Athena vs Nightingale Announced for ROH Death Before Dishonor 2023
Athena and Willow Nightingale will clash in a rematch over ROH Women’s Championship at Death Before Dishonor 2023 event.
The announcement came via a video on ROH social media handles. ROH Owner and Booker Tony Khan talked about Willow beating Athena recently in Owen Hart Foundation tournament semifinal, and announced that Willow would get a title shot courtesy of winning the tournament, her win over Athena and their history.
Athena and Willow first clashed on the second episode of ROH on Honor club where Athena was able to retain ROH Women’s title in a hard-fought match. The semifinal clash in 2023 Owen Hart Cup was originally scheduled for July 8 Collision episode, but it was delayed after Willow suffered some injuries during NJPW Independence Day event.
This Friday, 7/21#DeathBeforeDishonor
— ROH – Ring of Honor Wrestling (@ringofhonor) July 17, 2023
Trenton, NJ#ROH Women's World Title Match@AthenaPalmer_FG vs @willowwrestles
Athena won their first bout in a classic title fight.
Willow won the rematch this week on her way to winning the Owen Hart Cup!
The rubber match is THIS FRIDAY! pic.twitter.com/rZ9EdW9duP
Athena mocked Willow over this where Willow ensured that she was coming after the title after she would beat her in the tournament. The match later took place at AEW Rampage July 14 episode with Willow getting the win to seal a spot in the final. Willow also went on to win the tournament by beating Ruby Soho in the final on July 15 Collision episode.
Athena won ROH Women’s Championship at Final Battle 2022 by beating Mercedes Martinez. Her most recent defense came against Keira Hogan in a street fight on ROH on Honor Club tapings on June 17.
Willow also featured in the announcement video and said she felt what it meant to face a mean, hard-hitting and talented opponent when she faced Athena first. She added that there is no fear now that she has already beat Athena and has more experience with title and tournament wins.
Willow won NJPW Strong Women’s Championship at NJPW Resurgence 2023 event. She lost that title to Giulia at NJPW Independence Day 2023 night 2 event.
ROH Death Before Dishonor is taking place on July 21, 2023, in Trenton, NJ. This is the fourth match to be announced for the show after ROH World title, Pure Title and TV title match.