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The AEW women's division grew in leaps and bounds last year. In the company's early days, the division suffered from a lack of star power, and there weren't enough recognizable names to warrant any attention, especially in comparison to WWE's stacked division.
But one star has shined brighter than everyone else. AEW Women's Champion Britt Baker quickly became one of the most popular wrestlers not just in the female division but in the entire company.
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Since winning the AEW Women's Championship, Baker has ruled over the company, gaining momentum on all comers. It has reached a point where there is now a glaring lack of challengers awaiting her.
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Who else can feasibly challenge and defeat Baker? Here we look at five possible contenders for the AEW women's championship.
#5. Serena Deeb can challenge the AEW Women's Champion
Serena Deeb is arguably the best female competitor in AEW right now. The veteran wrestler has performed in many promotions, including WWE and NWA. Her experience and in-ring acumen are a massive plus for the division. No wonder she carries the nickname of Professor of Professional Wrestling.
Even renowned AEW critic Jim Cornette has praised Deeb's excellence in the squared circle on his podcast:
"Serena Deeb is incredible. Basics, timing, wrestles like a competition, not a performance, looks like an athlete. And we mentioned, she has not only worked with all the top talent... You've got to give her credibility with a series of wins or else you're just putting the best women's wrestler on the roster out there and beating her every week," said Jim Cornette.
Many fans also agree that Serena has been vastly underutilized. The former NWA Women's Champion would make a credible threat to Britt Baker's reign. Her intensity and aggression can even turn Baker into a de facto babyface in peril. You may also remember Deeb from her run in WWE as a part of CM Punk's Straight Edge Society faction.
#4. Kris Statlander could carve a niche with the AEW Women's Championship
AEW star Kris Statlander challenged Britt Baker at All Out 2021 for the women's championship. The Alien wrestled The Good Doctor in a fantastic match and was only narrowly defeated. It was an impressive performance from Statlander, who has improved immensely since her debut with the company.
Kris Statlander battled back from a career-threatening injury to become a stalwart of the women's division. Her popularity continued to grow once she aligned herself with Best Friends and Orange Cassidy. She recently competed in the TBS Women's Championship tournament as well.
A rematch with Baker might come too soon, but Stalander should definitely be in the mix for the title. She is a true AEW original and would have the support of the audience.
#3. Riho could hope to win back the AEW Women's Championship
AEW Battle of the Belts is slated for this weekend, with Britt Baker set to defend her women's championship against Riho. The latter pinned the champion on an edition of Rampage in November to earn the title shot. It appears the Japanese star has The Good Doctor's number, and it will be interesting to see the outcome of the upcoming bout.
As the first-ever AEW Women's Champion, Riho's name is already in the history books. Despite her petite frame, she has wowed fans with her high-flying moves and indestructible fighting spirit.
Riho has had a tough time since losing her title, with COVID-19 restrictions and injuries preventing her from competing regularly. But with enough momentum, she can easily reclaim her place at the top of the pile as a compelling underdog babyface.
#2. Ruby Soho is a fan favorite in AEW
AEW's most recent female marquee signing was Ruby Soho, who debuted in the All Out pay-per-view. The former WWE star has since challenged Britt Baker for her title unsuccessfully. She also made it to the finals of the TBS championship tournament but lost to Jade Cargill.
Who was the first person to welcome Soho backstage after her devastating loss? Britt Baker, of course. Not one to pass an opportunity to boast, the dentist criticized Ruby for not winning the big one in AEW. It is a subtle but interesting tease that planted the seeds for a future rematch between the two.
Now that Soho is no longer in the TBS title picture, she would make a great opponent for Baker. She remains one of the most popular female wrestlers on the roster, and fans are eager to see her succeed.
#1. Thunder Rosa is Britt Baker's arch-rival
Thunder Rosa seems the obvious choice to be the next AEW Women's Champion. In one of the best matches in the promotion's history, she beat Britt Baker in their Lights Out match back in March. It also made the dentist a legitimate star and helped propel her into championship contention.
The pair have not interacted since, as it seems AEW has been keeping them apart for the eventual explosive rematch. Who better to finally defeat Baker for the title than La Mera Mera? She's an underrated talent who has gone over with the AEW audience thanks to her sheer determination and in-ring prowess.
With her colorful face paint, intense promos, and grit, she would make a grand fighting champion to build the company around. Winning the AEW Women's Championship would be a well-deserved acknowledgment of Thunder Rosa's contributions to the division.
