Current Champion Finally Returning To AEW TV After Two-Month Absence
A current Ring of Honor Champion is returning to AEW after a two-month absence.
While being signed with the Florida-based company, Athena competes mainly in ROH and is its Women’s World Champion.
Her last appearance in the company was during the April 16 episode of Dynamite.
She competed in the 2025 Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament, facing Mercedes Mone in the semifinals and suffering a loss.
AEW President Tony Khan took to X to announce the return of Athena after two months.
He also recently reintroduced the Casino Gauntlet match for men’s and women’s divisions at All In: Texas.
In his latest announcement, Khan mentioned Athena, Willow Nightingale, Kris Statlander, and Thunder Rosa as competitors in a 4-Way match at Dynamite to determine the #1 entrant in the Gauntlet match.
Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite
8pm ET/7pm CT, on TBS + Max
TOMORROW! Wed. 6/254-Way Match for the #1 Spot in the #AEWAllInTexas Casino Gauntlet@willowwrestles
vs
ROH Women’s World Champion @AthenaPalmer_FG
vs@thunderrosa22
vs@callmekrisstatDon’t miss #AEWDynamite TOMORROW! pic.twitter.com/tkFLpWpKN4
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) June 25, 2025
The gauntlet match benefits the early entrants, as it ends immediately after the first pinfall.
Mercedes Mone Calls For Athena’s Push In AEW
Despite crossing paths with her, Mercedes Mone has called for Athena’s elevation.
During an interview with Undisputed, the TBS Champion recalled the April 16 match with her ROH rival.
That match, it was so f*cking cool, Athena gave me hell. I’ve never experienced anyone like her in the ring.
Athena has been doing it for so long. I was watching her before I was even signed to WWE. I want to see her on AEW television more. She’s too good not to be seen. She’s explosive — one of the best, innovative wrestlers in the world. She is that f*cking good.
Athena is ROH’s record holder for the longest World Championship reign within the company.