An AEW star has discussed the sense of apprehension that they feel when undertaking independent wrestling appearances.
Debuting for AEW back in 2021, Willow Nightingale is a familiar face on television, also competing on ROH TV.
The current TBS Champion, Nightingale also competes on the independent wrestling scene, recently defending the title against Nina Samuels at Pro-Wrestling EVE WrestleQueendom 8 at The O2 in London, England.
An independent star prior to signing with AEW, Nightingale recently spoke to Soundsphere Magazine and revealed her apprehension about returning to the scene, saying:
“Whenever I do the independent shows, I think there’s a little extra apprehension, because it’s a world that I came from, one that I’m very proud of and would like to represent well.
“I’m now doing the thing that I think a lot of independent wrestlers aspire to do, which is to have a full time contract with a television company (and make it my) full-time job.
“So now, coming back, I feel like I have this responsibility to do right by everyone on the indies grinding.
“And, I have awesome competitors, so I can’t be slacking.”
Nightingale’s legacy has seen her be a two-time TBS Champion and former AEW Women’s Tag Team Champion (wihth Harley Cameron), as well as being the inaugural NJPW Strong Women’s Champion.
In-Ring Partnership Update
While WWE stars typically don’t work outside the company, Tony Khan has been open about AEW stars taking independent bookings.
That openness isn’t a free-for-all situation, however, with the AEW president having previously ‘tightened up restrictions‘ governing the booking of his stars.
A high-profile example of Khan’s approach to the independent scene has seen Mercedes Mone hold multiple championships globally, continuing to perform around the world during her self-imposed AEW hiatus.
This isn’t to say that WWE stars are forbidden from competing on the indies, it just appears to be a more selective process as to who can work where.
WWE maintains a relationship with Game Changer Wrestling, which will see Nattie Neidhart and Pete Dunne return for Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XV over WrestleMania 42 week.
The former Natalya competed in her first GCW match at Bloodsport XIII under the name Nattie, defeating Miyu Yamashita in April of last year, later bringing her hard-hitting persona to WWE television.
Beyond the United States, WWE works in partnership with Pro-Wrestling NOAH in Japan and acquired Mexico-based AAA last year.
By contrast, AEW has formed relationships with NJPW, with Forbidden Door a staple of the All Elite pay-per-view calendar, and Mexico’s CMLL, with some stars holding dual contracts.
To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!
Comments.
Loading comments…