Kris Statlander, former AEW Women’s World Champion, recently shared insights about her ongoing rivalry with Mercedes Mone, a feud that unfolded across multiple pay-per-view events between 2024 and 2025. Discussing her approach to matches and competition, Statlander highlighted how the presence of Mercedes Mone inspired her to elevate her performance inside the ring.
Prioritizing Support Over Chemistry in the Ring
During an interview on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Statlander explained that she approaches each match with a focus on being a supportive and giving partner rather than searching for spontaneous in-ring “chemistry” with opponents. She emphasized the pressure she puts on herself to enhance the overall performance for the benefit of her rival and the audience.
I feel so weird about this chemistry question — I’ve actually gotten this a few times — because I don’t ever really look for chemistry with someone. I look for myself being the best performer for my opponent,
Statlander said.
And I feel like putting that pressure on myself to be that person for them helps me mesh with a lot more people than as opposed to being like, ‘Well, I’m just going to do whatever I need to do and then hope that everyone is on the same page.’ And I’m not saying I’m the only one that does it, but I feel like my approach is a little bit more like, ‘Let me be there for you.’ Yeah, I try to be [very giving]. And I feel like that kind of helps [in] general.
— Kris Statlander, former AEW Women’s World Champion
Mercedes Mone as a Catalyst for Growth and Motivation
Statlander acknowledged that Mercedes Mone stands out as her most notable rival, with their trilogy of matches in 2024 and 2025 drawing significant attention. Despite Mone winning the first two pay-per-view encounters, Statlander triumphed in their final confrontation at AEW Full Gear 2025. The competitiveness and talent of Mercedes Mone pushed Statlander to hone her craft and remain motivated throughout their encounters.
I know a lot of people are probably going to say Mercedes. And I love working with her. She’s motivated me in ways that I could never explain, because of just her talent and her passion for wrestling also. But I don’t know. I feel like I try my best to work well with a lot of people and to be someone that people want to work with. So that’s more rewarding to me than any title really could be. The fact that people want to work with me is very special.
— Kris Statlander on Mercedes Mone’s influence
Career Milestones Leading Up to and Following the Rivalry
Beyond her battles with Mone, Kris Statlander has experienced several pivotal moments in AEW, including capturing the TBS Championship and the AEW Women’s World Championship. Her reign as Women’s World Champion lasted 144 days, starting with a historic four-way victory at All Out 2025. This run concluded with a loss to Thekla in a strap match on AEW Dynamite on February 11, marking a significant turning point in her career.
The Lasting Impact of Competition and Collaboration in AEW
Kris Statlander’s reflections reveal how rivalries such as the one with Mercedes Mone serve not only as entertainment for fans but also as a driving force behind a performer’s growth and resilience. Her perspective on being a giving competitor underlines the importance of mutual respect and dedication in professional wrestling. As Statlander continues her AEW journey, her experiences promise further evolution both in and out of the ring.
