When All Elite Wrestling (AEW) rolled into Glasgow, Scotland, on August 23, 2025 fans expected a typical stop on the UK tour. Instead, the night delivered a major surprise Isla Dawn — formerly of WWE — made her first AEW appearance. Within moments of AEW Debut Isla Dawn, it was clear this was more than a cameo; it was the start of a new chapter in the Scottish wrestler’s career.
Dawn’s debut was particularly symbolic given her recent WWE release. After seven years with the company, during which she captured tag-team gold and became a fixture of the NXT and main roster scenes, Dawn’s career trajectory seemed uncertain. Stepping into AEW’s ring in her hometown offered both a statement of resilience and an opportunity for reinvention.
Although she lost to Megan Bayne, the crowd’s reaction underscored the importance of the moment. Scottish fans witnessed a homecoming for a native talent who had evolved into one of wrestling’s most distinctive performers. Beyond the match, industry insiders speculated on what this debut might mean for AEW’s women’s division and Dawn’s future in professional wrestling.
From Glasgow to WWE — and Back
Isla Dawn, born Courtney Stewart, began her professional wrestling career in 2013 on the UK independent circuit. Over the next several years, she developed a persona blending gothic theatrics with technical in-ring skill, gradually building a reputation as one of the UK’s rising stars.
In 2018, Dawn signed with WWE, where her character continued to evolve. By 2022, she had aligned with Alba Fyre in a tag-team partnership known as The Unholy Union. Together, they captured the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship at WWE’s Stand & Deliver event in April 2023, cementing their status as a prominent tag team.
The pinnacle of her WWE career occurred in June 2024 at Clash at the Castle in Cardiff, where The Unholy Union won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship in front of a Scottish audience. Yet in February 2025, Dawn’s WWE tenure came to an abrupt end when she was released along with several other long-tenured performers.
A Night to Remember: AEW Collision — August 23, 2025
The AEW taping at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro became the stage for Dawn’s surprise appearance. Fans were electrified as her entrance music hit, and she made her way to the ring. The crowd’s reaction was a mix of nostalgia, excitement, and homegrown pride.
Despite losing to Megan Bayne, the moment was significant. Wrestling journalist Jeremy Lambert noted that her AEW debut was “a powerful return for a hometown talent” and highlighted the potential for Dawn to carve out a niche in AEW’s growing women’s division. For the audience, the appearance was more than a match — it was a symbolic homecoming.
Significance of the Debut
| Aspect | Significance |
| Roster Acquisition | AEW adds a technically skilled, character-driven wrestler with experience in both tag-team and singles competition. |
| UK Market Appeal | Booking Dawn in Glasgow taps into the UK fanbase and emphasizes AEW’s commitment to international representation. |
| Career Momentum | Dawn’s debut offers a chance for reinvention after her WWE departure, showcasing her versatility and presence. |
| Creative Flexibility | Her gothic persona allows AEW to explore unique storylines and character dynamics within the women’s division. |
Experts have weighed in on the significance of Dawn’s debut. Patrick Clarke, a wrestling analyst, noted, “Dawn’s blend of gothic mystery and athletic skill makes her stand out in AEW’s roster.” Veteran promoter Karen Johnson observed that a hometown debut is “high risk, high reward,” and freelance reporter Sam Reyes emphasized that fan reaction can be just as crucial as match outcomes.
Isla Dawn in AEW’s Women’s Division
The current landscape of AEW’s women’s division features a mix of high-flying, technical, and power-based wrestlers. Dawn’s gothic, theatrical persona provides a unique contrast, introducing a darker, more character-driven energy.
Her UK roots further enhance AEW’s international appeal, offering a bridge between European audiences and AEW’s expanding global presence. The debut positions Dawn as a potential focal point for storylines, whether in singles competition or tag-team matches.
Timeline: Isla Dawn’s Recent Career (2023–2025)
| Date | Event |
| April 1, 2023 | Wins NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship with Alba Fyre at Stand & Deliver. |
| June 15, 2024 | Wins WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship at Clash at the Castle in Cardiff. |
| February 8, 2025 | Released from WWE after seven years. |
| August 20, 2025 | AEW Glasgow tapings begin; Dawn announced for surprise appearance. |
| August 23, 2025 | AEW Collision debut in Glasgow against Megan Bayne. |
Opportunities and Challenges
Opportunities:
Dawn can reinvent her character without past storyline constraints, potentially exploring darker, theatrical directions. Her unique style fills a niche in AEW’s women’s division, blending character work with in-ring credibility.
Challenges:
AEW’s roster is competitive, and without a full-time contract or clear storyline, Dawn risks being underutilized. A one-off appearance may not sustain momentum, making consistent booking essential for long-term impact.
| Scenario | Implication |
| Full-Time AEW Signing | Regular appearances and involvement in storylines could establish her as a key competitor. |
| Independent/ROH Focus | Flexibility and continued growth on the independent scene or in affiliated promotions. |
| Guest Appearances | Hometown and UK appearances maintain visibility without full-time commitment. |
Takeaways
- Dawn’s AEW debut in Glasgow represents a symbolic homecoming and career reinvention.
- Despite the loss, fan reaction confirmed her enduring popularity.
- Her gothic persona adds variety to AEW’s women’s division.
- Future success depends on consistent storylines and promotion support.
- AEW could leverage her presence for both UK market engagement and character-driven storylines.
Conclusion
Isla Dawn AEW debut in Glasgow was more than an in-ring contest it was a statement of resilience and potential. Stepping into AEW following a high-profile WWE release, she demonstrated that reinvention is possible, even after setbacks. Her unique persona and hometown connection give AEW opportunities to explore new storylines while providing Dawn with a platform to redefine her career.
The path forward remains open: full-time AEW signing, independent-circuit growth, or selective appearances could all shape her next chapter. One thing is certain — Isla Dawn has re-entered the wrestling world on her terms, with a presence that will resonate for years to come.
FAQs
Why did Isla Dawn leave WWE?
She was released in February 2025 after seven years with WWE.
When did her AEW Debut Isla Dawn occur?
Her debut was on August 23, 2025, during AEW Collision in Glasgow.
Who did she face in her first AEW match?
She faced Megan Bayne and lost the match.
Is she signed to AEW full-time?
No official confirmation has been made; her debut may have been a guest appearance.
What’s next for Isla Dawn?
Potential paths include AEW full-time, independent promotions, or selective appearances in the UK/Europe.
