Queen Aminata has reached a major milestone in her professional wrestling career, capturing the AEW TBS Championship during the October 28 edition of AEW Dynamite.
Aminata defeated Persephone in the main event of AEW’s Fright Night Dynamite special, held at the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri, to claim her first championship in All Elite Wrestling.
The victory didn’t come easily. Persephone controlled much of the contest, with Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. repeatedly interfering on the champion’s behalf. At one point, Baker struck Aminata with the TBS Championship belt while the referee was distracted. Persephone followed up with a moonsault, but Aminata managed to kick out.
Aminata eventually turned the tables, connecting with a devastating headbutt followed by her Off With Her Head finishing maneuver to score the pinfall and capture the championship.
Following the match, several members of the AEW women’s locker room joined an emotional Aminata in the ring to celebrate, as confetti and pyrotechnics brought the broadcast to a close.
From Ohio to AEW Championship Gold
While Aminata was born in Guinea, West Africa, her wrestling career has strong ties to Ohio.
She trained at the Ohio Pro Wrestling Academy, operated by veteran wrestler and trainer James Avery, and developed her skills on the independent wrestling circuit before eventually reaching the national stage.
Aminata has continued making appearances on the Ohio independent scene, including competing for BCW in Newark earlier this year.
After beginning her professional career in 2017, Aminata worked her way through the independent ranks before joining AEW, where she officially signed in February 2024.
Her journey hasn’t been without setbacks, including a neck injury that sidelined her for several months before her return earlier this year.
Wednesday night’s victory ended Persephone’s 60-day championship reign and finally gave Aminata the AEW gold she had been chasing through multiple championship opportunities.
For those who have followed Aminata’s career from her days training and competing in Ohio, it’s another example of independent wrestling talent reaching the highest levels of the industry.
Congratulations to Queen Aminata, the NEW AEW TBS Champion!