Background: Before they were known as “Billie Kay” and “Ember Moon” in NXT they were known as “Jessie McKay” and “Athena” on the indie wrestling scene. By SHIMMER’s 40th event these two blue chippers were standing across the ring from one another for the first time.
SHIMMER Volume 40
Berwyn, IL
March 27, 2011
Athena vs. Jessie McKay
While not the most imposing wrestler, Jessie McKay had the obvious strength advantage as she pushed Athena around the ring before head locking her tightly. Athena did a great job maneuvering Jessie into the corner for a backbreaker. Jessie started getting the crowd behind her. Athena put a halt to the fans’ support by kicking McKay in the back over and over again. Hooking McKay’s right leg, Athena had Jessie scurrying to the rope. In an impressive so of innovation, Athena executed a side slam off of the vertical suplex to gain a two count. Athena letting the fans get to her cost the aggressive “Goddess” as McKay bounced off of the ropes, head scissoring Athena. Jessie had gotten her second wind, executing a reverse side effect to gain a two count of her own. Schoolgirl Crush somehow didn’t put Athena away! Athena stopped the Boyfriend Stealer, executing the Ultimate Backslash … for a near fall!
Rallying to her feet, Jessie couldn’t stop the springboard stunner. Unfortunately for Athena, Jessie bounced to the floor upon impact, giving Jessie enough time to recover when she rolled her in for the pin. McKay suddenly hoisted Athena up, hitting a northern lights bomb-Boyfriend Stealer combination for the victory.
Winner: Jessie McKay (11:51)
Is It A Classic: They had a really good piece of business that had to have lifted the name of Athena in the eyes of SHIMMER fans during that time. Jessie McKay was as good as she had been in SHIMMER up to that point; making it for a really strong undercard bout.
