Kris Statlander’s AEW Women’s championship reign got everything it needed at the closing moments of Dynamite, and it was a sign of so much more to come for the division.

After pinning “Timeless” Toni Storm for a stunning win at All Out to claim the title for the first time in her career, Statlander needed something to infuse some audience emotion that she could ride beyond the joy of the singular victory.

Give AEW credit for already having that story being crafted for months, with the possibility of her joining the Death Riders thanks to help from former friend Wheeler Yuta.

Statlander and the group executed what came next flawlessly after her first title defense on Wednesday’s Dynamite to create a scene no one else in the division has been given in six years.

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