In a recent episode of All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) “Unrestricted” podcast, Kris Statlander, the former TBS Champion, shared her goal of winning the 2023 Owen Hart Cup. She revisited her journey in the inaugural tournament where she was a replacement for Hikaru Shida who had suffered an injury.
A few highlights from the podcast are provided below:
Addressing her unexpected participation in the initial tournament, Statlander said, “Truthfully, I wasn’t scheduled to be part of the 2022 tournament. That’s partly why it stings a touch — I was brought in as a backup for the first one. During the second one, even though I was the champion, I can’t understand why I didn’t just throw my hat in the ring. I might have added another feather to my cap, but it’s okay.”
Speaking of her winning streak at that time, she asserted, “I believe people were intimidated because I was enjoying a winning streak then. So, this will be the first time I’m genuinely partaking in the tournament, aiming to win it. And I am not taking this lightly…”
The finals for the Women’s Owen Hart Cup tournament have been scheduled for July 10, Wednesday. They will take place at the AEW TV tapings at the Calgary Stampede Saddledome located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.