Jordynne Grace will defend the Knockouts Championship against Wendy Choo. Gisele Shaw is granted a shot at the ROH Women’s Championship. Mercedes Mone retains the TBS Championship at AEW All Out, and more. Let’s break it down in this week’s edition of Women’s Wrestling Wrap-up!
Jordynne Grace to defend Knockouts Title against Wendy Choo
On last week’s episode of TNA iMPACT, Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace was mysteriously attacked by a figure who left behind nothing but a pillow. Naturally, this fueled speculation of an upcoming confrontation with WWE NXT’s Wendy Choo, who dedicates herself to crushing the dreams of those around her. Unfortunately for Grace, Choo indeed pinned her as the next target.
In celebration of the WWE Week on the USA Network, Grace returned to the NXT brand with an opportunity for an NXT locker room member to challenge her for the Knockouts Championship. This challenge was ultimately answered by Sol Ruca, who put forth a valiant effort against “The Juggernaut.”
At one point, Grace laid out Ruca with a Shades of Samoa. Before she could capitalize, though, the lights flickered off and on, revealing the sinister face of Rosemary. With Grace distracted by Rosemary, Wendy Choo blindsided her from behind with a choke hold, prompting the referee to call for the bell.
The following day, Grace confirmed that she will defend her Knockouts Championship against Choo at TNA Victory Road, which emanates from Grace’s home state of Texas. Victory Road will mark the first-ever singles match between Choo and Grace.
Elsewhere at Victory Road, Dani Luna and Jody Threat will challenge Alisha Edwards and Masha Slamovich for the Knockouts Tag Team Championships against Dani Luna and Jody Threat. If Luna and Threat lose, they must officially disband as a team.
Elsewhere on NXT this week, former NJPW STRONG Women’s Champion Giulia made her WWE in-ring debut with a victory over Chelsea Green. Looking ahead, Giulia will now challenge Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women’s Championship on the October 1 edition of NXT.
READ MORE: Giulia Wins In-Ring Debut On WWE NXT, To Challenge For NXT Women’s Title On CW Premiere
Gisele Shaw Departs From TNA, Granted ROH Women’s Title Shot
Just days after TNA Wrestling’s television tapings in Louisville, reports indicated that the company granted Gisele Shaw her release.
Shaw later confirmed this herself in an X statement, writing, “Thank you to everyone who reached out. Overwhelmed by the love and support I received in the past 24 hours. Grateful for all the opportunities that @ThisIsTNA has provided me in the past 3 years. Excited and looking forward to embark on a new journey and the adventures that lie ahead.”
Coming off her exit from TNA, Shaw will now look forward to a path of free agency, which includes a shot at the Ring of Honor Women’s World Championship. As revealed by Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling, Shaw will challenge Athena for that very title on night two of MLP’s Forged in Excellence event. Forged in Excellence will kick off on Saturday, October 19 and culminate on Sunday, October 20.
For Shaw, this will mark her second shot at the ROH Women’s Championship, having emerged unsuccessful in a March 2022 triple-threat affair against Deonna Purrazzo and Lady Frost on Impact Wrestling. Should no other title defenses occur between now and October 20, Forged in Excellence will mark Athena’s 23rd title defense since claiming the title in December 2022.
Mercedes Moné Retains TBS Championship At AEW All Out
Just two weeks removed from AEW All In, Mercedes Moné defended her TBS Championship against “The Ace” of AEW, Hikaru Shida, at AEW All Out. Per the order of Christoper Daniels, Moné’s ally Kamille was also banned from ringside.
Shida, a former AEW Women’s Champion, put forth an inspiring effort against Moné, even laying executing back-to-back-to-back Falcon Arrows. In the end, though, a momentary hesitation cost her the match.
In the closing moments, Shida grabbed a hold of her signature kendo stick, pondering the idea of wielding it onto Moné. Ultimately, Shida chose not to use it, paving the way for Moné to land a Moné Maker for the win.
Elsewhere at All Out, Kris Statlander defeated Willow Nightingale in a brutal Chicago Street Fight that saw light tubes, thumb tacks, tables, and other weaponry.
READ MORE: AEW All Out: Willow Nightingale vs. Kris Statlander Result
INTERVIEWS
Former TBS Champion Kris Statlander spoke with WrestleZone Managing Editor Bill Pritchard about her feud with Willow Nightingale, their street fight at AEW All Out, fans “knowing” a turn was coming from her, Stokely Hathaway asking for uppies, the meaning behind her eye paint, and more.
Former NXT Women’s Champion Lyra Valkyria appeared on Casual Conversations with The Classic to discuss wrestling in Canada, Money in the Bank, literally being squashed by Nia Jax, a potential WWE premium live event in Ireland and more.
TNA Knockout Heather Reckless joined Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful to discuss her recent signing with TNA Wrestling, how Gail Kim offered her the contract, moving to Florida, wrestling Shazza McKenzie, her early training days, and more.
Former AEW Women’s Champion “Timeless” Toni Storm talked to Downunder The Rings’ Phid McAwesome about returning to Australia, AEW Grand Slam, calling out Wendi Richter, her recent match against Mariah May at AEW All In, and more.
All Elite Wrestling and Ring of Honor star Maria Kanellis joined Gabby AF to talk about her thoughts on her current role within the wrestling industry, being open about her health issues, not being on television with Mike Bennett right now, and more.
