In the world of professional wrestling, “forever” usually lasts about six months. But 584 days? That’s an eternity. That’s how long Mercedes Moné held onto the AEW TBS Championship like it was the only thing tethering her to this mortal coil. She traveled the globe, collecting belts like they were Pokémon cards, dubbing herself “Ultimo Moné” and generally letting everyone know just how untouchable she thought she was.
Well, that untouchable aura just got powerbombed through the canvas. On Wednesday night, at AEW Dynamite New Year’s Smash—the final AEW broadcast of 2025—the wrestling gods decided it was time for a vibe check. In a moment that felt equal parts vindication and pure, unadulterated joy, Willow Nightingale did the unthinkable. She didn’t just beat Moné; she ended an era.
The Night The CEO Got Humbled By Nightingale
You have to appreciate the narrative symmetry here. It was Nightingale that Moné beat back in May 2024 to start this marathon reign. For 584 days, Moné has been the final boss of the division, swatting away contenders with the kind of arrogance that makes you want to see someone get hit with a chair. And who better to bring it all full circle than the woman she took it from?
The match itself wasn’t a technical exhibition; it was a war of attrition. Both women clearly woke up and chose violence. The turning point—and frankly, the moment that probably had the insurance adjusters sweating—happened outside the ring. Moné, in her infinite wisdom, decided to suplex Nightingale onto the announce table.
But here’s the thing about Nightingale. She has this uncanny ability to absorb punishment that would hospitalize a normal human. She beat the referee’s ten-count (barely), dragged herself back into the ring, and weathered a desperate storm from a champion who suddenly realized her grip was slipping.
When Nightingale finally hit the Babe with the Powerbomb, you could feel the air leave the building, followed immediately by a roar that nearly blew the roof off. 1, 2, 3. Just like that, the “CEO” was out of business.
A Celebration Fit For Willow Nightingale
The aftermath was the kind of feel-good chaos that makes you remember why you watch this stuff. It wasn’t just Nightingale celebrating. Her tag team partner, Harley Cameron, was there. The Conglomeration joined the party, and even AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander came out for a hug.
Think about that image for a second. You have the two top champions in the women’s division embracing in the middle of the ring. This victory makes Nightingale the first-ever two-time TBS Champion in AEW history. It also makes her a double champion, as she’s still holding one half of the AEW Women’s World Tag Team titles.
It’s a stark contrast to the solitary, “me against the world” island Moné has been living on for the last year and a half. Then again, the cracks showed when she lost the ROH Women’s Television Championship earlier this month.
What’s Next?
So, where does this leave Mercedes Moné? She’s still holding roughly nine other belts from promotions ranging from Mexico to Malaysia, so don’t cry too many tears for her. In fact, the downfall is about to begin. Expect her to lose more titles in 2026.
Losing the TBS title hurts because that is Mone’s baby. It was the centerpiece of her collection. Losing it to Nightingale has to sting worse than the table spot. For one night, the good guy won. The Babe with the Powerbomb is back on top, and the wrestling world feels a little bit brighter for it. Happy New Year, indeed.
