The wrestling world shook with excitement when Isla Dawn, the hauntingly charismatic Scottish performer, made her highly anticipated debut in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). A former WWE and NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, Dawn’s arrival marks more than just a new roster addition — it is a homecoming moment, a symbolic return to the UK stage, and a bold new beginning in her career. On August 23, 2025, during a Collision taping in her hometown of Glasgow, Isla Dawn stepped into the AEW ring to face Megan Bayne, signaling her readiness to embark on a fresh journey. Though she did not secure the victory, her debut carried emotional weight, proving that this was not just another match, but a milestone. This article dives into Isla Dawn’s background, the significance of her AEW debut, her in-ring style, and the potential future she could carve out in AEW and beyond.
1. Isla Dawn: From Glasgow to the Global Stage
Isla Dawn, born Courtney Stewart in Glasgow, Scotland, is no stranger to wrestling’s bright lights. Her journey began long before AEW, shaped by years of dedication, growth, and colorful partnerships. Stewart trained in Scotland, and her early independent career laid the foundation for her development in larger promotions. Over time, she made her way to WWE, where she would build her legacy, including winning the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship and later the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside Alba Fyre. Wikipedia+2Wrestling News+2 Her wrestling persona — a kind of gothic, mystical presence — distinguished her in a crowded women’s division. While her time in WWE came to an end in February 2025 as part of a mass release, Dawn’s roots and passion remained firmly planted in Scotland, and her return to a UK-based show during her AEW debut felt deeply symbolic. Wrestling News Blog+1
2. The Road to AEW: What Led to Her Signing (or Debut)
Isla Dawn’s move to AEW did not come out of thin air. After her February 2025 release from WWE, speculation about her next destination began almost immediately. According to several sources, AEW showed concrete interest in her well before her first appearance, with reports suggesting that she was expected to sign officially. tpww.net While those reports began circulating weeks before her AEW debut, it remained uncertain whether her Collision appearance was part of a long-term deal or a more exploratory “one-off” spot. SI+1 Wrestling observers noted that the taping for AEW Collision on August 20 (aired August 23) was held at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, adding emotional resonance to her debut. pwmania.com Though AEW has not publicly confirmed a full-time contract for her (at least at the time of her debut), she was warmly welcomed by the hometown crowd — a powerful signal of optimism for her future in AEW. fightful.com+1
3. The Moment: AEW Collision, Glasgow – Her Hometown Return
There is something uniquely poetic about Isla Dawn making her AEW debut in her birthplace. The Collision show taped on August 20, 2025, in Glasgow was the perfect stage for her return. fightful.com+1 As she walked to the ring, the crowd’s energy was electric, reflecting not only their excitement for AEW but their pride in one of their own. Facing Megan Bayne, a rising powerhouse in AEW, Dawn delivered a spirited performance — even if the result didn’t go her way. fightful.com+1 Bayne secured the win after executing a running “power bomb” (or liger bomb, depending on the report) on Dawn. 411mania.com But for many fans, the emotional and symbolic significance of the match outweighed the outcome: this was Dawn’s first televised AEW match and only her second in-ring appearance since leaving WWE. WrestleTalk+1
4. Significance of Her AEW Debut: Personal and Professional
Isla Dawn’s AEW debut is meaningful on multiple levels. First, there is the personal significance: performing in her hometown of Glasgow connects her career arc back to its roots, making the moment deeply emotional. For her and her fans, it was more than a business move — it was a celebration. Professionally, her arrival in AEW signals her willingness to embrace new challenges. Dawn has proven herself in WWE, but AEW offers fresh opportunities: a different roster, different storylines, and potential reinvention. This transition could redefine her legacy, offering her room not only as a tag team specialist but as a singles competitor, or even as a more character-driven presence in AEW’s women’s division. Moreover, her performance could pave the way for more matches in AEW or ROH — indeed, reports have already confirmed her involvement in a mixed trio match in ROH with the Grizzled Young Veterans. Sportskeeda
5. In-Ring Style: What Isla Dawn Brings to AEW
Isla Dawn is not just known for her championship pedigree, but for her distinctive in-ring style — a blend of gothic mystique, psychological intensity, and technical skill. Throughout her WWE career, Dawn often leaned into supernatural themes, using poetic promos, eerie entrances, and deliberate pacing to unsettle her opponents. Now, in AEW, she has the opportunity to expand that persona. Her moveset — which includes stops-and-starts, well-timed strikes, and psychological mind games — can mesh well with AEW’s more open, fluid style. Furthermore, her experience as a tag team wrestler (especially with Alba Fyre) gives her versatility: she can play the lone dark figure, or team up in compelling alliances. Given her experience and capacity to create a mood, AEW could leverage her to craft meaningful rivalries or even alignments with other characters who thrive on theatrics, intensity, and depth.
6. Reception: How Fans and Media Reacted
The reaction to Isla Dawn’s AEW debut has been overwhelmingly positive. Scottish fans, in particular, were thrilled to see her return to a major televised stage in her home country. Wrestling news outlets noted the “warm reception” she received at the OVO Hydro. Wrestling News Blog Media coverage has also underscored the significance of her transition: many see her as a high-potential addition to AEW’s women’s division, bringing a mix of experience, star power, and a signature character. Wrestling News Some analysts have speculated that this could be the beginning of a long-term AEW run, though others — including fans — remain cautiously optimistic, noting that AEW has historically given one-off spots to former WWE talent without always signing them full time. Reddit On wrestling forums, many expressed hope that Dawn would be used well, arguing that her unique persona and experience make her an asset in both AEW and ROH. Reddit+1
7. Challenges and Potential Pitfalls
While her debut was a strong symbolic moment, there are challenges ahead for Isla Dawn in AEW. First, winning her place in a highly competitive women’s division will require more than nostalgia; it will demand consistent performance, character work, and storyline involvement. AEW has many talented female wrestlers, and for Dawn to stand out, she will need either a compelling feud, a stable, or a unique arc. Second, there’s the question of contractual commitment. As of her debut, AEW has not clearly confirmed a long-term deal — leaving open the possibility that this was a “tryout” appearance or a test. SI Third, Dawn’s character style (mystical, “dark witch”-type) could be underused or misinterpreted if not booked carefully. In WWE, she benefited from certain creative flourishes; in AEW, she may risk becoming a one-dimensional figure if not given nuance.
8. Future Opportunities: Where Can Isla Dawn Go from Here?
The future for Isla Dawn in AEW (and potentially ROH) looks promising if booked intelligently. Here are a few potential paths:
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Singles Push: Build on her debut to create a singles run. Rivalries with AEW women who contrast her style — for example, more aggressive power wrestlers — could highlight her psychology and pacing.
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Tag Team Return: She could reform a tag team, either with a newcomer or an established star, using her experience as a multi-time tag champion.
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Stable or Faction Role: Given her theatrical persona, Dawn could fit into or lead a faction that plays to her mystical, gothic elements.
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ROH Integration: As reported, she has already worked in ROH trios matches. AEW could leverage her in cross-promotional storytelling.
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Character Deepening: AEW could explore her backstory, motivations, and alignment (heel vs face), turning Dawn into a more layered, compelling character.
Each of these directions depends on management’s commitment, creative vision, and fan response — but Dawn’s in-ring ability and persona give her several strong options.
9. Impact on AEW’s Women’s Division
Isla Dawn’s arrival is more than a personal milestone — it could have a real structural impact on AEW’s women’s division. Her veteran presence brings credibility, and her in-ring style diversifies the types of matches AEW can offer. As AEW continues to grow its women’s roster, talent like Dawn (with international experience, tag team credentials, and character performance) can help anchor the division. She may also help AEW tap into UK and European audiences, especially when shows (or tapings) return to those regions. Her name recognition from her WWE days also brings crossover appeal. If AEW leverages her properly, she could be one of the change-makers in reshaping the division’s storytelling and match quality.
10. Reflection on Her Career So Far
Isla Dawn’s career arc has been remarkable. From her early days on the UK independent circuit to her WWE success with tag team titles, she built a reputation as a unique, emotionally resonant performer. Her release from WWE in February 2025 marked an end to a long chapter — but her AEW debut shows that this may instead be the start of a powerful new one. Dawn’s ability to reinvent herself, maintain her character identity, and perform at a high level gives her a strong foundation for longevity. Her Glasgow homecoming in AEW was not just a debut — it was a reintroduction of her bold, eerie, and deeply human character to a global audience that is ready to see what she does next.
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 Collision, during a taping in Glasgow, Scotland. Wrestling News Blog
Q2. Who did she face in her debut match?
She faced Megan Bayne in her first AEW match and was defeated. 411mania.com+1
Q3. Was Dawn’s AEW debut in her hometown?
Yes — the match took place in Glasgow, Scotland, her birthplace, making the debut a special homecoming. Wrestling News Blog
Q4. Has she officially signed with AEW?
As of her debut, there is no confirmed report that AEW publicly announced a long-term contract; speculation remains about whether she signed full-time. SI+1 Some sources report strong interest and expectation of a deal. tpww.net
Q5. What championships has she won before joining AEW?
Isla Dawn held the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship and the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship, both with tag partner Alba Fyre. Wikipedia
Q6. What is her wrestling style or persona?
Dawn’s persona is often gothic, mystical, and psychological. Her in-ring style combines deliberate pacing, striking psychology, and a theatrical presence, making her matches feel both ominous and compelling.
Q7. Could she appear in ROH as well?
Yes — she has already made her Ring of Honor (ROH) debut in a mixed trio match alongside the Grizzled Young Veterans. Sportskeeda This opens the possibility of her being featured in both AEW and ROH storylines.
Conclusion
Isla Dawn’s AEW debut represents a pivotal moment in her career — a bridge between her past achievements in WWE and a bold new future in AEW. Wrestling in her hometown of Glasgow adds a poignant layer to the event, underscoring her roots and her journey. While she did not win her first match, the emotional charge, crowd reaction, and symbolic weight of this debut cannot be understated. Dawn brings to AEW not only her championship pedigree but also a richly defined character capable of evolving in multiple directions.
Her path forward offers numerous opportunities: a singles push, tag alliances, faction involvement, or cross-promotional storytelling in ROH. If AEW invests in her character and leverages her unique style, she could become a major fixture in their women’s division. Her arrival also strengthens AEW’s diversity of talent and deepens its roster with a performer who knows how to connect emotionally and theatrically with fans.
Ultimately, Isla Dawn’s AEW debut is more than a new beginning — it is a statement. It tells the wrestling world that she is not just back, but reborn, ready to carve out her legacy in a new home, on her own terms, and with the fire still burning. Her future in AEW looks bright, mysterious, and full of possibility — much like the woman herself.
