Mercedes Mone Boasts About Receiving Lucrative Offers Before Joining AEW

Mercedes Mone’s arrival in AEW has significantly reshaped the landscape of the promotion. As the TBS Women’s Champion, she has been the center of attention on AEW television and has reportedly boasted lucrative offers prior to joining AEW.

The TBS Champion spoke with BT and Sal on WFAN to promote her champion vs. champion match against NJPW STRONG Women’s Champion Stephanie Vaquer at AEW & NJPW: Forbidden Door.

During the conversation, Mercedes Mone discussed her experience as a free agent before joining AEW. She found the free agent market both exciting and overwhelming, as she boasted that many companies showed keen interest in signing her with lucrative offers. Despite WWE’s continued efforts to bring her back, she felt a strong urge to advance in her career.

She talked with Tony Khan and other companies like New Japan and CMLL for two years, during which time she considered her options. Her decision was solidified after attending the AEW All In at Wembley, where the energy of the 80,000-strong crowd resonated deeply with her. This experience convinced her that AEW was the right fit, leading her to sign what she considers to be an extraordinary contract in wrestling history.

“In a way, I enjoyed it because I was like, ‘I can’t believe how many companies want me and how many lucrative contracts have been put on the table. Which one do I choose? Which one do I want,’” Mone said. “It was also scary at the same time because WWE is WWE. I was like, ‘Do I go back?’ My heart was like, ‘Don’t go back, move forward.’ I kept hearing that in my head. ‘Keep moving forward.’ They kept offering me stuff and asking me to come back. ‘Mercedes, move forward.’ New Japan was born. CMLL. AEW.

I just had the conversation with Tony (Khan). It took about two years to have conversations. ‘Is this going to work? Is this what I want? Is this what my heart wants? Eventually I went to the All In at Wembley. Being in the crowd and seeing 80,000 fans, it wasn’t WrestleMania, it was AEW All In. I was like, ‘This is where I want to be.’ I want to be here and this company feels in harmony with my soul. We continued talking and I got the most incredible contract in wrestling history.

Mercedes Mone also confirmed that she has creative control over AEW. As previously mentioned, Mercedes Mone is set to face Stephanie Vaquer in a highly anticipated “Title for Title” match at Forbidden Door on June 30, so we will have to see who emerges victorious in the match.