Ex-WWE star's first singles match in 750+ days sparks reaction from multi-time AEW champion

A large chunk of AEW's roster comprises former WWE stars. Over the years, Tony Khan has signed numerous such names like Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley, PAC, Saraya, and more. This has been instrumental in the company's growth and success.

One of the most talented former WWE stars in All Elite Wrestling is Brazilian wrestler Tay Melo. She signed with the Jacksonville-based promotion in 2020. However, she has not held a title so far. The 29-year-old is married to three-time AEW TNT Champion Sammy Guevara. In November 2023, the couple became parents for the first time as Melo gave birth to a daughter.

Tay Melo had not wrestled since early 2023. She has been on maternity leave ever since. However, she has finally made her in-ring return. At the recent STARDOM’s New Year Dream 2025 event, the Brazilian native joined forces with Mina Shirakawa and locked horns with the duo of ROH Women’s World Champion Athena and Thekla. Before the showdown, her husband Sammy Guevara showcased his excitement for his wife's matchup:

"‼️ MAMA TAY RETURNS TODAY!! LFG!!🚨 #TayMelo 🇯🇵" he said.

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AEW star Tay Melo got emotional while announcing her in-ring return

A few days back, Tay Melo announced that her return match would take place at STARDOM’s New Year Dream 2025 event. While making this announcement, she broke down because she was feeling overjoyed and excited:

"After two long years, I'm finally back. I could not ask for a better Christmas gift. I'm going to Japan. I'm going to STARDOM. And I'm not going alone. Because, I'm bringing my little me with me. Happy Holidays to you all, Thankyou soo much for all the support and I see you all on January 3rd in Japan."

Melo was signed to WWE from 2016 to 2020. In the Stamford-based promotion, her on-screen name was Taynara Conti.