ROH Women's World Champion Athena will miss months of in-ring action due to an injury, but only if this injury turns out to be legitimate.

During the June 20, episode of Ring of Honor, Athena hobbled to the stage on crutches and shared that she'd suffered tears in the ligaments of her ankle. This injury was said to have happened during an emergency M.E.M. with Billie Starkz and Lexy Nair, instead of a genuine injury scare that happened during a recent AEW Collision. Despite stating she'll be out for anywhere from four to six months, Athena refused to relinquish the Women's World Championship.

Athena's segment was interrupted by Queen Animata and Red Velvet who accused Athena of faking the injury. Aminata added that she will hurt her for real if she finds out the reigning ROH Women's World Champion is faking it.



Athena is in her first reign as Women's World Champion and holds the record for the longest reign in history. The former WWE Superstar has held the title for over 550 days, which is longer than all former champions combined. She captured the title at ROH Final Battle 2022 in December of that year.

Athena's most recent title defense took place at AEW Battle of the Belts X in April of this year and saw her retain against Red Velvet. While Athena does hold a victory over Aminata, this was before her reign as champion began. It's unclear when Athen'a's next title reign will happen, but due to her 'injury' it may be months before she next puts the gold on the line.