Madison Rayne brings veteran presence as AEW women’s coach
Ahead of AEW Dynamite in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio, the company announced that Madison Rayne has been hired as a coach for the women’s division. The press release reads:
"Madison Rayne (Ashley Nichole Lomberger) will join AEW as a coach in the women’s division,and kick-off her new role tonight in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Madison has competedin numerous professional wrestling promotions where she has held multiple championshiptitles, including 5-time Women’s World Champion. She has more than 15 years of experience inprofessional wrestling, and is also a proud mom to a daughter."
Rayne brings 15 years of experience to AEW
As the press release mentions, Rayne has wrestled for over 15 years. Much of that time has been spent in TNA/IMPACT Wrestling. In IMPACT, she is a three-time Knockouts Tag Team Champion and five-time Knockouts Champion. She has most recently been featured often in IMPACT with her tag team partner, Tennille Dashwood as The Influence. They recently held the Knockouts Tag Team Title. As of this writing, she has not been written off IMPACT television.
Besides her time in IMPACT, she wrestled in Ring of Honor from 2017-2019. Some fans may remember her from competing in the Mae Young Classic in 2018 under the name Ashley Rayne. She was eliminated in the first round by current ROH Women’s Champion, Mercedes Martinez.
Rayne can help the women with camera and television work. This will be especially beneficial for women who compete on AEW Dark Elevation and Dark. Many of them do not have experience wrestling on television or with TV-level production. Wrestlers who have been in WWE or NXT have to get used to new ways of production and Rayne can help them transition.
As a multi-time champion, she brings a different level of coaching to the AEW women’s division. She can use her experience wrestling for various companies to give valuable input and devices to the women she works with.
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Although the press release doesn’t mention her as an in-ring talent, it was announced on Dynamite that Rayne will make her in-ring debut on Rampage this Friday.
During Elevation tapings prior to Dynamite, Rayne reportedly had words with TBS Champion, Jade Cargill. This seems to be setting up a feud or at least a match between the two.
Rayne joins AEW at an interesting time in wrestling. Women’s wrestling is becoming more of a focal point in promotions across the globe. IMPACT has been touted as having the best representation of women for several years. Adding someone who has had years of experience in IMPACT is a big benefit to the AEW roster. Here’s hoping that Rayne’s involvement elevates the presentation of the AEW women’s division to the next level.