Willow Nightingale Explained

Willow Nightingale
Birthname:Danielle Paultre
Names:Eye Candy
Willa Monet
Willow Monet
Willow Nightingale
Weight:183 lb
Birth Date:25 January 1994
Birth Place:North Valley Stream, New York, U.S.
Billed:Long Island, New York
Trainer:Bull James
Mike Mondo
Debut:February 27, 2015

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.

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

Independent circuit (2015–present)

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)

Championship pursuits (2021–2023)

On May 3, 2021, Nightingale made her All Elite Wrestling (AEW) debut, competing on 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. 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)

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.[30] On August 25 at All In Zero Hour, Nightingale with fellow Conglomeration member Tomohiro Ishii to defeat Statlander and Hathaway.[31] 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.[32] On October 12 at WrestleDream, Nightingale unsuccessfully challenged Mariah May for the AEW Women's World Championship.[33] After WrestleDream, it was reported that Nightingale would take time off to recover from a concussion.[34] On November 23 at Full Gear, Nightingale returned during the AEW World Championship main event between fellow Conglomeration member Orange Cassidy and champion Jon Moxley, where she prevented Moxley's Death Riders stablemate Marina Shafir from interfering.[35]

Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling (2022)

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)

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.[36] At Resurgence, Nightingale defeated Momo Kohgo in the semi-finals and Mercedes Moné in the finals to become the inaugural Strong Women's Champion.[37] She had her first successful title defense on the June 2 episode of Rampage, where she retained the title by defeating Emi Sakura.[38] On July 5, at the second night of NJPW Independence Day, Nightingale lost the title to Giulia, ending her reign at 45 days.[39]

Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (2024–present)

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[40] On July 13 at Fantastica Mania 2024, Nightingale defeated Lluvia and Viva Van to win the vacant CMLL World Women's Championship.[41] On September 13 at the CMLL 91st Anniversary Show, Nightingale lost the title to Zeuxis.[42]

World Wonder Ring Stardom (2024–present)

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

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Richards. Alex. May 1, 2021. Willow Nightingale Debuting On AEW Dark: Elevation vs Thunder Rosa. March 9, 2022. Last Word on Pro Wrestling. March 9, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220309171233/https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2021/05/01/willow-nightingale-aew-debut-elevation/. live.
  2. Web site: Lindsey. Philip. Projecting What AEW's Tony Khan Will Do as Owner of Ring of Honor. March 9, 2022. Bleacher Report. March 9, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220309171234/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2953484-projecting-what-aews-tony-khan-will-do-as-owner-of-ring-of-honor. live.
  3. Web site: Broggi. Fabio "Fantomius". Willow Nightingale: Profile, Career, Face/Heel Turns, Titles Won, Gimmick Evolution and Stats Pro Wrestlers Database. March 9, 2022. The SmackDown Hotel. July 26, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220726184114/https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wrestlers/willow-nightingale. live.
  4. Web site: Willow Nightingale News, Pictures, Videos, Stats and Biography – AEW. March 9, 2022. July 30, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210730190013/https://prowrestlingnewshub.com/wrestler/willow-nightingale/. live.
  5. Web site: NYWC We Can Do It February 27 2015 Results. Cagematch. April 7, 2022. April 7, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220407155311/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=264733. live.
  6. Web site: NYWC Psycho Circus XIV Results. Cagematch. April 7, 2022. April 7, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220407155301/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=145638. live.
  7. Web site: SHIMMER Volume 108 Results. Cagematch. April 7, 2022. April 7, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220407155300/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=212649. live.
  8. Web site: NYWC Psycho Circus 17 Results. Cagematch. April 7, 2022. April 7, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220407155304/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=224048. live.
  9. Web site: NYWC Sideshow 2020 Results. Cagematch. April 7, 2022. April 7, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220407155307/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=253568. live.
  10. Web site: NYWC Psycho Circus 19 Results. Cagematch. April 7, 2022. March 9, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220309103956/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=337413. live.
  11. Web site: AEW Dark Elevation May 3 2021 Results. Cagematch. April 7, 2022. April 7, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220407155314/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=310297. live.
  12. Web site: ROH Women's Division Wednesday #6 Results. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20220407155308/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=313515. April 7, 2022. April 7, 2022.
  13. Web site: August 4, 2021. Allysin Kay advances in the ROH Women's Title Tournament. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20210805122955/http://www.diva-dirt.com/allysin-kay-advances-in-the-roh-womens-title-tournament/. August 5, 2021. April 7, 2022. Diva Dirt.
  14. Web site: ROH Wrestling December 3 2021 Results. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20220407155304/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=329418. April 7, 2022. April 7, 2022. Cagematch.
  15. Web site: December 11, 2021. ROH Final Battle Results: End of an Era. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20220107062812/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/ring-of-honor/results/roh-final-battle-live-results-end-era-362306. January 7, 2022. April 7, 2022. WrestlingObserver.
  16. Web site: December 11, 2021. ROH Supercard Of Honor 2022 Results. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20220107062812/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/ring-of-honor/results/roh-final-battle-live-results-end-era-362306. January 7, 2022. April 7, 2022. Cagematch.
  17. Web site: AEW Rampage live results: Jon Moxley Vs. Wheeler Yuta. WrestlingObserver. April 8, 2022. April 9, 2022. April 9, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220409132454/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/results/aew-rampage-live-results-jon-moxley-vs-wheeler-yuta. live.
  18. Web site: 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. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20230627091403/https://www.sescoops.com/results/ring-of-honor-tv-results-6-8-23-willow-nightingale-vs-rachel-ellering. June 27, 2023. June 27, 2023. Sescoops.
  19. Web site: AEW Rampage June 17 2022 Results. allelitewrestling. June 18, 2022. July 26, 2022. June 20, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220620220944/https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-rampage-results-for-june-17-2022. live.
  20. Web site: Staff. A. E. W.. October 8, 2022. AEW Rampage & Battle Of The Belts IV Results for October 8, 2022. October 23, 2022. All Elite Wrestling. October 23, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221023171644/https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-rampage-battle-of-the-belts-iv-results-for-october-8-2022. live.
  21. Web site: Staff. A. E. W.. October 22, 2022. AEW Rampage Results for October 21, 2022. October 23, 2022. All Elite Wrestling. October 23, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221023005144/https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-rampage-results-for-october-21-2022. live.
  22. Web site: 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. Jason. Powell. June 17, 2023. June 17, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230619013216/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/06/17/aew-collision-results-6-17-powells-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-w/. June 19, 2023. live.
  23. Web site: AEW Collision Results 6/24/23. Wrestling Headlines. Mike. Malkasian. June 24, 2023. June 24, 2023. June 25, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230625134830/https://wrestlingheadlines.com/aew-collision-results-6-23-23/. live.
  24. Web site: AEW Rampage: Willow defeats Athena to advance to Owen finals. dailyddt.com. Samantha. Schipman. July 16, 2023. July 16, 2023. July 17, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230717143057/https://dailyddt.com/2023/07/15/aew-rampage-willow-defeats-athena/#:~:text=AEW%20Rampage%3A%20Willow%20defeats%20Athena%20to%20advance%20to%20Owen%20finals,-by%20Samantha%20Schipman&text=Last%20Saturday%2C%20Athena%20vs.%20Willow,to%20injuries%20sustained%20in%20Japan.. live.
  25. Web site: LAMBERT. JEREMY. Athena Bests Willow Nightingale In First ROH Women's Main Event At ROH Death Before Dishonor. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20230803162502/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/athena-bests-willow-nightingale-first-roh-women-s-main-event-roh-death-dishonor. August 3, 2023. August 3, 2023. Fightful.com.
  26. Web site: AEW Collision Review – July 15, 2023. TJR Wrestling. Gino. Lewis. July 15, 2023. July 15, 2023. July 17, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230717142107/https://tjrwrestling.net/review/aew-collision-review-july-15-2023/. live.
  27. News: Howard. Ryan. April 21, 2024. AEW Dynasty live results: Samoa Joe vs. Swerve Strickland, Bryan Danielson vs. Will Ospreay. Wrestling Observer Newsletter. April 22, 2024. April 21, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240421222218/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/results/aew-dynasty-live-results-samoa-joe-vs-swerve-strickland-bryan-danielson-vs-will-ospreay. live.
  28. Web site: May 27, 2024. 2024 AEW Double or Nothing results: Live updates, recap, grades, highlights, matches, card, start time. May 27, 2024. CBSSports.com. en. May 27, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240527033400/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/2024-aew-double-or-nothing-results-live-updates-recap-grades-highlights-matches-card-start-time/live/. live.
  29. Web site: Mueller. Doc-Chris. AEW Dynamite Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction, Highlights After Forbidden Door. July 5, 2024. Bleacher Report. en. July 5, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240705014713/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10127101-aew-dynamite-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-highlights-after-forbidden-door. live.
  30. Web site: Mueller . Doc-Chris . AEW Dynamite Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights From July 10 . 2024-11-24 . Bleacher Report . en.
  31. Web site: Beaston . Erik . AEW All In 2024 Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights from Wembley . 2024-11-24 . Bleacher Report . en.
  32. Web site: Staff . A. E. W. . 2024-09-08 . AEW: All Out 2024 Results . 2024-11-24 . All Elite Wrestling . en.
  33. Web site: Powell . Jason . 2024-10-12 . AEW WrestleDream results: Powell's live review of Bryan Danielson vs. Jon Moxley for the AEW World Championship, Will Ospreay vs. Ricochet vs. Konosuke Takeshita for the AEW International Championship . 2024-11-24 . Pro Wrestling Dot Net . en-US.
  34. Web site: IV . Ross W. Berman . 2024-10-27 . AEW Star Willow Nightingale Pulled From CMLL Match After Suffering Concussion . 2024-11-24 . Wrestling Inc. . en-US.
  35. Web site: 2024-11-24 . Willow Nightingale Makes Shock AEW Return During Wild Full Gear Main Event – TJR Wrestling . 2024-11-24 . tjrwrestling.net . en-US.
  36. Web site: AEW, CMLL, STARDOM, NJPW in one night tournament for STRONG Women's gold! 【NJoA】. New Japan Pro Wrestling. April 28, 2023. April 28, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230505024941/https://www.njpw1972.com/148837. May 5, 2023. live.
  37. Web site: Willow Nightingale STRONGest as first women's Champ 【NJoA】. New Japan Pro Wrestling. May 22, 2023. May 22, 2023. live. May 22, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230522171255/https://www.njpw1972.com/151077.
  38. Web site: 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. Jason. Powell. June 2, 2023. June 10, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230603162058/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/06/02/aew-rampage-results-6-2-powells-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-nj/. June 3, 2023. live.
  39. Web site: Giulia Wins NJPW Strong Women's Title At NJPW Strong Independence Day. Fightful. Jeremy. Lambert. July 5, 2023. July 5, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230705150919/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/giulia-wins-njpw-strong-women-s-title-njpw-strong-independence-day. July 5, 2023. live.
  40. Web site: Pizzazz. Manolo Has. April 3, 2024. CMLL Roundup: Blackpool Combat Club highlights, Willow Nightingale pins champion, more!. July 14, 2024. Cageside Seats. en. September 8, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240908143901/https://www.cagesideseats.com/2024/4/3/24120132/cmll-roundup-blackpool-combat-club-highlights-willow-nightingale-pins-champion-more. live.
  41. Web site: Black. Matt. July 14, 2024. Willow Nightingale Captures CMLL Women's World Title At FantasticaMania. July 14, 2024. Wrestlezone. en-US. July 14, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240714024251/https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1488499-willow-nightingale-captures-cmll-womens-world-title-at-fantasticamania. live.
  42. Web site: 2024-09-14 . Zeuxis defeats Willow Nightingale for Women's title at CMLL 91st Anniversary Show . 2024-09-14 . F4W/WON . en-GB.
  43. Web site: Willow Nightingale Wins 2023 Women's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament. Jeremy. Lambert. Fightful. July 15, 2023. July 16, 2023. July 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230716042421/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/willow-nightingale-wins-2023-women-s-owen-hart-foundation-tournament. live.
  44. Web site: NJPW x CMLL FantasticaMania USA (7/13/2024) Results: Mistico, Willow Nightingale, Zack Sabre Jr, More. Luis Pulido. Fightful. July 13, 2024. July 13, 2024. July 14, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240714013048/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/njpw-x-cmll-fantasticamania-usa-7132024-results-mistico-willow-nightingale-zack-sabre-jr-more. live.
  45. Web site: NJPW Resurgence live results: Strong Women's title tournament Will Ospreay vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi is also set for the show.. Chris. Fritts. Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. May 21, 2023. May 22, 2023. May 23, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230523021545/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/njpw-resurgence-live-results-strong-womens-title-tournament. live.
  46. Web site: Full 2022 PWI Women's 150 list revealed. aiptcomics.com. Patrick. Ross. October 27, 2022. October 27, 2022. October 28, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221028084238/https://aiptcomics.com/2022/10/27/full-2022-pwi-womens-150-list-revealed/. live.
  47. Web site: LAMBERT. JEREMY. Rhea Ripley Tops 2023 PWI Women's 250. November 10, 2023. Fightful.com. October 20, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231020041308/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/rhea-ripley-tops-2023-pwi-women-s-250. live.
  48. Web site: Adult Swim Booty Title. July 27, 2024. Cagematch.net. en. July 27, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240727130549/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=399196. live.
  49. Web site: Boone. Matt. July 26, 2024. AEW x Adult Swim: Battle For The Booty Results 7/25/24. July 27, 2024. Wrestling Headlines. en. July 27, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240727002730/https://wrestlingheadlines.com/aew-x-adult-swim-battle-for-the-booty-results-7-25-24/. live.

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