Athena has already passed Roman Reigns, but she isn’t satisfied with stopping there. The ROH Women’s World Champion has now picked out the next legendary championship reign she wants to leave behind—and she already knows when she can do it.
While speaking with WFAA, Athena was asked about already becoming the longest-reigning champion in ROH history and whether there were any records left for her to chase. She quickly pointed out that her reign has now gone beyond just the ROH record.
“So like I’m the longest reigning champion in company history. Not only that, um, a few weeks ago I actually became the longest reigning champion of the modern day era, man or woman. So I am the most official longest reigning champion currently at this point in time.”
That milestone came on July 19. Athena reached 1,317 days as ROH Women’s World Champion, moving past Roman Reigns’ 1,316-day Universal Championship reign. Roman is already behind her. Now Athena is looking at Hulk Hogan. Hogan’s first WWE Championship reign lasted 1,474 days, and Athena knows exactly when she can move beyond that number if she keeps the ROH Women’s World Championship.
“Um, but I think like my next goal, which is very immediate, is Christmas because then I will surpass Hulk Hogan’s longest reign as well.”
WWE’s own records list Hogan’s first championship run at 1,474 days, making it his longest individual WWE Championship reign. Athena isn’t pretending Hogan is the end of the road either. She brought up Bruno Sammartino herself, whose legendary first WWE Championship reign remains way out in front. Athena clearly knows how enormous that number is.
“Um, the longest reigning champion ever is Bruno Sammartino, um, who is absolutely phenomenal and, as we would say, a complete unit, as most would say.”
For now, though, Athena isn’t putting an expiration date on any of this. Her answer for when she actually wants the ROH Women’s World Championship reign to end is basically never.
“So that’s the goal right now, but the goal is to keep it forever.”
Athena won the championship from Mercedes Martinez at Final Battle on December 10, 2022, and she’s still holding it nearly four years later. Along the way, she also surpassed Samoa Joe to become the longest-reigning champion of any kind in ROH history.
Breaking records isn’t the only thing she wants out of whatever time remains with the title. Athena wants stronger competition and more opportunities to take the championship outside ROH. With an upcoming trip to Paris, she’s already hoping somebody steps forward.
“Yeah, it’s really cool and I think like after having that match with Suzuki and I just want to travel the world, I want better competitors. I want more intense competition, not only a Ring of Honor. I want to defend my championship around the world. We’re going to Paris soon, so fingers crossed someone will step up for a shot at the champion.”
Roman Reigns was the modern-era mountain, and Athena has already climbed past him. Now she has Hogan sitting directly in front of her—and if the “Forever Champion” gets her way, that won’t be where this thing ends either.
This transcript was produced exclusively for Ringside News from the original recording. Republishing the transcription in full is prohibited. When using excerpts, provide prominent credit and a link to this article.
Do you think Athena should remain ROH Women’s World Champion long enough to surpass Hulk Hogan’s 1,474-day reign? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
