Last week, All Elite Wrestling EVPs Matthew and Nicholas Jackson planned an in-ring celebration for Mercedes Mone, who holds both the TBS Championship and NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship. However, instead of basking in her victory, Mone found herself in a heated exchange with the recently returned Britt Baker. The celebration was cut short, leaving AEW President Tony Khan to arrange another opportunity for “The CEO” to toast her triumph on this week’s episode of “AEW Dynamite.”
“TBS Champion + NJPW STRONG Women’s Champion The CEO @MercedesVarnado will raise a toast to her Double Title victory on TBS on Wednesday Night Dynamite TOMORROW!” Khan announced on X (formerly Twitter).
Mone’s status as a double champion follows a hard-fought title-for-title match against former NJPW STRONG Women’s Champion Stephanie Vaquer at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door. Vaquer’s valiant efforts won over the crowd, but Mone’s crossface submission secured her victory.
In a dramatic turn of events, Britt Baker made a surprise return post-match, eyeing both the TBS Championship and NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship. Their confrontation on “Dynamite” led to Baker challenging Mone to a match at the AEW All In pay-per-view on August 25. As of now, Mone has not accepted the challenge.
Baker’s return marks the end of a nine-month hiatus due to severe health issues, including herniated discs, a torn hip labrum, and a mini-stroke. Thankfully, Baker has fully recovered and is cleared for in-ring action.
Tune in to AEW Dynamite this week for Mercedes Mone’s Double Championship Celebration and see if Britt Baker’s challenge will be answered!