Steph De Lander Targeted AEW Matchup
Former TNA wrestler Steph De Lander has expressed her desire to compete against Kris Statlander in AEW.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Wrestling
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Independent wrestler Steph De Lander, who previously performed in WWE and TNA, has publicly stated her interest in facing Kris Statlander within All Elite Wrestling. De Lander noted she specifically wants to challenge performers she considers to be big and meaty.
Why it matters
The comments highlight the ongoing movement of talent between major promotions like WWE and AEW. Her interest underscores the increasing overlap in the wrestling industry as athletes look for high-profile matchups across different televised banners.
Steph De Lander spent 1 year during her tenure with WWE before departing TNA Wrestling approximately six months ago. She has been active on ROH tapings since August 2026.
The players
Steph De Lander
She is a professional wrestler who previously performed as Persia Pirotta in WWE.
Kris Statlander
She is a prominent professional wrestler currently performing for AEW.
Tommaso Ciampa
He is a veteran professional wrestler who joined the AEW roster in January 2026.
The details
De Lander shared her desire for the inter-promotional clash during an interview with TMZ's Inside the Ring. Having moved from her role as Persia Pirotta in WWE to competing on ROH tapings, she is now positioning herself for top-tier challenges against established AEW talent.
Timeline
Tommaso Ciampa joined AEW in January 2026.
Steph De Lander left TNA Wrestling in March 2026.
De Lander began competing on ROH tapings in August 2026.
She wrestled Zayda Steel on an ROH episode during the week of September 12, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The potential crossover reflects the broader industry trend of fluid talent movement that has defined the 2026 season for AEW. This shift mirrors the roster evolution seen after major events like All In: London.
Fans tracking the current roster can look for potential booking adjustments on upcoming ROH and AEW programming. De Lander’s status as a free agent makes her a target for high-profile inter-promotional speculation.
The takeaway
The wrestling landscape remains highly dynamic with performers increasingly vocal about their desired opponents across different promotions. Fans should monitor television tapings for potential surprise appearances as major stars continue to circulate through the industry.
Further reading
For more on the latest roster shifts, visit the Wrestling section.
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Do you enjoy watching professional wrestlers change promotions to compete in different wrestling companies?
