AEW’s Mercedes Mone Reflects on Facing ‘Icon and Legend’ Emi Sakura

One big thing: Mercedes Mone triumphs over Emi Sakura in a dream match

Mercedes Mone successfully defended her AEW TBS and NJPW STRONG Women’s Championships against Emi Sakura on AEW Dynamite’s Title Tuesday.

• The match marked the first-ever encounter between the two wrestlers.
• Mone had been anticipating this bout for a long time.
• Despite travel disruptions and a busy schedule, Mone described the match as “EPIC!”

Why it matters

This match showcased a clash between generations, pitting a rising star against a seasoned veteran. It highlights AEW’s commitment to diverse matchups and cross-generational talent exchanges.

By the numbers

• Emi Sakura has been in the wrestling business for 30 years.
• This is only the third time in Mone’s career that she’s faced an opponent with significantly more experience.

What they’re saying

Mone shared her thoughts in her newsletter, “The Mone Mag”:

“Emi is a Japanese icon and legend who’s been in the wrestling business for 30 years! She is a legend and someone I’ve admired and have literally been watching since I was 13!”

The big picture

This match exemplifies AEW’s strategy of blending established veterans with rising stars, creating unique matchups that appeal to a wide range of wrestling fans.

Behind the scenes

Mone revealed that Hurricane Milton caused travel disruptions, leaving her with little time to prepare for the match. Despite this setback, the bout was still a success.

What’s next

With this victory, Mone continues to solidify her position as a dominant force in AEW’s women’s division. Fans are eager to see who will step up to challenge her next.

What did you think of the Mercedes Mone vs. Emi Sakura match? Did it live up to your expectations? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts!