Athena Retains ROH Women’s Title at 1/13 Event & Says Her First Stardom Tour “Reawakened Her Passion” for Wrestling

Sunday’s New Year Stars 2025 event for Stardom in Tokyo, Japan featured Athena defeating Thekla to retain her ROH Women’s World Championship.

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— Rasslin’ (@RasslinClips) January 13, 2025

Following the match, Athena gave a speech and stated that she would love to have a rematch with Thekla again and in the United States.

#ANDSTILL

ROH “Forever Champion” Athena stands tall after a tough, tough fight with Thekla

After the match Athena said she respects Queen B**ch Thekla and to come find her in the U.S. for a rematch!#STARDOM | @ringofhonor

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— We Are Stardom (@we_are_stardom) January 13, 2025

In a backstage post-match press conference, Athena gave her thoughts about her finishing up her first tour of Stardom and how her time in the company helped “reawakened” her passion for wrestling.

“I am very sad to go because I love Japan, and I love STARDOM. It’s very difficult for me to leave because I’ve had so much fun here, and it has reawakened my passion, not only as a fighting champion, but as a wrestler who’s been doing this for almost 20 years. Normally, in America, no one sees me cry, never. I’m tough. But this is very special, this is my dream, and I finally got to come here. Hopefully, I can come back and compete in front of the most amazing fans, with the most amazing women from around the world, so STARDOM, you will see me again. The Fallen Goddess, the American Joshi, the Minion Overlord, the inspiration to every women’s division, but most importantly today, I finally lived up to my nickname of the American Joshi. Thank you, STARDOM. Thank you, everyone. I will see you again soon.”

Transcript h/t: Fightful.com