Kris Statlander found her rivalry with Mercedes Mone deeply rewarding, despite Mone winning their first two pay-per-view meetings in 2024. The competition between the two wrestlers escalated once more at AEW Full Gear 2025, where Statlander secured her first victory over Mone. These three well-regarded bouts highlighted the strong in-ring connection the opponents developed while pushing each other’s limits.
Statlander’s Approach to Building Chemistry with Opponents
On the show Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Statlander explained that she does not actively seek chemistry with her rivals. Instead, she focuses on bringing her best performance for each opponent and tries to be supportive throughout the match. Statlander believes this mindset allows her to connect with more wrestlers organically, rather than assuming mutual understanding will naturally occur.
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 kind of putting that pressure on myself to be that person for them kind of just 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.”
Admiration for Mone’s Talent and Passion
Although Statlander values positive working relationships with many wrestlers, she acknowledges that fans commonly recognize her best chemistry with Mercedes Mone. She appreciates Mone’s dedication and skill, which inspired her greatly during their rivalry. For Statlander, being a sought-after partner in the ring is more fulfilling than any championship title.
I know a lot of people are probably going to say Mercedes. And, you know, 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, you know, any title really could be. The fact that people want to work with me is very special.
Recent Matches and Current Status of Both Wrestlers
The last match in the trilogy between Statlander and Mone took place in November 2025, during Statlander’s reign as AEW Women’s World Champion. She later lost the championship to Thekla on the February 11 episode of Dynamite. Meanwhile, Mercedes Mone has been on hiatus from AEW since late 2025 but appears ready to return, having been booked for several upcoming independent wrestling events across Europe and North America, including stops in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Poland, and Canada.
What This Rivalry Means for AEW and the Future
The rivalry between Kris Statlander and Mercedes Mone exemplifies how competition can drive athletes to grow and inspire one another. Their ability to collaborate as intense opponents has not only produced memorable matches but also elevated both competitors’ profiles within AEW. As Mone plans her comeback and Statlander continues her career, their dynamic sets an exciting stage for future encounters, thrilling fans and contributing to the evolving landscape of women’s wrestling.
