This Friday, Athena will defend her Ring of Honor Women’s Championship against her former minion, Billie Starkz, in the main event of ROH Final Battle. The title match came forth after Starkz turned on Athena, who had previously served as her mentor throughout her training at MIT (Minion In Training).
After months of intense training, Starkz and fellow MIT student Lexy Nair recently geared up for their 2023 MIT graduation ceremony, where the valedictorian would receive a graduation certificate and an official “Athena’s Minion” t-shirt. Much to the surprise of the crowd, and Billie Starkz, Lexy Nair was bestowed the title of valedictorian. In response, Starkz sent her long-time ally crashing into the barricade alongside the entrance ramp. Now, Starkz will challenge Athena for the ROH Women’s Championship at Final Battle in Garland, TX.
During an interview with Under The Ring, Athena laid her thoughts on Starkz’ vibrant betrayal, and their upcoming title match.
“Chaos has ensued,” Athena said. “I feel like I’ve given Billie the world, and she’s just not grateful. She’s that rebellious teenager that doesn’t understand this is how real life works. She’s still in that, ‘Hey, I’m an adult. It’s sunshine, rainbows, happiness,’ that type of thing. And I’m sitting here like, ‘No, this is the real world. This is how this happens.’
She has turned on me and going into Final Battle in my hometown, it’s not about me reclaiming my championship, it’s about me teaching Billie a lesson that she rightfully deserves.”
Briefly putting their feud aside, Athena recognizes that Starkz, who is currently 19 years old, is one of the hottest young talents within the entire wrestling landscape right now. However, Athena asserts that she was an even better performer at that age.
“It’s crazy when you look at everything that she’s done, making list after list after list, not just for the women, but for the men when it comes to PWI. She’s probably one of the hottest young talent around the world right now. Everyone is looking at what Billy Starkz is going to do next, so I can’t discredit any of that. But I actually know exactly who I’m dealing with. As someone that has started when they were 18 years old, fresh out of high school, in college, I have done this entire thing that Billie has done. Billie thinks that she is unique. She thinks she is special. No, plenty of us have done this journey. I just did it better,” Athena said.
Other announced matches for the ROH Final Battle card include Tony Nese vs. Ethan Page in an I Quit Match and The Blackpool Combat Club vs. FTR & Mark Briscoe.