At AEW Double or Nothing 2025, Willow Nightingale and Marina Shafir made history as the first women to compete in the company’s annual arena match disorder event. Nightingale represented Team AEW while Shafir was part of Death Rider, with their intense physical rivalry beginning during the Death Rider storyline launched in late 2024. In a recent episode of the "Gabby AF" podcast, Nightingale discussed her experiences working alongside stars like Swerve Strickland and Kenny Omega. Although she doesn’t introduce men to wrestling herself, her primary goal is to elevate women’s wrestling and shine a spotlight on female talent.
“I started out in the US independent scene, and I’m a feminist at heart,” Nightingale shared. “I’ve embraced intergender wrestling and hope to help women’s wrestling reach its full potential and lead the way for others.” She expressed how much she enjoys being at the forefront of AEW, a company she deeply appreciates, and mentioned feeling honored to be part of something so meaningful.
When quoting this article, please credit the "Gabby AF" podcast and Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
Fan Take: This milestone highlights AEW’s commitment to gender inclusivity and innovation in wrestling, marking a significant step forward for women in the sport. For AEW fans, it signals exciting, boundary-pushing storylines and a bright future where female wrestlers are given more prominent, impactful roles.
