Imagine stepping into the ring not just to defend a belt, but to shatter records and issue challenges that could reshape the wrestling world—Mercedes Moné is doing exactly that, and it's sparking excitement (and maybe a little envy) among fans everywhere. But here's where it gets controversial: is her bold move to take on any champion at AEW WrestleDream a stroke of genius or a risky gamble that could dilute the prestige of her TBS title? Let's dive deeper into this electrifying weekend and unpack what happened in CMLL, where Moné proved why she's the undisputed boss.
Drawing from a lifetime immersed in the drama and spectacle of professional wrestling, I've been breaking down matches and storylines for over a decade here at Cageside Seats. On Friday night, October 17, 2025, in the historic Arena Mexico, Mercedes Moné walked in as a powerhouse with an astounding collection of ten championships under her belt. By the end of the night, she walked out with them all intact, and in a bold twist, she threw down an open challenge aimed squarely at breaking Ultimo Dragon's legendary record. This isn't just about winning; it's about cementing her legacy as the ultimate champion across multiple promotions.
For those new to wrestling, think of Ultimo Dragon as a pioneer who juggled multiple belts simultaneously, setting a high bar that's rarely been topped. Moné is poised to eclipse that by potentially holding eleven titles at once—and this is the part most people miss: her recent achievement as the longest-reigning TBS Champion in AEW history already puts her in elite company. Now, at AEW WrestleDream on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri, the CEO of AEW is putting it all on the line. She's offering the TBS Championship in a title-versus-title showdown against any champion from around the globe. It's a massive risk, but for beginners wondering why this matters, consider it like a chess master challenging multiple grandmasters at once—thrilling, but could it backfire if the wrong opponent steps up?
Shifting gears to her CMLL main event on that all-women's show, Moné defended the CMLL Women's World Championship against the formidable Persephone. To ensure fairness in what can be a tricky environment with local referees, she cleverly brought in AEW's Aubrey Edwards as a special guest referee. Edwards vowed to call it straight down the middle, even after Moné playfully tried to slip her a bribe—adding a layer of intrigue and humor to an already intense rivalry. And this is the part most people miss: Moné paid heartfelt tribute to the iconic Selena with her gear and entrance music, 'Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,' blending cultural reverence with her in-ring prowess.
Persephone didn't make it easy, unleashing powerful moves that tested Moné's limits throughout the match. Her offense was relentless, pushing the champion to her absolute edge. In the end, though, a high-risk flying splash from Persephone went awry, creating the opening Moné needed. She capitalized instantly with a devastating backcracker that flowed seamlessly into the crossface submission hold, securing the victory and retaining her CMLL gold. For wrestling newcomers, the backcracker is like a suplex on steroids—it's a lifting move that wrenches the back, setting up that punishing arm-and-neck lock for the tap-out.
Looking ahead, the CMLL Women's World Championship is slated for a defense against Olympia, but here's where it gets controversial: Moné is pushing hard for the match to happen in the USA, not Mexico. Is this a savvy strategic choice to expand her global brand, or does it smack of avoiding the home-field advantage and potentially disrespecting CMLL traditions? Wrestling fans often debate these cross-promotional power plays—some see it as innovative crossover, while others worry it undermines the unique flavors of regional promotions like CMLL.
To catch the replay of this epic CMLL bout, head over to TrillerTV for English commentary, which makes it accessible for international viewers. If you prefer the authentic Spanish feed, subscribe to CMLL's YouTube channel at the Campeón Mundial or Leyenda levels for monthly access. Just a heads-up: opting for the Leyenda tier unlocks exclusive content like next week's Women's Grand Prix, a showcase of global talent that promises even more drama.
What are your thoughts on Mercedes Moné's triumphant defense in Arena Mexico? Do you think her open challenge at WrestleDream will elevate her status or expose a vulnerability? And regarding her preference for USA-based matches, is this the future of wrestling or a divisive strategy? Share your opinions in the comments—I'm eager to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a counterpoint to toss into the ring!
