This past Wednesday on TNT was AEW Dynamite. Over the course of the program's episode 'Winter is Coming,' we saw some shocking twists and turns. The episode leaving some fans elated while others were quite stunned. Among these trending moments on social media were the arrival of Sting in AEW and Kenny Omega defeating Jon Moxley to become AEW World Champion. This win for Omega is perhaps his biggest since signing with All Elite Wrestling. Going into 'Winter is Coming,' Omega had to do what no one had accomplished in over 275 days - dethrone the longest reigning and defending AEW World Champion Jon Moxley. And dethrone he did! On such a monumental episode, in my opinion, a far underrated match segment was the AEW Dynamite debut of a young up and coming talent 'Legit' Leyla Hirsch.
Leyla Hirsch had amazing timing for her AEW Dynamite Debut. A debut on a trending episode on social media. As far a debuts go, the only other thing you could earn is a hard fought win. Of which I'm sure is coming her way very soon. Fans have been slowly introduced to Leyla Hirsh with her several appearances on AEW Dark. Squaring off with opponents like Serena Deeb and Hikaru Shida. Being billed at just under 5 feet, Leyla Hirsch is 4' 11" of legit badassery. And that badass technician was solely focused on the rising heel of the AEW Women's Division, Dr. Britt Baker.
Turning heel has been the most fortuitous opportunity for Britt Baker since her AEW signing and her subsequent return to in ring action after several injuries. Wednesday's episode of AEW Dynamite saw Britt Baker go toe to toe with the debuting Leyla Hirsch. Honestly, with just about three years of experience under her proverbial belt, I find Leyla Hirsch immensely talented and highly underrated. I'm impressed by her navigation of this harsh business and the dedication to her craft that shines through in her polished ring work. Having her go up against one of AEW's biggest female heel's was the best possible match up leaving fans wanting more. Great job Britt Baker and Leyla Hirsch?
From high flying to technical wrestling, Hirsch can do it all. She's incredibly light on her feet and has a flawless execution of textbook technical wrestling highlighting her over five years of amateur wrestling experience. Hirsch has an impeccable understanding of how a body moves and how to strategically pick a limb and wear it down. Dangerous skill for her opponents to circumvent. From Stardom in Japan, Shimmer, Queens of Combat, and across the U.S., she'd be a great signee with very little altering needed in my opinion. Someone I'd personally have a blast wrestling with in 2021! As someone who also enjoys technical wrestling, I see shades of Dean Malenko and Kurt Angle within her body of work. Going forward as she matures further in the business, I anticipate this comparison even more with added high flying versatility.
With her accomplishments in such a short time, Leyla Hirsch is on the rise and amounting much deserved buzz. It shouldn't come as a surprise to see Hirsch return more frequently to AEW. I'd sign her with confidence. Her style and vibe aren't currently represented within their Women's Division which adds massive value to Hirsch herself and AEW. With numerous women trying to do a similar gimmick as Leyla Hirsch, I feel that Hirsch provides the most believability which is a testament to her skills and prowess as a dedicated athlete. After Rhonda Rousey's WWE exit, it's in my mind that the only other woman with a similar background that has as much believability for such a role is Shayna Baszler. So Leyla Hirsch is among some excellent competitors.
Wednesday's AEW Dynamite left me wanting more of Hirsch in a good way. The interference by Rebel on behalf of Britt Baker driving Thunder Rosa to run out ringside and the ensuing mosh pit of bodies deflecting blows. Referee's trying their best to contain the onslaught of chaos. Hirsch's suplex to Rebel - perfect. An exclamation point to punctuate her exit from the aforementioned calamity. Thus leaving Britt Baker her heel heat and an additional follow up pop for Thunder Rosa as she collided with Britt Baker. Regardless of the outcome, it was a strong showing for Hirsch. As a talent on the up, that's exactly what you want.
As someone whose been watching Leyla Hirsch over the last year and a half I'm looking forward to 2021 for women like Hirsch. She's definitely on my list of "2020 Female Free Agents To Look For In 2021." As discussed with Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful on my podcast, 'Talks with Taeler Hendrix,' we both wholeheartedly agreed, it was only a matter of time before people started picking up on one of the East Coast's best kept secrets - Leyla Hirsch. Gimmick, presence, versatile skills, longevity, believability, T.V. ready, minimal alterations? Not much more you could ask for out of an up and coming star. Winter indeed came on Wednesday's AEW Dynamite and proved she's cold and she's calculated. She's legit. She's Leyla Hirsch.
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