AEW Women’s Champion Thekla Reveals She Wanted to Be First Female Member of the Don Callis Family

Ahead of AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door on June 28th, AEW Women’s World Champion Thekla sat down with TMZ’s Inside The Ring podcast and opened up about a goal she had been quietly pursuing: becoming the first woman to join the Don Callis Family.

Thekla made clear that she saw the D.C.F. as a natural fit for her, a group she believed she belonged in. She also addressed the influence Don Callis himself had on her work in Japan, crediting him as a figure who shaped her approach and development during that period of her career.

The timing of the interview is notable. Thekla heads into Forbidden Door as the reigning AEW Women’s World Champion, and the event represents the biggest cross-promotional stage the title could be showcased on — a joint card between AEW and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. For a champion with deep ties to the Japanese wrestling scene, the occasion carries added significance.

The Don Callis Family has been one of AEW’s more prominent factions in recent years, built around the veteran manager and commentator Don Callis and a rotating roster of aligned talent. Thekla’s comments suggest that membership in the group was something she actively sought, rather than a connection that simply fell into place.

With Forbidden Door just around the corner, all eyes will be on how Thekla carries the Women’s title on one of the year’s most high-profile shows.