AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Mone has addressed the recent online speculation surrounding her creative direction in the company. In a new interview, Mone shot down the rumors that she has creative control in AEW, a narrative that has been fueled by her dominant booking since her debut.
The former WWE champion has been a central figure in AEW since her arrival in March 2024. Speaking with TV Insider, she clarified her working relationship with AEW President Tony Khan.
Mercedes Mone On Her AEW Creative Process
Some wrestling fans have given Mercedes Mone the nickname “Mercedes Hogan,” a reference to Hulk Hogan and his infamous creative control clause in WCW. The nickname is a critique from those who believe she has been given the power to dictate her own storylines. When asked about this “online chatter,” Mone dismissed the idea.
“I work with whoever Tony (Khan) wants me to work with. That’s why I’m “The CEO,” Mone said. “That’s why I came here because I watched the women, and said, “This is the place for me to be because there is so much passion and drive.”
Her comments align with previous statements from Tony Khan, who has repeatedly stated that he has the final and sole creative control in AEW. Khan has noted that while he has collaborative conversations with top stars like Mone and Toni Storm, the ultimate decision is his.
Praising The AEW Women’s Division
During the interview, Mone was highly complimentary of the AEW women’s roster. She cited the talent in the division as a primary reason for her decision to sign with the company.
“We legit have the greatest women’s division in all of professional wrestling,” she stated. “The best from Toni Storm, Athena, Kris Statlander, Willow, and I can go on and on and on… We’re getting more time, more matches and more in-depth storylines. It has been such great growth.”
Mercedes Mone’s entire post-WWE career has been defined by her desire to control her own destiny. Her infamous walkout from WWE in May 2022 alongside Naomi was a direct result of creative frustrations. After leaving the company, she went on to have a successful run in Japan, winning the IWGP Women’s Championship.
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Her arrival in AEW and her subsequent dominant run as the undefeated TBS Champion, which has seen her collect multiple other titles from around the world, is the culmination of her betting on herself. While her on-screen “CEO” persona is that of someone calling the shots, she has made it clear that in reality, she is working within the creative structure of AEW.
A Busy Weekend For Mercedes Mone
Mercedes Mone has a busy weekend ahead of her. She is set to return to Revolution Pro Wrestling on August 22 to defend her Undisputed British Women’s Championship. Then, on Sunday, August 24, she will defend her AEW TBS Championship at the Forbidden Door pay-per-view in a four-way match.
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