AEW’s AQA stepping away from pro wrestling

A member of the AEW women’s division has announced that they’re stepping away from professional wrestling.

In a statement posted on Monday morning, AQA announced that she is stepping away from pro wrestling “for the immediate future.” AQA wrote that, for the past few years, she hasn’t been in a great place with wrestling both mentally and physically. AQA noted that she tried to keep pushing through that because she didn’t want to look weak, but it only sucked the fun out of every opportunity she had.

AQA thanked AEW for granting her this time to step away. She wrote that she hopes she’ll be able to reflect deeply during this time and see what path is best for her.

AQA’s full statement is available below:

I want to take this time to say thank you to anyone who has ever cheered for me, supported me, bought merch, had me on your podcast or wrote an article about me. Those who sent loving messages, made fan art, gave me a hug during a meet & greet, or a high-five on my way to and from the ring. Promoters who booked me, opponents that stood across from me, and my trainers for teaching me everything I know for I wouldn’t have made it this far without all of you.

At this time, I have decided to step away from professional wrestling for the immediate future. For the past few years, both mentally and physically, I have not been in a great place with wrestling, and silly me, I kept pushing through because I didn’t want to be seen as weak, but it only sucked the fun out of every opportunity I had. I hope during this time I’ll be able to reflect deeply and see what path is best for me.

Thank you AEW for granting me this time.

Until I see you all again, much love.

Three months after being released by WWE, the 25-year-old AQA made her AEW debut this February. It was announced after her debut that she had officially signed with AEW.

AQA was formerly known as Zayda Ramier in NXT. She was released by WWE last November after being medically disqualified from competing. AQA was told she was okay to wrestle, but WWE couldn’t clear her because they couldn’t figure out why she felt hot, shaky, jittery, and like she was going to pass out while training at the WWE Performance Center one day.

AQA had seven matches for AEW, most recently competing at an AEW Dark taping last month. She also wrestled at ROH Supercard of Honor this April, defeating Miranda Alize on the pre-show.

AEW wanted to book AQA vs. Ruby Soho in a women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament qualifying match in April, but Tony Khan stated that he wasn’t able to get AQA into the mix because she had been sick. 

AQA was trained by Booker T and was a two-time women’s champion for his Reality of Wrestling promotion. In the ring, AQA has been best known for her Shooting Star Press.