Thekla Explains Unique Path To AEW Women’s Title – Thekla says her approach to professional wrestling has been shaped more by outside influences than by the sport’s past. The new AEW Women’s World Champion discussed her mindset during an interview with The Uncrowned, explaining that her confidence and identity developed by focusing on originality rather than comparisons.
“Confidence can come and go, that’s part of the journey,” she said. “But one of my biggest accomplishments is getting to a point where I can say, ‘I’m that good,’ and actually believe it. That started about a year or two ago in Japan. During my AEW debut period, I didn’t compare myself to anyone else. I just did me. That’s what you have to do to be great — enjoy it, be yourself and have fun.”
Growing up in Austria, Thekla said she had little exposure to wrestling, which she believes ultimately helped her form a distinct style.
“I think I have an advantage because I wasn’t constantly watching older wrestling products,” she said. “I didn’t see how people before me did it, so I’m not as influenced by the past. Not growing up with it gave me the freedom to start from scratch. A lot of people draw from wrestling history. I draw from everything.”
She also explained that wrestling became the outlet where her creative interests finally came together.
“I tried everything: Drawing comics, playing guitar, being in a band, fashion, photography. I’d get obsessed for a few months, then move on. When I started wrestling, it clicked early that all those creative passions could be combined into this universal art form called pro wrestling.”
Her comments arrive less than a year into her AEW run, which has already led to a championship victory and a rapid rise in the division. Thekla debuted for AEW at Fyter Fest last June and has since compiled a strong singles record, with her only defeats coming against Kris Statlander and Jamie Hayter.
Before joining AEW, she built her reputation in Japan, competing for Ice Ribbon and later appearing in World Wonder Ring Stardom after debuting there in 2021. Her path from the international scene to AEW has positioned her as a key figure in the women’s division and a champion defined by a different creative perspective.
Thekla Explains Unique Path To AEW Women’s Title
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