Willow Nightingale Gives Advice To Mercedes Mone Ahead Of AEW All In

Willow Nightingale is set for the biggest match of her career as she walks into Wembley Stadium as the AEW Women’s Champion, ready to defend the title against Mercedes Mone.

Willow’s rivalry with Mercedes pre-dates AEW to when Willow won the NJPW Strong Women’s Title in May 2023, defeating Mercedes in a bout where Mercedes suffered an ankle injury and was sidelined for a year.

Speaking to Shirleigh of Fightful, Willow was asked if she feels a different kind of pressure entering All In as the champion.

“Of course. I’ve had a pretty steady climb throughout my career in AEW, starting from the pre-show last time I was at Wembley. Last year in Texas, I was able to be part of the Casino Gauntlet, which was cool. All of that is cool and exciting, but being the champ, I understand that I’m not just gunning to make an impression or try to climb the ladder. I’m at the top of the ladder, and the target is on my back. Very different story,” she said.

Mercedes has made it clear that she is not only looking to take Willow’s title, she wants to take her smile as well.

At every turn, Mercedes has sent a message to Willow, attacking her whenever the chance presents itself.

Asked if Mercedes’ tactics have made her feel less like herself, Willow replied, “No, I don’t feel less like myself. It’s been part of the journey and the struggle. I’ve always used my smile to be my strength. I don’t like to use the words ‘haters,’ but in anybody’s life, there are going to be people who are not your fans or biggest supporters of you, and they’re going to try and take away your joy. It is a thing I’ve dealt with for over a decade of wrestling. You just have to smile through it.”

Finally, Willow was asked if she had any advice for Mercedes ahead of their showdown.

“Have fun. We’re going to fight. I’m going to bring hell, I know she’s planning on bringing hell because she’s been doing that to me since she came to AEW. Enjoy it because you’re not going to get what you want out of it,” replied Willow.

Willow is entering Sunday’s contest with a broken hand. Fans can read Tony Khan’s comments on the injury by clicking here.

Fans can watch the full interview with Willow in the video above.