I’ve always been a fan of Sasha Banks. Her NXT feud with Bayley is legendary, and she’s had other memorable moments on the main WWE roster. However, her WWE career, while achieving highs like headlining WrestleMania 37 with Bianca Belair, often felt like it could have been so much more if WWE had consistently backed her. She consistently demonstrated character brilliance and wrestling prowess.
But Mercedes Mone in AEW? I’m struggling to connect with it. Reluctantly, I have to add to the growing criticism surrounding her AEW run. “The CEO” gimmick just isn’t resonating with me. While initial missteps weren’t solely her fault, the mystery attacker storyline highlighted why a babyface role might not be her natural fit. However, when AEW pivoted and embraced Mercedes as a heel, things started to improve.
That contract signing segment with Willow Nightingale was genuinely captivating. In fact, it remains my favorite Mercedes Mone moment in AEW. Unfortunately, the momentum waned after Mercedes defeated Willow for the TBS Championship at Double or Nothing.
My reservations about Mercedes aren’t primarily about her in-ring performance. While some matches have been underwhelming, even top wrestlers sometimes lack chemistry. More often than not, her matches range from good to excellent, with her bouts against Statlander and Nightingale standing out as highlights.
The Stale “CEO” Persona
My biggest issue with the TBS Champion lies in her character. It feels incredibly generic. She’s been portraying this “Boss” persona for a decade now. I was hoping AEW would take a risk and have her lose at Double or Nothing. Willow Nightingale was gaining serious traction, and she deserved a TBS Championship reign that wasn’t merely transitional.
More importantly, a loss for Mone could have spurred character evolution. It could have challenged her established persona in AEW, allowing us to witness Mercedes navigate the journey to her first victory over Willow Nightingale. This could have revealed a different, more nuanced side of Mercedes Mone.
But the “CEO” gimmick feels recycled and superficial. Everything about it is surface level. Bringing in Kamille as her bodyguard? We’ve seen that countless times before. She’s portrayed as arrogant, conceited, and selfish. Mercedes Mone’s current character feels two-dimensional, and no segment has truly invested me in her narrative. Even that memorable contract signing segment owed its impact more to Willow Nightingale’s charisma than Mercedes’ persona.
Of course, the uninspired storylines surrounding Mercedes don’t help. They fail to provide the necessary depth for her “CEO” gimmick to truly shine and evolve.
Booking Shortcomings Aren’t Entirely on Mercedes
Mercedes Mone has consistently delivered strong in-ring performances. However, I struggle to recall a truly compelling feud in her AEW tenure. Discounting the contract signing segment, her rivalry with Willow would otherwise be a contender for one of the most poorly written feuds of 2024.
And Kris Statlander? Their matches are excellent, but the feud’s substance relies on predictable, paint-by-numbers storytelling. AEW rushed into their rematch at World’s End. While Mone’s arrogance justified accepting the challenge, a more compelling narrative would have seen her initially reject it, acknowledging Statlander’s formidable threat.
Her other title defenses largely follow the trope of a challenger winning a number one contender’s match – lazy booking 101 in modern wrestling. This reliance on contender’s matches stifles opportunities for fresh and engaging storytelling. Not every feud needs to be a personal blood feud, but adding a deeper layer beyond “I want to be TBS Champion” would significantly enhance the narrative.
For instance, Anna Jay’s pursuit of her first AEW title could have been developed more effectively. This storyline could have been initiated earlier in the year. While the premise isn’t groundbreaking, adding context could have enriched Anna Jay’s character. What motivates her championship aspirations?
Does she aim to validate her wrestling career to her family by winning a prestigious title? Or is she frustrated by four years of hard work without tangible achievements? These subtle details add depth to characters. Currently, my primary associations with Anna Jay are her Dark Order affiliation and her blonde hair.
Even Dr. Britt Baker’s booking alongside Mone remains perplexing. Initially, the Mone-Baker dynamic showed promise, but their rivalry lacked substance and never progressed beyond a superficial level. And the inconsistent character portrayal of Kris Statlander further complicates matters.
Frankly, AEW has underutilized Mone in terms of booking. I could accept Mercedes retaining the “CEO/Boss” persona if she were given substantial material that showcased its potential. I want to see her embrace a truly villainous role. Give audiences a genuine reason to despise her. While attempting to run down a challenger could be a starting point, when the underlying story is weak and uninspired, audience investment in either character diminishes.
Wrestling Needs More Than Just Great Matches
Tony Khan understands this. Otherwise, storylines like Chris Jericho/Cody Rhodes, Kenny Omega/Hangman Page, Punk/MJF, Swerve/Hangman Page, or even the current Jon Moxley storylines wouldn’t exist. While AEW leans more towards a sports-centric presentation compared to WWE (though lately blurring those lines), that’s perfectly acceptable. I’m not advocating for AEW to completely emulate WWE’s style. However, they must discover a way to consistently deliver compelling narratives.
Storytelling is the crucial element that sustains audience engagement. The current lackluster booking of her title reign isn’t benefiting Mercedes Mone. One of my all-time favorite women’s feuds is Mickie James vs. Trish Stratus from 2006. It featured well-defined characters, a meticulously crafted story, and excellent in-ring action. Was it flawless? No, but I can recall numerous memorable moments from that incredible rivalry. Mone’s character has a foundation, so a complete overhaul isn’t necessary.
While exploring a new character direction for her would be intriguing, what she truly needs are compelling storylines that amplify her existing persona. Mercedes Mone’s AEW run is far from being among the worst title reigns in wrestling history, but it pales in comparison to her past achievements. It’s not too late to redirect her trajectory, but currently, Mercedes Mone in AEW simply isn’t working to her full potential.
