The downfall of Mercedes Mone continues as she has now also lost the AEW TBS Championship, dropping the belt to Willow Nightingale on the December 31, 2025 edition of AEW Dynamite, dubbed AEW New Year's Smash.
Talk about ending the year with a bang, this is an important one for several reasons, as it not only freshens up the midcard title scene, but it puts an end to an historic reign for Ultimo Mone, who is now down another championship.
How did this go down tonight, what led to this, and what could be on the horizon? Let's break it all down!
How We Got Here:
Nightingale actually held the TBS Championship before with a short 35 reign from April 21 to May 26 in 2024, which was a huge departure from previous reigns. Jade Cargill set the record with 508 days, followed by Kris Statlander's 174, and Julia Hart's 155. She lost the title to Mone herself, who has held it for 585 days to break that record.
At AEW Worlds End, Nightingale earned a title opportunity by retaining her AEW Women's World Tag Team Championship alongside Harley Cameron by pinning Mone.
Match Details:
Mone and Nightingale went into overtime, with Willow ultimately getting the pin after a powerbomb, becoming the first ever two-time TBS champion, as well as the first woman to hold two AEW titles at the same time.
She also made up with her former friend turned enemy turned hesitant ally, Kris Statlander, sharing a hug with her in the post-match celebration.
Personal Reactions & What Happens Next?:
This was a great way to finish the night and the year, with a happy moment that signals a bigger push for arguably the company's top talent, along with a big change in the power dynamics of that division and Mone's story going forward. I'm a big fan of not only Willow winning specifically, but for this to just happen in general. I would imagine the next champion is going to be someone like Thekla.
Tell us what you think about this title change by leaving a comment below! Who do you think will be the next in line to challenge for the title, or possibly even win the belt next? Keep the discussion going!