Leyla Hirsch Wrestles First Match In Over A Year

All Elite Wrestling talent Leyla Hirsch wrestled her first match in over a year at the recent Ring Of Honor taping. Hirsch was sidelined with a torn ACL injury on April 5, 2022, during an untelevised match with Christina Marie on AEW Dark Elevation. It seems AEW President Tony Khan has decided to move her to ROH, as fans pointed out that she has allied with The Kingdom(Mike Bennett, Matt Taven & Maria Kanellis).

Before she suffered an injury, Hirsch looked as if she would be featured more in the women's division. She had earned several notable wins by defeating the likes of Kris Statlander, Willow Nightingale, and Red Velvet. It's unclear what AEW's plans were for Hirsch before her ACL injury. In March, Fightful Select reported that she was training in the ring for her comeback but taking it slow. It seems she's recovered enough in the last three months to feel comfortable to compete again.

Hirsch working with The Kingdom is interesting as the faction is involved in a feud with The Infantry(Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo) and Trish Adora. The Infantry defeated The Kingdom with Maria Kanellis at ringside on the June 22 episode of ROH TV. Kanellis tried to help Bennett and Taven win but was stopped by Adora, which led to The Infantry picking up the victory.

ROH fans may have expected The Kingdom faction to take on The Infantry and Adora in a six-person tag team match. However, fans who attended the June 29 ROH taping have shared that Hirsch took Kanellis's place for the match.

A move to ROH could present great opportunities for Hirsch, as the company is looking to build the women's division. ROH Women's World Champion Athena has been dominant since moving to ROH and winning the title. In ROH, she has successfully defended the title seven times, with her last win being against Kiera Higan in a Chicago Street Fight on the June 22 episode. Looking for fresh matchups for the champion, Hirsch could be built up as a formidable opponent.

The company could have Hirsch gain several victories like past Athena challengers before putting her in a title match. Hirsch's in-ring style could make for an exciting match for Athena, who is running through the division. However, Hirsch seems to be involved in The Kingdom and The Infantry with Adora's rivalry for now.

A potential stay in ROH for Hirsch would be interesting as ROH continues to bolster its women's roster with outstanding talent.