Mercedes Moné officially joins All Elite Wrestling. Lyra Valkyria convinces Ava to “make the match” at NXT Stand & Deliver. Amira speaks with WrestleZone, and more. Let’s break it down in this week’s edition of Women’s Wrestling Wrap-Up!
Mercedes Moné Is All Elite
“The CEO” has arrived at All Elite Wrestling.
Last week’s episode of AEW Dynamite opened with the thunderous debut of former IWGP Women’s Champion Mercedes Moné. Moné had previously been sidelined with a serious ankle injury, but after a lengthy recovery, she is ready to take over the AEW women’s division.
After reportedly inking a contract with the company at the beginning of this year, Moné appeared before her hometown of Boston, vowing to create many more special moments with the fans — this time in AEW. Moné also noted that she is looking forward to locking up with new and familiar faces in the women’s locker room. In particular, Moné is eager to settle her unfinished business with Willow Nightingale, who defeated her to win the NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship in May 2023.
Following her introductory statements at the top of the show, Moné later made her presence felt in the show’s main event. On this occasion, Dynamite’s headlining match pitted Willow Nightingale against former AEW Women’s Champion Riho. Nightingale, of course, emerged victorious, but unfortunately, her post-match celebration was interrupted by the menacing duo of Skye Blue and TBS Champion Julia Hart. Before Blue and Hart’s assault could escalate, though, Mercedes Moné charged down to the ring to make the save.
Backed by 14 years of experience and an impressive resume, Moné is confident that she can also help elevate AEW even higher. “This is a global revolution,” Moné recently told Sports Illustrated. “That’s why I’m here. You don’t think I can take this around the globe? Well then, let me show you I can. My heart is here. My dreams are here. I love wrestling. I’m a leader, and I’m going to lead.”
RELATED: Tony Khan: Mercedes Moné Is Perfect To Be The Face Of AEW
Lyra Valkyria Set To Defend NXT Women’s Championship At NXT Stand & Deliver
The happy-go-lucky prodigy is no more as Roxanne Perez turns up the heat on her feud with Lyra Valkyria.
In recent months, WWE NXT fans have seen a gradual, yet drastic, transformation in Roxanne Perez. Initially introducing herself as a bubbly and vibrant performer, Perez’s tone has since shifted to one of spite and pure aggression. Fueled by a year’s worth of frustrations, Perez has methodically targetted the woman who currently carries the title she believes she never lost — Lyra Valkyria.
On the March 5 episode of NXT, Valkyria and Tatum Paxley unsuccessfully challenged Kairi Sane and Asuka for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. Unfortunately for Valkyria, her luck would worsen as Perez delivered a surprise post-match attack on her, resulting in noticeable damage to her arm.
While sporting an arm sling, Valkyria attempted to secure a sense of retribution by unleashing a counterassault on last night’s NXT. Much like their previous encounter, though, Perez was the one standing tall at the end.
Following their latest scuffle, Valkyria urged WWE NXT General Manager Ava to “make the match.” As such, Valkyria will now defend her NXT Women’s Championship against Perez at NXT Stand & Deliver on April 6. This contest will serve as a rematch of sorts as Perez previously challenged Valkyria for the title, alongside Lola Vice, in a triple threat match at NXT Vengeance Day.
This Friday, Valkyria’s reign will reach a total of 150 days. Perez’s previous reign spanned a total of 109 days before ending at the hands of Indi Hartwell at last year’s Stand & Deliver premium live event.
RELATED: Mia Friday’s Match Against WWE’s Roxanne Perez Brought On A Wave Of Emotions
Interviews
“The Fiesty Flame of Ireland” Amira spoke with WrestleZone’s Ella Jay about bringing main character energy in 2024, Michael Oku’s big RevPro victory over Will Opsreay, her decision to relocate to the United Kingdom, embodying Britney Spears during a recent match at Riot Cabaret Pro, inspirations within the wrestling business, and more.
Former WWE Women’s Champion Lisa Marie Varon appeared on Wrestling with Heart to discuss her start in the fitness industry, making the transition into wrestling, the importance of ring psychology, and giving to various causes.
“The CEO” Mercedes Mone spoke with Sports Illustrated about her recent arrival to AEW, bouncing back from a serious ankle injury, what she hopes to achieve in AEW, her history with Chaotic Wrestling, and more.
WWE Raw superstar Valhalla chatted with WrestlingNewsCo about the upcoming release of her new book, recently giving her antlers to Michael Cole on Raw, possibly seeing MEATMania at WrestleMania 40, a potential Riott Squad reunion.
Former WWE NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion Candice LeRae joined Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful to talk about her match with Cedric Alexander, returning to WWE, Johnny Gargano being a Cleveland Browns fan, and more.
