Professional wrestling sensation Mercedes Moné made a triumphant return to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), successfully capturing the Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament trophy for an unprecedented second time. This victory not only solidified her status as an elite competitor but also secured a coveted championship opportunity at the upcoming All In event.
Moné Overcomes Maya World in Thrilling Final
On Sunday evening at the Forbidden Door pay-per-view, Moné demonstrated why she is regarded as one of the world's premier professional wrestlers. She ultimately bested rising contender Maya World in a hard-fought final match.
World had built considerable momentum heading into the championship bout, fueled by a deeply personal journey following the tragic loss of her brother. Her path to the final included impressive victories over Skye Blue and Athena. However, her remarkable underdog run concluded at the hands of Moné.
The initial moments of the match saw Moné engage in some taunting, with the audience appearing largely in her corner. Nevertheless, both athletes delivered a compelling performance for the appreciative crowd gathered in San Jose, California.
An Intense Battle Unfolds
Maya World unleashed her full arsenal, employing intricate pinning combinations, impactful hard-hitting maneuvers, and demonstrating incredible resilience by kicking out of some of Moné’s most potent slams. As the contest progressed, the crowd became visibly divided, with cheers for both competitors intensifying.
Moné, known for her strategic prowess, had to remain vigilant against World’s unexpected attacks. At one crucial juncture, World executed a spectacular sunset flip powerbomb onto the arena floor, followed by a daring springboard moonsault, showcasing her determination to secure the win.
Despite these high-impact assaults, the competitor known as "The CEO" refused to be defeated. Moné displayed her tenacity by kicking out of a critical pin attempt, maintaining her composure under pressure. She then expertly transitioned, delivering a decisive backstabber before locking in a relentless crossface submission hold, compelling World to tap out.
Historic Back-to-Back Victories and Future Title Shot
This triumph marks a significant milestone, as Mercedes Moné becomes the first AEW wrestler to win the Owen Cup on two occasions, achieving this remarkable feat in consecutive years. Her previous tournament appearance saw her fall short in a challenge for the AEW World Women’s Championship against Toni Storm.
With this latest victory, Moné has now earned another shot at the prestigious title. She is set to challenge the reigning champion, Thekla, assuming the "Toxic Spider" retains her championship status leading up to the highly anticipated All In event in August.
