AEW star Mercedes Mone has been one of the biggest female names in the pro wrestling industry right now. She has always been after gold since joining the Jacksonville-based promotion. In her very first match, she became the TBS Champion. Mercedes Mone held the title for a long time and eventually became the longest-reigning TBS champion of all time. Not only that, she won a dozen titles last year after travelling worldwide. She lost all the titles last year. Currently, she is sitting on top of the throne of the women’s division.
Mercedes Mone is currently holding the AEW Women’s World Championship. She won the title at All In in August 2026 and has been a great champion so far. She has defended her title against Thekla and Queen Aminata. Mercedes Mone’s next challenger is one of the most credible stars in the locker room who has been slowly making a name for herself. Marina Shafir is set to challenge for the AEW Women’s World Championship at Full Gear. The Problem called out the champion a couple of weeks ago and is confident that she will definitely win the world title.
“Mercedes, we all know you are not a pussy, I just needed to get your full attention. I actually have a lot of respect for you, you are in a league of your own. And as much as it might pain you to think or to even say, you know that I am too. That’s where the difference lies between me. I, no, you need to swing your dominance between your legs and I don’t. I can’t even compliment myself, I don’t need bells and whistles, I don’t need affirmations. I don’t need a dance, I don’t need an introduction. I just need the opportunity to work. All of the work that I have been doing these last 3 years has gotten me here. But there’s something else that I need. I need to stand across the ring from you, and I want to show everyone exactly who I am. But most importantly, I need to show you,” she said.
Marina has been a talented star who has been beloved by fans in the last year. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why she must win the AEW Women’s World Championship at any cost at Full Gear.
#3. Marina Shafir waited a long time to shine
Marina Shafir is a former mixed martial artist. She trained hard to become a pro wrestler. Even after signing with All Elite Wrestling, she was sitting on the sidelines for a long time. She mostly wrestled on ROH. However, 2024 was a turning point for her. Jon Moxley saw the potential in her and recruited her into Death Riders. Since then, she has been portrayed as a dominant force who not only takes on women but also men.
In the past couple of years, the Problem has developed her character immensely. Alongside the former AEW World Champion, she has also become one of the most brutal forces on the roster. She is finally getting a huge push right now. In the past, she has stood beside the Death Riders. However, she has rarely pushed in the singles action. She will finally get a chance to shine at Full Gear if she wins the AEW Women’s World Championship.
#2. Mercedes Mone losing the title at Full Gear will be shocking!
The reigning AEW Women’s World Champion chased the title for a long time. She finally won it at Wembley Stadium in August. Many expect her to hold the gold for a long time, as no one other than her is more popular than her in the women’s division. Until All Elite Wrestling creates or elevates any other talent, she is the one who could truly carry the baton. However, as of now, there are limited stars in the division who could truly stand against the former TBS Champion. Every match would be highly predictable.
However, if Marina Shafir wins the title, it will be one of the most shocking results in AEW history. This will also open up new opportunities for other potential stars.
#1. New chapter with Toni Storm
Toni Storm and Mercedes Mone have a long history together. Currently, the Timeless star is out of action. She was written off TV for an unknown reason in March and hasn’t returned since. There has been no mention of when she could return in the past few months. However, at WrestleDream, there were certain tapes distributed regarding her absence.
If Mercedes Mone loses the title at Full Gear, Toni Storm could return and confront her. The two could feud for a few months while Marina Shafir defends the titles and elevates other stars.
It will be interesting to see what will go down at Full Gear when Mercedes Mone and Marina Shafir collide.
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Edited by Tejas Pagare
