Jamie Hayter defeated Thekla in the official opening match of the AEW WrestleDream pay-per-view on Saturday night.
The bout was announced as the official start of the main card, with a stipulation that all other wrestlers were banned from ringside. Before the entrances, commentator Tony Schiavone greeted Charlie Thesz, the wife of the late Lou Thesz, who was seated in the front row.
Tonight we're joined by the wife of St. Louis wrestling legend Lou Thesz, Charlie Thesz!
Watch #AEWWrestleDream on HBO Max PPV pic.twitter.com/mv2HkJiOMg
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) October 19, 2025
The match began as a hard-hitting affair, with both women trading strikes. Hayter took the action outside, sending Thekla into the barricade and ring steps. Hayter delivered several chops to Thekla directly in front of Thesz and then shook her hand.
The delay allowed Thekla to recover, hitting Hayter with a running boot and a top-rope crossbody to the floor. Thekla then slammed Hayter into the barricade near Thesz and faked a handshake, drawing boos. Back in the ring, Thekla used a Tarantula submission in the ropes to maintain control.
Hayter eventually battled back, hitting an exploder suplex and a missile dropkick for a two-count. Thekla countered a lariat attempt into the Black Widow submission, but Hayter escaped. Thekla then applied the Death Trap submission, forcing Hayter to get a rope break.
In the closing moments, Thekla hit a Spear, but Hayter managed to get her foot on the bottom rope to stop the pinfall. When Thekla attempted a second Spear, Hayter countered with a lariat and followed up with the Hayter-ade for the victory.
After the match, Queen Aminata came to the ring to celebrate with Hayter. Julia Hart and Skye Blue appeared on the entrance ramp, looking on as Thekla retreated.
