Kris Statlander faced off against “Toxic Spider” Thekla in a highly anticipated match on the January 28 episode of AEW Dynamite, marking her first title defense of 2026 as the AEW Women’s World Champion. Despite a fierce and intense battle fueled by animosity between the two, Statlander ultimately secured the victory and retained her championship.
Thekla attempted to gain an early mental edge, but Statlander countered with power moves like a delayed vertical suplex and a slingshot onto the steel steps outside the ring. As the match progressed, Thekla regained momentum, aggressively targeting Statlander with kicks, stomps, and a series of strikes and submission holds. Statlander fought back, delivering impactful maneuvers including a Michinoku driver and a powerful lariat. Though Thekla responded with a spider suplex and a daring crossbody off the top rope, fatigue prevented her from capitalizing with a successful cover after a spear.
The intense back-and-forth continued with Thekla spitting in Statlander’s face and applying a flying octopus hold, but the champion countered with a mix of signature moves, including a counter to a spear, a gutwrench powerbomb, and finally, a Wednesday Night Fever finish to secure the win. Post-match, the Babes of Wrath celebrated Statlander’s successful defense, only to be interrupted by Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford, setting the stage for future confrontations.
Fan Take: This showdown highlights Statlander’s resilience and dominance as a champion and reinforces her position atop AEW’s women’s division. Fans should be excited as the tension with rising stars like Thekla, Bayne, and Ford promises fresh rivalries and thrilling matches ahead, which will only elevate the sport further.
