Willow Nightingale previews her rubber match with Athena at ROH Death Before Dishonor.
At ROH Death Before Dishonor, Willow Nightingale will challenge Athena for the ROH Women's World Championship. The bout will mark their third clash; Athena previously beat Willow on the March 9 episode of ROH TV, and Nightingale defeated her in the semifinals of the Owen Hart Foundation Women's Tournament on the July 14 episode of AEW Rampage. Given their history, fans have buzzed about the two stars potentially headlining ROH Death Before Dishonor, and both women have pushed for it.
Speaking with Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp, Nightingale was asked about potentially main eventing the pay-per-view. She stated that it has not been determined, but she and Athena would love to have that opportunity.
"That is something that is not 100% determined. We would really love if that were the case. This would be our third time facing off. It’s a rubber match, the title is on the line. At this point, I’m probably the person who has challenged for the Ring of Honor Women’s Championship more than anyone. On a personal note, Athena is somebody I’ve admired for years and years, throughout my entire career. To be able to work with her is an honor in that capacity. From a professional standpoint, she’s very the opposite of me in terms of her personality. Regardless of our feelings for one another, we both know that we’re hard-hitting and can bring a good fight for the fans to see and enjoy," Nightingale said.
Nightingale went on to describe how Athena has changed since they used to team up together. She noted that the champion is meaner and more malicious than ever. Nightingale stated that she accepts that Athena is different now, and she knows not to expect mercy or friendship. With that in mind, she made it clear that she intends to focus on the work.
"It’s similar to Owen Hart finals when I faced Ruby. These are people I have tagged with and have had friendly experiences with in the past. It’s really just a shift in perspective. Athena now, versus when I had tagged with her, just as talented and hard working and hard hitting as ever, but there’s a sense of maliciousness and meanness. Just a lot meaner than I had originally known her to be. Sometimes when you don’t see eye to eye or the person you thought you knew is has changed, it can be hard to overcome that. At this point, I’ve wrestled her two times since seeing the shift in attitude and personality. The fact that I can accept she’s different and has changed helps me walk into it not expecting any sort of mercy or remnants of friendship. The plan is to not let that get my head and just focus on the work and the wrestling," Nightingale said.
The full interview with Nightingale will premiere on Fightful's YouTube channel at 9 a.m. ET on July 21.
In an interview, Athena stated that she is ready for the responsibility of headlining ROH Death Before Dishonor with Willow Nightingale. Check out her comments here.
Check out the card for ROH Death Before Dishonor here. Fightful will have live coverage of the show as it airs on July 21.
