Ahead of her AEW Women’s World Championship match at All Out, Kris Statlander joined the “AEW Unrestricted” podcast with Aubrey Edwards and Will Washington to discuss her journey back to the title picture. Statlander spoke about her new solo mentality, her mindset for the four-way match, and navigating her complex relationships on the roster.
A Poetic Return to the Title Picture
Statlander’s championship opportunity comes at the same event where she last challenged for the AEW Women’s World Championship in 2021. She noted the “poetic moments” that seem to follow her career regarding pay-per-views and title matches.
“I failed the world title in a singles match, and now I’m in a multi-man match at All Out, the same pay-per-view,” Statlander said. “So maybe I’ll have reverse odds this time. Weird little things.” She also expressed confidence heading into the chaotic four-way environment. “I see multi-man matches, as tricky as they can be, as chaotic as they can be, I see them as an opportunity to really take advantage of something… I love a multi-man. I love the chaos. So I’m very much so looking forward to it.”
A “Reformation Year”
Statlander described her current run in AEW as a “reformation year,” a period focused on defining herself as a singles competitor without allies.
“So much of my experience in AEW has been surrounding other people and just always having people by my side no matter what,” she explained. “Most of 2024 and the majority of 2025 has been me just kind of trying to figure out the ropes on my own and just be my own wrestler… I don’t really know where I stand with a lot of things, my views, my morals, my friendships. So I just kind of have to see where wrestling brings me, and not try and push it somewhere that it’s not willing to go.”
On Friendships and Being Selfish
This new solo mentality has affected her relationships, particularly her once-close friendship with Willow Nightingale. When asked about the dynamic shift, Statlander explained the necessity of putting herself first.
“You really have to start being selfish at a certain point, and not necessarily in a bad way,” she stated. “But you have to just remember that some people just don’t care what you do… I just have to remember going into these big title matches that I have to do it for me, and not to make anybody else proud, not to make anybody else happy. But I have to do it to prove something to myself, to prove that maybe I don’t need to constantly rely on other people for support.”
Confusion Over Wheeler Yuta’s Advice
Another complex relationship involves her former ally, Wheeler Yuta, who has made several uninvited appearances to offer her advice. Statlander admitted she is unsure of his motives.
“Honestly, I feel like he’s probably snuck an AirTag in my suitcase or something. He just keeps showing up uninvited. I don’t know what his deal is,” she said. “It’s confusing to hear advice from a familiar face. However, the characteristics behind that face that you’re so familiar with are completely different… It’s hard to trust really anyone’s advice, especially when the intention behind the advice may not be the best.”
Before concluding the interview, Statlander offered a final thought on her recent actions. “I can understand why everyone’s upset with me, but I will say I never put a bag over anyone’s head. So that’s my closing statement.”
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If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit AEW Unrestricted with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
