AEW hosted the 2024 All Out event at the NOW Arena on August 7, where several championships were on the line, including the AEW TBS Championship in a highly anticipated matchup between Mercedes Mon and Hikaru Shida.
The buildup to this contest was fairly straightforward. On the August 31 episode of Collision, Hikaru Shida earned her shot at the AEW TBS Championship by overcoming Queen Aminata, Thunder Rosa, and Serena Deeb in a four-way match. This victory secured her a chance at the prestigious title against Mercedes Mon at All Out.
As Mercedes Mon made her entrance, flaunting both of her titles, she was clearly brimming with confidence. However, she knew she had a tough challenge ahead in defending her TBS Title against Hikaru Shida.
Both competitors came into the match with something to prove, and they started strong, giving their all from the outset. After an exchange on the top rope, the action moved to the mat, where Mercedes managed a quick roll-up for a two-count, but that only heightened her frustration.
The former Sasha Banks, clearly irritated, began landing stiff punches on Shida and took control of the match, punishing her opponent in the center of the ring. Despite Mercedes relentless offense, Shida kicked out of her running double knees in the corner, further frustrating the champion. In a tribute to Eddie Guerrero, Mon delivered the 3 Amigos, but Shida continued to fight back.
When Mercedes went for a splash, Shida countered by getting her knees up, then followed up with three Falcon Arrows, only for Mercedes to kick out at one. Undeterred, Shida went for a kick, but Mon blocked it, keeping the match alive.
Mon then hit a backstabber, but Shida responded with a German suplex and a running knee, scoring a near fall. Shida unleashed two head kicks followed by a third, but Mercedes managed to roll to the outside to avoid a pinfall. The two wrestlers struggled for control of a kendo stick, with Mercedes getting pulled into the ring post. Shida nearly used the kendo stick but opted to keep the match clean.
In the final moments, Shida missed a top rope knee, and Mercedes capitalized, hitting the Money Maker to secure the victory and retain her TBS Championship.
Whats your take on Mercedes Mones booking in AEW? How long will she keep both the AEW TBS Title and NJPW Strong Womens Title? Let us know what you think in the comments section!
