Willow Nightingale Reflects On Winning Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, Would Steal Tony Khan’s Hat

Willow Nightingale was crowned the 2023 Women’s Owen Hart Foundation tournament on the July 15 episode of AEW Collision when she defeated Ruby Soho in the finals of the tournament. 

Willow knocked off Nyla Rose and Athena before besting Ruby in the culmination of the tournament. 

Winning the Owen Hart Foundation tournament was another accolade in 2023 for Willow, who became the first-ever NJPW Strong Women’s Champion in May at NJPW Strong Resurgence. 

Speaking to Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp, Willow discussed winning the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament. 

“Every single step of the tournament, I faced someone that I deeply respect, has experience over me, something that I learned and took away from being able to wrestle them. Had I been in this position last year, I would probably walk into a situation like that with a lot of intimidation and fear. This year, I have a lot more self-confidence, more belief in myself and my abilities. I didn’t walk into those matches thinking, ‘Oh my God, what am I doing? These people are going to crush me.’ I was just like, ‘I got it. I can do it. I will walk into this situation the same way I walk into every single thing and that is with a smile on my face and whatever happens will happen.’ It worked out,” she said. 

Asked about potentially stealing Tony Khan’s hat, which was worn for the Calgary Stampede and given to him by Dr. Martha Hart, Willow replied, “I would love it. We were there for Calgary Stampede, there were cowboy hats all over, there were people having a great time. Dr. Martha Hart was having a great time. She was in her sequin. I loved the vibes all around. I’m all about the good vibes. I would tip my hat to that and enjoy it.”

As part of her victory, Willow was presented with a new trophy and title by Dr. Martha Hart. 

Speaking about Martha’s involvement on the show, Willow said, “She is absolutely a sweetheart. After the show, I had gone and hung out and come back to the hotel, and she was hanging out in the lobby. ‘We have to go say hi to Martha.’ We found ourselves sitting there and talking to her for like an hour, just having a good time. We were like, ‘We have to go to sleep, we all have early flights.’ What a sweetheart. Someone who cares about every single person who has shown appreciation to her and her family, she’ll double it back to you. Even though that was my first time meeting her, it felt very warm and comforting.”

By defeating Athena in the semifinals of the tournament, she earned a shot at Athena and the ROH Women’s Championship at ROH Death Before Dishonor. 

While Willow was unsuccessful in winning the ROH Women’s Title, she and Athena made history by becoming the first two women to main event an ROH PPV. 

Check out the full interview with Willow in the video above.