Thekla Explains Toxic Spider Nickname Origin and Gunther Comparison

Thekla, the Austrian professional wrestler and current AEW Women’s World Champion, has provided rare insight into the origins of her iconic “Toxic Spider” persona, a moniker that has become synonymous with her villainous character work in both Stardom and All Elite Wrestling. In a recent interview with Wrestling Attitude, Thekla—who debuted in 2017 and rose to prominence in Japan’s World Wonder Ring Stardom—explained how the nickname evolved from her aggressive in-ring style, artistic influences, and deliberate rejection of traditional “idol” tropes in women’s wrestling.

Thekla, born Thekla Kaischauri on April 30, 1993, in Vienna, Austria, has long been known for her unconventional approach to the sport. Unlike many female wrestlers in Japan’s joshi puroresu scene, who often embrace a cute or idol-like persona, Thekla cultivated a villainous, antagonistic character as a founding member of Stardom’s H.A.T.E. Stable. Her gimmick—dubbed “The Toxic Spider”—combines a grappling-heavy, acrobatic wrestling style with arachnid-themed attire and a persona that actively rejects the “idol culture” prevalent in the industry.

In the interview, Thekla clarified that the “Toxic Spider” nickname was not an arbitrary choice but a reflection of her artistic background and wrestling philosophy. “I’ve always been obsessed with creating things—drawing comics, playing guitar, doing fashion, photography,” she said. “When I started wrestling, I realized I could merge all those passions into one universal art form. The spider wasn’t just about being aggressive; it was about being *unpredictable*, like a predator that strikes when you least expect it. And the ‘toxic’ part? That’s the attitude. I wanted to be the opposite of what people expected from a female wrestler in Japan.”

The nickname also serves as a counterpoint to comparisons she has faced to her fellow Austrian wrestler, Gunther, who wrestles in AEW under a more traditional, fan-friendly persona. While Gunther’s character leans into charisma and crowd appeal, Thekla’s “Toxic Spider” is designed to unsettle and dominate. “People ask if I’m trying to be like Gunther, but that’s not it at all,” she noted. “We’re both Austrians in AEW, but our styles are completely different. I’m not here to be liked—I’m here to be *feared*.”

This distinction has only sharpened since her move to AEW in 2025, where she quickly became a standout performer. Her recent win over Kris Statlander to claim the AEW Women’s World Championship in February 2026 cemented her status as one of the promotion’s top stars. Thekla’s confidence in her unique approach—both in and out of the ring—has been a recurring theme in her interviews, particularly as she navigates her first reign as champion.

“Confidence isn’t something you fake,” she said in a February 2026 interview with Uncrowned. “It’s something you earn by being unapologetically yourself. I didn’t compare myself to anyone else in AEW. I just did me—and that’s what made the difference.”

Beyond her wrestling persona, Thekla’s artistic influences—including her studies at the University of Applied Arts Vienna—play a key role in her in-ring presentation. Her ring attire, entrance music, and even her signature moves are designed to feel like a cohesive, avant-garde performance. “I don’t want to just wrestle,” she explained. “I want to *perform*. The Toxic Spider isn’t just a character; it’s a statement.”

As Thekla continues her reign as AEW Women’s World Champion, her “Toxic Spider” persona remains a defining feature of her career. Whether in Japan or the U.S., she has proven that wrestling can be both an athletic and artistic medium—and that sometimes, the most memorable characters are the ones who refuse to conform.

For now, Thekla shows no signs of softening her image. If anything, her recent success has only reinforced her commitment to her villainous, creative identity—a far cry from the “idol” archetype that dominates much of women’s wrestling. As she puts it: “Love it or hate it, I’m the face of AEW now. And that’s exactly how I want it.”