Thekla shocked the wrestling world by defeating Kris Statlander in a brutal strap match to win the AEW Women's World Championship on the February 11, 2026, episode of AEW Dynamite from Ontario, California. This marks her first AEW title after a hard-fought main event that drew blood and featured faction interference.
Bloody Strap Match Highlights
Statlander started strong, whipping Thekla with the leather strap and dominating early with power moves like a discus lariat and Blue Thunder Bomb. Thekla countered by smashing Statlander's face into the steps, drawing blood and applying a tarantula hold using the strap. Near-falls intensified, including Statlander's Saturday Night Fever setup, but Thekla rallied with a spear-stomp combo.
Triangle of Madness Interference Seals Victory
Skye Blue and Julia Hart of the Triangle of Madness distracted Statlander, allowing Thekla to tie her hands with the strap and deliver a decisive stomp for the pinfall. Post-match, the group attacked the ex-champ until Jamie Hayter and Alex Windsor (The Brawling Birds) made the save. Thekla celebrated up the ramp as the new champ.
Implications for AEW Women's Division
Statlander's 145-day reign ends abruptly, shifting focus to Thekla's "Toxic Spider" era with her faction backing. Fans debate the quick change after Kyle Fletcher's TNT win earlier that night, praising women's hardcore excellence. Next challengers remain unclear ahead of AEW Grand Slam Australia.
