Maya World upsets Athena to set Owen Hart Cup final against Mercedes Moné

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Mercedes Moné already punched her ticket to the Owen Hart Cup final for Forbidden Door. The world waited to find out her opponent, and it turned out to be a huge upset on AEW Collision (June 20, 2026). The Cinderella story continued as Maya World defeated Athena. The story coming in was World as a last-minute replacement when Sareee was not cleared to compete. On top of that, World’s brother recently died. World pushed through to upset Skye Blue in the quarterfinals. Now was the showdown with Athena in the semifinals. Athena trained World when breaking into the business, so there was a real life connection between the two. The student beefed with her mentor for a feud in ROH, and Athena prevailed in the end. That’s why she is the Forever Champion holding the ROH Women’s World Championship. World had another crack at Athena in the Owen Hart Cup. The tournament match played out with Athena as the dominant veteran and World as the scrappy underdog to make it competitive. Athena controlled the action down the stretch. She hit the O-Face, and it looked like certain victory was in store. Nope. World kicked out on the three-count. Athena was shocked. Once Athena regained control, she channeled Shawn Michaels’ famous last words to Ric Flair. Athena wasn’t going to lay down for World to have the happy ending. Athena told her student, “I’m sorry. I love you, but it’s my time.” Athena charged for a clothesline. World ducked low and trapped Athena in a bridging roll-up. 1, 2, 3! In the parlance of Dick Vitale, “Upset City, baby!” After the match, it felt like the wrestlers were breaking from character to share a meaningful moment with World, who was dedicating her run to her fallen brother. Athena hugged World. Mercedes Moné entered the ring to also share a hug with World. Then, the heels ruined it. Athena cracked a blindside strike to World, and Mercedes slapped on the Statement Maker submission. Rotten scoundrels! Backstage, World reflected on her success. She believes that the Owen Hart Cup was made for stories like this. World is a small-town girl ready to fight the biggest of giants in Mercedes. "That Owen Hart Cup, I walk past it, and I see it shining. And I know what my destiny is." EXCLUSIVE: After her shocking victory and advancing to the Finals of the #OwenCup to face her hero @MercedesVarnado at #ForbiddenDoor, @MayaWorldd is completely focused on taking it all! pic.twitter.com/V91M4twG1k — All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 21, 2026 Share your reaction to Maya World pulling the upset over Athena in the Owen Hart Cup tournament. Do you want to see the Cinderella story complete with a win against Mercedes Moné at Forbidden Door?