Athena Opens Up on Her 'Forever Champion' Reign in ROH
Source: Wrestling Inc.. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
Athena, the reigning ROH Women's World Champion, has held the title for more than 1,300 days, earning the nickname 'Forever Champion.' But to her, the word 'forever' is more than a catchphrase. It represents a lifestyle built on positivity, determination, and self-confidence.
'When I first won this title, I never thought I would become a forever champion,' she said during the ROH Death Before Dishonor post-show media scrum. 'I really find that when I go home at night, I try to stay humble, try to stay focused, try to stay disciplined. We all like a little pasta sometimes, even though I'm highly allergic to milk. But in all seriousness, I never thought in a billion years I would have an opportunity to show myself on this type of platform, to have not only an amazing support team when it comes to our backstage staff, an amazing, breakable, fragile roster. They're fine, until they get to me and then they don't come back around, except for Billie.'
Throughout her historic run, Athena has celebrated milestones like winning the first-ever ROH Women's Survival of the Fittest match. But she has also endured physical setbacks: a dislocated kneecap, severe ankle sprains, and a neck injury. Still, 'The Fallen Goddess' pushed through, staying atop Ring of Honor while lifting younger talents along the way.
'Forever is not just a word. It is truly forever motivating, forever being determined, forever not bowing down to anyone that makes you feel less than. That's just me. I am forever me,' she added.
Her path to dominance includes victories over Mercedes Martinez, Billie Starkz, and Harley Cameron. At ROH Death Before Dishonor on August 21, STARDOM's Hazuki stepped up to challenge, but like the rest, she fell short.
Athena Has Goals Beyond ROH
When Athena first arrived at All Elite Wrestling, ROH's sister promotion, in 2022, she recalled being immediately 'humbled,' despite her extensive wrestling and television background. The women's roster kept her grounded.
'The women here were top tier. They're top talent. They made me change how I thought about myself and my growth within AEW,' Athena said. 'Then ROH popped up, I beat the crap out of Mercedes Martinez, and I became the forever champion. But when I won that title, I didn't think about anything other than me, because for so long, and even to this day, I consider myself a very selfless person.'
Looking ahead, Athena wants to transform her selfless nature into a more selfish one, first by building a bigger presence on AEW programming. She aims to seize the opportunities she believes she has earned and deserved. Specifically, she wants to hold AEW-branded gold.
'That's always been the goal, to be an AEW Women's Champion, to be an AEW TBS Champion, to be an AEW Tag Champion,' she said. 'To be the best in the world. I have to not only be the Forever ROH Champion, I have to wrestle in the company where the best wrestle day in day out, whether it be Dynamite, Collision, All In, Full Gear, any pay-per-view, anytime. I have been ready to take on that responsibility.'
Athena made it clear that while she wants more success in AEW, she will not forget ROH, the promotion where she has already tasted so much glory. At the right time and moment, she insisted, she can actually take over both.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit ROH with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
Article commentary
Athena's reign as ROH Women's World Champion has become a defining chapter in modern women's wrestling. Surpassing 1,300 days, she has transformed the title into a symbol of endurance and excellence. What makes her run remarkable is not just the length, but the way she has actively shaped the narrative around it. The 'Forever Champion' moniker is not a gimmick; it is a reflection of her relentless work ethic and ability to overcome physical adversity. Sustaining a championship run of this magnitude requires constant evolution, and Athena has managed to stay fresh by elevating challengers while maintaining her own aura of invincibility. Her acknowledgment of injuries—a dislocated kneecap, ankle sprains, and a neck injury—humanizes her while underscoring the physical toll of such a reign. In an era where fans often debate the value of long title runs, Athena's tenure offers a counterpoint: a champion who has not only survived but thrived, using her platform to mentor younger talents like Billie Starkz. This duality—being both a dominant force and a mentor—adds complexity to her character. Athena's desire to expand into AEW signals a natural progression. The ROH women's division, while strong, lacks the same exposure as AEW's flagship shows. By targeting the AEW Women's World, TBS, and Tag Team championships, she is positioning herself for a broader legacy. However, balancing two promotions could be a logistical challenge. ROH's schedule is lighter, but AEW's demands are intense. Athena's confidence that she can 'take over both' is ambitious, but her track record suggests she has the discipline to pull it off. Her comments about shifting from selflessness to selfishness are intriguing. She has long been a team player, but now she wants to seize the spotlight. This shift could lead to compelling storylines, especially if she confronts AEW's top champions. The question is whether AEW's creative team will capitalize on her momentum. Given her proven ability to deliver in high-stakes matches, she deserves a significant push. Comparisons to other long-reigning champions, like Roman Reigns or Kazuchika Okada, are inevitable. But Athena's run is unique because it exists in a niche promotion that has seen ownership changes and brand integration with AEW. Her reign has given ROH's women's division a focal point during a period of transition. If she eventually drops the title, it will need to be in a moment that elevates the next star, much like she elevated the championship itself. Ultimately, Athena's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance. She has turned a nickname into a philosophy, and her future in AEW could redefine what it means to be a crossover champion in this era of wrestling.