An AEW champion has laid out their ambition to become a bigger star than Hollywood legend Arnold Schwarzenegger.
AEW Women’s World Champion Thekla has set her sights on a goal that extends far beyond professional wrestling. Speaking with TMZ Sports’ Inside the Ring, Thekla discussed the growth of wrestling in her native Austria and named one WWE star as a key figure in helping raise the country’s profile within the industry.
“I think that within Austria the scene has been thriving from what I’ve heard,” Thekla said. “It’s probably due to people like myself and also another gentleman over in WWE called Walter/Gunther.”
Thekla noted that it is remarkable that both she and Gunther emerged from the same area and have gone on to become major stars on wrestling’s biggest stages.
“I think personally it is remarkable that two of wrestling’s biggest stars come from the same town,” she said.
Despite their shared roots, Thekla rejected the idea that she is competing with the former World Heavyweight Champion.
“I don’t think we’re in competition at all,” Thekla said. “He’s so, so, so much better at some stuff than I am, I think. He’s very real about his style, too. There’s really nothing bad I could say about what he’s doing. He’s very outstanding.”
AEW’s Thekla Shares Her Ambition To Overtake The Legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger As Austria’s Biggest Star
The conversation later turned to Austria’s most famous global icon, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
While acknowledging Schwarzenegger’s place in history, Thekla made it clear that she ultimately wants to surpass the Hollywood legend’s level of fame.
“Still, the top Austrian of history so far is Arnold Schwarzenegger,” Thekla said. “My plan is to take the first place as the top Austrian whenever I get the chance to.”
Thekla’s comments reflect the confidence that has helped make her one of AEW’s fastest-rising stars. Already established as one of the promotion’s top names, the Austrian star is now aiming for recognition that extends far beyond the wrestling world.
