AEW Women's World Champion Thekla addressed comments by IWGP Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji calling for an AEW boycott before the upcoming Forbidden Door event. Tsuji made the remarks after regaining his title at DOMINION, citing an unbalanced relationship between AEW and NJPW.
Thekla, who will defend her title against Starlight Kid at the co-branded pay-per-view, spoke to TMZ Sports about the situation. She said she respects Tsuji's stance on keeping promotions separate while expressing pride in representing AEW.
"I've never been so proud to represent a company, especially because this is the most precious bling I've ever been holding as a champion," Thekla said. She noted ongoing tensions with STARDOM, from which she was previously fired.
Thekla described AEW, STARDOM, CMLL, and NJPW as a family and said Tsuji's comments add interest to the Forbidden Door show. "I think the Forbidden Door is there to be kicked down and burned, but there's also something to New Japan trying to get back on their feet," she added.
