Aussies Abroad: Ripley’s champion uproar and up-comers breakout
This week saw Aussies making waves in the overseas wrestling scene.
Welcome to another week’s installment of Aussies Abroad, where we take a look at the Aussies making a name for themselves in the world of overseas wrestling.
Let’s start this week’s coverage with the latest news from Adelaide superstar Rhea Ripley following the return of her World Championship status. Last week’s RAW saw her take to the mic for the first time since winning back the belt when she was rudely interrupted by the former Women’s Champion Nia Jax. Ripley didn’t fall for the threat though, when she, along with Bayley, eventually threw Jax from the ring. Although the crowd seemed to enjoy Ripley’s new friendship with Bayley, those with a sharp eye might have noticed her eyeing off the belt after celebrating the Jax beat-down. This week’s RAW saw a nasty run-in between Ripley and Jax, sending both women bringing the fight across the arena. The match-up eventually led to the announcement of a title match challenge this weekend.
Things didn’t go as well for her fellow Aussie over in AEW though, with Harley Cameron unfortunately losing a match to Julia Hart. The impressive Aussie talent still brought the heat to the match, landing some impressive moves, and kicking out of some harsh hits. Unfortunately, Cameron felt the wrath of Hart once again, and it was eventually a submission that saw Cameron lose the match. Despite the loss, it is clear AEW is pushing Cameron to work with a number of big names in the industry, and us fans are looking forward to her getting her well-deserved push in the company.
Speaking of “up comers”, Aussie favourite Toni Storm has continued her winning streak, claiming she has only recently come on to the scene, and in fact did not return from having one of the biggest and most influential runs in the world of women’s wrestling. Last week, Storm defeated Cameron, Jamie Hayter, Julia Hart, Kris Statlander, Megan Bayne, and Willow Nightingale to become the number one contender for the AEW Women’s World Title. Storm took to the ring over the weekend to share her anticipation for her upcoming championship match. “I don’t know what my life is right now, this is so surreal, my dreams are finally coming true,” said the (concussed?) Storm. “Mariah May is the best in the business, she’s killing it, but I have not had a chance to introduce myself to her yet.” (I think we all collectively went ‘???’)
Over in Japan, rising Adelaide star Kira Summer has continued her work with TJPW with a number of matches against some of the biggest names from Japanese women’s wrestling. Although Summer doesn’t seem to be on a winning streak, the Aussie talent has gone above and beyond to make the local name known in the overseas ring.
The TMDK team has also been going above and beyond to bring the Aussie heat to Japan with another win earlier this week against El Desperado, Tomoaki Honma, and YOH. Aussie Robbie Eagles, along with his teammates Kosei Fujita and Ryohei Oiwa picked up the win at the NJPW Wrestling Life 40th Anniversary Yuji Nagata Blue Justice event.
Back in the US, Adelaide favourite Matt Hayter has taken to training with WWE superstar Natalyia and TJ Wilson in Florida. Hayter has also been bringing the heat in-ring with a recent run-in with WrestlePro at Wrestleprolooza against international talents Leo Sparrow, MSG, Crowbar, Bradon Downey, and Tyler Mann in New Jersey. It’s great to see yet another Adelaide talent make waves overseas, and for us Adelaidians, it’s no surprise to see his talent recognised internationally.
-Till next week folks!
News Writer + Aussies Abroad. Based in Adelaide and winner of the 2023 CPA Young Journo of the year, has been a news and arts journalist for a number of years working across radio and print, but has decided to take her wrestling addiction to PWDU. You can find her at any local wrestling night across the state with a beer in-hand and a front-row ticket to the action.
