Backstage Note on Who Athena Could Lose ROH Women’s Title To

A new backstage update from Fightful Select’s Q&A series indicates that Billie Starkz is still the long-term choice to challenge and potentially dethrone ROH Women’s World Champion Athena. This plan remains in place even though Persephone is currently booked as the title challenger for Final Battle. The report clarifies that recent momentum for Persephone has not altered internal expectations for the championship’s eventual direction.

During the Q&A session, the source responded to a fan’s question about Persephone’s upcoming match by stating that the title change is not expected to involve her. Sean Ross Sapp noted that Starkz has always been considered the planned successor, adding that this has remained consistent despite her previous losses to Athena. He also believed that Athena would have preferred dropping the title to Starkz earlier, but creative decisions tied to the ongoing storyline with Mercedes Moné influenced the schedule.

Athena’s championship reign has now exceeded 1,000 days. Persephone secured her Final Battle ROH Women’s World Championship shot after a string of wins, but the update suggests her match will not alter the long-term direction.

#ROH Women’s World Champion @AthenaPalmer_FG heard Persephone’s challenge, but Athena and @DiamanteLAX had a response of their own!

Watch #ROH TV on Honor Club!https://t.co/8dcdtxr3sN pic.twitter.com/rmg27w33Pv

— ROH – Ring of Honor Wrestling (@ringofhonor) November 24, 2025