A new era is emerging in women’s wrestling as Syuri, who recently secured championship gold at Wrestle Kingdom 20 in Tokyo, has openly called out top AEW star Mercedes Moné for a future showdown. This Mercedes Moné AEW champion challenge comes at a time when Moné’s reign atop the wrestling world has faced unexpected setbacks, placing renewed intrigue around a potential clash between these high-profile competitors.
Challenger Syuri’s Rise After Wrestle Kingdom 20
Following an electrifying display at the Tokyo Dome, Japanese wrestling standout Syuri emerged as a double champion, defeating Saya Kamitani in a high-stakes title versus title bout. With both the IWGP Women’s Championship and NJPW Strong Women’s Championship on the line, Syuri cemented her position as a leading force in the women’s division. Soon after her victory, she set ambitious goals, revealing her desire to battle Mercedes Moné, Athena, and Megan Bayne, demonstrating her intent to test herself against some of the most recognized wrestlers today.
Mercedes Moné’s Challenging Year Across Promotions
Mercedes Moné has been a dominant figure in women’s wrestling, capturing championships across various organizations in the past year. As the self-styled CEO, Moné held the ROH Women’s TV Championship, only to be dethroned by Red Velvet. Soon after, another upset occurred when Alex Windsor overcame her for the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship. At Worlds End, Moné teamed with Athena, but the duo was unable to secure the Women’s Tag Team Titles from the Babes of Wrath, comprised of Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron.
Loss of the AEW TBS Championship Ends Historic Streak
The concluding months of the year brought further challenges for Moné in AEW. The star defended her TBS Championship against Willow Nightingale on the final episode of Dynamite in 2024, a match that would spell the end of her remarkable 584-day reign. Despite withstanding multiple assaults during AEW Dynamite New Year’s Smash, Moné was ultimately defeated after Nightingale executed the decisive Babe With the Powerbomb. This marked a pivotal turning point, as Moné relinquished her hard-won title to Nightingale, closing a significant chapter in her decorated run.
High-Profile Encounters Await in the AEW Women’s Division
With Syuri’s public challenge signaling her ambition to face Mercedes Moné, fans have become eager to witness whether a showdown between these renowned competitors will materialize. The rumor mill is abuzz about the potential impact on AEW and women’s wrestling at large, especially considering the championship credentials and international stature of both athletes. Should this match come to fruition, it could set the stage for one of the most talked-about rivalries in recent memory, with the likes of Athena, Megan Bayne, and other standout names also in the championship mix.
The landscape of the women’s wrestling division continues to shift, as stars like Syuri, Moné, Willow Nightingale, and others compete for dominance. With momentum building after each major event and title match, all eyes are now focused on how these rivalries will evolve and which champion will ultimately rise to the top.
SYURI said she wants to wrestle:
– Athena
– Mercedes Moné
– Megan BayneWe need all 3 of these matches! pic.twitter.com/6I2Q2vm6qz
— AIR (@AIRGold_) January 4, 2026
