Today in Jacksonville, people gathered at the Double Or Nothing rally to hear All Elite Wrestling’s plans and vision for the new promotion. A bright highlight of the rally was the announcement made by Chief Brand Officer Brandi Rhodes of the plans for the AEW’s women’s division.
During her speech at the rally, Brandi acknowledged those who had concerns over whether or not there would be a women’s division within AEW.
“The number one question I have been asked since the company was announced is, will there be a women’s division?
Well as a blossoming women’s wrestler myself, it would have been strange for me to sign a contract for a company that wasn’t going to have a women’s division. So, absolutely there will be a women’s division. But not only that, we want it to be a strong women’s division with the best female wrestlers in the entire world.
In order to do that, you got to cast a wide net, right? You can’t just say that and sit still, there’s work to be done.”
Brandi continued by stating that she had traveled all over the world to find the best female talent the industry had to offer, including places within Australia, the UK, and Japan, where she said the company had talked to “top Japanese wrestlers”.
The former WWE ring announcer also made promises that women wrestlers within their company would receive equal pay for equal talent.
“To echo something Cody said earlier, we care about our women. They are top talent, so they will be paid equally. There’s no sliding scale.”
Brandi called out their first female signee, Dr. Britt Baker, DMD, who impressed Rhodes during her match at All In, last year. Baker has wrestled for numerous promotions, including RISE, SHIMMER, Stardom, ROH, Empire State Wrestling, and Girl Fight. Baker was an alternative for the Mae Young Classic, first debuting for WWE at Raw against Nia Jax, losing in a singles match.
“Sometimes you don’t have to look that far, sometimes the best of the best is right here at home. At All In: Chicago, I was able to witness one of the best women’s fatal four-way matches I have ever seen. Those girls are talented. And, we were lucky to sign one of them.”
Baker took to the stage, and explained her decision to sign with All Elite, confirming the dedication AEW has for the women of the company.
“AEW is going to elevate all of prof wrestling to new heights.
Also want to point out, that I’m here not only as the first woman signee for the wrestling company, but I’m one of the first overall athletes that they’re signing to the company. Which just goes to show they mean what they say when they value women’s wrestling, and they are absolutely prioritizing it.
And as a member of the roster, I hope not only to showcase my talents, but also to set an example to everybody: children, adults, men, women, that you need to pursue everything and anything you have a true passion for, because today marks one of the most memorable days of my life.
Sometimes you have to take a chance on yourself, and last year in Chicago, I went all in. But I didn’t win. However, this May in Las Vegas, it’s Double Or Nothing. So, we’ll see you guys there.”
The company also announced the signing of Penelope Ford, who accompanied partner Joey Janela to the stage, where he promised to put their mark on the promotion.
Ford is best known for her work with Combat Zone Wrestling, as well as her time at Women Superstars Uncensored, where she held the WSU Tag Team Championship with Maria Manic.
The promotion’s first show will be held on May 25 at the MGM Grand Las Vegas Resort and Casino. AEW urges fans to look for upcoming ticket sale dates.
Readers can view the entire rally at AEW’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube accounts.
Please credit Diva Dirt when using transcription of speeches.
Are you excited to see a new women’s division? Who else do you think AEW will sign?
