I'm pretty sure it's billed this way to try and stem internet outrage when Willow and Mercedes don't go on last
It’s always been the men’s world title other than very specific reasons, right?
They can’t go last with that, it’s not even the top women’s title.
Speaking of that, I had thought they said that they were showing the match on Collision this past Saturday, but they were merely promoting the show. However, I don’t think they ever mentioned it on either Dynamite that it was happening, or on Collision that it did. They should’ve at least shown highlights, I didn’t say much about it to not spoil. They went second from the top but had to follow Mayu Iwatani getting her shit kicked in.
Maika (World Champion in Stardom) and Tam (most recent champion but she vacated) both namedropping Mercedes, and in Maika’s case, Willow as well. Maika did not defend the title on that show (instead she had a match with a protege in her stable on the preshow, which they made make sense but kinda dumb to do with your champion), and has not had a challenger booked. In fact, she did an interview today that she may have to go abroad since no one will challenge her. In a promo with said protege after the match, she talked about Mina and that their unit needs to spread their wings around the world (they are co-leaders of EXV).
Japanese commentary also made mention of Julia Hart and Skye Blue, though I guess Julia is out, so not sure what can happen there.
Assuming Mercedes wins, seems Forbidden Door looks like Maika vs. Willow (unless they book Maika to back up Mina and Mariah May or something, there’s another thing they can do there, Maika is also a currently trios title holder with Mina, but I’m expecting that to change very soon) as Willow beating Tam Nakano would theoretically put her in line. Also, Tam vs. Mercedes, in what would be billed as a dream match to joshi fans. Tam has also talked about wanting to get another shot at the TBS title and making America fall in love with her, which they will.