AEW Dynamite Preview (3/4/26) – Thekla’s First Championship Defense

So, AEW Dynamite has set itself a sky-mile bar for their return to El Paso, Texas, this coming Wednesday.  However, the one match announced at the time of writing has the potential to be a banger, and given the location, the ceiling might be blown off by more than just “F### ICE” chants. If you’re someone who doesn’t like politics in your wrestler, well, maybe brush up on the history of the industry.

We could speculate on other potential matchups and build. We know Swerve Strickland will take on Brody King at AEW Revolution in a battle of the most violent. Plus, with Bandido’s return and standoff with Andrade El Idolo last week, we can’t have a week without some luchador action. So close to the Mexican border and in the home of the legendary Guerrero family, we may get some CMLL cross-promotion.

Plus, plenty of fallout. Where next can the legacy feud between MJF and Hangman Adam Page? After the AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship match ended in disqualification, what’s next for the Babes of Wrath? What’s next for dual champion, Willow Nightingale?

We know for sure that El Paso will host one historic moment with Thekla’s first championship defence.

Thekla vs. Thunder Rosa

Recently returning after injury for the first time since All In Texas, Thunder Rosa is in a cursed position. Yet for the woman from the graveyards of Tijuana, Mexico, La Mera Mera isn’t going to care about placement. Being the first title defence has historically been a placeholder. A position previously filled by Nyla Rose as pin-eater. With former champion Kris Statlander still waiting to deliver her cosmic killer karma, some might be looking past Rosa.

Thunder Rosa has slipped down the pecking order over time. The former AEW and NWA Women’s World champion has lacked prominence since vacating the top prize. Perhaps even confidence.

Yet Rosa’s return against Julia Hart was strong. Her character performance and conviction were not so shaky. As an opportunity, win or lose, Rosa has a chance to assert herself in a strong, dynamic pack of women. It’s do-or-die time. We’re nearly out of the limited spotlight era of AEW’s women’s division.

But against a champion who is toxic and dangerous and will likely have assistance, the odds are stacked. This match has the potential to be explosive for both women. For sickos, a chance to see what both the new champion and division stalwart can offer.

AEW Dynamite Matches Announced (2/4/26):