This upcoming title defense is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and cross-promotional encounters in recent wrestling history, highlighting the continued collaboration between AEW and international wrestling powerhouses STARDOM and CMLL. Mercedes Mone, renowned for her “belt collector” reputation and formidable in-ring skills, will look to retain her TBS Championship against these diverse and highly skilled challengers from different wrestling styles and regions[1][4].
According to AEW President Tony Khan, the Forbidden Door event will feature Mone defending the title not just against one opponent but in a four-way match with one challenger each representing AEW, Japan’s STARDOM, and Mexico’s CMLL, further elevating the global prestige of the title and the pay-per-view itself[3]. While the STARDOM and CMLL participants remain under wraps, the announcement of the AEW qualifier has caused considerable buzz among fans eager to see which of the four AEW women’s wrestlers will step up to the challenge.
The qualifier match on Dynamite is set to be a thrilling contest, with Queen Aminata, Skye Blue, Alex Windsor, and Billie Starkz all bringing unique styles and motivations. Skye Blue is gaining momentum in AEW with her recent impressive matches, while Queen Aminata, Alex Windsor, and Billie Starkz each boast legitimate credentials and international appeal, ensuring that the spot will be fiercely contested[2][3].
In addition to the TBS Title qualifier and Mone’s return to AEW programming, the August 6 Dynamite episode will feature other high-profile matches, including a Tag Team title eliminator semifinal pitting The Young Bucks against Brodido, and a singles bout between Mark Briscoe and MJF, adding to the night’s intensity and anticipation[3].
Sources close to the insider circles within AEW have revealed that the promotion is capitalizing on the Forbidden Door’s emphasis on cross-promotional competition to further raise the profile of the TBS Championship, which Mercedes Mone has elevated since capturing it, now holding multiple belts across different promotions[1][4]. Fans can expect a hard-hitting, fast-paced, and diverse showcase of women’s wrestling talent when the O2 Arena hosts this historic bout.
Mercedes Mone’s participation is highly significant as she recently reappeared on AEW Dynamite after a hiatus since All In, and her persona as a dominant, multi-title holder continues to spark compelling storylines across both AEW and WWE landscapes. Observers note that the Forbidden Door match could mark a turning point in her career, potentially even seeing her lose the belt to a rising star from one of the partner promotions, reflecting AEW’s willingness to innovate with fresh, unpredictable narratives[1][4].
The excitement surrounding Forbidden Door 2025 is further amplified by the inclusion of stars from STARDOM and CMLL, two promotions known for their exceptional women’s wrestling talent. This event promises to deepen international wrestling ties and deliver unforgettable moments that fans worldwide will be talking about long after August 24.
Stay tuned to AEW Dynamite on August 6 to witness the qualifier match that will determine Mercedes Mone’s AEW challenger and keep abreast of further announcements regarding the participants from STARDOM and CMLL in what is shaping up to be a groundbreaking cross-promotional battle for the TBS Championship at Forbidden Door.
For more updates, follow official announcements on AEW.com, as well as insider reports from reputed wrestling outlets including Fightful, Wrestling Inc., and live podcasts featuring behind-the-scenes insights from industry insiders. According to a WWE insider who tracks cross-promotional events closely, “Mercedes Mone is the perfect anchor for this title defense, blending star power with wrestling excellence, and her match at Forbidden Door is expected to be a show-stealer”[4].
With Forbidden Door 2025 just weeks away, the build-up will only intensify as fans speculate on potential challengers and dream matchups across three of the world’s premiere wrestling promotions. Mercedes Mone’s defense of the TBS Championship in this diverse and highly anticipated four-way match epitomizes the spirit of this historic event, promising a landmark chapter in pro wrestling history.