Mercedes Mone on Differences Between WWE & AEW for Women’s Divisions Being “Night And Day”

In a recent guest article for The Independent, Mercedes Mone wrote her thoughts about AEW’s Women’s division during her time in the company and the differences between AEW and WWE’s handling of their Women’s divisions being “night and day.”

“Every day I’d daydream about stepping into that ring like one of my heroes – Eddie Guerrero, Rey Mysterio, Manami Toyota, Aja Kong – and making a name for myself as one of the best to ever lace up a pair of boots …

While wrestling had always featured women – some of whom I grew up idolising, and who were incredible talents in their own right – they had always played second fiddle to the men. I, along with the horsewomen, made it a mission to change all that …

In 2022 I left WWE. It was something my heart told me I needed to do, and it ended up being the right choice – this year I signed with WWE’s biggest competitor All Elite Wrestling (AEW), and now I’m ready to disrupt the business all over again.

The women’s division here is something special, and I love seeing it progress and grow. I remember seeing the current women’s champion, Toni Storm, back when she was in WWE. Back then she was so shy and introverted – now every week I’m glued to my set like I’m 10 again, waiting to see what Timeless Toni does next. Or Mariah May, who came into this business a superfan like me, and is taking over (a little like me, too). Or Willow Nightingale, who I beat for my TBS Championship – she’s just starting out, but she’s going to be huge.

The difference between the two companies is night and day. In WWE you have no idea what you’ll be doing week to week, but here I have space to be heard. Along with Tony Khan and with my friend and personal writer Jennifer Pepperman, there’s time to sit down and really plan out the kinds of stories we want to tell. I’m treated with genuine respect, and I really feel seen in a way I sometimes haven’t before. I love it so much here.”