Kris Statlander captured the AEW Women’s World Championship in a groundbreaking moment at AEW All Out 2025, solidifying her rise in the promotion. Following this milestone, AEW CEO Tony Khan announced her first title defense, while Statlander herself spoke out ahead of the upcoming match, emphasizing her confidence as the new champion.
Kris Statlander’s Journey to AEW’s Top Women’s Title
Statlander has been part of AEW since its inception in 2019, steadily climbing the ranks over six years. Her breakthrough came at the recent All Out 2025 event, where she triumphed over Toni Storm and two other competitors in a four-way match to claim her first AEW Women’s World Championship. This victory marked a historic achievement, making her the first woman in AEW to hold both the company’s Women’s titles.
Immediately after her win, Tony Khan announced that Statlander would defend her championship against Mina Shirakawa on the next episode of AEW Dynamite, setting up a high-stakes challenge for the new titleholder. Statlander shared her enthusiasm on Instagram through photos featuring her championship belt, signaling readiness for the upcoming match.
“Stat Daddy ready to defend and conquer this Wednesday on #aewdynamite💥.”
– Kris Statlander, AEW Women’s Champion
Potential Contenders Eyeing Kris Statlander’s Championship
With the championship now around her waist, Statlander has become AEW’s top target in the women’s division. Beyond her forthcoming defense against Shirakawa, Mercedes Mone, who currently holds the TBS Championship, has suggested she is eager to challenge for Statlander’s title. While Statlander responded coolly to Mone’s challenge on social media, the possibility of a high-profile match between these two stars is generating considerable interest among fans.
“Unbelievable,” was Statlander’s brief reply to Mone’s overtures, indicating she acknowledges the competition but remains focused on her own reign.
Whether Mercedes Mone will officially step up to face Statlander remains to be seen, but the prospect of a title clash between these prominent AEW women adds further intrigue to the division’s evolving landscape.
The Significance of Statlander’s Championship and What Lies Ahead
Kris Statlander’s crowning moment at AEW All Out and the announcements that followed have intensified the spotlight on AEW’s women’s division. Statlander’s achievement as the first wrestler to hold both women’s titles in the company not only elevates her status but also raises expectations for her performance as champion. The upcoming title defense against Mina Shirakawa on AEW Dynamite will be her initial test, with the wider challenge from Mercedes Mone looming as a potential future battle.
This pivotal period for Statlander, coupled with Tony Khan’s swift scheduling of title defenses, underscores AEW’s commitment to dynamic, competitive matchups. Fans will closely watch how Statlander adapts to being a top champion, the pressure of defending her belt, and whether she can maintain her position atop the women’s division amid rising contenders.
