AEW suffered a major setback on Wednesday night as Willow Nightingale revealed she is dealing with a shoulder injury that will sideline her indefinitely.
During a backstage segment on AEW Dynamite, Nightingale announced that the injury occurred during her recent TBS Championship defense against Red Velvet on Saturday’s episode of AEW Collision. Because of the injury, she confirmed she will no longer be able to compete in the Owen Hart Tournament and has officially vacated the AEW TBS Championship.
Nightingale had originally been scheduled to face Alex Windsor at Double or Nothing this Sunday as part of the tournament.
In the emotional pre-taped promo, Nightingale remained optimistic despite the disappointing news.
“But as sure as this smile remains on my face, I will be back,” Nightingale said before leaving the TBS title behind in the locker room area. “I don’t know when, but I’ll tell you this — I’m coming right back to the top.”
Following the segment, AEW commentary confirmed that a mystery wild card entrant will replace Nightingale in the Owen Hart Tournament bracket.
AEW also announced changes to the Double or Nothing card as a result of the injury. Instead of the previously planned tournament match involving Alex Windsor, the pay-per-view will now feature Mina Shirakawa taking on ROH Women’s World Champion Athena.
At this time, AEW has not revealed how a new TBS Champion will be crowned.
Nightingale captured the TBS Championship for the second time earlier this year when she defeated Mercedes Moné at Dynamite: New Year’s Smash to close out 2025. Her latest title reign lasted 140 days before being cut short by injury.
Fans across social media quickly rallied behind Nightingale following the announcement, with many already looking forward to her eventual return to AEW television.
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