Former NXT Superstar AQA has decided to step from pro wrestling, just months after she signed with All Elite Wrestling.
Released by WWE in November 2021, AQA – the former Zayda Ramier – had wowed fans in the former black-and-gold brand with her jaw-dropping athleticism. A Shooting Star Press executed on Toni Storm sent the wrestling world into a craze, with the outstanding dive typically reserved for male performers.
The real-life Angela Quentina Arnold has now decided to step away from professional wrestling “for the immediate future”. Taking to social media, she tweeted, “With love, thank you”, appearing grateful for her time spent in the squared circle:
With love, thank you. 🖤 pic.twitter.com/2Cfrv78PhC
— A.Q.A 😈 (@AQAOfficial10) July 18, 2022
AQA had only been signed to AEW this past February following an appearance on Dynamite. She unsuccessfully challenged Jade Cargill for the TBS Championship, which marked her only outing on company television. Her other six matches in the promotion were spent on their YouTube programming, with her last match aired on Dark’s 5 July episode.
At the time, the signing of the Booker T-trained talent came out of the blue. Although released as part of a high-profile class also involving Keith Lee, Nia Jax, and Karrion Kross, AQA was one of the various NXT talents cut. There wasn’t a significant buzz surrounding her, hence why it was a surprise for Tony Khan to act so quick to sign her.
As it stands, it’s unknown if she’ll ever compete again. Her official final match was on 18 June, as she failed to dethrone ex-colleague Athena for the Warrior Wrestling Women’s Championship.