AEW closed out 2025 with a new champion. In the main event of AEW Dynamite: New Year’s Smash, Willow Nightingale defeated Mercedes Moné to become the new AEW TBS Champion, ending Moné’s dominant reign in dramatic fashion.
The match, broadcast live from the Liberty First Credit Union Arena in Omaha, Nebraska, delivered on every level. From the opening bell, Moné and Nightingale threw everything they had at one another in a brutal, physical battle. At multiple points it looked like either woman could walk away with the gold. From missile dropkicks to table bumps, the pace only intensified as both stars dug deep for a win.
Willow looked to have it sealed with a devastating Death Valley Driver and a moonsault, but Moné survived. Mercedes nearly retained with a backstabber and frog splash combo, and even managed to suplex Willow through the announce desk on the outside late in the match. But Nightingale wasn’t done.
After crawling back into the ring just before the 10-count, Willow powered through the pain, countered a Money Maker attempt, and nailed her signature Babe with the Powerbomb to score the three-count and shock the crowd.
With this victory, Nightingale now holds both the AEW TBS Championship and AEW Women’s World Tag Team Titles, making her one of the top champions in AEW heading into 2026.
How do you feel about Willow Nightingale becoming the new TBS Champion? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
December 31, 2025 10:12 pm
