Thekla Explains ‘Toxic Spider’ Nickname and Addresses Comparison to Gunther

Posted by admin on May 24th, 2026

Thekla has opened up about the origin of her now well-known “Toxic Spider” nickname, shedding light on how the persona has been tied to her identity long before her rise in All Elite Wrestling.

Speaking on the Sal Licata Show, Thekla explained that the nickname dates back to her debut and is rooted in her real name.

“I came up with it. That was from my debut already. I was already Toxic Spider. Spider is something that’s been with me for a long time, a nickname, because my name, Thekla, is my real name. There was this spider in an old children’s animation, a movie that was called Thekla and Thekla is a very rare name. So all the kids around the block were always like, ‘Hey, Thekla, like the spider.” So it’s always the spider thing is always stuck, and then Toxic Spider just sounds really good, and I was, I was never going to be a babyface either. So toxic is just like, you know, it’s like, it tells you be like, be aware (of) danger. That’s me.”

Her explanation highlights how the nickname blends personal history with her in-ring character, reinforcing the darker persona she has embraced throughout her career.

During the same interview, Thekla also addressed comparisons to fellow Austrian star Gunther, who has established himself as one of the top names in WWE. She described the idea of being ranked among the best Austrian wrestlers as a close competition.

“Oh that’s a tight race, I’m gonna say. I usually do put myself on on the number one spot, but I’m glad, I mean, I’m glad he’s a guy, I’m a girl, you know, we don’t have to actually race for that spot, but i think he can do shit that i can’t do, and vice versa let’s put it that way.”

Now one year into her run with All Elite Wrestling, Thekla continues to build momentum as the reigning AEW Women’s World Champion. She is set for another major title defense at AEW Double or Nothing, where she will face Jamie Hayter, Kris Statlander, and Hikaru Shida in a high-stakes match.

With her unique persona and growing list of accomplishments, Thekla remains one of the most distinctive champions on the AEW roster today.