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Anna Jay
Anna Jay
from Wikipedia

Anna Marie Jernigan[5] (born July 15, 1998)[6] is an American professional wrestler. She is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where she performs under the ring name Anna Jay and is one-half of TayJay with Tay Melo.

Key Information

Professional wrestling career

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Training and independent circuit (2018–2020)

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Jay started training at One Fall Power Factory in July 2018.[7] In April 2019 during training, she suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery and was out of action for 4 to 6 months.[8] On September 14, 2019, Jay made her debut at Glacier's charity event "The Battle of Altama".[4] In January 2020, Jay defeated Thunder Blonde in a hair vs. hair match at a Georgia Premier Wrestling event.[1]

All Elite Wrestling (2019–present)

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The Dark Order (2020–2022)

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Jay made her first appearance in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) at All Out, in a video package hyping up Wardlow. Her next appearance would be on April 1, 2020, losing to Hikaru Shida in singles competition on Dynamite. She was announced as having signed with the company that same month.[9] Following a loss to Abadon on the June 17 episode of Dynamite, she was then helped backstage by The Dark Order.[10] Jay teamed with Tay Conti as "TayJay" in the AEW Women's Tag Team Cup Tournament: The Deadly Draw. They advanced in the quarterfinals by defeating Nyla Rose and Ariane Andrew but lost to Ivelisse and Diamante during the semifinals.[11][12] She was officially introduced as a member of The Dark Order on the August 27 episode of Dynamite.[13] On the November 25 episode of Dynamite, Jay challenged Shida for the AEW Women's World Championship in a losing effort.[14] On December 30, she and Conti defeated Britt Baker and Penelope Ford on the special episode of Dynamite and tribute to deceased leader of The Dark Order, Brodie Lee, dubbed the Brodie Lee Celebration of Life.[15] In February 2021, Jay was set to compete in the AEW Women's World Championship Eliminator Tournament but was taken off after suffering a shoulder injury during training. She underwent surgery the following month, and was expected not to wrestle for 6–12 months.[16]

Jay returned from injury on the September 1 episode of Dynamite, saving Conti from an attack by Ford and The Bunny after Conti defeated Ford in a match.[17] In November, Jay competed in the TBS Women's Championship Tournament, where she lost to Jamie Hayter in the first round.[18] After months of feuding, the team of Jay and Conti defeated the team of Ford and The Bunny in a street fight on December 31 on Rampage.[19] Jay then challenged Jade Cargill for the AEW TBS Championship in the main event of the January 21, 2022, edition of Rampage, where she was unsuccessful.[20] On May 29, Jay faced Cargill for the championship again at Double or Nothing where she was unsuccessful again.[21]

Jericho Appreciation Society (2022–2023)

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On July 20, during Night 2 of Fyter Fest, Jay turned heel by attacking Ruby Soho, thus reuniting with Conti and joining the Jericho Appreciation Society.[22] After her heel turn, Jay would go on to defeat Ruby Soho during the Rampage portion of Fight for the Fallen, choking Soho out with her own arm brace.

Her heel turn would also see a gimmick change for Jay, who would often threaten to choke people out and even do so twice during backstage interviews. She would also adopt the new ring name of Anna Jay A.S. as a reference to her new stable, while also being referred by her original name. Jay and Melo would continue their feud with Soho throughout the rest of 2022 and the beginning of 2023, with Jay and Melo beating Soho and Willow Nightingale in a tag team match on the December 28 episode of Dynamite and Soho and Nightingale beating them in a street fight on the January 11, 2023, episode of Rampage.

After a two month absence, Jay returned on the March 25, 2023, episode of Rampage, attacking Julia Hart. This set up a match for two weeks later on the same show, which Hart won after spraying black mist onto Jay's eyes. After a series of post-match attacks, Jay and Hart would have a rematch on the May 10 episode of Dynamite, in which Hart emerged victorious once again. On the June 23 episode of Rampage, Jay competed in the Owen Hart Foundation Women's Tournament, losing to Skye Blue in the quarterfinals of the tournament.[23] On the August 9, episode of Dynamite, Jay and the rest Jericho Appreciation Society walked out on Jericho due to his association with Don Callis, disbanding the group.

Championship pursuits (2023–2024)

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On the same August 9 episode of Dynamite, Jay unsuccessfully challenged Hikaru Shida for the AEW Women's World Championship. Despite the breakup, some members remained together as a group, consisting now of Matt Menard, Daniel Garcia, Angelo Parker, Jake Hager, and Anna. But constant match losses due to verbal arguments and distractions between them led Anna to quit the group.

In January 2024, Jay unsuccessfully challenged Julia Hart for The TBS Championship at Battle of the Belts IX.[24] After a brief excursion with Japan, Jay returned to AEW in late 2024. On October 17, at Battle of the Belts XII, Jay defeated AEW Women's World Champion Mariah May in an eliminator match, earning a future title shot.[25] On the November 2 episode of Collision, Jay was unsuccessful in capturing the title from May.[26] Two weeks later, Jay faced May again for the title in a no disqualification match, but failed to win, and at Holiday Bash, Jay would challenge Mercedes Mone, for the TBS championship but would fall short.

Reunion with Tay Melo (2025–present)

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In May 2025, Jay formed an alliance with Harley Cameron to defeat Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford at the Double or Nothing pre-show.[27] On June 4 at Fyter Fest, Jay reunited with Tay Melo (formerly Tay Conti) against Bayne and Ford, reuniting TayJay.[28] The following week at Summer Blockbuster, TayJay defeated Bayne and Ford.[29]

World Wonder Ring Stardom (2024)

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From August 10 to 31, Jay took part in World Wonder Ring Stardom's 2024 5 Star Grand Prix, her first time ever wrestling in Japan and in the tournament. Jay was placed in the Blue Stars A Block, where she finished with 6 points and failed to reach the playoff stage.

Personal life

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On June 28, 2021, Jay revealed over social media that she is in a relationship with fellow AEW wrestler Jack Perry.[30]

Championships and accomplishments

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Luchas de Apuestas record

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Winner (wager) Loser (wager) Location Event Date Notes
Anna Jay (hair) Thunder Blonde (hair) Canton, Georgia GPW Edge of Darkness January 17, 2020 [1]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Anna Jay, ring name of Anna Marie Jernigan, is an American professional wrestler signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) since 2020, where she is known for her athletic in-ring style and character work as the "Queen Slayer." Born on July 15, 1998, in Brunswick, Georgia, she stands at 5 feet 8 inches tall and began her wrestling training in 2019 before making her professional debut on September 14 of that year in independent promotions. Jay signed with AEW in early 2020, debuting on the April 1 episode of AEW Dynamite in a losing effort against Hikaru Shida for the AEW Women's World Championship, quickly establishing herself as a promising talent with just six prior matches. Early in her AEW career, Jay aligned with faction, adopting the gimmick of "99" and competing primarily on and AEW Dark: Elevation, where she racked up victories and participated in the 2021 Women's Tag Team Cup Tournament alongside Tay Conti as part of the team TayJay. She transitioned out of in 2022, joining Chris Jericho's (JAS) stable, which elevated her profile through feuds with wrestlers like Ruby Soho and involvement in multi-woman matches on . Notable highlights include challenging for the twice against undefeated champion in 2022, showcasing her resilience despite not securing the title, and earning recognition in 's annual rankings as high as No. 103 among top female wrestlers in 2022. In 2024, Jay embarked on her first international excursion to in , competing in the prestigious 5 Star Grand Prix tournament from August 10 to 31, where she secured an upset victory in her debut against and gained praise for her improved technical skills and adaptability. Upon returning to AEW in late 2024, she resumed activity, including a singles victory over Robyn Renegade on and appearances with as TayJay on . In 2025, Jay briefly allied with for competition, including a win at , before reuniting with Melo. As of November 2025, Jay remains an active competitor in AEW's women's division, continuing to build her resume with victories on and title pursuits, reflecting her growth from rookie to midcard mainstay.

Professional wrestling career

Training and independent circuit (2018–2020)

Jay's interest in professional wrestling was sparked during her late teens, leading her to begin in 2017 at a organized by family friend and former WCW wrestler at the One Fall Power Factory wrestling school in Georgia. She committed to full-time the following year at the same facility in —later rebranded as Nightmare Factory—under the guidance of and QT Marshall, focusing on foundational skills amid her background in . This period marked the inception of her athletic transition, blending agility from years of training with wrestling fundamentals. Her progress was interrupted by injuries early in her training. In November 2018, during a drill, Jay dislocated her right shoulder for the first time, an incident she later described as occurring around while executing a basic maneuver. She re-aggravated the injury in April 2019 while delivering a bodyslam, tearing her labrum and chipping a fragment, which necessitated and sidelined her for approximately four to six months of recovery, including six weeks without use of her right arm. This setback delayed her ring debut but allowed time for mental preparation and rehabilitation. Upon returning from recovery, Jay made her professional in-ring debut on September 14, 2019, at Georgia Premier Wrestling's "The Battle of Altama" charity event in , where she defeated Allie Reckless in a singles match. Over the ensuing months, she built experience on the independent circuit, primarily in Georgia-based promotions such as GPW and Empower Wrestling, wrestling in a handful of bouts that honed her technical prowess and established her as a resilient babyface competitor emphasizing precision strikes and submissions. A standout moment came on , 2020, at GPW's "Edge of Darkness" event in , when Jay defeated Thunder Blonde in a hair vs. hair match—her third professional contest—culminating in her shaving her opponent's head post-victory, a stipulation that underscored the high stakes of her early indie run. By this time, her overall independent record stood at around four matches, with victories showcasing her emerging style as a who prioritized mat-based control and crowd connection as a sympathetic . This foundational phase on the independents concluded in April 2020 when Jay signed a contract with , transitioning her career to a major promotion.

All Elite Wrestling (2019–2022)

Anna Jay made her television debut for (AEW) on the April 1, 2020, episode of , where she lost to in a match for the . She had signed a contract with the promotion shortly thereafter, on April 6, 2020, despite having only debuted professionally on the independent circuit in 2019. Throughout 2020, Jay aligned herself with stable, joining as a recruit under the leadership of and adopting a mysterious "dark" persona complete with face paint and numbered gear as "-99." This affiliation provided her with on-screen support and storytelling opportunities, enhancing her visibility in AEW's women's division. In August 2020, she partnered with fellow recruit Tay Conti to form the "TayJay," entering the inaugural AEW Women's Tag Team Cup Tournament: The Deadly Draw. The duo advanced past the quarterfinals by defeating and Ariane Andrew but were eliminated in the semifinals by Diamante and Ivelisse. Their chemistry as a team quickly established them as a promising act in AEW's budding tag division. On November 25, 2020, Jay received her first singles opportunity for the , challenging champion on with Tay Conti in her corner; the match ended in a loss for Jay after interference from Abadon. Her momentum continued into early 2021, but she suffered a during training in , requiring surgery and sidelining her for six to twelve months. Jay returned to AEW television on the September 1, 2021, episode of Dynamite, aiding Tay Conti against an attack by Penelope Ford and The Bunny to a strong crowd reaction. She resumed in-ring competition shortly after on the September 13 episode of AEW Dark: Elevation, teaming with Conti to defeat Ella Shae and Jaylee. Over the following months, Jay solidified her role as a midcard competitor, securing victories that showcased her technical prowess and queenly arrogance gimmick, helping build her as a reliable performer capable of elevating undercard bouts while positioning her for broader storylines within The Dark Order.

Jericho Appreciation Society (2022–2023)

On the July 20, 2022, episode of AEW Dynamite, Anna Jay executed a heel turn during the main event barbed wire everywhere match between Chris Jericho and Eddie Kingston by interfering to aid Jericho, officially aligning herself with the Jericho Appreciation Society (JAS). This betrayal marked her departure from The Dark Order and her integration into the heel stable led by Jericho. As a core member of JAS, Jay joined forces with Tay Melo, Daniel Garcia, Jake Hager, Angelo Parker, and Matt Menard, adopting the moniker "Anna Jay A.S." to reflect her new affiliation. She embraced a confident, authoritative heel persona, often positioned as a key enforcer in the group's dynamics. Jay's addition strengthened the stable's presence across AEW and Ring of Honor programming, contributing to their expansion and various multi-person brawls. Jay's tenure in JAS involved significant feuds, particularly an extension of Jericho's rivalry with Eddie Kingston and broader conflicts with the AEW roster, including the Blackpool Combat Club. The group achieved a notable victory in the Anarchy in the Arena match at Double or Nothing 2022 against Kingston, Santana, Ortiz, Bryan Danielson, and Jon Moxley, showcasing JAS's chaotic teamwork. This period also tied into Jericho's successful defenses of the ROH World Championship, which he had won earlier that summer, with JAS providing interference in key bouts. At All Out 2022, Jericho retained his status within the promotion by defeating Bryan Danielson in a singles match, with JAS members celebrating the win ringside. Alongside , Jay formed a prominent within JAS, securing victories in several on AEW's secondary shows. Notable wins included triumphs over local competitors on , such as a tag taped in November 2022, and appearances on where they dominated enhancement talent to build momentum. These bouts highlighted their synergy as a duo, often ending with Jay's signature moves like the . The partnership also intersected with ROH storylines, though they did not pursue tag titles during this phase. JAS began to fracture in mid-2023 amid internal tensions, culminating in their dissolution on the August 9, 2023, episode of following a loss in a six-woman tag team match against The Outcasts (Saraya, Ruby Soho, and ). During the subsequent in-ring meeting, Jay publicly criticized for prioritizing his own career over the group's, declaring her intent to pursue singles success independently. This marked the end of JAS, with Jay transitioning to solo endeavors shortly thereafter.

Championship pursuits and international excursion (2023–2024)

Following the dissolution of the , Anna Jay transitioned to a solo career in (AEW), focusing on establishing herself as a top singles competitor. Her push began prominently in August 2023 with a high-profile title opportunity, as she challenged for the on the August 9 episode of . Despite a competitive effort, including applying her signature Queenslayer submission hold, Jay was unable to secure the victory, with Shida retaining the title via pinfall after a Falcon Arrow. This match highlighted Jay's growing aggression and technical prowess as a , setting the tone for her independent pursuits. Throughout late 2023, Jay accumulated key victories to build momentum, including a submission win over on the August 4 episode of Rampage, where she countered Blue's high-flying offense with the Queenslayer to force a tapout. These triumphs, combined with strong performances in multi-woman matches, positioned her as a credible threat in the women's division, leading to further contention opportunities. In January 2024, Jay earned a shot at the against champion Julia Hart on Battle of the Belts IX. The match saw Jay dominate early with strikes and suplexes, but Hart targeted her arm and retained via the Heartless submission hold. Jay's pursuit of the TBS Championship continued into late 2024 amid ongoing feuds with division staples like , whom she faced in non-title bouts that showcased her evolving striking game. By December, her persistence paid off with another title challenge, this time against Mercedes Moné on the December 18 Holiday Bash . Moné retained after a hard-fought clash with the Mone Maker for the pinfall, but Jay's resilience in the match further solidified her status as a top contender. To refine her skills, Jay embarked on a developmental excursion to World Wonder Ring Stardom in Japan from August 10 to 31, 2024, competing in the 5 Star Grand Prix tournament's Blue Stars Block A and finishing with 6 points from three wins and three losses. The excursion profoundly influenced Jay's in-ring approach, as she integrated Joshi-style elements such as faster footwork, precise chain wrestling, and high-impact arm drags upon her return to AEW in September 2024. Observers noted marked improvements in her pacing and adaptability, crediting the exposure to Stardom's athleticism for elevating her overall performance in subsequent AEW matches.

Reunion and recent activities (2025–present)

Following a period of inactivity that began after her final match in December 2024, Anna Jay returned to in-ring action on the April 23, 2025, episode of , defeating Taylor Gainey via pinfall in a squash match that marked her first appearance of the year. This comeback came after a four-month hiatus, during which Jay focused on recovery and preparation, amid reports of minor injuries and creative reevaluation within AEW. In May 2025, Jay formed a temporary alliance with , leading to a series of matches that showcased her versatility in multi-woman bouts. The duo secured a notable victory over and on the pre-show of on May 25, 2025, with Cameron pinning Ford after a chaotic exchange involving high-impact maneuvers. They followed this with a No Disqualification rematch on the May 28 episode of , though they fell short in a hard-fought loss to the same opponents via a on Cameron. Jay's trajectory shifted toward tag team emphasis in June 2025 with the return of her longtime partner , reforming the duo known as TayJay. On the June 4 episode of AEW Fyter Fest (taped for ), Melo made her in-ring comeback by saving Jay from a post-match by Bayne, setting the stage for their official reunion match one week later. At AEW Summer Blockbuster on June 11, TayJay defeated Bayne and Ford in a bout on , with Melo securing the pin after a sequence of tandem offense including Jay's signature Gory Bomb. This win propelled them into further competition, including a victory over Dream Girl Ellie and Carolina Cruz on the October 11 episode of , as part of their buildup toward the inaugural AEW Women's World Championship tournament. Throughout 2025, Jay maintained a limited schedule of 13 matches by October, comprising eight on Collision, three on Dynamite, one PPV pre-show, and one NJPW event, attributed to ongoing recovery from prior injuries and strategic booking to highlight her tag team role. Her January 11 appearance at NJPW Battle in the Valley featured an eight-woman elimination tag loss alongside AZM, Trish Adora, and Johnnie Robbie against Viva Van, Hanako, Maika, and Mina Shirakawa. Insights from her 2024 excursion to World Wonder Ring Stardom have subtly influenced TayJay's approach, incorporating more fluid chain wrestling into their tandem sequences. On the November 8, 2025, episode of Collision, TayJay defeated Hyan and Maya World. As of November 2025, TayJay remains positioned as top contenders in the AEW Women's World Tag Team Championship landscape, engaging in ongoing feuds with established units like The Outcasts (Ruby Soho and Saraya). In recent promos on Collision, Jay has articulated their ambition to claim the inaugural titles, stating, "We've waited long enough—TayJay is ready to etch our names in history as the first champions," amid tournament advancements that pit them against powerhouse teams. This pursuit underscores Jay's evolution from solo competitor to cornerstone of AEW's emerging women's tag division.

World Wonder Ring Stardom (2024)

In July 2024, announced that Anna Jay, on loan from , would participate in the promotion's premier , the 5 Star Grand Prix, as a representative in the Blue Stars A block. This marked her first major international excursion to , where she arrived in early August to prepare for the event running from August 10 to 31. The 5 Star Grand Prix featured two blocks of six wrestlers each, with competitors earning two points for a win and one for a draw in league play; the top two from each block advanced to . Jay's Blue Stars A opponents included established talents , , , , , and . She opened with an upset pinfall victory over former two-time Wonder of Stardom Champion on August 10 by countering a backslide attempt. Subsequent results included a submission loss to via Leg Destroyer on August 12, a submission defeat to on August 15, and a loss to on August 17. Jay rebounded with submission wins using her Queen Slayer choke—first over on August 20, then against on August 24—finishing the block with three wins and three losses for six points, tying for second but eliminated on head-to-head tiebreakers. During the excursion, Jay trained at Stardom's to acclimate to the high-speed, technical style, which emphasized rapid chaining and stiff strikes differing from her American strong-style background. In post-match interviews, she described initial anxiety—"scared to death"—before adapting to the pace, noting how the environment pushed her technical growth and confidence against elite competitors. The tournament elevated her global profile, with her upset over Anou and consistent performances drawing praise for bridging U.S. and Japanese wrestling scenes. Jay returned to AEW immediately after the August 31 finale, where she defeated Robyn Renegade via Queen Slayer on the September 27 episode of Rampage, signaling renewed singles momentum from her experience. Elements of the style she encountered carried over to her subsequent AEW bouts.

Personal life

Early life

Anna Jay was born Anna Marie Jernigan on July 15, 1998, in . She is the daughter of Handy Jernigan and Carla Herrin Jernigan, and has two brothers: an older brother named Roby Handy Jernigan and a younger brother named Deke Jernigan. From a young age, Jay developed an interest in wrestling through watching matches with her father, which sparked her passion for the sport. She also trained as a dancer starting at age two, including tap dancing, which contributed to her early performance skills. Jay attended Glynn Middle School in her hometown before pursuing higher education at the , where she studied briefly after high school. In 2018, following the completion of a semester, she left college to focus on her aspirations in . Her early exposure to wrestling also influenced her ring persona, with the nickname "Queen Slayer" originating from an incident where she applied a sleeper hold to AEW executive vice president , a moment highlighted by the late .

Relationships

Anna Jay publicly announced her relationship with fellow (AEW) performer , known in the ring as Jungle Boy, on June 28, 2021, by sharing a photo of them kissing on . The couple, both rising stars in AEW, quickly garnered attention from fans for their shared professional environment and mutual encouragement in their careers. Throughout their partnership, and have demonstrated support during personal challenges, including Jay's recovery from shoulder surgery in 2021, which sidelined her for several months. They have appeared together at AEW events and non-wrestling occasions, such as red carpet outings, while navigating the demands of their dual roles in the promotion. As of November 2025, the pair remains unmarried and without children, emphasizing a preference for amid discussions on managing their intertwined AEW commitments. Little is known about Jay's romantic history prior to 2021, as she has kept such details private with no reported impact on her endeavors. Their relationship has positively influenced their image, positioning them as a beloved "power couple" among wrestling enthusiasts and boosting engagement on their platforms.

Championships and accomplishments

Championships

Anna Jay has not held any championships to date, with no recorded title reigns across her career in independent promotions or (AEW) as of November 2025. Since signing with AEW in 2020, Jay has pursued both singles and tag team titles without success, including challenges for the against on November 25, 2020, and August 9, 2023, both resulting in losses. Her pursuits for the include defeats to at on May 29, 2022; Julia Hart at Battle of the Belts IX on January 13, 2024; and Mercedes Moné on on December 18, 2024. On the independent circuit prior to joining AEW, Jay did not win any championships during her training and early matches from 2018 to 2020. In 2025, Jay has continued tag team pursuits alongside Tay Melo for the AEW Women's World Tag Team Championship, including participation in the tournament quarterfinals against Megan Bayne and Marina Shafir, but the duo has yet to secure a victory in any title opportunities. Overall, Jay holds a 0-5 record in televised title matches across promotions.

Other accomplishments

In 2020, Anna Jay teamed with Tay Conti as the duo TayJay to compete in the inaugural AEW Women's Tag Team Cup Tournament: The Deadly Draw, where they advanced to the semifinals before being eliminated by Ivelisse and Diamanté. Earlier in her career, Jay secured a significant victory in a hair vs. hair match against Thunder Blonde on January 17, 2020, at Georgia Premier Wrestling's event in , marking an early high-stakes accomplishment. During her international excursion to in 2024, Jay participated in the 5 Star Grand Prix tournament in the Blue Stars Block A, earning 6 points with a 3-3 record across her six matches, including wins over , , and . In early 2024, Jay competed in a fatal four-way match on to determine the number one contender for the , facing , , and , though she did not emerge victorious. Jay has been featured as a playable character in the 2023 video game , allowing fans to experience her in-ring style and moveset within the promotion's digital roster. By late 2025, Jay had amassed over 475,000 followers, largely through content highlighting her wrestling career, in-ring performances, and behind-the-scenes insights from AEW. As a member of faction in AEW, Jay contributed to its storyline recruitment efforts, helping to integrate new members into the group during her tenure from 2020 to 2022.

Wrestling records

Luchas de Apuestas record

Luchas de Apuestas matches, a hallmark of Mexican wrestling, require competitors to wager personal stakes such as their hair or , amplifying the personal risk and dramatic intensity of the bout. While deeply embedded in Mexican promotions, these stipulation encounters remain uncommon in U.S. independent wrestling circuits, making Anna Jay's involvement a notable early-career gamble that showcased her boldness. Jay's Luchas de Apuestas record consists of a single victory in a hair vs. hair match against Thunder Blonde on January 17, 2020, at the Georgia Premier Wrestling event , held in . Following the win, Jay executed the stipulation by shaving her opponent's head in the ring. As of November 2025, this remains her only participation, with no recorded losses or additional Apuestas matches in her career.
WinnerLoserWagerLocationEventDate
Anna JayThunder BlondeHairJanuary 17, 2020

References

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