Athena retained her ROH Women’s World Championship at ROH Death Before Dishonor 2026 by defeating Hazuki. However, her victory did not come without a scare.
The over half an hour long match saw Athena retain with the help of Billie Starkz and Diamante and eventually hitting the O-Face and picking up the win.
In a response to a video shared on X of someone telling Athena to “get up” as she lay face down outside the ring midway through her match, and appeared to show either Starkz yell back “give my babe a minute, she’s had a long night, please”.
Athena took to X to respond to that post and explain why she needed a minute.
In the post on X Athena revealed that she “had an asthma attack mid match.”
The asthma attack took place after Hazuki reversed a power bomb attempt by Athena, which saw Hazuki land on Athena’s chest.
This medical scare however did not stop Athena from picking up the win and continuing her record setting title reign.
Throughout the match, Athena pulled off some high risk spots, including a suicide dive O-Face, which demanded even more from Athena than a thirty minute match usually would.
Athena also gave “A major thank you to AEW [and] Ring of Honor staff for the quick response…keeping the Forever ROH Champ in peak condition.”
Athena, the 37 year old wrestler, lives up to the Forever Champion name. She is currently in the midst of a 1,351 day title reign, even longer than Roman Reigns’ unforgettable 1,316 day reign as WWE Universal Champion.
Athena, seemingly back to normal, looks to continue that title reign as long as possible.
Yeah…. so ….had an asthma attack mid match…. glad my minions had my back!!! A major thank you to @aew @ringofhonor staff for the quick response… keeping the #ForeverROHChamp in peak condition https://t.co/XSIT90wYV7
— Athena is ROH & All Elite! (@AthenaPalmer_FG) August 22, 2026
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