Thekla Leaving STARDOM and Heading to the U.S.—But It Might Not Be WWE After All

Thekla is officially done with STARDOM after more than three years in Japan—and while WWE has had its eyes on her for years, new reports suggest she may be heading in a different direction.

According to Fightful Select, Thekla’s deal with STARDOM has expired, and she’s now U.S.-bound with plans that have been in motion for quite some time. While WWE interest has been strong—especially with the company actively scouting international stars following Giulia’s signing—sources inside AEW now believe Thekla is headed their way instead.

“Those that we spoke with in AEW believe she is headed to the company,” the report noted. That’s a major twist considering WWE’s long pursuit. Dave Meltzer previously said on Wrestling Observer Radio, “WWE’s been after her for years and years and years.” He even pointed to IYO SKY’s rise in WWE as a possible motivator for Thekla, saying, “IYO doing so well probably encouraged her to go.”

But that might not be the case anymore. Despite AEW’s interest growing throughout the end of 2024, Thekla hasn’t confirmed where she’s going next. Independent promotions have also reportedly reached out to check on her availability for bookings, which adds even more intrigue to her next move.

Thekla had previously teased a shift to the American scene during a November 2024 interview with Grapsody’s Righteous Reg and Phil Lindsey. “Hell yeah, of course. I have no idea why I’m not already over there,” she said. “There’s plenty of girls and women I’d love to wrestle in the States, throughout all companies.”

With WWE, AEW, and the indies all in play, Thekla’s next chapter looks set to make an impact—but the idea of her debuting in AEW just gained serious traction.

Thekla’s future in the U.S. wrestling scene is heating up fast, and with WWE interest still alive and AEW insiders expecting her arrival, all eyes are on where the Austrian star lands next.