Aussies Abroad: Ripley, Storm and De Lander dominate international scene
Aussie women have dominated the international pro wrestling scene this week.
Welcome back to another week’s installment of Aussies Abroad, where we take a look at the Aussies making a name for themselves in the overseas pro wrestling scene.
Let’s start this week’s coverage with the latest news out of AEW; Toni Storm’s surprise timeless appearance against her old friend Mariah May. Storm has been getting back to her rocker roots since her return to the ring and has seemingly had no memory of her time with AEW or the timeless era. However, in a face-off with May earlier this week, Storm the “upcoming rookie” seemed to transform into the timeless sensation we all know and love when she got some sense (quite literally) slapped into her by May. “What makes you think that I have forgotten,” Storm said as May went to exit the ring after the nasty beat-down. “What makes you think our dance is done? Each scar, every drop of blood, I will feel forever, But now, it’s my moment in the sun. They say the hardest role they will ever play is yourself, but what you’ve just witnessed is the performance of a lifetime.” (I actually got goosebumps)
Over in WWE, Adelaide sensation Rhea Ripley has also taken the international audience by storm once again by defeating Nia Jax to retain her Women’s World Title at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The intense match-up was full of emotion for the two women who have a rich history between them and the title. For the first time in a while, Ripley was out-dominated for the first few moments of the match and took a good beating from Jax. Ripley pulled out some new tricks out of her endless bag though, including an impressive code red which almost caught Nia in the three-count. It was, however, sheer determination, a kick to the back of the head, and a riptide that saw Ripley pick up the win.
Aussie favourite Steph De Lander also made a surprise return to TNA following a neck injury that sent her out of the ring for months. After weeks of teasing, TNA finally revealed the identity behind the mysterious 23 with a little help from De Lander. “23, it’s me, the new TNA digital media champion, that’s right, I won it in the divorce, what’s mine is mine, and what’s his is mine,” she said following the end of the PCO era. “so now that my husband is out the door, let me introduce you to my boyfriend.” The Southern Psycho Mane Warner made his on-screen debut in TNA as he shared a sweet kiss with De Lander in-ring. De Lander also returned to the company with the TNA Digital Media Championship rightfully on her shoulder.
Back in AEW, the Hounds of Hell have been back on top with Aussie Buddy Matthews defeating the team of Gates of Agony at Collision last week. After a surprise loss to Will Ospreay earlier this month, Matthews seemed to have his confidence shaken slightly throughout this match, but eventually got going with some impressive moves that sent both the Samoans down and out. It was eventually a meteora from the top rope from Matthews, followed by a drop-kick cannon-ball combo with his teammate Brody King that saw them pick up the win.
Over in Japan, Adelaide favourite Kira Summer has continued her work with the TJPW team in Tokyo with a recent match against Kaya Toribami, Moka Miyamoto, and Yoshiko Hasegawa. Although Summer doesn’t seem to be on a winning streak with the company, it’s exciting to see another local name bring the Aussie heat to an international audience. Fellow Aussie Chris Vice also had a match in Tokyo last week, defeating Kazutaka Hasegawa and So Daimonji at the Sakai Gumi event. The TMDK team has also continued their winning streak in Japan with a defeat against the team of CHAOS with NJPW at the Road To The New Beginning 2025 Tag event. Atomic Pro Wrestling Champion Lil Marz also recently took her newly won gold to Japan and successfully defended at multiple promotions across the country, which is fantastic to see.
Some more good news for Adelaide wrestling fans, as RCW locals Eli Thesus and Gabriel Aeros of The Parea were seen at a Ring of Honour TV taping event over the weekend in a match against Griff Garrison and Preston Vance. The appearance comes after the two announced their trip to America earlier this year, and it seems their talent has quickly been noticed by international promotions.
-Till next week!
News Writer + Aussies Abroad. Based in Adelaide and winner of the 2023 CPA Young Journo of the year, has been a news and arts journalist for a number of years working across radio and print, but has decided to take her wrestling addiction to PWDU. You can find her at any local wrestling night across the state with a beer in-hand and a front-row ticket to the action.
