in a strap match against Kris Statlander in February. She has continued to hold the title even when three opponents were thrown over Double or Nothing.
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Thekla enters the ring during the women’s pro wrestling event “Stardom” at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan on January 13, 2025. (Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
Thekla declared war on Stardom and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in the build-up to Forbidden Door. She demanded that Stardom send his best to challenge her at the Forbidden Door, and they obliged. Starlight Kid stepped up against “Toxic Spider” and the two put on a great match in front of the professional wrestling crowd at the SAP Center in San Jose, California.
Thekla taunted Starlight Kid throughout the match and seemed to get more than she bargained for at points during the match.
Not wanting to stay down, Starlight Kid did everything to bring the AEW Women’s World Championship back to Japan with her. Starlight Kid worked over Thekla’s knee towards the end of the match. But the master would not give up.
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Starlight Kid enters the ring during Women’s Pro-Wrestling “Stardom” 15th Anniversary at Edion Arena Osaka in Osaka, Japan on February 7, 2026. (Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
Thekla escaped the submission hold and avoided being pinned by seconds. Thekla was tested more than any opponent she has faced since becoming champion.
“Toxic Spider” hit two stomps and finally put away Starlight Kid to retain the title.
With Stardom President Taro Okada in attendance, Thekla continued her attack against Starlight Kid. Skye Blue and Julia Hart came out to support Thekla. Hart gave Thekla a pair of scissors and the champion ripped the mask off Starlight Kid’s head and spit in it.
Thekla taunted Okada with the mask and hit the wrestling manager with it.
Thekla enters the ring during the women’s pro wrestling event Stardom at the Yokohama Budokan in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan on March 8, 2025. (Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
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Thekla remained the champion and added a trophy to his mantle.
