On the October 21 edition of AEW Dynamite, Mercedes Monè issued a challenge to anyone, wondering who was next to step up for the AEW Women’s World Championship.
This brought out Marina Shafir who confronted “The CEO” and intimidating her with sheer presence.
Looking on the verge of a showdown with Monè, Shafir feels like the right opponent for the AEW Women’s World Champion at this time.
Here are four reasons why Marina Shafir is the perfect challenger for Mercedes Monè’s AEW Women’s World Championship right now.
PAC’s passing given her character new meaning
On September 26, the wrestling world were heartbroken to find out about the passing of Benjamin “PAC” Satterley.
Following this shocking news, the fans have been rallying behind The Death Riders in a massive way.
Being the faction that PAC was part of, there has been some momentum behind The Death Riders and more specifically Marina Shafir in recent weeks.
Adopting PAC’s Brutalizer as her finish, Shafir has been paying tribute to her fallen friend in every way she can and will continue to do so when she clashes with Mercedes Monè for the AEW Women’s World Championship.
Enforcer of The Death Riders
The weight of PAC’s passing has been felt throughout All Elite Wrestling, but it has been most heavy on The Death Riders.
While he was the stoic locker room leader on the Tribute To PAC special of AEW Dynamite, Jon Moxley has let recent losses get to him and expressed his grief over the passing in emotional outbursts.
This has seen Marina Shafir step up and get Mox to refocus on what the task at hand truly is for The Death Riders leader.
After her role of enforcer being reinforced as of late, Shafir could take that direction when she faces Mercedes Monè for the top prize in the AEW women’s division.
Different kind of opponent
At AEW All In London 2026, Mercedes Monè defeated Willow Nightingale to win the AEW Women’s World Championship.
Then at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam France, Monè recorded her first successful defense of the title against Queen Aminata.
To mark her second defense, “The CEO” defeated Thekla to retain the AEW Women’s World Championship at WrestleDream 2026.
Looking at Willow, Aminata and Thekla, Marina Shafir is different from every one of those women and will offer a totally unique MMA-based style in comparison to Monè’s previous matches as of latye.
Feeling like a threat
Since joining The Death Riders in 2024, Marina Shafir has been presented as an intense individual.
From her MMA background to her submission expertise, Shafir feels like a threat to anyone she steps in the ring with, man or woman.
“The Problem” has never faced off with Mercedes Monè in singles competition before.
After holding the title for two months, Monè may be facing the toughest test and biggest threat to her AEW Women’s World Championship reign in Marina Shafir sometime soon.
To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!
Comments.
Loading comments…