Willow Nightingale talks Mercedes Mone, Giulia, More (Patreon)

Fightful.com’s Sean Ross Sapp spoke with 2023 Owen Hart Memorial Cup Winner Willow Nightingale to promote Ring of Honor’s Pay-Per-View Death Before Dishonor.

Willow told us that she and Athena would love to main event Death Before Dishonor, but it has yet to be determined. Willow said this would only be their third singles match against each other. Willow mentioned that she has probably challenged for the ROH Women’s Championship more than anyone.

Willow said Athena is someone that she has admired for years. Willow says working with her is an honor but notes that Athena is the opposite of herself regarding personality.

Sean brought up an interview that Fightful had with Deonna Purazzo, in which he asked her, “who is someone out there who should be signed full-time, but isn’t.” Sean told Willow that Deonna said, “Willow Nightingale and nobody else is close me.”  Willow says hearing praise from hearing fans matters, but hearing it from peers who know the ins and outs of the business and see every step of her journey both in the ring and out; matters a little bit more.

Willow said it's rewarding and humbling to hear that from someone like Deonna, whom she has known since the beginning of her career. Willow says Deonna was probably the person she wrestled the most when she started in her first few months. Willow noted that Deonna, to keep her in such high regard, put a smile on her face when she questioned her success and self-worth.

Willow told us that in the Owen Hart Memorial Cup Tournament, in each step of the tournament, she faced someone that she has deep respect for. Sean asked Willow if she could take the Owen Hart Foundation hat from Tony Khan and incorporate it into her persona. Willow said that she would love to have the hat. Willow said cowboy hats were all over, and people were having a great time. Willow mentioned that she talked with Mrs. Hart for nearly an hour. Willow said it was the first time she had met her, but she was warm and comforting.

Sean told Willow she was no longer seen as a prospect and asked how that made her feel. Willow says it still feels bizarre, but she has been wrestling for almost nine years. She mentioned how she always was looked at like an underdog. Willow says seeing the perspective change is surreal.

Sean asked Willow which match she was looking forward to the most other than her own. Willow said she is looking forward to Samoa Joe vs. Dalton Castle, and that was because Joe is an idol and role model to her. She mentions Dalton Castle because Willow said he endlessly entertains her and is someone she considers a friend.

Sean mentioned that he noticed Willow has been working more Collision dates. Willow said she didn't know if she would be a Wednesday or Saturday night person.

Willow also said some people knew their schedule but had not received word. Willow said she thought she would be one of those who go back and forth.

Willow talked about being approached for the NJPW Women’s tournament. Willow mentioned that being in that tournament was an honor. Sean would ask Willow what happened when Mercedes got hurt because they had to change things. Willow said everyone wants to win, but she considers her opponents' safety. However, she walked with her hands raised in the air. Willow said it was weird timing because the Owen Hart Tournament just began and still traveled to New Japan. She mentioned how it helped her because she always wanted to travel to Japan.

Willow says working the NJPW Independence Day show at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan, was quickly planned. Willow mentioned how the trip happened during the Owen Hart Memorial Cup Tournament. Willow says she was proud of her match with Giulia; she added that the two-day trip was reinvigorating and refreshing.

Willow participated in our Shooting Softly series. Sean asked Willow about Emi Sakura; Willow said she marked out when she met Emi. She says Emi never looks down on anyone and says she is a sweetheart.

Sean asked Willow about Maki Itoh. Willow says Maki is a ball of delight and an entertainment factory. She said she is a role model and idol to her. Willow also would shoot softly on Lufisto and Hyan.

The interview would end with Willow explaining some of the differences in the creative process between AEW and ROH.