Thekla, who stunned the wrestling world by defeating Kris Statlander for the AEW Women's World Championship, has embraced her new status with unshakeable confidence. The 32-year-old champion, who developed her unique style combining various creative passions from her Austrian background and Japanese training, credits her success to staying true to herself rather than comparing to others.
Drawing from punk rock, art, and her unconventional introduction to wrestling at age 19, Thekla believes her lack of traditional wrestling influences gave her the freedom to create something entirely original. 'I consider myself Japan-bred,' she states, highlighting how her international journey shaped her into the confident performer who now declares, 'Love it or hate it, I'm the face of AEW now.'