Owen Hart Cup highlights depth in AEW Women's Division

Women’s wrestling is a major part of the industry. There are so many talented ladies around the world that it would be impossible to highlight them all by name. The AEW Owen Hart Foundation Tournament is one area where the women get the shine and the draw for the 2024 edition shows that AEW is perhaps the best women’s roster in the world.

The entire brackets were revealed during the June 19 edition of AEW Dynamite. While many joked about Jeff Jarrett’s inclusion and the “Wild Card” that’s obviously going to defeat him, the women’s division did not have any gaps. Willow Nightingale will take on Serena Deeb. Deonna Purrazzo battles Hikaru Shida. Kris Statlander defeated Nyla Rose. Mariah May versus Saraya. Four matches that feature women who have been champions at some point in their careers. This bracket didn’t need a wild card because the depth was already there.

Looking at this bracket, each of these first-round matches has the potential to be a Match of the Year candidate for the women’s division. Not only is there an overwhelming amount of in-ring talent here, there are several stories to tell along the way. Nightingale and Statlander will potentially meet in the first round if Nightingale gets past Deeb. That will further their angle surrounding who will chase the TBS Championship.

May versus Saraya is another angle that is going to lead to some interactions around the AEW Women’s World Championship. Plus, there are thoughts that this is the catalyst that will lead to May finally splitting from Toni Storm. There’s more at stake than just the Owen Hart Cup itself.

Fans can also expect some type of interaction between Purrazzo and Thunder Rosa as their feud continues.

As much as Tony Khan loves to book tournaments, they don’t always hit as an opportunity to elevate the participants. There have been exceptions to the rule, see the AEW Continental Classic for example. But this iteration of the Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament has the makings to be the best showcase of the women’s division to date, while also putting the spotlight on several stories along the way.