Former AEW Women’s World Champion Jamie Hayter’s injury has affected AEW’s major event plans, particularly the all-Texas build-up. AEW President Tony Khan hinted that injuries played a role in altering storylines leading to the show. According to Fightful Select, Hayter had little involvement in the “Double or Nothing” event and didn’t contribute significantly to “AEW Dynamite” on May 28th.
Hayter was set to have a rivalry with former Stardom star Thekla, who made her AEW debut by attacking Hayter on “Dynamite.” Shortly after “Double or Nothing,” Hayter lost to TBS Champion Mercedes Mone in the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament and sustained an injury during the match, which has kept her sidelined since. There is no current timeline for her return.
Fightful revealed that Thekla’s debut was kept secret from creative until Hayter’s injury occurred. Thekla’s introduction was designed to allow Hayter’s character to be written out, with hopes the rivalry resumes once Hayter is back. Initially, it appeared Hayter’s recovery would be shorter, but she’s now expected to be out longer, though hopes for the feud remain.
Since Thekla’s attack on Hayter, nicknamed “The Toxic Spider,” she has competed against wrestlers like Queen Aminata and Lady Frost and appeared alongside ROH Women’s Champions Athena, Megan Bennett, Penelope Ford, and Julia Hart on an episode of “AEW Collision.”
Fan Take: Jamie Hayter’s injury is a significant setback for AEW, as it disrupts a potentially compelling feud that could have elevated both her and Thekla’s careers. For fans, this pause is frustrating but also builds anticipation for a high-stakes comeback that could add fresh drama to AEW’s women’s division.
