Mercedes Moné’s victory at AEW Grand Slam: Australia was more than just a successful title defense—it was a masterclass in championship mentality
Facing a hostile crowd and an inspired opponent, she stayed composed and delivered when it mattered most.
With Momo Watanabe waiting in the wings, Moné’s next challenge could be her toughest yet. However, if history has shown anything, it’s that The CEO always finds a way to stay on top.
With her career still at its peak, the future looks bright for Mercedes Moné.
Whether she continues to dominate AEW, return to NJPW for more challenges, or further expand her acting career, one thing remains certain—her impact on professional wrestling and entertainment is undeniable. Fans eagerly await what’s next for this trailblazing icon.
Also Read: Ex-AEW Champion Responds to Surprise Ambush on Mercedes Monè at Dynamite 250
Table of Contents
Mercedes Moné Triumphs at AEW Grand Slam: Australia
A Night of High Stakes and Fierce Competition
Mercedes Moné, the reigning TBS Champion, once again proved her dominance in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) after a thrilling contest at AEW Grand Slam: Australia.1
What was originally not intended to be a title defense turned into a high-stakes battle when Harley Cameron, the hometown favorite, convinced Moné to put her championship on the line.
Harley’s persistence paid off in securing an opportunity, but it also created an electric atmosphere among the Australian crowd.
The audience was fully behind Cameron, showering her with cheers while Moné received a mixed reaction. Despite the chilly reception, Moné entered the match with the mindset of a champion—focused and determined to retain her title.
— Mercedes Moné Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) February 16, 2025
The Battle for Supremacy
As soon as the bell rang, Harley Cameron showed no signs of intimidation. The underdog came out swinging, using her agility and energy to keep Moné on the defensive.
The crowd’s support further fueled her momentum, making it seem as though an upset was imminent.
However, Moné, a seasoned veteran with years of experience in high-pressure situations, quickly turned the tide.
She methodically targeted Cameron’s midsection, slowing down her challenger and dictating the pace of the match.
The contrast in styles made for an exciting back-and-forth encounter, with both competitors delivering impressive sequences that had the audience on the edge of their seats.
A Controversial Moment: The CEO Puppet
One of the most memorable moments of the match came when Moné, seemingly frustrated by the crowd’s hostility, took her aggression out on a “CEO” puppet—a prop that had been used to mock her in the buildup to the match.
The momentary distraction almost cost her, as Cameron capitalized on the situation to regain momentum.
Despite the setback, Moné quickly recovered and refocused on the match. She expertly countered Cameron’s high-risk offense, preventing her from gaining the upper hand for long. This ability to adapt in real-time showcased why she has been a dominant force in professional wrestling.
Mercedes Moné’s Tactical Brilliance
As the match neared its climax, Cameron attempted to seal the victory with a Senton Bomb—a move that, had it connected, could have led to an upset win.2
However, Moné’s ring awareness was on full display as she countered at the last moment, dodging the high-risk maneuver and putting herself in position for the finish.
Seizing the opportunity, Moné executed her signature Moné Maker, a devastating move that left Cameron unable to continue.
With a swift pinfall, Moné secured the victory and successfully defended her TBS Championship once again.
A Message to Momo Watanabe
The drama didn’t end with the final bell. As Moné stood victorious, she turned her attention to Momo Watanabe, who was watching the match from ringside.
Watanabe, the winner of the International Women’s Cup, holds a future title shot for any championship of her choosing. Moné made it clear through taunts and gestures that she anticipated a challenge from the Japanese star.
The brief exchange between the two hinted at an upcoming confrontation that could shape the future of AEW’s women’s division.
With Watanabe’s aggressive style and Moné’s technical prowess, a clash between them could be one of the most anticipated matches in AEW’s recent history.
Mercedes Moné: The Significance of Her Victory
This victory was more than just another title defense for Moné—it was a statement.3
Despite being in enemy territory with the crowd against her, she maintained her composure and executed a well-thought-out strategy to retain her title. This kind of mental fortitude is what separates great champions from good ones.
Moné’s ability to overcome adversity has been a consistent theme in her career. Whether it was her rise to stardom in WWE or her transition to AEW, she has continuously evolved and proven her doubters wrong.
Retaining her championship in such a hostile environment only solidified her status as one of the best wrestlers in the world today.
While Cameron fell short in her quest to win the TBS Championship, her performance was nothing short of impressive.
She proved that she could hang with one of the top competitors in the industry, and her popularity among the Australian audience suggests that AEW might have a breakout star in the making.
What’s Next for Harley Cameron?
Her spirited effort, combined with the crowd’s unwavering support, could lead to more opportunities in the future.
AEW’s women’s division is more competitive than ever, and with the right momentum, Cameron could find herself back in title contention sooner rather than later.
The looming question now is whether Momo Watanabe will officially challenge Mercedes Moné for the TBS Championship.
With Watanabe holding the International Women’s Cup victory, she has a guaranteed title shot at any championship she desires. The staredown between her and Moné at AEW Grand Slam: Australia strongly hinted at a future showdown.
A potential match between the two would be a must-see event, featuring a clash of different wrestling styles. Moné’s technical and strategic prowess versus Watanabe’s hard-hitting, fast-paced offense could create an instant classic.
Also Read: Mercedes Mone Claims AEW Championship, Ending 35-Day Reign
Mercedes Moné: Career
A Trailblazer in Professional Wrestling and Beyond
Born Mercedes Justine Kaestner-Varnado on January 26, 1992, in Fairfield, California, Mercedes Moné’s journey into professional wrestling was fueled by a deep passion for the sport.
Inspired by legendary figures in the wrestling industry, she trained rigorously and began her career in 2010 on the independent circuit, where she honed her skills and developed a reputation as a fierce competitor.
Before making a name in mainstream wrestling, Moné competed in Chaotic Wrestling, where she won the Chaotic Wrestling Women’s Championship. Her performances showcased her technical prowess and in-ring charisma, catching the attention of WWE talent scouts.
This early phase of her career was instrumental in shaping the high-flying, dynamic wrestling style that would later make her a household name.
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The Rise of Sasha Banks in WWE
In 2012, Moné signed with WWE and adopted the ring name Sasha Banks. Assigned to the developmental territory NXT, she quickly rose through the ranks, winning the NXT Women’s Championship.
One of her most defining moments came in October 2015 at NXT TakeOver: Respect, where she and Bayley headlined the event in an Iron Woman match—the first of its kind in WWE history.
This match, lasting 30 minutes, was a groundbreaking moment for women’s wrestling and earned critical acclaim.
Upon her promotion to WWE’s main roster in 2015, Sasha Banks played a pivotal role in the Women’s Evolution, a movement that sought to elevate women’s wrestling to the same level as men’s.
She won the WWE Raw Women’s Championship five times, with her rivalry against Charlotte Flair making history as the first female feud to headline a WWE pay-per-view event and compete inside Hell in a Cell.
Achievements in WWE
Throughout her WWE tenure, Banks achieved numerous accolades:
- First WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion alongside Bayley in 2019.
- Winner of the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship in 2020.
- Named “Wrestler of the Year” by Sports Illustrated in 2020.
- Became one of the first black women to headline WrestleMania at WrestleMania 37, alongside Bianca Belair.
Mercedes Moné: Departure from WWE and Transition to NJPW
Despite her success, Banks felt creatively restricted and undervalued in WWE.
In May 2022, she and her tag team partner Naomi walked out of WWE due to disagreements with management.
After months of speculation, she officially left the company and made her debut in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) at Wrestle Kingdom 17 in January 2023 under the new moniker, Mercedes Moné.
In NJPW and its sister promotion, World Wonder Ring Stardom, Moné quickly proved her worth by capturing the IWGP Women’s Championship. Her matches displayed her ability to adapt to different wrestling styles, solidifying her as an international superstar.
Signing with AEW and Championship Success
- In January 2024, Moné signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), making her highly anticipated debut at Dynamite: Big Business in March.
- She wasted no time in making an impact, winning the AEW TBS Championship in her first AEW match at Double or Nothing in May.
- Her presence in AEW has contributed to the company’s growing women’s division, bringing mainstream attention and elevating the competition.
- Beyond wrestling, Moné has showcased her talents in the entertainment industry. She plays Koska Reeves in the Disney+ series The Mandalorian, appearing in both the second and third seasons.
- Her seamless transition into acting highlights her versatility and star power beyond the wrestling ring.
- Mercedes Moné’s legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and breaking barriers. As the only female wrestler to win championships across WWE, AEW, and NJPW, she has etched her name in history.
- Whether in the ring or on-screen, her influence continues to shape the future of professional wrestling and entertainment.
Also Read: Mercedes Moné AKA Sasha Banks: Reveals Her Fav Ppponent of All Time in WWE and More
