Thekla came close to being added to the AEW Women’s World Championship match at All In, even after the company had already settled on different plans for the Wembley Stadium bout.
According to Fightful Select, Mercedes Moné vs. Willow Nightingale has been in AEW’s plans for months, dating back at least to when Toni Storm was written off TV in March. During Thekla’s strong title reign, however, there was a backstage push to add her to the match and turn it into a Triple Threat. It’s unclear who was behind the push internally.
Plans for the women’s division went through multiple changes along the way. The original direction had Storm winning the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament and challenging Thekla for the title at All In.
Drainmaker @TheDrainmaker Follow “I don't know this 100% but I think it probably had to do with the fact that he almost died of diverticulitis. Maybe spending some time in Mexico… Show more
11:01 AM · Aug 13, 2026When Storm left, Willow was slotted to win the tournament instead, but an injury pulled her from the bracket as well. Moné entered as a Wild Card and ended up winning the tournament for the second straight year.
Thekla’s reign as AEW Women’s World Champion lasted 165 days and included defenses against Jamie Hayter, Mina Shirakawa, Thunder Rosa, Alex Windsor, and Starlight Kid. Her run ended at Redemption on July 26, where Willow pinned her to capture the title.
That brought AEW back to the original Nightingale vs. Moné plan. The match was made official on the July 29 Dynamite, where both signed the contract for All In.