Tony Khan’s booking of a popular female star in AEW has reportedly baffled folks over at his rival promotion, WWE.
The aforementioned star is Persphone, the reigning CMLL World Women’s Champion. She has made an incredible mark in the wrestling world at only 24 years after beginning her professional career in 2016. In 2023, she signed with CMLL after competing in several independent promotions, which helped her make significant strides.
In 2025, Persphone began making appearances for All Elite Wrestling. In January 2026, it was revealed that she was now under a dual contract with both AEW and CMLL. Furthermore, one of her top appearances saw her defeat a megastar like Mercedes Mone to become the CMLL World Women’s Champion in March.
However, she has been perceived as a sporadic attraction for Tony Khan’s company, who appears after a long time, loses, and then disappears again. The July 29 episode was an example as Persphone lost a TBS title match to Maya World. On the recent edition of Wrestling Observer Live, Bryan Alvarez said many people in WWE were shocked at seeing Persphone’s booking in AEW.
“I have heard from many people in WWE who are just baffled at Tony’s usage of Persephone. They’re just like, ‘What’s this guy doing?'”- H/T Ringside News
Furthermore, Alvarez stated that should her current deal come up, WWE would want to sign her, noting that Persphone has a lot of potential.
“She’s got so much potential. If her deal comes due, WWE’s gonna want her instantly. Meanwhile, all she does is show up on TV and do jobs as the CMLL Women’s Champion.”- H/T Ringside News
Reason for Tony Khan taking the Women’s title off a major AEW star
As seen at AEW Redemption 2026 PPV, Thekla dropped her AEW Women’s World title to Willow Nightingale. According to Fightful.com, Tony Khan made the decision because Nightingale was planned for the World title scene for months, and the plan was always her vs. Mercedes Mone at All In.
“Willow has been planned for the World Title scene—and specifically a World Title win—for months, I’m told. It was always going to be her and Mercedes at All In,” he reported. [H/T – Ringside News]
Furthermore, as Khan continues to take his promotion to new heights, it remains to be seen what is next for AEW.
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Edited by N.S Walia
