Adrienne Reese (born August 31, 1988) is an American

professional wrestler Professional wrestling is a form of theater that revolves around staged wrestling matches. The mock combat is performed in a ring similar to the kind used in boxing, and the dramatic aspects of pro wrestling may be performed both in the ring o ...

currently signed to

All Elite Wrestling All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is an American professional wrestling promotion based in Jacksonville, Florida. It is considered the second largest wrestling promotion in the United States behind WWE. AEW is owned by Shahid Khan and his son Tony, ...

(AEW) under the ring name Athena. She also appears in AEW's sister promotion

Ring of Honor Ring of Honor (ROH) is an American professional wrestling promotion based in Jacksonville, Florida. The promotion was founded by Rob Feinstein on February 23, 2002, and was operated by Cary Silkin from 2004 until 2011, when the promotion was s ...

(ROH), where she is the current ROH Women's World Champion in her first reign. Prior to AEW/ROH, she wrestled in WWE, where she worked under the name Ember Moon. While in their

developmental territory In sports, a farm team, farm system, feeder team, feeder club, or nursery club is generally a team or club whose role is to provide experience and training for young players, with an agreement that any successful players can move on to a highe ...

NXT NXT may refer to: Professional wrestling * ''WWE NXT'', a professional wrestling television program produced by WWE that began in 2010 ** NXT (WWE brand), WWE's Florida-based brand and former developmental territory * ''NXT UK'', the British spin- ...

, she held the NXT Women's Championship and NXT Women's Tag Team Championship, being the first to have held both titles. Before going to WWE, she wrestled on the

independent circuit In professional wrestling, the independent circuit or indie circuit is the collective noun, collective name of independent professional wrestling promotions which are smaller than major televised promotions. It is roughly analogous to a minor lea ...

as Athena for promotions such as Shimmer Women Athletes, Women Superstars Uncensored, and Anarchy Championship Wrestling, for which she is a three-time ACW American Joshi Champion.

Early life

Reese was born in Garland, Texas on August 31, 1988. She attended Lakeview Centennial High School where she played tennis and softball as well as participating in the school's chess club and the mathlete program. During her time in high school, Reese was maliciously bullied by her peers for her interests in video games and wrestling. When Reese was a younger child, she was introduced to wrestling by her grandfather during her visits to his house in the summer watching WWF's '' Raw is War'' or '' SmackDown!''.

Professional wrestling career

Early career (2007–2015)

Reese was first introduced to professional wrestling by her grandfather, and she began training under Skandor Akbar in April 2007. She later trained at

Booker T Booker T or Booker T. may refer to * Booker T. Washington (1856–1915), African American political leader at the turn of the 20th century ** List of things named after Booker T. Washington, some nicknamed "Booker T." * Booker T. Jones (born 1944 ...

's Pro Wrestling Alliance (now named Reality of Wrestling) based in

Houston Houston (; ) is the most populous city in Texas, the most populous city in the Southern United States, the fourth-most populous city in the United States, and the sixth-most populous city in North America, with a population of 2,304,580 ...

Texas Texas (, ; Spanish: ''Texas'', ''Tejas'') is a state in the South Central region of the United States. At 268,596 square miles (695,662 km2), and with more than 29.1 million residents in 2020, it is the second-largest U.S. state by ...

, and began wrestling as Trouble in 2007 and later, Athena. Athena also wrestled for various other Texas-based promotions, most notably Anarchy Championship Wrestling (ACW), based in

Austin Austin is the capital city of the U.S. state of Texas, as well as the seat and largest city of Travis County, with portions extending into Hays and Williamson counties. Incorporated on December 27, 1839, it is the 11th-most-populous city ...

where she won the women's title, ACW American Joshi Championship three times, as well the ACW Television Championship. From 2010 to 2015, she also worked for the all-female promotions Shimmer Women Athletes and Women Superstars Uncensored. Between 2013 and 2015, Reese worked for

as part of a stable by the name of Team RnB alongside A.C.H. who joined TaDarius Thomas and then the two became a ROH tag team by the name of Adrenaline Rush consisting of A.C.H and TaDarius Thomas only.

WWE (2015–2021)

NXT (2015–2018)

Ember Moon NXT Women's Championship crop

In September 2015 Reese signed a contract with WWE, and was assigned to their

. She wrestled as Adrien Reese or Adrienne Reese from October 2015 until June 2016, when her name was changed to Ember Moon. After a series of introductory vignettes, Moon made her television debut at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn II, defeating

Billie Kay Jessica McKay (born 23 June 1989) is an Australian professional wrestler. She is best known for her time in WWE, where she performed under the ring name Billie Kay and for her time in Impact Wrestling, where she competed as Jessie McKay. In Jun ...

. Throughout the following months, Ember Moon went on a winning streak both in tag team and singles matches until losing to

NXT Women's Champion The NXT Women's Championship is a women's professional wrestling championship created and promoted by the American promotion WWE. It is defended on the NXT brand division, the promotion's developmental territory. Introduced on April 5, 2013, ...

Asuka at NXT TakeOver: Orlando on April 1. In May Moon sustained a shoulder injury after being thrown out of the ring by Asuka. After she returned on June, she faced Asuka again for the championship at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III, but was once again defeated. In August, Asuka had to vacate the NXT Women's Championship due to an injury. On November 18, Moon won the vacant NXT Women's Championship in a fatal-four way match, defeating Royce,

Nikki Cross Nicola Glencross (born 21 April 1989) is a Scottish professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, where she performs on the Raw brand under the ring name Nikki Cross. She is a one-time WWE Raw Women's Champion, three-time WWE Women's Tag Tea ...

, and Kairi Sane. As champion, Moon held the title for 140 days, feuding with Shayna Baszler. At NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia, Moon retained her title against her, but lost it at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans.

Main roster (2018–2020)

Reese first appearance on the main roster happened at 2018 Royal Rumble, where she participated in the first women's Royal Rumble match. After losing the NXT Women's Title, she was promoted to the main roster. At Money in the Bank, she participated in the

Money in the Bank ladder match The Money in the Bank ladder match is a multi-person ladder match held by the professional wrestling promotion WWE. First contested at WWE's annual WrestleMania event beginning in 2005, a separate Money in the Bank pay-per-view was establish ...

, but failed to win the briefcase. At WWE Evolution she participated in a battle royal and was the last participant eliminated by Nia Jax. At the 2019

Royal Rumble The Royal Rumble is a professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming List of WWE pay-per-view and WWE Network events, event, produced annually since 1988 by WWE, the world's largest professional wrestling promotion. It is named afte ...

event, Moon participated in the women's Royal Rumble match, entering at number six and lasting 52 minutes before being eliminated by

Alexa Bliss Alexis Cabrera (née Kaufman; born August 9, 1991) is an American professional wrestler. She is currently signed to WWE, where she performs on the Raw brand under the ring name Alexa Bliss. In 2013, Bliss signed a contract with WWE and was a ...

. During the match, she suffered an injured elbow requiring surgery, keeping her out of action. She returned at

WrestleMania 35 WrestleMania 35 was the 35th annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view and livestreaming event produced by WWE. It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's Raw, SmackDown, and 205 Live brand divisions. The event took place ...

in the WrestleMania Women's Battle Royal, from which she was eliminated by Lana. During the 2019 WWE Superstar Shake-up, Moon was moved to the

SmackDown brand SmackDown is a brand of the American professional wrestling promotion WWE that was established on March 25, 2002. Brands are divisions of WWE's roster where wrestlers are assigned to perform on a weekly basis when a brand extension is in effect ...

. In June, she participated in her second

but was unsuccessful. Throughout June and July, Moon feuded with Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville, who bullied her. After losing singles matches to both Deville and Rose on the June 25 and the July 2 episodes of '' SmackDown'', respectively, Moon teamed up with SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley to defeat Rose and Deville on the July 16 episode, ending the feud. After the match, Bayley picked Moon as her challenger for SummerSlam. However, Moon lost the match and started a losing streak, going winless in five straight televised matches. Moon would then suffer an ankle injury, and she was not in either of the draft pools for the

2019 WWE Draft The 2019 WWE Draft was the fourteenth WWE Draft produced by the American professional wrestling promotion WWE between their Raw and SmackDown brands. Returning to its original name (the "WWE Draft") and a traditional draft format, it was the se ...

in October. She appeared on the November 19 episode of ''

WWE Backstage ''WWE Backstage'' is a professional wrestling studio show that was broadcast live every Tuesday night at 11:00 PM EST on FS1. The show was hosted by Renee Paquette and Booker T. The show premiered on November 5, 2019 with special preview episode ...

'' as an analyst and stated she would be out of action for an indefinite period of time.

Return to NXT (2020–2021)

Resse was assigned back to NXT, where she came back with a new character. In September 2020, vignettes advertising a mysterious figure on a motorcycle appeared on

on consecutive weeks. The mystery figure took off her helmet and it turned out to be Moon at NXT TakeOver 31. She worked as a tag team with Shotzi Blackheart, participating in the first ever women's

Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic is an annual professional wrestling tag team tournament held by the American promotion WWE, and is featured on its NXT brand, having first been established in 2015. In subsequent years, wrestlers from the NXT UK a ...

, where they lost to Dakota Kai and Raquel González in the finals. They won the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship on March 10 when they defeated Kai and González. Despite they retained the titles at NXT Takeover: Stand & Deliver against The Way (

Candice LeRae Candice LeRae Gargano (''née'' Dawson; born September 29, 1985) is an American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, where she performs on the Raw brand. She is a former NXT Women's Tag Team Champion and was a member of The Way. LeR ...

and Indi Hartwell), they lost it agaist them on the May 4 episode of ''NXT'' in a Street Fight, ending their reign at 55 days. At NXT TakeOver: In Your House, Moon challenged Raquel González for the NXT Women's Championship but was defeated. On November 4, Reese was released from her contract along with various other superstars, ending her six-year tenure with the company.

Return to the independent circuit (2022)

Reese, now going by her old ring name Athena, would challenge Thunder Rosa for the Warrior Wrestling Women's Championship on February 12. At the event, Rosa retained the title after the two wrestled to a 30-minute draw.

All Elite Wrestling (2022–present)

Athena made her first

appearance on May 29, 2022 at

Double or Nothing Double or nothing (UK often double or quits) is a gamble to decide whether a loss or debt should be doubled. The result of a "double or nothing" bet is either the subject doubled to twice the amount as the original ''or'' the doubling of a debt. It ...

. She appeared at the end of Jade Cargill's match, coming to the aid of

Anna Jay Anna Marie Jernigan (born July 15, 1998), better known by the ring name Anna Jay, is an American professional wrestler. She is signed to All Elite Wrestling, where she is a member of the Jericho Appreciation Society stable. Professional wrestl ...

and Kris Statlander. On the June 3, 2022 episode of '' AEW Rampage'', Athena wrestled in her debut AEW match against Kiera Hogan, winning via pinfall. On September 4, at All Out, Athena challenged Cargill for the

AEW TBS Championship The AEW TBS Championship is a women's professional wrestling television championship created and promoted by the American promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Established on October 6, 2021, it is the secondary championship of the promotion's fe ...

, but was unsuccessful. On September 21, at '' Grand Slam'', Athena challenged the interim

AEW Women's World Champion The AEW Women's World Championship is a women's professional wrestling world championship created and promoted by the American promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Established on June 18, 2019, the inaugural champion was Riho. The current champio ...

Toni Storm in a four-way match which also invovled

Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. Brittany Baker (born April 23, 1991) is an American professional wrestler and dentist. She is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where she performs under the ring name Britt Baker where she is a former AEW Women's World Champion. Born in Punxsu ...

and Serena Deeb, which ended with Storm retaining the title.

Return to Ring of Honor (2022–present)

On the November 18, 2022, episode of ''Rampage'', after pinning

Madison Rayne Ashley Nichole Lomberger (née Simmons; born February 5, 1986) is an American professional wrestler currently signed to All Elite Wrestling under the ring name Madison Rayne, where she is also the coach of the women's division. She is best know ...

, Athena attacked referee

Aubrey Edwards Brittany Aubert (born March 9, 1987), better known by the ring name Aubrey Edwards, is an American video game developer and professional wrestling referee currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). She is also the promotion's project coord ...

, thus turning heel only for a returning Mercedes Martinez to make a save. Since AEW President Tony Khan also owns

(ROH), Athena faced Martinez at ROH's event

Final Battle Final Battle is a professional wrestling event, held annually by the Ring of Honor promotion. The event was initially held in 2002, and is traditionally ROH's last show in the calendar year. The 2009 edition of the show was ROH's first internet ...

, which took place on December 10, where she won the

ROH Women's World Championship The ROH Women's World Championship is a women's professional wrestling world championship created and promoted by the American professional wrestling promotion Ring of Honor (ROH). The current champion is Athena, who is in her first reign. Histo ...

Personal life

Reese is married to fellow professional wrestler, Matthew Palmer. She is a fan of comic books and the 1960s

Batman Batman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on March 30, 1939. I ...

television series starring Adam West. Reese cited

Eddie Guerrero Eduardo Gory Guerrero Llanes (October 9, 1967 – November 13, 2005) was an American professional wrestler. He was a prominent member of the Guerrero wrestling family, being the son of first-generation wrestler Gory Guerrero. Eddie Guerrero ...

, Victoria,

Trish Stratus Patricia Anne Stratigeas (; born December 18, 1975) better known by the ring name Trish Stratus is a Canadian professional wrestler, actress and yoga instructor. She is currently signed to WWE. Often regarded as one of the greatest Women's Pe ...

, Lita,

Taka Michinoku (born October 26, 1973), better known by his ring name (with his first name usually stylized in all capital letters), is a Japanese professional wrestler and former mixed martial artist. Michinoku is known in North America for his work for ...

Funaki Funaki (written: 船木) is a Japanese surname. Notable people with the surname include: *Kazuyoshi Funaki (born 1975), Olympic ski jumper * Mari Funaki (1950–2010), Australian contemporary jeweller, designer, metal-smith and sculptor * Masakatsu ...

, Rikishi, Too Cool, The Rock,

Kurt Angle Kurt Steven Angle (born December 9, 1968) is an American retired professional wrestler, Olympic gold medalist in American freestyle wrestling, and former collegiate wrestler. He is best known for his tenures in WWE and Total Nonstop Action ...

and Beth Phoenix as her influences.

Championships and accomplishments

* Absolute Intense Wrestling ** AIW Women's Championship (2 times) **

ACW American Joshi Championship The Anarchy Championship Wrestling (ACW) American Joshi Championship is a women's professional wrestling title in American independent promotion Anarchy Championship Wrestling (ACW). Portia Perez Jenna Grattan (born October 26, 1987) is a Ca ...

(3 times) ** ACW Televised Championship (1 time) ** ACW Queen of Queens Tournament (2012) * Pro Wrestling Alliance ** PWA Women's Championship (1 time) * ''

Pro Wrestling Illustrated ''Pro Wrestling Illustrated'' (''PWI'') is an American internationally sold professional wrestling magazine that was founded in 1979 by publisher Stanley Weston. ''PWI'' is headquartered in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, and published by Kappa Publi ...

'' ** Ranked 18 of the top 50 female wrestlers in the ''

PWI Female 50 ''Pro Wrestling Illustrated'' (''PWI'') is an American internationally sold professional wrestling magazine that was founded in 1979 by publisher Stanley Weston. ''PWI'' is headquartered in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, and published by Kappa Publishi ...

'' in 2017 * Women Superstars Uncensored /

Combat Zone Wrestling Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) is an American independent wrestling promotion. In 1998, John Zandig and five of his students, Ric Blade, T.C.K, Lobo, Nick Gage and Justice Pain, along with trainer Jon Dahmer, began to run professional wrestling ...

** Queen and King of the Ring (

2013 File:2013 Events Collage V2.png, From left, clockwise: Edward Snowden becomes internationally famous for leaking classified NSA wiretapping information; Typhoon Haiyan kills over 6,000 in the Philippines and Southeast Asia; The Dhaka garment fa ...

) – with A. R. Fox *

( 1 time, current) * WWE ** NXT Women's Championship ( 1 time) ** NXT Women's Tag Team Championship ( 1 time) – with Shotzi Blackheart * Warrior Wrestling ** Warrior Wrestling Women's Championship (1 time, current)

References

External links

* * * * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Athena 1988 births African-American female professional wrestlers All Elite Wrestling personnel American female professional wrestlers Living people People from Garland, Texas Professional wrestlers from Texas NXT Women's Tag Team Champions NXT Women's Champions 21st-century African-American sportspeople 21st-century African-American women 20th-century African-American people 20th-century African-American women Sportspeople from the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex 21st-century professional wrestlers