AEW Dynamite on September 24 took an unexpected turn after Adam Copelands emotional segment left fans questioning his future. The night didnt cool down from thereit only got more heated when Willow Nightingale stepped up and left Stokely Hathaway stunned in the middle of the ring.
Following Copelands backstage moment where he admitted he doesnt know if hell ever return to AEW, Tony Schiavone introduced FTR and Stokely Hathaway to the crowd. Dax Harwood immediately exchanged some choice words with fans before Cash Wheeler tried to take control, offering what he claimed was a genuine explanation for their controversial actions at All Out. Wheeler called out Copeland for needing his wife and friends to win the match and tried to shift blame.
Stokely Hathaway then grabbed the mic to sarcastically forgive Beth Phoenix for spearing him during the tag match at All Out. He claimed he was running up the ramp only to introduce himself, even saying he let Beth carry him backstage. Stokely doubled down by saying that Copeland and Christian needed Beth to win, before tossing in one final jabthat Beth doesnt even work in AEW.
Thats when Willow Nightingales music hit, and the energy in the arena changed fast. Willow stormed to the ring and demanded a better apology. When none came, she warned FTR to either apologize properly or get out of the ring. Stokely, never one to back down, stepped right up to herand thats when Willow slapped him across the face. The crowd erupted. Jetspeed then rushed the ring to back Willow up as the segment ended with AEW fans on their feet.
This was a turning point in more ways than one. While Copelands future remains uncertain, Willow Nightingale just made it very clear shes not here to be disrespected.
Do you think Willows slap was just the beginning of something bigger? Let us know your take in the comments.
