Kris Statlander
Kris Statlander (born August 7, 1995) is an American professional wrestler and former stuntwoman currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where she performs on the Dynamite brand as the reigning AEW Women's World Champion in her first reign.[1][2][3] Born in West Islip, New York, Statlander began her wrestling career after working as a stunt double, training at the Create A Pro Wrestling Academy under Pat Buck and debuting professionally in 2017 on the independent circuit.[4][5] Statlander joined AEW in late 2019, making her television debut on the November 20 episode of AEW Dark in a tag team match alongside Big Swole against Riho and Britt Baker.[1] Over the years, she has become a key figure in the AEW women's division, known for her athleticism and powerhouse style, and was sidelined by an ACL injury in 2020 before returning stronger.[6] Her career highlights include winning the AEW TBS Championship in 2023 by defeating Jade Cargill and ending her undefeated streak after 60 matches.[7] In 2025, Statlander achieved a major milestone by capturing the AEW Women's World Championship on September 20 at All Out in Toronto, defeating "Timeless" Toni Storm, Jamie Hayter, and Thekla in a fatal four-way match to become the first woman in AEW history to win both the Women's World and TBS titles.[8][9] She successfully defended the title against Storm in a one-on-one match at WrestleDream on October 18, and participated as champion in the first Women's Blood & Guts match on November 12, solidifying her status as a top contender in the promotion.[10][11] Statlander has also competed internationally, capturing the EVE International Championship in July 2025 at Pro Wrestling EVE's Mean Grrrls event.[12]Early life
Family and upbringing
Kristen Stadtlander, known professionally as Kris Statlander, was born on August 7, 1995, in West Islip, a suburb on Long Island, New York.[13] She grew up in a family where her father worked as a car mechanic and co-owner of an auto repair business, while her mother served as a high school music teacher.[14][15] Statlander has an older sister, and the family environment emphasized practical skills and creativity, though she was not an avid wrestling fan during her childhood, with her interest in the sport developing later in life through unexpected circumstances.[15][16]Pre-wrestling pursuits
Prior to entering professional wrestling, Statlander attended the New York College of Health Professions for one year before dropping out.[14] She subsequently trained as a stunt double at Hollywood Stunts in Brooklyn, New York, where she gained experience in performing high-risk physical feats for film and television productions.[14][16] During this period, Statlander worked professionally as a stunt double, though financial limitations prevented her from joining the SAG-AFTRA union, which would have provided additional benefits and protections.[17] Her stunt training honed essential athletic skills, including rigorous physical conditioning, coordination, and performance under pressure, laying a foundation for her later endeavors.[16]Professional wrestling career
Independent circuit (2016–2019)
Statlander began her professional wrestling training in 2016 under Pat Buck and Curt Hawkins at the Create A Pro Wrestling Academy in Hicksville, New York, where she became the first female graduate of the program. Her background as a professional stunt double provided a strong athletic foundation, enabling her to quickly adapt to the physical demands of wrestling and incorporate high-flying maneuvers into her style during her early matches.[16][18] She made her in-ring debut on November 17, 2016, wrestling under the ring name Liza Verio at a Create A Pro Wrestling event, where she lost to Izzy McKenna. Transitioning to her real name, Statlander began regular competition in New York-area promotions in April 2017, with her first match on April 29 challenging Karen Q for the Victory Pro Wrestling Women's Championship. Over the next two years, she built her record on the independent scene, competing in dozens of bouts across the Northeast and refining her versatile style that blended power, agility, and aerial offense.[19][20] Statlander appeared for several prominent independent promotions, including Beyond Wrestling, where she participated in intergender and women's matches that showcased her athleticism; Women's Wrestling Revolution (WWR), highlighting her technical skills; and Shimmer Women Athletes, debuting on April 5, 2019, at SHIMMER Volume 113 in Woodside, New York. Among her notable achievements, she won the NYWC Starlet Championship on February 23, 2019, by last eliminating Willow Nightingale in a multi-woman Psycho Circus elimination match at New York Wrestling Connection's event in Deer Park, New York, holding the title until April 2019. She also captured the WSU Spirit Championship on March 2, 2019, defeating Jordynne Grace at a Combat Zone Wrestling show, marking her first singles title on the circuit and demonstrating her rising prominence before transitioning to larger platforms.[21][22][23][19]Debut in AEW and Best Friends (2019–2022)
Kris Statlander signed a contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in December 2019, after making initial appearances on the company's YouTube program AEW Dark. Her official television debut occurred on the January 8, 2020, episode of AEW Dynamite, where she challenged AEW Women's World Champion Riho in a non-title match, showcasing her athletic style and earning a strong reception despite the loss. Statlander quickly established herself in the women's division with victories in subsequent matches, including a notable win over Penelope Ford at the Double or Nothing pay-per-view event in May 2020, highlighting her rising momentum in the promotion.[24][25][26] Throughout 2020 and early 2021, Statlander embraced her established "alien" persona from the independent circuit, billed as the "Galaxy's Greatest Alien" from the Andromeda Galaxy, complete with cosmic-themed attire and eccentric, character-driven segments that blended humor and intensity to engage audiences. This gimmick added a unique layer to her matches, often incorporating awkward mannerisms and interstellar references that differentiated her in AEW's roster. Her mid-card achievements included competitive bouts in multi-woman matches, such as a fatal four-way on Dynamite in March 2020 against Penelope Ford, Hikaru Shida, and Britt Baker, solidifying her as a reliable performer in the division.[27] In April 2021, Statlander joined the Best Friends stable, aligning with core members Chuck Taylor, Trent Beretta, and Orange Cassidy to form an extended group known for its quirky camaraderie and tag team dynamics. The alliance emphasized friendship-themed storylines, with Statlander participating in mixed-gender and women's tag team contests that highlighted the stable's playful yet effective teamwork, such as teaming with Tay Conti against The Bunny and Madi Wrenkowski on AEW Dark: Elevation in July 2021. Key rivalries during this period included a singles feud with The Bunny, culminating in a Dynamite match on June 26, 2021, where Statlander emerged victorious via submission, advancing her standing within the group.[28][29][30] Statlander's tag team activities with Best Friends extended into late 2021, featuring representative bouts that underscored the stable's influence, including alliances in multi-team skirmishes against opponents like The Bunny's associates. By early 2022, she engaged in a heated feud with former ally Red Velvet, tied to broader conflicts involving the Baddies faction, resulting in intense matches on AEW Rampage in May and June 2022, where Statlander secured wins that emphasized her evolving role beyond the stable. The phase concluded in mid-2022 with creative shifts in AEW's booking, leading to Statlander's departure from Best Friends amid changing storylines and group dynamics.[31][32][33]Injury and recovery (2022–2023)
In August 2022, during a match on an episode of AEW Dark against Kiera Hogan, Kris Statlander suffered a severe injury to her right knee, tearing her ACL and lateral meniscus along with associated fractures in the tibial and femoral heads.[34] This marked her second major knee injury, following a left ACL tear in June 2020 that had previously sidelined her for nearly nine months.[35] Statlander underwent successful surgery in September 2022 to repair the damage, with medical professionals estimating a recovery timeline of six to eight months.[36] Her rehabilitation process involved rigorous physical therapy focused on rebuilding strength, mobility, and confidence in the injured leg, allowing her to return to light training ahead of schedule by early 2023.[34] Beyond the physical demands, Statlander openly discussed the mental challenges of her absence, including the frustration of being labeled injury-prone and the isolation of watching her peers compete while she focused on daily recovery milestones. In a June 2023 interview, she reflected on these struggles, stating, "I learned that I’m a lot stronger than I thought I was... I learned that I can be down, but I’m not out."[37] These experiences tested her resilience but ultimately reinforced her determination to reclaim her place in the ring. Statlander marked her return to in-ring action at AEW's Double or Nothing event on May 28, 2023, making a surprise appearance to confront TBS Champion Jade Cargill immediately after Cargill's successful defense in an open challenge.[38] This unannounced comeback not only highlighted her physical recovery but also introduced a noticeable evolution in her presentation, shifting from her longstanding alien-inspired persona to a more grounded, intense demeanor that conveyed a darker edge.[39] In the weeks following her return, Statlander reintegrated into the AEW women's division through high-profile confrontations and matches that emphasized her renewed aggression and technical prowess, including early storylines intersecting with rising competitors like Julia Hart.[40] These initial engagements underscored her role in elevating ongoing narratives while demonstrating the full extent of her rehabilitation success.[41]TBS Championship era (2023–2024)
Following her return from injury at AEW Double or Nothing on May 28, 2023, Kris Statlander answered an open challenge issued by then-TBS Champion Jade Cargill and defeated her in an impromptu match to win the title, ending Cargill's undefeated streak of 60-0.[40][42][7] Statlander's victory came via her finishing move, the Friday Night Fever, marking her first championship in All Elite Wrestling and establishing her as a dominant force in the women's division.[43] Statlander's reign lasted 174 days, during which she made several high-profile defenses to solidify her status as champion.[7] Notable victories included retaining against Ruby Soho at All Out on September 3, 2023, in a hard-fought match that highlighted Statlander's resilience with a decisive Saturday Night Fever.[44] She also defended successfully against Britt Baker on September 16, 2023, on AEW Collision, overcoming the former champion in a 12-minute bout praised for its intensity.[45] Further defenses came against Skye Blue on October 14, 2023, on AEW Collision, where Statlander showcased her power to secure the win. The budding alliance between Statlander and Willow Nightingale began to take shape during the latter stages of her championship run, evolving from mutual respect into a key storyline. On October 21, 2023, at Battle of the Belts VIII, Statlander defended the TBS Championship against Nightingale in a competitive match, retaining via pinfall after a back-and-forth exchange that foreshadowed their future partnership. This defense underscored Nightingale's emergence as a top contender, setting the stage for deeper interactions. Statlander's reign concluded at Full Gear on November 18, 2023, in a triple threat match against Nightingale and Julia Hart, where Hart capitalized on the chaos to pin Statlander and claim the title.[46] The loss ended Statlander's dominant run but transitioned her into a supportive role alongside Nightingale, as the two formed a tag team alliance managed by Stokely Hathaway starting in late 2023.[47] This grouping initially thrived, with Statlander and Nightingale competing in tag matches and aiding each other in individual pursuits, including Nightingale's own path toward the TBS Championship. Tensions within the alliance simmered through early 2024, particularly involving Hathaway's manipulative influence. After Nightingale won the TBS Championship from Hart on April 21, 2024, at Dynasty, the group dynamics shifted during Nightingale's defenses.[7] The breaking point came at Double or Nothing on May 26, 2024, when Nightingale lost the title to Mercedes Moné; immediately afterward, Statlander betrayed her longtime ally with a vicious attack, aligning fully with Hathaway in a heel turn that dissolved their partnership.[48] Statlander justified the betrayal in subsequent promos, claiming it was necessary to elevate her career beyond Nightingale's shadow, while Hathaway positioned himself as her new strategist.[49] The fallout fueled a heated feud between Statlander and Nightingale throughout mid-2024, marked by personal animosity and physical confrontations. Statlander, now backed by Hathaway, mocked Nightingale's vulnerabilities in backstage segments, leading to rematches that intensified their rivalry. Their alliance's collapse highlighted Statlander's evolution into a more aggressive competitor, while interactions with Hathaway emphasized themes of opportunism and power plays in AEW's women's division.[47]AEW Women's World Champion (2025–present)
In early 2025, Statlander re-entered the AEW women's title contention by declaring her participation in the Owen Hart Foundation Women's Tournament alongside Thunder Rosa during the March 29 episode of Collision, positioning herself for high-stakes opportunities in the division.[50] She advanced by defeating Thunder Rosa in the quarterfinals on the April 9 episode of Dynamite but lost to Jamie Hayter in the semifinals on April 23. Building momentum through these tournament matches and subsequent key victories, Statlander earned a spot in the fatal four-way for the AEW Women's World Championship at All Out on September 20 in Toronto.[51][52][9] Earlier in July 2025, Statlander competed internationally for Pro Wrestling EVE, defeating Anita Vaughan on July 4 at the Mean Grrrls event to win the EVE International Championship, her first title outside AEW since 2019. She successfully defended the title against Nina Samuels on October 4 at EVE 139: Strong Women Style.[53][12] At All Out, Statlander achieved a stunning upset by defeating champion "Timeless" Toni Storm, Jamie Hayter, and Thekla to capture the AEW Women's World Championship, pinning Storm after a hard-fought battle that showcased her athletic prowess and resilience.[3] The victory, which made her the first woman in AEW history to hold both the TBS and Women's World titles, was hailed as a defining moment in her career, solidifying her transition to main-event status.[9] In the immediate aftermath, Statlander was approached by the dominant faction Death Riders, who sought to recruit her into their ranks.[54] On the September 24 episode of Dynamite, Statlander firmly rejected the Death Riders' offer, opting instead to forge her path as a solo champion and emphasizing her independence from faction politics.[55] This decision sparked emerging solo storylines, highlighting her determination to redefine her legacy without alliances, and drew internal praise for advancing her character development.[56] The rejection also intensified her rivalry with Storm, setting the stage for a high-profile rematch. Statlander successfully defended the title against Storm in their first one-on-one encounter at WrestleDream on October 18 in Seattle, retaining via pinfall after countering Storm's signature moves with her own technical and high-flying arsenal.[10] The match, praised for its intensity and storytelling, further validated Statlander's reign and her ability to headline major events.[57] Post-match, TBS Champion Mercedes Moné interrupted Statlander's celebration, issuing a challenge for a potential title clash at Full Gear, signaling new contenders on the horizon.[58] Throughout 2025, Statlander has described the year as her "Reformation Year" in multiple interviews, reflecting on it as a period of profound personal and professional growth where she focused on self-definition as a singles competitor rather than relying on past tag team associations. This mindset has fueled her championship run, with Statlander entering November 2025 as the reigning champion, defending her title against top challengers while navigating solo narratives amid speculation of upcoming defenses.[59]In wrestling
Style and moveset
Kris Statlander's in-ring style is characterized as an allrounder and high flyer, blending exceptional athleticism with raw power to create dynamic, high-impact matches. Her background as a professional stuntwoman has significantly influenced this approach, enabling her to execute physically demanding maneuvers with resilience and precision while emphasizing both agility and strength.[60][1] Among her signature moves are the Pele kick, German suplex, and roundhouse kicks, which highlight her versatility in striking and technical grappling. She frequently incorporates running knee strikes to target opponents' midsections, often setting up for larger offensive sequences that showcase her explosive speed. The Statlander Driver, a variation of the piledriver, serves as a key setup move in her arsenal, allowing her to transition seamlessly between high-flying and grounded offense.[61] Statlander's primary finishing move is the Big Bang Theory, a package tombstone piledriver that delivers a devastating impact from a lifted position. She also employs the Area 451, a 450° splash from the top rope, to cap off aerial exchanges with precision and flair. These finishers underscore her ability to combine technical execution with high-risk elements.[62][61] During her independent circuit days from 2017 to 2019, Statlander's moveset leaned heavily toward high-flying techniques, reflecting her early training and stunt influences. Upon joining All Elite Wrestling in 2019, her style evolved to incorporate more power-based offense, such as delayed suplexes and slams, enhancing her presence in the promotion's roster. Following her knee injury in 2022 and subsequent recovery by 2023, she maintained this balanced approach without major alterations to her core moveset, focusing instead on adaptive strength training to preserve her athletic output.[60][35]Persona
Kris Statlander adopted her "alien" persona upon joining All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in late 2019, portraying herself as an extraterrestrial known as the "Galaxy's Greatest Alien." This character featured quirky entrances involving spaceship props and promos delivered with awkward, otherworldly mannerisms to emphasize her eccentric style.[63] In interviews, Statlander has discussed her comfort with the gimmick as a means to express her uniqueness, explaining that it originated from her passion for science and perceptions of her as "different" throughout life. She stated, "I'm a little bit different... people have always looked at me like I'm a little bit weird or different," which naturally led to embracing an alien identity that allowed her to showcase her authentic self without conforming to traditional norms.[64] Following her return from a knee injury in 2023, Statlander shifted to a more serious and dominant heel character, moving away from the whimsical alien elements toward a portrayal focused on intensity and authority. She reflected on this evolution as a necessary step for growth, noting, "I just felt like it was time for me to try and grow... try something different," while aiming for a balanced persona that retained some fun but prioritized her competitive edge.[39][65] The progression of Statlander's gimmick has been regarded as innovative and memorable, with the alien persona's quirky creativity standing out in AEW's roster despite a divided fan response of roughly 50/50. This character development has enhanced her underdog champion narrative in 2025, where her resilience and emotional depth as AEW Women's World Champion have captivated audiences, turning past eccentricities into a foundation for inspiring, high-stakes storytelling.[39][66]Personal life
Relationships
Kris Statlander was in a long-term relationship with professional wrestler Mason Burnett, known by his ring name Caleb Konley, beginning in 2017. The couple supported each other's careers in the independent wrestling scene, including competing against one another in mixed-tag and singles matches, such as a 2019 bout at Limitless Wrestling where Statlander defeated Konley. During Statlander's recovery from a torn ACL in 2022, Konley provided emotional support, sharing updates on her successful knee surgery via social media and accompanying her through rehabilitation. The relationship with Konley ended sometime prior to mid-2025, though no public details on the breakup timeline were disclosed. Statlander has since been in a relationship with independent wrestler Gino Medina, which she confirmed publicly in July 2025 through Instagram posts documenting their time together in New York City, including sightseeing in Times Square and casual outings. Medina, known for his work in Texas-based promotions, has joined Statlander for personal appearances, such as a joint Halloween costume event in October 2025 where they dressed as Daredevil and Elektra. Their partnership has facilitated shared travel for non-wrestling activities, allowing Statlander emotional support amid her demanding AEW schedule.Lifestyle and interests
Statlander maintains a vegetarian diet, which she has followed for several years, often opting for plant-based options like black bean burgers during social gatherings with fellow wrestlers. Her commitment to animal welfare stems from a deep-seated love for animals, influencing her lifestyle choices and pet ownership. She owns two pets: a Shiba Inu named Dino and a bearded dragon named Boots. Dino shares her home and has undergone surgery for an ACL tear, while Boots frequently appears alongside her in public settings, including AEW media appearances. As a licensed massage therapist with years of experience, Statlander incorporates therapeutic techniques into her daily wellness routine, aiding her own recovery from injuries like knee surgeries and providing informal support to AEW talent dealing with similar issues. This profession enhances her focus on physical rehabilitation and overall health maintenance beyond wrestling demands. Statlander resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she maintains a disciplined fitness regimen outside of wrestling, prioritizing consistent workouts even during travel or off days to support her athletic performance and well-being. Her early training as a stuntwoman further shaped these health-conscious habits, emphasizing resilience and body care.Media career
Filmography
Prior to her professional wrestling career, Kris Statlander worked as a stunt double in the New York area, training at stunt schools and performing uncredited work on local projects while pursuing SAG-AFTRA membership, though financial constraints limited her involvement in union productions.[67][1] Statlander's on-screen television appearances primarily stem from her wrestling roles, where she portrays her in-ring character across All Elite Wrestling (AEW) programs. These credits highlight her transition from stunt work to scripted performance in sports entertainment television.| Year(s) | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–present | AEW Dynamite | Kris Statlander | Recurring performer; flagship AEW series on TBS. |
| 2019–2022 | AEW Dark | Kris Statlander | Appearances in multiple episodes; YouTube-exclusive companion show. |
| 2021–present | AEW Rampage | Kris Statlander | Recurring in select episodes; Friday night AEW series on TNT. |
| 2023–present | AEW Collision | Kris Statlander | Recurring performer; Saturday night AEW series on TNT. |