Kris Statlander has addressed the criticism regarding her tenure as AEW Women’s World Champion following her successful title defense against Mercedes Mone. Statlander won the championship in September at All Out by emerging victorious in a four-way match that included Tekla, Jamie Hayter, and then-champion Toni Storm. Since then, she has defended her title in individual matches against Mina Shirakawa, Storm, and Mone, with the latest defense occurring at Full Gear.
Despite her wins, some have questioned her position as the top female champion in AEW, partly because she hasn’t consistently been featured in main event matches. In a video released by AEW after her match with Mone, Statlander responded to these doubts by reflecting on the skepticism she faced when she won the title—not having initially won it in a one-on-one match. She shared how she defeated Toni Storm in a singles match but still faced criticism. When Mercedes Mone challenged her, Statlander saw it as another chance to prove herself, especially since she had previously lost to Mone twice. After beating Mone, she acknowledged that some might still doubt her but expressed her determination to keep proving her worth as champion. She concluded with a warning to all women in AEW and beyond: she is ready to defend her title fiercely.
Fan Take: Kris Statlander’s response highlights the resilience and determination required to solidify oneself as a top champion in AEW. For fans, this not only adds depth to her character but also promises compelling storytelling and intense competition within the women’s division, which is vital for the growth and excitement of the sport.
