An AEW original, Nyla Rose, has been signed with the company. Yet she’s rarely featured on televised products such as Dynamite or Collision, let alone AEW’s PPV events. In fact, the last time she had a match was in November 2024. That’s approximately 9 months.
Rose is beloved by AEW fans. Partially because she’s endeared herself via a hilarious social media presence, particularly by tormenting Serpentico. Of course, that’s far from where her qualities end. In the ring, she’s quite adept, fully understanding what’s expected of a powerhouse brawler such as herself.
So, what gives? Well, I’ve got a hunch what gives. As she focuses more on AEW’s dark matches and bouts on the independent circuit, it seems as though the shifting winds of politics and the influence it has on the public consciousness may have a part to play. Yet, her simply existing isn’t politics. She shouldn’t have to fall to the wayside because of the ignorance of others. Nyla Rose has a place on the AEW roster, and shouldn’t be obscured from it.
Nyla Rose Retrospective
Signed in February 2019, Rose would debut at its inaugural Double or Nothing event against Britt Baker, Kylie Rae, and the surprise appearance of Awesome Kong—the first transgender wrestler to sign with a major United States wrestling promotion. Quickly established as a heel, Rose made history in facing Riho for the opportunity of becoming the first AEW Women’s World Champion. While she lost the bout, she later won it from Riho in February 2020, another historical milestone.
Undeterred, she gained the infamous Vickie Guerrero as her manager and soldiered on. Facing talents like Tay Conti, Kris Statlander, and Thunder Rosa, she’d be joined by Marina Shafir in tag team action. Rose even shared some of her goofy side when she’d feud with Jade Cargill in 2022 after stealing the latter’s TBS Championship and running off like a chaos gremlin. This resulted in an unpopular Full Gear match, one of which I’ve seen people praise Rose as the match’s main high point.
In the years since, however, her appearances grew sporadic. Sure, she’d wrestle Saraya, Mercedes Mone, and Mariah May, but little else. Unfortunately, she also would interact with Harley Cameron before she rose to stardom in the promotion. From a year-one signing and standout during the COVID-19 Quarantine Era at Daily’s Place, it’s frustrating to see how far her presence has diminished.
Why Nyla Rose Should Return to AEW TV
When asking anyone why they’d like The Native Beast in the ring, they’ll point to how she’s a believable juggernaut while protecting her opponents. It’s a quality that made wrestlers like Big Show, Aja Kong, Awesome Kong, and Yokozuna safe people to work with. There’s a magic to that—leave everything looking as devastating as possible, while allowing the competitor to fight for a chance, for a spirited underdog victory or an easy heel way out. If positioned properly on the card and in storylines, she’d quickly regain that inexorable, unstoppable aura.
Moreover, her social media wit and candor translate well. That zany title chase she had with Jade Cargill in 2022 is but one example. Recently, nonetheless, she still held that energy when she caught Mercedes Mone mid-attempt in a Tornado-DDT, to yell, “Have you lost your mind?!” before laying out the CEO.
That’s the way Nyla Rose should be presented. Her authentic self. She’s goofy, and combining that with her size and strength, she’d be a top comedic act in the women’s division, alongside Harley Cameron, Toni Storm, or Mina Shirakawa. Just like them, too, = Rose also brings something else aside from comedy.
Most importantly, letting Nyla Rose do what Nyla Rose does best would send a message. One that proclaims that just because the zeitgeist has shifted, it doesn’t mean everyone must follow. That anyone would have a place so long as they bring their best. It’s “where the best wrestle”, not “whoever we can allow to not upset others.” (Okay, that was a stretch, but you know where I was going.)
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Ways Nyla Rose Could Be Used
The American Kaiju has six years of history under the Tony Khan-owned company. She’s made history on more than a few occasions. The women of the roster work well with her, if not outright serving as a compelling foil for her. With Riho back, it’s plausible the pair could run things back. Or she could banter with Toni Storm ahead of a pay-per-view. With fans behind Harley Cameron, slotting Rose into her segments may increase the laughs. I actually would love to see them compete to make the other break on camera.
Furthermore, if the audience wants some “meat slapping meat” action in the women’s division, there are more options. Megan Bayne is one such person. World Wonder Ring Stardom’s Bozilla is another. And Nyla could easily run it back with Kris Statlander or Willow Nightingale. Marina Shafir of the Death Riders, part of Rose’s past, has potential. Whether it’s joining the Death Riders or opposing Shafir, a sprinkle of Rose may bring some flavor to the storyline.
Ultimately, Rose is an excellent gatekeeper. As women such as Mina Shirakawa, Queen Aminata, and Thekla bring hard-hitting strikes to the roster, Nyla could be that boss-level talent to test their mettle.
One touch I’d particularly like to see if she were to return to TV is her current belt. The EVE Champion, to be exact. Imagine her carrying that, showing her title holder potential.
Final Thoughts
I understand that Tony Khan would have a hard time finding a place to allow Nyla to ply her craft. After all, Oklahoma provided enough trouble when AEW Holiday Bash rolled around. When they censured the episode featuring her based on state laws regarding trans athletes in sport, Khan did stand up for her, though. He expressed his support for her and trans rights. I’m hoping this incident isn’t what has affected her screentime as of late. To date, the only AEW-related matches she’s had this year were on the Jericho Cruise. That needs to change.
Not only would her inclusion on television help her out, but it would add depth to the program. The women’s division can’t rely on Toni Storm, Mercedes Mone, or Athena forever.
I say this, having struggled to be invested in Nyla Rose the first few years of AEW. To me, she was a bland powerhouse, like she hid who she was. As the years rolled by, she integrated her personality, and as a result, I grew interested. I wanted to see the authenticity of her, especially when I saw her silly side on social media. She’s a thick-skinned and unstoppable badass, but she’s also funny.
Moreover, she’s got acting chops courtesy of starring in the Canadian TV show, The Switch. She’s also applied her creative side in co-writing a Marvel Comic in Giant Size X-Men: Thunderbird.
Nyla Rose isn’t a one-trick pony. She’s a Native Beast of many facets. The fans love her and miss her for it.
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Header photo – AEW – Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on Nyla Rose and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world. As well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. You can catch AEW Dynamite on Wednesday nights at 8 PM ET on TBS. AEW Collision airs Saturday at 8 pm Eastern on TNT. More AEW content available on their YouTube
