Mercedes Moné retains AEW Women's World Championship against Thekla at WrestleDream

Mercedes Moné walked out of Addition Financial Arena in Orlando on October 17 still holding the AEW Women's World Championship after beating Thekla with the Moné Maker. The match had the drama, the near falls and the heel tactics you'd expect from a pay-per-view title defense.

The finish came after Thekla hit an O'Connor Roll that looked like it might steal the belt, but Moné kicked out and hit her signature finisher for the three count.

The Injury and the Mask

Moné hurt her knee when she missed a meteora and hit the ringpost instead, selling the injury for the rest of the match. She also brought her protective face mask into play as a weapon—reports say she used it when the referee wasn't looking to crack Thekla and shift momentum. Classic heel work.

Thekla nearly had it earlier when she got her foot on the ropes after a curb stomp, forcing a rope break and keeping the match alive. The challenger showed up and made Moné earn the win.

Ilja Dragunov Debuts

The night also saw Ilja Dragunov make his official AEW debut. Renee Paquette brought him out to the crowd, adding another big name to the roster. WrestleDream 2026 delivered on the marquee moments.

Refresher: Mercedes Moné's AEW Run

Mercedes Moné—formerly Sasha Banks in WWE—has been one of AEW's biggest signings and has held the Women's World Championship through a string of high-profile defenses. Thekla, a star from Japan's Stardom promotion, represented the kind of international challenge that makes AEW's women's division worth watching.

For guys who grew up watching Hogan, Savage and the WWF Golden Era, this kind of storytelling—injury, weapon, near falls, the champ overcoming—is what wrestling is supposed to be. Moné keeps the gold, Thekla looked strong, and the crowd got their money's worth.