Wikipedia

Willow Nightingale

Danielle Paultre (born January 25, 1994), better known by the ring name Willow Nightingale, is an American professional wrestler. She is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where she is a member of The Conglomeration and a former AEW TBS Champion.[1] She also performs for AEW's partner promotions New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where she was the inaugural Strong Women's Champion, and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), where she is a former CMLL World Women's Champion.

Willow Nightingale
Nightingale in January 2020
Birth nameDanielle Paultre
Born (1994-01-25) January 25, 1994 (age 30)
North Valley Stream, New York, U.S.
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Eye Candy
Willa Monet
Willow Monet
Willow Nightingale
Billed height5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Billed weight183 lb (83 kg)
Billed fromLong Island, New York
Trained byBull James
Mike Mondo
DebutFebruary 27, 2015

In addition to her work in AEW and NJPW, Nightingale is known for her tenures with Ring of Honor[2] and Shimmer Women Athletes, challenging for championships in both promotions.[3][4]

Professional wrestling career

edit

Independent circuit (2015–present)

edit
 
Nightingale in 2018

Paultre was trained by Mike Mondo at the New York Wrestling Connection (NYWC) school in Deer Park, New York. On February 27, 2015, Paultre, under the ring name Willow Nightingale, made her professional wrestling debut on NYWC's We Can Do It event, losing to Sammy Pickles.[5] A year after her debut, Nightingale won the NYWC Starlet Championship.[6] On November 21, 2018, at Shimmer Women Athletes' Volume 108 event, Nightingale unsuccessfully faced Dust for the Heart of Shimmer Championship.[7] After holding the NYWC Starlet Championship since February 2016, Nightingale lost the title to Kris Statlander on February 23, 2019.[8] Nightingale reclaimed the NYWC Starlet Championship on January 25, 2020, defeating then-champion Tina San Antonio in a steel cage match.[9] On February 26, 2022, Nightingale defeated Johnny Radke, Dino Might, and John Silver in a four-way match to win the NYWC Fusion Championship.[10]

All Elite Wrestling / Ring of Honor (2021–present)

edit

Championship pursuits (2021–2023)

edit

On May 3, 2021, Nightingale made her All Elite Wrestling (AEW) debut, competing on AEW Dark: Elevation against Thunder Rosa, to whom she lost.[11] On June 6, Nightingale made her Ring of Honor (ROH) debut on ROH's Women's Division Wednesday program, where she defeated Alex Gracia.[12] On August 4, Nightingale competed in the ROH Women's World Championship tournament to determine the inaugural champion, losing to Allysin Kay in the first round.[13] On December 3, Nightingale defeated Mandy Leon to become the number one contender for the ROH Women's World Championship.[14] On December 11, at Final Battle, Nightingale unsuccessfully challenged Rok-C for the Women's World Championship.[15] Following Final Battle, ROH went on hiatus. During this hiatus, AEW President and CEO Tony Khan purchased ROH.

On April 1, 2022, at Supercard of Honor, Nightingale faced Mercedes Martinez for the interim ROH Women's World Championship but was defeated.[16] On April 8, on AEW Rampage, Nightingale participated in the Owen Hart Cup tournament, losing to Red Velvet during a qualifying round match.[17] On June 6 episode of Ring of Honor, Nightingale successfully defended the Strong Women's Championship against Rachael Ellering.[18] On June 17, at Road Rager, Nightingale challenged Jade Cargill in a match for the AEW TBS Championship, which Willow lost.[19] Nightingale challenged for the championship again at Battle of the Belts IV, losing once again.[20] On the October 21 episode of Rampage, it was announced that Nightingale had signed with AEW.[21]

On June 2, 2023, Nightingale defended the Strong Women's Championship against Emi Sakura on All Elite Wrestling's television show AEW Rampage, marking the first time that title was defended outside of NJPW. On June 17 at the premiere episode of Collision, Nightingale teamed up with Skye Blue to defeat Ruby Soho and the AEW Women's World Champion Toni Storm.[22] Nightingale competed in the 2023 Owen Hart Foundation Women's Tournament, winning over Nyla Rose and advancing to the finals by defeating Athena in the semifinal round.[23][24] On the July 15 episode of Collision, Nightingale defeated Ruby Soho to win the women's tournament. On July 16, it was announced that Willow will be facing Athena at Death Before Dishonor of year 2023 for the ROH Women's World Championship.[citation needed] This match main evented the Pay-per-view and during this match Willow was not successful as Athena retained.[25] On September 23, 2023, episode of Collision, Nightingale was injured and pulled from the match against Hart. Kiera Hogan was Nightingale's replacement in the match against Hart until she was defeated by Hart. Hart attacked Hogan until Skye Blue came out to make the save, but Blue was misted by Hart, "blinding" her.[26]

TBS Champion; The Conglomeration (2024–present)

edit
See also: The Conglomeration

In early 2024, Nightingale formed a tag team with Kris Statlander and they were managed by Stokely Hathaway. On April 21, 2024, at Dynasty, Nightingale defeated Julia Hart to win the AEW TBS Championship.[27] On the May 1 episode of Rampage, Nightingale successfully defended her TBS Championship against Skye Blue in a Manitoba Massacre. On May 26 at Double or Nothing, Nightingale lost the TBS Championship to Mercedes Moné, ending her reign at 35 days. After the match, Nightingale was attacked by Statlander, ending their tag team.[28] Sometime after splitting with Statlander, Nightingale joined The Conglomeration. On the July 3 episode of Dynamite, Nightingale defeated Statlander in to advance to the finals of the Owen Hart Cup.[29] On the July 10 episode of Dynamite, Nightingale lost the Owen Hart Cup finals to Mariah May due to interference from Statlander. On August 25 at All In Zero Hour, Nightingale with fellow Conglomeration member Tomohiro Ishii to defeat Statlander and Hathaway. Since Nightingale's team won, she was allowed to choose the stipulation for her and Statlander's match at All Out on September 7, which she chose to make it a Chicago Street Fight. At All Out, Nightingale was defeated by Statlander, ending their feud. On October 12 at WrestleDream, Nightingale unsuccessfully challenged Mariah May for the AEW Women's World Championship.

Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling (2022)

edit

On October 29, 2022, Nightingale made her debut for Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling (TJPW) at The Mountain Top 2022, teaming with Yuka Sakazaki, to defeat Maki Itoh and Yuki Kamifuku.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2023–present)

edit

On April 27, 2023, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) announced that Nightingale would compete in a four-woman single-elimination tournament on May 21 at Resurgence to crown the inaugural Strong Women's Champion.[30] At Resurgence, Nightingale defeated Momo Kohgo in the semi-finals and Mercedes Moné in the finals to become the inaugural Strong Women's Champion.[31] She had her first successful title defense on the June 2 episode of Rampage, where she retained the title by defeating Emi Sakura.[32] On July 5, at the second night of NJPW Independence Day, Nightingale lost the title to Giulia, ending her reign at 45 days.[33]

Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (2024–present)

edit

Nightingale made her debut for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) on March 29, 2024, at Homenaje a Dos Leyendas, where she teamed with La Catalina and Tessa Blanchard to defeat Lluvia, Stephanie Vaquer, and Zeuxis[34] On July 13 at Fantastica Mania 2024, Nightingale defeated Lluvia and Viva Van to win the vacant CMLL World Women's Championship.[35] On September 13 at the CMLL 91st Anniversary Show, Nightingale lost the title to Zeuxis.[36]

World Wonder Ring Stardom (2024–present)

edit

On April 4, 2024, at Stardom American Dream 2024, Nightingale made her debut for World Wonder Ring Stardom, teaming with Saki to defeat Syuri and Konami. On May 18 at Stardom Flashing Champions 2024, Nightingale successfully defended her TBS Championship against Tam Nakano.

Championships and accomplishments

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ Richards, Alex (May 1, 2021). "Willow Nightingale Debuting On AEW Dark: Elevation vs Thunder Rosa". Last Word on Pro Wrestling. Archived from the original on March 9, 2022. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  2. ^ Lindsey, Philip. "Projecting What AEW's Tony Khan Will Do as Owner of Ring of Honor". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on March 9, 2022. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  3. ^ Broggi, Fabio "Fantomius". "Willow Nightingale: Profile, Career, Face/Heel Turns, Titles Won, Gimmick Evolution and Stats | Pro Wrestlers Database". The SmackDown Hotel. Archived from the original on July 26, 2022. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  4. ^ "Willow Nightingale News, Pictures, Videos, Stats and Biography – AEW". Archived from the original on July 30, 2021. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  5. ^ "NYWC We Can Do It February 27 2015 Results". Cagematch. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  6. ^ "NYWC Psycho Circus XIV Results". Cagematch. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  7. ^ "SHIMMER Volume 108 Results". Cagematch. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  8. ^ "NYWC Psycho Circus 17 Results". Cagematch. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  9. ^ "NYWC Sideshow 2020 Results". Cagematch. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  10. ^ "NYWC Psycho Circus 19 Results". Cagematch. Archived from the original on March 9, 2022. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  11. ^ "AEW Dark Elevation May 3 2021 Results". Cagematch. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  12. ^ "ROH Women's Division Wednesday #6 Results". Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  13. ^ "Allysin Kay advances in the ROH Women's Title Tournament". Diva Dirt. August 4, 2021. Archived from the original on August 5, 2021. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  14. ^ "ROH Wrestling December 3 2021 Results". Cagematch. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  15. ^ "ROH Final Battle Results: End of an Era". WrestlingObserver. December 11, 2021. Archived from the original on January 7, 2022. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  16. ^ "ROH Supercard Of Honor 2022 Results". Cagematch. December 11, 2021. Archived from the original on January 7, 2022. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  17. ^ "AEW Rampage live results: Jon Moxley Vs. Wheeler Yuta". WrestlingObserver. April 8, 2022. Archived from the original on April 9, 2022. Retrieved April 9, 2022.
  18. ^ Simon, Tyriece (June 8, 2023). "Ring Of Honor TV Results (6/8/23): Willow Nightingale vs. Rachel Ellering, ROH World Six Man Tag Team Proving Ground Match". Sescoops. Archived from the original on June 27, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  19. ^ "AEW Rampage June 17 2022 Results". allelitewrestling. June 18, 2022. Archived from the original on June 20, 2022. Retrieved July 26, 2022.
  20. ^ Staff, A. E. W. (October 8, 2022). "AEW Rampage & Battle Of The Belts IV Results for October 8, 2022". All Elite Wrestling. Archived from the original on October 23, 2022. Retrieved October 23, 2022.
  21. ^ Staff, A. E. W. (October 22, 2022). "AEW Rampage Results for October 21, 2022". All Elite Wrestling. Archived from the original on October 23, 2022. Retrieved October 23, 2022.
  22. ^ Powell, Jason (June 17, 2023). "AEW Collision results (6/17): Powell's live review of CM Punk and FTR vs. Samoa Joe, Jay White, and Juice Robinson, Wardlow vs. Luchasaurus for the TNT Title, Toni Storm and Ruby Soho vs. Willow Nightingale and Skye Blue, Andrade El Idolo vs. Buddy Matthews, Miro in action". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on June 19, 2023. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
  23. ^ Malkasian, Mike (June 24, 2023). "AEW Collision Results 6/24/23". Wrestling Headlines. Archived from the original on June 25, 2023. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  24. ^ Schipman, Samantha (July 16, 2023). "AEW Rampage: Willow defeats Athena to advance to Owen finals". dailyddt.com. Archived from the original on July 17, 2023. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
  25. ^ LAMBERT, JEREMY. "Athena Bests Willow Nightingale In First ROH Women's Main Event At ROH Death Before Dishonor". Fightful.com. Archived from the original on August 3, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  26. ^ Lewis, Gino (July 15, 2023). "AEW Collision Review – July 15, 2023". TJR Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 17, 2023. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
  27. ^ a b Howard, Ryan (April 21, 2024). "AEW Dynasty live results: Samoa Joe vs. Swerve Strickland, Bryan Danielson vs. Will Ospreay". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on April 21, 2024. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  28. ^ "2024 AEW Double or Nothing results: Live updates, recap, grades, highlights, matches, card, start time". CBSSports.com. May 27, 2024. Archived from the original on May 27, 2024. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
  29. ^ Mueller, Doc-Chris. "AEW Dynamite Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction, Highlights After Forbidden Door". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on July 5, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  30. ^ "AEW, CMLL, STARDOM, NJPW in one night tournament for STRONG Women's gold! 【NJoA】". New Japan Pro Wrestling. April 28, 2023. Archived from the original on May 5, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  31. ^ "Willow Nightingale STRONGest as first women's Champ 【NJoA】". New Japan Pro Wrestling. May 22, 2023. Archived from the original on May 22, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  32. ^ Powell, Jason (June 2, 2023). "AEW Rampage results (6/2): Powell's review of Championship Friday with El Hijo del Vikingo vs. Komander vs. Dralistico for the AAA Mega Championship, Willow Nightingale vs. Emi Sakura for the NJPW Strong Women's Title, Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Action Andretti for the NJPW TV Title, Katsuyori Shibata vs. Lee Moriarty for the ROH Pure Title". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on June 3, 2023. Retrieved June 10, 2023.
  33. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (July 5, 2023). "Giulia Wins NJPW Strong Women's Title At NJPW Strong Independence Day". Fightful. Archived from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  34. ^ Pizzazz, Manolo Has (April 3, 2024). "CMLL Roundup: Blackpool Combat Club highlights, Willow Nightingale pins champion, more!". Cageside Seats. Archived from the original on September 8, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  35. ^ Black, Matt (July 14, 2024). "Willow Nightingale Captures CMLL Women's World Title At FantasticaMania". Wrestlezone. Archived from the original on July 14, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  36. ^ "Zeuxis defeats Willow Nightingale for Women's title at CMLL 91st Anniversary Show". F4W/WON. September 14, 2024. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
  37. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (July 15, 2023). "Willow Nightingale Wins 2023 Women's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament". Fightful. Archived from the original on July 16, 2023. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
  38. ^ Luis Pulido (July 13, 2024). "NJPW x CMLL FantasticaMania USA (7/13/2024) Results: Mistico, Willow Nightingale, Zack Sabre Jr, More". Fightful. Archived from the original on July 14, 2024. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  39. ^ a b Fritts, Chris (May 21, 2023). "NJPW Resurgence live results: Strong Women's title tournament Will Ospreay vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi is also set for the show". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Archived from the original on May 23, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  40. ^ Ross, Patrick (October 27, 2022). "Full 2022 PWI Women's 150 list revealed". aiptcomics.com. Archived from the original on October 28, 2022. Retrieved October 27, 2022.
  41. ^ LAMBERT, JEREMY. "Rhea Ripley Tops 2023 PWI Women's 250". Fightful.com. Archived from the original on October 20, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  42. ^ "Adult Swim Booty Title". Cagematch.net. Archived from the original on July 27, 2024. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
  43. ^ Boone, Matt (July 26, 2024). "AEW x Adult Swim: Battle For The Booty Results 7/25/24". Wrestling Headlines. Archived from the original on July 27, 2024. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
edit
 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Willow Nightingale.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Willow_Nightingale&oldid=1258097481"