AEW: Five Women The Company Should Sign In 2019

Willow Nightingale

Even if you aren’t sure who Willow Nightingale is, you’ll probably recognize her once you see her. ‘The Babe with the Power’ isn’t the kind of wrestler you forget. As a RISE seminar attendee, she was hand-picked by Madusa (AKA Alundra Blayze) to join her stable of up-and-coming faces.

Since then she’s great runs at SHINE and SHIMMER, she has tagged with Faye Jackson and is currently tagging with the also-amazing Solo Darling in CHIKARA, and she’s poised to make her debut on AXS’s  WOW – Women of Wrestling later this month as Eye Candy.

Why is Nightingale so compelling? Because she’s that good, and she’s willing to play against expectations to be the wrestler she wants to be. Large-bodied women are often sorted into the “heel” category due to their size, whether it’s a good fit for them or not.

Consider Nia Jax, who has been stuck flipping between face and heel like a pancake every time WWE needs a new menace on the RAW women’s roster, and see how her character has suffered as a result.

Willow Nightingale doesn’t share that struggle. She’s remained one of the most compelling babyfaces I’ve ever seen in a wrestling ring. Her bright colors and bubbly demeanor help her stand out among her competitors, and her skills seal the deal.

She leverages her size into big selling, strong moves, and a dancer-like agility that make her a joy to watch in the ring. She’s funny and sweet on social media, she’s adorable in promos, she sells like crazy, and you can’t help but root for her even when you like her opponent more.

If AEW is serious about building a women’s division with an eye towards diversity, a unique talent like Nightingale is the perfect addition to their growing team.