A New Face Arrives: Emily Rose Makes Her AEW Debut

On the most recent episode of AEW Collision, viewers and fans in attendance were introduced to a new face: Emily Rose. While some might have classified her as an underdog, her appearance represents something much larger than a single match. It was a display of AEW's consistent routine of giving opportunities to talent on the independent scene, with a platform for wrestlers who want to promote themselves by being seen by a national audience.

This move by AEW not only provides a spotlight for newer talent but also is a pathway for a wrestler to qualify for a potential career in a major promotion in the future. Emily Rose's journey is a perfect example of this.

Hailing from Charleston, West Virginia, the six-foot-tall Emily Rose brings a strong athletic background to the wrestling ring. Before becoming a pro-wrestler, she was a college softball player. However, it was an AEW Dynamite show in Charleston in October 2019 that inspired her to pursue professional wrestling. Under the tutelage of trainers former ECW World Heavyweight Champion Shane Douglas and Shane Storm, Rose learned the fundamentals of wrestling. This, combined with her AEW-inspired passion for the business and the athletic foundation of the power that softball players possess, prepared her for the ring.

Emily Rose’s hard work has not gone unnoticed on the independent scene. In 2024, she was named ACW Newcomer of the Year by the West Virginia-based Appalachian Championship Wrestling (ACW), where she continues to wrestle. This accolade is a clear indicator that ACW recognizes that Rose is beginning to connect with their audiences and leaves a lasting impression. Beyond ACW, she has also wrestled in other promotions, including Ohio Hatchet Wrestling, the Indiana-based Battle On The Border, and the Kentucky-based Elevate Pro Wrestling throughout 2024 and 2025. These appearances on the independent scene have not only allowed her to improve her skills but also led to her AEW opportunity.

Emily Rose’s appearance on AEW programming is a significant moment in her career and a great look at how AEW operates with talent. By regularly including independent wrestlers, AEW is able to help keep its product fresh by introducing fans to wrestlers they are unfamiliar with. It's also valuable to the wrestler's career growth. At AEW Collision, she gained exposure to a large audience, which can lead to name recognition on the independent scene and increased bookings. This is especially valuable when it comes to getting booked in her home state of West Virginia, where many long-standing independent promotions run shows, including AIWF affiliate Mega Pro Wrestling, Big Time Wrestling, and All Star Wrestling. Her appearance in AEW increases her chances of being booked by these promotions.

For wrestlers like Emily Rose, an AEW appearance is more than a single match- it's an invaluable opportunity to put all their training and hard work to use and get noticed by a massive fanbase. Her debut is a promising sign for her future and a clear reminder that for a dedicated independent wrestler, the path to a national stage is more accessible than ever.