Athena vs Maya World

The mentor versus student scenario set up for  this semi finals match for the Owen Hart Tournament has been interesting to say the least. 

Athena (who was the mentor of Maya) comes into this match confident as the forever ROH world women’s champion. 

Athena has not made it to the finals of the Owen hart Tournament before. So that must have created a chip on her shoulder.

Athena starts off this match with a strong lockup and not surprisingly takes control. The crowd is with Maya early on though. Cheering her on and making it clear that she has won them over during this tournament. 

It’s fascinating to see the offense of Maya World mirroring her former mentor. Countering certain moves and even mimicking some to show Athena that she can stand toe to toe with her. 

Athena takes out Maya on the ringside mat to regain control. Completely laying her out. We can already see that this match is going to be a hard hitting one that will not stay in the ring. 

After the commercial break, Maya gains her bearings and kicks it into full gear to not lose this opportunity to move forward in this tournament. 

In the middle of this match we see a series of attempted pins that ends with a harsh power bomb from Athena. 

A swift cutter makes us feel that that might get Maya the win, but the champ kicks out. This is followed by a curb stomp from Athena. 

Maya gets an impressive bridge suplex that even surprises Athena. She doesn’t get the win, but it shows how far Maya has come in the past few months. 

This match goes to the ringside barricade where Maya gets dropped hard on it by the very dangerous champ Athena. These women are ready to destroy each other to advance in this tournament.

Athena almost wins by count out, but instead chooses to drag Maya back into the ring.

Taunting Maya, telling her to think of her deceased brother to move forward in this match. 

Instead of that causing Maya to fall apart in sadness, this ignites Maya, who throws some clubbing blows. 

Athena uses Maya’s anger against her and regains control, goes to the top rope to deliver the oh face finisher, pins Maya, but the rising star Maya kicks out. 

The student is definitely standing up to her mentor! 

Athena tells Maya that she’s sorry, but it’s her time and tries to deliver a last blow. 

However, Maya quickly gets a roll up on Athena to advance to the finals against Mercedes Moné at Forbidden door. 

What a shocker this ending was. Maya came into this tournament as a replacement for Sareee, but really won over the crowd and took this opportunity by the horns! 

Athena actually congratulates Maya, shaking her hand and hugging her. 

Mercedes Mone comes out with the Owen hart belt on her shoulders and claps for Maya and hugs her as well. 

All looks to be well between all three ladies. 

Until……

Athena decides to attack Maya and Mercedes Moné joins in the attack. I guess it’s better being friends rather than enemies for Athena and Mercedes.

Looking forward to seeing how this moment of bonding over attacking Maya works out for both ladies. 

This is going to be an interesting Forbidden Door match on Sunday!