Mercedes Moné Says Her Career “Almost Ended” Against Willow Nightingale Wrestling News Source – Latest WWE, AEW, Pro Wrestling News, AEW All In: London 2026 Results
Mercedes Moné and Willow Nightingale have opened up about their heated rivalry ahead of their AEW Women’s World Championship clash at All In.
The two rivals appeared on the latest episode of Close Up with Renee Paquette. Although their interviews were recorded separately, the footage was edited together to create a back-and-forth discussion about their history and Sunday’s championship match.
One of the biggest talking points was Moné’s injury during her NJPW Strong Women’s Championship match against Nightingale in 2023.
Nightingale admitted the situation left her questioning whether she deserved to become champion, forcing her to rebuild her confidence.
Moné offered a very different perspective, revealing that Nightingale did not contact her following the injury.
“My career almost ended when I faced Willow Nightingale.”
Their rivalry became even more personal after Moné arrived in AEW and defeated Nightingale for the TBS Championship. Nightingale explained that losing the title, combined with Kris Statlander turning against her, forced her to refocus.
Moné also brought up Nightingale preventing her from winning the AEW Women’s Tag Team Championship and later ending her lengthy reign as TBS Champion.
For Nightingale, finally defeating Moné provided a major feeling of vindication.
Moné, however, claimed Nightingale’s profile has benefited from being associated with her.
“My name makes her famous.”
Nightingale disagreed, saying she believes she would have reached the same position in AEW regardless of Moné.
Paquette then asked Nightingale what she believes Moné misunderstands about her. Nightingale explained that despite her positive personality, she still experiences hardships. She simply tries to find a reason to smile and look for the positive side of difficult situations.
When asked about the possibility of losing at All In, Nightingale said she could not prepare herself to lose.
Paquette later reminded Moné that she currently holds a 1-2 record against Nightingale. Moné responded by insisting she had earned her victories and revealed that she wants to take away Nightingale’s trademark smile.
Moné said she has struggled to smile herself because she has spent three years chasing the AEW Women’s World Championship, while Nightingale was also responsible for ending her reign as TBS Champion.
Nightingale acknowledged how much being TBS Champion meant to her, but made it clear that the AEW Women’s World Championship is the title she believes carries the greatest importance.
When Paquette turned the question around and asked Moné what would happen if she lost at All In, Moné refused to entertain the possibility.
The interview ended on an intense note when Paquette asked Moné what she would think about Nightingale 20 years from now.
“Nothing.”
The episode then transitioned into a cinematic scene showing Moné attacking Nightingale as she declared that All In would mark the end of Willow.
Mercedes Moné will challenge Willow Nightingale for the AEW Women’s World Championship this Sunday at AEW All In.