Thekla used some underhanded tactics to remain AEW Women’s World Champion on Sunday night.
The defending champ grabbed the bottom rope while scoring a roll-up pinfall over Jamie Hayter tonight, earning her the three-count to retain her world title as part of AEW Dynasty from the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
The sneaky tactic was noticed by Hayter and Brawling Bird ally Alex Windsor, who both protested to the referee after the match. However, the result was final, and it meant that Thekla’s reign at the top of the division will continue.
The finish came after an extremely physical 16-minute battle between the two. Thekla had the upper hand early on, notably scoring a crossbody off the top rope and to the outside, as well as some moves on the venue’s ramp. Hayter battled back, connecting with a suplex on the apron and later getting a two-count from a Liger Bomb.
Hayter was gaining some momentum late in the match, but had to let go of a move after Thekla raked her eyes.
The result continues a reign for Thekla which has lasted two months.
Thekla won the AEW Women’s World Championship in February, ending Kris Statlander’s reign in a strap match. She later beat Statlander for a second time at last month’s Revolution PPV, winning a best two-out-of-three falls match.
Hayter was searching for a second run with the top women’s belt, trying to return to the title picture for the first time in nearly three years. She previously had an almost 200-day run with the women’s title, dethroning Toni Storm at Full Gear 2022 before later dropping it to her at Double or Nothing the following year.
