Mercedes Mone and Layla Gray went head-to-head in the ring at AEW Collision just a day after their performances at Ring of Honor Final Battle, battling for the TBS Championship. Mone started strong with rapid forearm strikes and a dropkick that sent Gray out of the ring, disrupting Gray’s corner where Christopher Daniels was also present. Gray capitalized on a mistake by Mone, turning the match in her favor with a series of forearms, a dropkick, and an enziguiri that knocked Mone into the corner. Gray pressed her advantage with knee strikes, but Mone dodged a bulldog attempt.
With Daniels supporting Gray from ringside, Gray managed to withstand Mone’s attack and made a strong comeback using moves like a lariat, sling blade, running knee, and bulldog. However, just as Gray seemed ready to dominate, Mone recovered and countered with her signature finisher, Statement Maker, securing the win. This victory marked Mone’s 24th successful defense of the TBS Championship, a reign that has lasted nearly 600 days since she defeated Willow Nightingale at AEW Double or Nothing 2024.
Meanwhile, Mone’s reign as ROH Women’s Television Champion ended 16 days after Red Velvet’s win at ROH Final Battle, where Gray also secured a victory over newcomer Zyda Steele.
Fan Take: Mercedes Mone’s impressive 24-title defense cements her as one of AEW’s most dominant champions and adds prestige to the TBS Championship. For fans, her reign signifies the high level of competition in AEW’s women’s division and sets the stage for future thrilling rivalries to keep the sport compelling.
