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AEW Star Issues Heartbreaking Statement: “All I Can Do Is Pray”

By Lyle Kilbane • Published Oct 29, 2025 10:50 EDT
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One AEW star has issued a pleading statement as they grow concerned for their family after a rise in serious violence.

A police operation in Rio de Janeiro’s northern suburbs against the Red Command gang has led to the death of 64 people, making it the biggest and deadliest raid in the history of the Brazilian state. Four police officers were among those killed during Operation Containment in the Alemão and Penha districts, state Governor Cláudio Castro said. More than 80 people were arrested.

Fierce clashes erupted when about 2,500 security personnel moved in on Tuesday morning. The Red Command (Comando Vermelho) is said to have responded with gunfire, burning barricades and dropping bombs from drones. The area of favelas near Rio’s airport is considered to be the headquarters of one of Brazil’s most powerful organised crime groups. State officials said at least 50 of those killed were “indicated by police as suspected of being criminals”.

AEW Star Praying For Her Home

All of this violence and killing has understandably caused concern for AEW’s Brazilian star Tay Melo, who has family in the area. Melo took to social media to express her distress as she prays for her home city:

All I can do is pray and cry. My body is shaking nonstop .. all the videos, photos .. pray for Rio. My brother in law finally made it home after so many hours trying to do so, the fear of waiting and hoping everything works out well is so bad. They are inside and as safe as they can be. Today feels heavy.

Tay Melo will be part of the tournament to crown the first-ever AEW Women’s Tag Team Champions alongside her long-time partner, Anna Jay. That tournament kicks off on the Fright Night edition of Dynamite when Jamie Hayter and Queen Aminata face off with Skye Blue and Julia Hart.

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