In a triumphant homecoming, Athena emerged victorious in the women’s Casino Gauntlet match during the AEW All In: Texas pay-per-view on July 12, 2025, securing a future shot at the AEW Women’s World Championship. The win was particularly significant as it occurred in her home state of Texas.
The chaotic match featured a field of twelve competitors, including surprise entrants like the debuting Syuri and Alex Windsor. Entering at number nine, the reigning and long-tenured ROH Women’s World Champion made an immediate and decisive impact. The rivalry between Athena and Thunder Rosa, fresh off their title match at Supercard of Honor the previous night, reignited as the two brawled following Rosa’s entrance into the gauntlet.
The conclusion of the match saw Athena capitalize at a critical moment. As Mina Shirakawa attempted to lock in a figure-four leglock on Thunder Rosa, Athena launched from the top rope, delivering her signature “O-Face” finisher to Shirakawa for the pinfall victory. This win grants her a contract for an AEW Women’s World Championship match at a time of her choosing.
This victory continues a dominant period for Athena, who has held the ROH Women’s World Championship for over 900 days, successfully defending it against Thunder Rosa just one night prior.
In the men’s Casino Gauntlet match earlier in the evening, MJF secured his own future World title opportunity by pinning Roderick Strong. The finish came after Mark Briscoe hit Strong with the Jay Driller, allowing MJF to neutralize Briscoe and steal the pin.