Following AEW WrestleDream 2026, Mercedes Monè is still the AEW Women’s World Champion.
“The CEO” has firmly cemented her reign with victories over Thekla and Queen Aminata so far.
Now coming out of this pay-per-view, it should be interesting who will be next in line for an opportunity at the top prize in the AEW women’s division.
Here are five potential next AEW Women’s World Championship challengers for Mercedes Monè after WrestleDream 2026.
Thekla
At AEW WrestleDream 2026, Mercedes Monè defeated Thekla to retain the AEW Women’s World Championship.
During the course of this contest, Monè used her protective mask on Thekla to gain an advantage late.
Taking this use of a weapon into account, there is an argument that “The Toxic Spider” should get another opportunity at the title.
Feeling like the company has only scratched the surface of what these two ladies can offer, Thekla and Mercedes could continue their rivalry coming out of WrestleDream.
Persephone
Persephone currently stands as a double champion, holding both the AEW TBS Championship and the CMLL World Women’s Championship.
Holding prestigious titles in two companies, it is clear that Persephone is being established a future top star in the industry.
To win the CMLL Women’s Title, Persephone beat Mercedes Monè earlier this year.
Considering her success in AEW and this previous victory, Perse should find herself in line for a shot at Monè’s AEW Women’s World Championship before long.
Athena
Athena and Mercedes Monè have been both opponents and tag team partners during their time in All Elite Wrestling.
Back at AEW Dynamite: Spring Break Thru 2025, Monè defeated Athena to advance to the Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament Finals.
Following this clash, Monè and Athena formed a tag team, but they did not find success based on their own individual egos.
With her ROH Women’s World Title run eclipsing 1,400-plus days, “The Fallen Goddess” should be in line for another shot at AEW Women’s World Championship now that Monè has the gold.
Willow Nightingale
At AEW All In London 2026, Mercedes Monè defeated Willow Nightingale to win the AEW Women’s World Championship.
This win evened Monè’s record against Nightingale at 2-2 over the course of their four meetings against one another.
With Monè suffering a broken nose during this bout, it feels like there is still unfinished business with Willow for the current champion.
Willow stepping up to challenge Mercedes next feels like all the makings of a potential pay-per-view headliner for the AEW Women’s World Championship sooner rather than later.
Marina Shafir
Since the passing of PAC, fans have seen a distinct change in Marina Shafir.
Feeling motivated by the passing of her friend, Shafir has shown leadership traits in her behavior with the rest of The Death Riders, even with Jon Moxley.
At the September 30 Tribute To PAC edition of AEW Dynamite, Shafir teamed with Thunder Rosa and Hyan to defeat Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D., Persephone and Mercedes Monè in trios action.
After this win, Shafir should be positioned as a future challenger for Monè in the not-so-distant future.
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