It can be argued that this was a year in the making really. They faced each other in an unsanctioned Lights Out match that made even the hardcore legend himself, Mick Foley, squeamish just last year at AEW’s St. Patrick’s Day Slam and throughout the year they faced each other from time to time, but really, it all came to a head at this year’s installment of the St. Patrick’s Day Slam event.
Rosa, who was what can be called the number one contender for the AEW Women’s World Championship, lost her match at AEW Revolution but was granted this match in a steel cage and without Baker’s ‘friends’ present at ringside, Rosa was able to secure the win, which many say was overdue – this writer included.
Last year’s match has been talked about a lot. Myself, I think I’ve written at least a dozen articles on the subject, and really it has to be said: It was one of the top five matches of the year, hands down, and that encompasses all pro wrestling promotions overall.
This year’s match didn’t disappoint at all. Both women were in top form and delivered from frame to frame. The violence factor was there; the risk factor was there; the athleticism was there; timing, balance and conviction. What more can one want? They should be exceptionally proud.
Rosa had few words after her win, but they were certainly poignant:
“I have no words to describe how I feel. The love, the energy, the results of yesterday’s match. Im blessed and I’m thankful. I just know there is a lot of work to be done. Gracias a mi gente por este momento tan especial. Your NEW @AEW women’s champion #ThunderRosa.”
via Thunder Rosa on Twitter
Baker has also made a statement and in perfect DMD fashion, she stayed in character the whole way through. Here’s what she had to say:
“While others relax & recover on their day off, I’m just now leaving the dental office for the day – bruised and cut up, on 2 hours of sleep after traveling half way across the country. I might have lost, but I ave you all the best damn women’s championship reign that none of you undeserving idiots will appreciate until I’m champion again. This will always be my division. To all those I paved the way for, you’re welcome. D.M.D.”
via Britt Baker on Twitter
She isn’t wrong. She was a great champion, with an exemplary run. Now it’s Thunder Rosa’s time to shine, and actually, she’s been shining and working to this end for quite some time, really. Her career and accolades speak for themselves.
A former MMA fighter, she started her pro wrestling journey in 2014 and hasn’t looked back since. Her work in Lucha Underground from 2015 to 2019 speaks for itself; she also spent some time in ROH, where she and Britt Baker met in the ring as well.
via ROH /YouTube
She wrestled with Joshi Pro in Tokyo and even in the NWA and even while working for AEW, she made appearances for Impact Wrestling.
The term ‘paying one’s dues’ certainly comes to mind, and Thunder Rosa certainly has. Now it’s time to reap the benefits of all that work and defend, defend, defend. Looking forward to future feuds and matches from this incredible star, as should you, dear readers.
