When Isla Dawn made her long-anticipated arrival in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), it marked not only a major career turning point for her but a deeply symbolic moment in Glasgow, her hometown. The Scottish wrestler, known for her eerie “witchy” persona and tag-team success in WWE, stepped into the AEW ring for the first time on August 23, 2025, during an episode of AEW Collision recorded at the OVO Hydro. While the match ended in a defeat, the emotional magnitude of the debut — in front of her local fans — told a larger story: one of reinvention, ambition, and the promise of a fresh start. In this article, we’ll explore Isla Dawn’s journey, the significance of her AEW debut, her wrestling style, and what this move could mean for her career and for AEW’s women’s division.
1. Who Is Isla Dawn? From Glasgow to Global Wrestling
Isla Dawn, born Courtney Stewart in Glasgow, Scotland, is a professional wrestler with a unique presence and a storied past. en.wikipedia.org+2de.wikipedia.org+2 She has wrestled under multiple names, but “Isla Dawn” has become her signature, with a character rooted in mystique and theatricality. She initially embarked on her wrestling career back in 2013, gaining experience across Europe before eventually joining WWE. en.wikipedia.org+1
During her time in WWE, Dawn became well-known for her “modern-day witch” persona — a role she embraced with flair. WWE Together with Alba Fyre, she formed The Unholy Union, and the duo captured both the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship and the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. en.wikipedia.org+2WWE+2 Her in-ring style blends hard-hitting moves with a psychological, almost ethereal aura — an approach that makes her stand out in a crowded field. WWE+1
After seven years with WWE, Dawn was released in February 2025. WrestleTalk+2fightful.com+2 Her departure opened the door for a new chapter — one that would lead her to AEW and a momentous return to her Scottish roots.
2. The Road to AEW: From WWE Exit to Collision Spotlight
Following her WWE release, speculation swirled about Isla Dawn’s next destination. Reports soon emerged that AEW was interested in her, with multiple sources indicating she might sign with the company. tpww.net+1 The buzz intensified when she was spotted backstage at AEW Dynamite in late August 2025 — a strong hint that her AEW arrival was imminent. tpww.net
AEW officially confirmed Dawn’s debut on the August 23 episode of Collision, promoting a match between her and Megan Bayne. Sportskeeda What made this even more special: the event was taped in Glasgow, her hometown, granting the Scottish wrestler a deeply personal stage for her first AEW appearance. pwmania.com+1
Her second match since leaving WWE — her first AEW match — carried emotional weight. She returned to her roots, competing in front of a home crowd, and demonstrated that her journey was far from over. Despite the loss to Bayne, the night was overwhelmingly seen as a symbolic victory: Dawn was back, on her own terms, and stepping into a new era.
3. The Hometown Debut: Glasgow’s Emotional Stage
Isla Dawn’s AEW debut was not just a career move — it was a deeply symbolic homecoming. AEW Collision was filmed at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, and when Dawn’s music hit, the crowd erupted. wrestlingnewsblog.com Wrestling News reported that the fans gave her a warm, electric reception, recognizing both her roots and her journey. Wrestling News
Taking the ring in your hometown is a double-edged sword: the emotional stakes are higher, but so is the crowd’s support. For Dawn, this setting likely amplified the experience — not just as a wrestler making a promotional debut, but as a native daughter returning to show her growth and ambition. wrestlingnewsblog.com
While she lost to Megan Bayne — who used a running liger bomb to secure the pin — the match was more than a mere indicator of wins and losses. fightful.com The narrative of her return, backed by a hometown audience, underlined her commitment to forging a new path and resonated deeply with fans who had followed her journey from her early days in the Scottish wrestling scene.
4. Analysis of the Match: Isla Dawn vs. Megan Bayne
In her AEW debut, Isla Dawn squared off with Megan Bayne, a formidable competitor who has been building momentum in AEW throughout 2025. Wrestling News+1 Bayne, who has remained undefeated in singles competition this year, seemed like a strong test for Dawn’s reintroduction to the televised wrestling world. WrestleTalk+1
The match itself showcased Dawn’s strengths: her eerie character work, controlled ring presence, and willingness to engage in physicality. However, Bayne’s power proved decisive. According to reports, Bayne hit Dawn with a running Powerbomb (or liger bomb, depending on the account) to secure the win. WrestleTalk+2Ringside News+2 While the loss might not be the best way to begin a run from a purely competitive standpoint, it could serve a longer-term storytelling purpose: positioning Dawn as a credible threat while giving her room to grow in AEW.
Importantly, the match wasn’t merely about victory or defeat. The home crowd, Dawn’s presence, and the symbolic nature of the moment made it feel like a launchpad — rather than a one-off appearance — even if AEW has not (yet) publicly confirmed a long-term contract.
5. Reaction and Significance: What Her AEW Arrival Means
Isla Dawn’s AEW debut has sparked a wide reaction among wrestling fans and analysts, and for many, it’s a significant development for both her and AEW’s women’s division.
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For Isla Dawn, it’s a rebirth. After a lengthy WWE tenure, including major tag-team success, this is her opportunity to reestablish her identity in a fresh environment. AEW offers her creative room to lean into her “witchy” persona, deepen her character, and potentially explore new rivalries.
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For AEW, bringing in Dawn adds a seasoned, international name with a compelling backstory. Her Glasgow debut brings local flavor and legitimacy, and her established charisma and tag-team credentials (with Alba Fyre) could enrich AEW’s women’s roster.
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For the fans, particularly in the U.K., her appearance represents a moment of pride. It’s not only about wrestling: it’s about representation, hometown heroes, and the emotional pull of seeing a local talent return in grand fashion.
Already, some are speculating whether AEW intends to sign her full-time. SI While there has been no official announcement of a long-term deal, the backstage interest is reportedly strong. tpww.net Whether she becomes a fixture on AEW TV or remains an occasional performer, her arrival is undeniably a statement — one of ambition, potential, and legacy.
6. Isla Dawn’s Wrestling Style and Persona
One of Isla Dawn’s most distinguishing features is her character work. Unlike wrestlers who rely solely on athleticism or brute force, Dawn blends physicality with a brooding, supernatural edge. Her “modern-day witch” persona is not just for show — it’s a core part of her in-ring identity, backed by ritualistic theatrics, eerie mannerisms, and a haunting presence. WWE+1
Her wrestling style reflects this persona. She has experience in kickboxing and dance, which gives her movement a fluid but deliberate quality. WWE She is not just a brawler; she uses storytelling and psychological tactics. Whether through deliberate pacing, controlled strikes, or moments of darkness, she creates an atmosphere around her matches that draws in the audience emotionally.
In AEW, this style could be a powerful asset. The women’s division in AEW is increasingly diverse, with a mix of powerhouse wrestlers, high-flyers, and technical performers. Dawn brings something unique — a character-driven, theatrical style that could carve a niche, whether in singles competition or as part of a larger storyline.
7. Potential AEW Storylines and Allies
Given her background and character, there are several potential storylines and alliances AEW might explore with Isla Dawn:
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Tag-Team / Faction Role: Dawn’s most successful WWE run was with Alba Fyre in The Unholy Union. AEW could recreate a similar dynamic or introduce her into a faction where her mystique is leveraged alongside others.
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Singles Feud: Her debut against Megan Bayne opens the door for a longer rivalry. AEW could continue booking her against power-based wrestlers, building her as a dark force that contrasts with more straightforward athletes.
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Mentorship / Mystery Role: With her “witchy” character, AEW might use her to play a mentor, a mysterious figure, or someone who guides younger wrestlers — especially those with odd or character-heavy gimmicks.
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ROH Integration: Dawn has already made her Ring of Honor (ROH) debut alongside the Grizzled Young Veterans, forming a mixed trios team. Sportskeeda+1 That could evolve into cross-promotional storytelling, potentially pitting her team against established ROH acts or forming a stable with her own agenda.
Regardless of the path, AEW has the storytelling flexibility to utilize Dawn’s strengths effectively — allowing her to become more than just a former WWE star, but a compelling AEW character in her own right.
8. Challenges and Risks for Isla Dawn in AEW
While the AEW debut is a high point, Isla Dawn faces real challenges and risks as she transitions into this new phase:
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Roster Competition: AEW’s women’s division is deep and crowded. Standing out will require more than her debut; she’ll need consistent storylines, character development, and wins.
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Fan Expectations: Her hometown debut set a high bar. Fans will likely expect her to deliver on her charisma and in-ring work, and missing expectations could dampen momentum.
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Contract Status: Reports suggest interest, but no confirmed long-term AEW contract yet. SI Without a secure deal, her future may remain uncertain.
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Creative Direction: While her “witch” persona is unique, there’s always the risk of it being underutilized or sidelined. AEW will need to balance her character’s theatrics with credible in-ring action to maximize her potential.
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Physical Wear: After a lengthy WWE career, Dawn may need to manage her body and performance carefully, especially if she becomes a regular performer in AEW.
If AEW, Dawn, and her team can navigate these challenges, her debut could be the beginning of a powerful run. But it will require commitment, creativity, and strategic booking.
9. Why Her AEW Debut Matters for the Wrestling Landscape
Isla Dawn’s move to AEW is more than just a roster change — it speaks to broader trends in professional wrestling:
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Talent Fluidity: Dawn’s transition underscores how modern wrestling sees a lot more fluidity. Top performers can switch promotions, and major companies like AEW are willing to invest in international talent.
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Character Diversity: Her persona adds to AEW’s growing tapestry of wrestlers who aren’t just athletes, but storytellers. Wrestling fans today appreciate character depth, and Dawn offers that in spades.
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UK and Scottish Representation: By debuting in Glasgow, AEW acknowledges the importance of its UK fanbase. Wrestlers like Dawn illustrate AEW’s commitment to tapping into regional talent and building connections with local audiences.
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Women’s Division Growth: More established female talents in AEW help elevate the women’s roster. Dawn’s experience and championship resume bring credibility and could inspire engaging feuds, alliances, and narratives.
Her debut isn’t just a personal milestone — it’s a signal about AEW’s direction and the evolving landscape of wrestling on a global scale.10. The Road Ahead: What Could Come Next
With her AEW debut behind her, the future holds multiple possibilities for Isla Dawn — and many wrestling fans are excited to see which direction she will take.
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Signing with AEW: If AEW offers her a full-time contract, we could see Dawn become a stable fixture, with storylines built around her character.
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ROH Integration: Her existing involvement with ROH, especially alongside the Grizzled Young Veterans, could deepen, leading to trios or faction-based feuds. Sportskeeda
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Title Pursuits: Over time, she could target AEW’s women’s titles, using her tag team pedigree or singles momentum to push for championship gold.
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Character Expansion: AEW might explore deeper aspects of her mystique — perhaps supernatural storylines, alliances with other “odd” characters, or even managerial roles.
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International Tours: Given her Scottish roots, AEW could leverage her as part of European or UK-based shows, helping to draw local crowds and build story arcs.
Her journey is just beginning in AEW, and if booked smartly, she has the potential to become a standout figure in the promotion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When did Isla Dawn make her AEW debut?
Isla Dawn made her AEW in-ring debut on the August 23, 2025, episode of AEW Collision, during a taping in Glasgow, Scotland. fightful.com
Q2: Who did she face in her debut match?
She faced Megan Bayne and was defeated after Bayne delivered a running bomb. fightful.com+1
Q3: Was that her first match since leaving WWE?
No — that was her second match since leaving WWE in February 2025. Her first match post-WWE was at a Burning Heart event. wrestlingnewsblog.com+1
Q4: Did AEW officially sign her?
As of her debut, there’s no confirmed full-time AEW contract announced, though there are reports AEW has significant interest in signing her. tpww.net
Q5: What championships has Isla Dawn held in WWE?
Isla Dawn is a former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion and NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, both titles she held with Alba Fyre. en.wikipedia.org
Q6: Has Isla Dawn appeared in ROH with AEW?
Yes — she made her ROH (Ring of Honor) debut in a mixed trios match alongside the Grizzled Young Veterans. Sportskeeda
Q7: What is her wrestling style or persona?
Dawn’s persona is mystical and theatrical — she portrays a “modern-day witch” and combines in-ring aggression with character-driven presence. WWE
Conclusion
Isla Dawn’s AEW debut in Glasgow represents a powerful convergence of personal history, professional reinvention, and creative potential. Her arrival in AEW — particularly in front of her hometown crowd — sends a message: this is not just a return; it’s a rebirth. Dawn brings experience, character, and an aura that few others in the women’s division can match.
While her first match ended in defeat, the significance of the moment goes beyond wins and losses. It could mark the start of a compelling AEW run, one built on mystique and meaningful storytelling. Whether AEW signs her full-time, builds her into championship contention, or uses her in crossover ROH narratives, one thing seems clear: Isla Dawn’s journey is far from over — and her AEW chapter has only just begun.
Wrestling fans should watch closely. The “witch from Glasgow” has entered a new realm, and there’s a sense that she’s just getting started.
