Athena retained her ROH Women’s World Championship against Hazuki in the main event of Ring of Honor’s Death Before Dishonor on August 21, 2026, in Philadelphia, overcoming a mid-match asthma attack to make it the 38th defense of her reign.
How The Match Went
Billie Starkz and Diamante came to ringside to support Athena during the 30-minute match at the 2300 Arena, but Hazuki fought both of them off before the finish. STARDOM’s Hazuki kicked out of a curb stomp and a Tombstone attempt late in the bout and countered a Brainbuster, before Athena connected with the O-Face for the pinfall.
Athena said afterward that she had an asthma attack in the middle of the match. She thanked ROH and AEW staff for responding quickly and credited Starkz and Diamante, her self-described “minions,” with helping her get through the defense.
Athena’s Toll As Champion
Athena has now held the ROH Women’s World Championship for more than 1,350 days since beating Mercedes Martinez for the title at Final Battle 2022. Speaking at the post-show media scrum, she said she has dealt with a dislocated kneecap, severe ankle sprains and a serious neck injury over the course of her reign. “Forever is not just a word, it is truly forever motivating,” she said.
