AEW star suddenly returns to in-ring action; had earlier announced she would be out with injury for a year

A top female AEW star has surprisingly returned to in-ring action after announcing that she will be out for a year. The star in question is none other than Athena (fka Ember Moon in WWE).

The ROH Women's World Champion suffered a leg injury in a match against Viva Van and revealed that she would be out of action for months. However, on July 12 at Prestige Wrestling Combat Clash PDX, Athena made her shocking return to the ring against Masha Slamovich and successfully picked up a victory.

Last night's match was Athena's first time competing ever since suffering the leg injury during her match with Viva Van at Ring of Honor in May.

AEW star Athena addressed a potential return to the WWE

Former NXT Women's Champion Athena had a great run in the former Black and Gold brand, however, her main roster run was quite underwhelming. She debuted in All Elite Wrestling in 2022 and has been a regular on the Ring of Honor brand. Athena is also the current ROH Women's World Champion.

Speaking on K&S WrestleFest Virtual Signing last year, Athena stated that she misses the people from the Stamford-based promotion. However, clarified that she is enjoying her time with All Elite Wrestling and Ring of Honor.

"I don't know. I'll never say never. I'm enjoying my time with AEW and Ring Of Honor right now, but I'll never say never. I miss the people there, I made like a really big group of friends there between the crew and the staff and some girls and guys in the locker room. Like, I miss them, at the end of the day it's all pro wrestling," Athena added. [H/T Wrestling Inc]

Athena has surprisingly returned to action after announcing a year-long absence. It will be interesting to see if the ROH Women's World Champion moves to the AEW roster and goes after the Women's World Championship.