3 AEW Women Who Could Rise During Mercedes Moné’s Absence

AEW
Mercedes Moné, Tony Khan, Mercedes Moné AEW absence
Mercedes Moné, Tony Khan, Mercedes Moné AEW absence [Image Source: SPORTSKEEDA]

Published:

Reading time: 3 min.

Mercedes Moné’s AEW absence is set to shake up the women’s division, as the accomplished competitor recently announced she will be stepping away from the ring for a while following a string of tough losses. With Moné out of the spotlight, several rising stars now have the chance to make a significant impact within Tony Khan’s dynamic roster.

Mercedes Moné Steps Back After Challenging Period

After months of high-stakes matches, Mercedes Moné has found herself on a downward track, suffering defeats in several title bouts. She lost the ROH Women’s World TV Championship to Red Velvet at Final Battle, dropped the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship to Alex Windsor, and gave up the TBS Championship to Willow Nightingale. The setbacks culminated during the recent TBS Championship celebration on Dynamite, where Moné experienced public embarrassment at the hands of Nightingale.

This week on Collision, Mercedes Moné expressed her frustration over ongoing disrespect and indicated her decision to step away from AEW for an undisclosed period. She warned that her eventual return would bring new ambitions, hinting at pursuits beyond championship gold. As Moné, known as The CEO, takes a hiatus, attention turns to those who might fill her spot in AEW’s evolving landscape.

Mercedes Moné
Image of: Mercedes Moné

Marina Shafir Poised for Greater Prominence

Since 2025 began, Marina Shafir has emerged as a vital member of the Death Riders alongside figures such as Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, PAC, Wheeler Yuta, and Daniel Garcia. Her appearances on AEW television have grown more frequent, highlighted by both singles and tag contest victories. Notably, Shafir secured a strong win over Mina Shirakawa, and her partnership with Megan Bayne as a tag team has proven successful, including a triumph over Londyn Dior and Rache Chanel.

With Mercedes Moné stepping away, Shafir’s recent momentum positions her as a leading contender to claim a central role within the women’s division. As AEW seeks new faces for the spotlight, her experience in both solo and team matches could prove invaluable.

Alex Windsor’s Opportunities Expand After Major Upset

Alex Windsor has steadily built her reputation over the past year with a series of compelling performances. She officially joined AEW mid-2025, making a strong first impression at All In. Windsor’s biggest moment thus far came during the Holiday Bash edition of Collision, where she stunned audiences by defeating Mercedes Moné for the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship in Manchester, UK.

This major victory cemented Windsor’s place on the roster and, with Moné out of contention, opens the door for more title defenses and regular television appearances. As Tony Khan looks to spotlight international talent, Windsor’s ascension appears increasingly likely.

Mina Shirakawa Could Break Out as a Top Champion

Mina Shirakawa, whose resurgence includes a partnership with Toni Storm to form the Timeless Love Bombs, recently turned heads with their strong run in the AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship tournament. Although the pair ultimately fell short against the Babes of Wrath in the finals, Shirakawa’s performances have not gone unnoticed.

Her recent singles matches have further demonstrated her growth and versatility. With Mercedes Moné taking time away, Shirakawa stands out as a potential breakout star with a rare opening to chase top championship glory and secure her place among AEW’s elite women competitors.

The AEW women’s roster remains packed with wrestlers eager for their chance, and the void left by Mercedes Moné’s absence will likely prompt others to step up. As the division undergoes this period of change, fans can look forward to new stories and rivalries as these standout competitors pursue prominence.

Related Posts

Linda Isaak
Linda Isaak
Linda Isaak is a journalist at CynicalTimes.org, covering the AEW Women’s Division. With six years of experience in wrestling journalism, she delivers in-depth coverage of matches, rivalries, and rising stars within All Elite Wrestling. Linda’s work highlights the athleticism, storytelling, and evolution of women’s wrestling in AEW, offering timely updates and expert analysis. She is known for her clear reporting, deep industry knowledge, and ability to connect readers with the key moments shaping AEW’s women’s roster. From title chases to breakout performances, Linda brings the action to life for wrestling fans around the world.
Recent articles
Latest News