Thekla Leaves STARDOM; AEW Vs. WWE Bidding War Expected?

STARDOM heel standout Thekla has in fact left the promotion from which he was fired in storylines by president Taro Okada on the April 27 All-Star Grand Queendom show.

This follows a not exactly well-received storyline that drew unfavourable comparisons to the NJPW House of Torture stable and its relentless interference spots to diminished returns. Nonetheless, fans of both WWE and All Elite Wrestling have reacted with optimism to the news, broken by Fightful Select, that the marketable heel might be joining their promotion of choice. Sean Ross Sapp has reported that Thekla is "legitimately done" with STARDOM, that she is "expected to work in the United States", and that "multiple American promotions have been interested". Thekla has secured "representation for the process".

While Sapp did not specify which promotions have expressed an interest, you'd surely expect WWE and AEW to at least make pitches; while both promotions are loaded with talent, this has not stopped (nor will it stop) this era of bidding wars and free agent signings. This might be too cynical an interpretation, but often, it feels as though this happens to prevent the opposition from bolstering their ranks, as much as anything else.

Combing through the internet, an interview conducted not too long ago might hint at Thekla's future plans. Talking to the Chats & Graps (SEScoops) back in January 2024, Thekla said the following (h/t SEScoops):

"WWE? Not so much right now. I don't know," she offered. While praising the likes of Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch, Thekla expressed her misgivings over signing with the #1 promotion. "I get really annoyed when somebody tells me what to do," the 'Idol Killer' explained. Thekla elaborated, revealing that she gravitates more towards Tony Khan's looser creative philosophy.

"AEW is really cool because they give people a lot of freedom, you know what i mean?"

Check back to WhatCulture Wrestling for further updates on Thekla's future.