Tony Khan has a big AEW announcement on deck, and Mercedes Moné is said to be on her way in. Coincidence?
AEW has promoted so many “big” or “important” announcements from Tony Khan over its existence that they’ve nearly reached the level of self-parody, even though his track record of avoiding hyperbole is actually better than you might remember. Securing the services of the hottest free agent in women’s wrestling would qualify as a big announcement by anyone’s reckoning, and that just might be what’s in store for the next episode of AEW Dynamite.
The announcement is a sure thing since it was promoted this week. And for those of you who guessed it was about Mercedes Moné, that looks increasingly likely.
Both Fightful Select (subscription required) and Mat Men Radio’s Andrew Zarian, who have reported all along that Moné was headed to AEW, now say that she’s expected to start with the company in March. Fightful couldn’t confirm that the announcement would be about her signing, so perhaps no “Mercedes Moné is All Elite” graphic is coming, but she’s on the way.
From Fightful:
However, what we have heard from numerous talent is that they’ve been told within the company and from those close to Mercedes that the working plan in All Elite Wrestling is for her to physically appear for the company in March, likely after the Revolution PPV.
It might be a little longer until we see the former Sasha Banks actually compete in an AEW ring. Moné hasn’t wrestled since May 21 of last year, when she suffered a serious ankle injury facing Willow Nightingale on a NJPW STRONG card in Long Beach.
Moné’s contract with Bushiroad, the parent company of NJPW and STARDOM, has since expired, leaving her free to sign elsewhere. That’s led to plenty of hope from WWE fans that she would return as Banks — including some who were convinced she’d appear at last month’s Royal Rumble in St. Petersburg — but that didn’t happen, and AEW appears to have secured her services.
That can only help a company that has had plenty of women’s wrestling talent on its roster but often seems stumped as to the best way to showcase it. One thing’s for sure: Moné isn’t coming cheap, so it would behoove AEW to present her as the major star she is.
One thing pro wrestling teaches us again and again is that you never know. All indicators were that CM Punk was unlikely to return to WWE in time for Survivor Series, but then a last minute deal came together and lo and behold, there he was, right at the end of the show.
So we go into this weekend’s Royal Rumble in St. Petersburg knowing full well that perhaps WWE can pull something similar off with arguably the two hottest free agents around, Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes Moné. It just doesn’t look like it would be wise to get your hopes up for either one.
Pro wrestling insiders are united on this. PWInsider says neither Okada nor Moné are currently scheduled for the Rumble. Fightful Select (subscription required) got perhaps the best quote we’ve ever heard about the possibility of a talent appearing with regard to Moné: “Well, we’re not really interested in contract tampering with her, so I doubt it.”
Why this attitude? It’s because as Dave Meltzer repeated in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter (subscription required), both of them could be starting with AEW soon.
Regarding Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes Mone, the belief from this side is that both will be starting soon. Mone was doing acting work but there is talk her debut will be played up extremely big and that announcement could be soon. She has been back training to return to the ring. Her coming to AEW was expected for months, even before they showed her at Wembley. But she did negotiate with WWE after that and while they were far apart on money, unless the contract is signed nothing is a lock. For Okada, the last word was that he had not made up his mind. I know people here range from hopeful to I’d perceive as confident he will be coming.
Meltzer added that even if Okada ultimately decides to head to WWE, he believes the company would wait until WrestleMania to debut him.
So yes, The Rainmaker could be in the Rumble this weekend, and Sasha Banks could be back. We just wouldn’t get your heart set on that, since it’s very likely to get broken.
Are AEW and Mercedes Moné about to decide they’re right for each other? It sounds like we may find out soon.
The wait to see where Mercedes Moné could be over soon — and her fans will be happy to know she might be securing the bag, as they say, to perform on national TV each week.
Just a few days after reports that talks concerning a WWE return had fallen apart, it appears that Moné is likely to be calling AEW her new home.
That’s the word from Fightful Select (subscription required), which cautions that while ” nobody could confirm she’s signed on the dotted line,” its sources believe she will land in AEW. On top of that, Fightful says Moné has been “seeking one of the largest contracts in women’s wrestling history,” so it’s fair to assume that AEW may be willing to pay her what WWE would not.
That makes sense, however, as AEW needs the star power Moné brings more at the moment. Despite some tremendous accomplishments during 2023, including the spectacle of All In London, there’s a widespread feeling that AEW has cooled off at the exact same time that WWE has hit its groove again.
AEW also continues to find itself at the center of PR quagmires like the recent sexual harassment allegations involving Chris Jericho. It could use a feel good moment to tout with no strings attached, and landing the biggest free agent wrestler out there would certainly qualify.
There are fair questions that could be raised about whether AEW is actually the best fit for Moné since its women’s division has been booked so unevenly over the past few years. But it’s also possible that she is the kind of talent who can lift it just by being part of it.
If the deal gets done and she makes her AEW debut soon, it will help get the year in pro wrestling off to an explosive start.
A new report suggests the possibility of a WWE return for Sasha Banks has fallen through for now.
It doesn’t appear that Boss Time will be back in effect in WWE any time soon.
There appeared to be some momentum recently around a reunion between Mercedes Moné, formerly known as Sasha Banks, and WWE, with fans noting what appeared to be hints being dropped on social media. However, a new report from Fightful Select (subscription required) suggests talks between the two sides have “failed to progress,” and that Moné may appear in some other promotion “imminently.”
The two sides had recently been engaged in conversations about a return. We’re told the dialogue was friendly, the back and forth failed to progress, and WWE sources claim that their side walked as a result of it.
The question is where Moné may turn up next. She had posted training videos in late November that showed her gearing up to get back in the ring, but without tipping her hand as to where that might take place. Since leaving WWE in 2022, she had competed for both NJPW and STARDOM before injuring herself in a match with Willow Nightingale in May.
While the relationship between Bushiroad (parent company of NJPW and STARDOM) and Moné was said to be positive, there was always a feeling that a return to the U.S. might be her next move once she healed up. TNA Wrestling has been teasing a big signing for Jan. 13 at Hard to Kill, and there was natural speculation that Moné would fit the bill.
AEW could also definitely use her star power, and you can be sure the wrestling world will be on high alert watching to see if Moné might pop up at the Worlds End pay-per-view Saturday night on Long Island. While the WWE faithful will be disappointed that Banks doesn’t appear to be in the company’s immediate plans, seeing Mercedes in action anywhere will be a very welcome way to end 2023 or begin 2024.
Most of the major signings in the U.S. pro wrestling scene over the past two years have involved the big two promotions, WWE and AEW, either signing talent from each other or inking coveted free agents from elsewhere. To start the new year, however, the third-largest company — in the midst of a rebranding meant to hearken back to its earlier days — is looking to steal some of that spotlight for itself.
In January, Impact Wrestling is kicking off its new/retro era by reviving the TNA Wrestling name in earnest at Hard to Kill in Las Vegas. And to do so, it’s touting a big signing of its own.
Company president Scott D’Amore didn’t hold back on the hype during an appearance on Busted Open Radio today, calling whoever is coming in one of “the biggest signings in TNA” (h/t Wrestling Observer for the transcript).
We’re going to have some surprises for you, some unexpected things including, guys, we are right there at the goal line of finalizing one of, I think, the biggest signings in TNA. I think it’s something that’s really going to shake things up here on January 13.
While there has been speculation about the likes of potential free agents like Kazuchika Okada — who is already slated to appear at the event — other fan theories are even more fun. For example, TNA recently signed a deal with Endeavor, the parent company of WWE, to help launch a new streaming service next month. Does that mean someone like AJ Styles, one of the most influential performers in TNA history, might be able to make an appearance?
Another popular guess is that it could be the former Sasha Banks, Mercedes Moné, who has been training for a return from injury but without a clear indication of where she’d turn up next. And it’s possible it could be another former WWE talent (say, Dolph Ziggler) as well.
Regardless, the tease has wrestling fans talking, which is exactly what TNA likely intended by putting it out there in the first place. TNA Hard to Kill 2024 will originate from Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas on Jan. 13.
Mercedes Moné is almost ready to return to the ring, but will it be with NJPW, AEW or somewhere else?
Mercedes Moné is almost ready to be back in a wrestling ring again. Source? Mercedes herself.
Moné posted a video to her official YouTube channel today titled “The countdown begins” and showing her working hard to get back in ring shape. The former Sasha Banks has been out of action since May, when she sustained an ankle injury facing Willow Nightingale at NJPW Strong Resurgence.
The big question now is where exactly Moné will pop up next when she’s ready for her next match. NJPW and STARDOM seemed hopeful they could keep her in the fold, with Rocky Romero telling WrestlePurists he expected to speak with her soon while adding that “I don’t know what she’s going to want to do when she comes back.”
There has been ongoing speculation that she might sign with AEW, to the point where she was a top guess for that company’s mystery signing at Full Gear that turned out to be Will Ospreay. Moné teased possibly showing up at Full Gear back in early October.
And in the “all things are possible” spirit that saw CM Punk make his recent return to WWE, some have wondered if a Sasha Banks reunion could be in the cards as well. With Paul “Triple H” Levesque at the creative helm, things have changed quite a bit since Banks and Naomi (now Trinity in Impact Wrestling) staged their well publicized walkout during the May 16, 2022 episode of WWE Raw.
Any promotion would benefit from having Moné on its roster, so it really comes down to what she wants to do now that she’s healthy again. Maybe, like she did today, she’ll provide the next big hint herself.
Is Tony Khan’s new mystery signing for AEW a former WWE talent, or a hot import from overseas?
We’ll admit it: Tony Khan got us again.
The CEO, GM and head of creative has fooled us a time or two before when teasing a big announcement. Some of them have turned out to be quite big and others not so much.
However, Khan used a different tactic this week, promoting a wrestler signing with AEW this weekend at Full Gear.
AEW has agreed to terms with one of the world's best wrestlers, a pro who is known + respected by virtually every @AEW fan! They'll come to LA to sign their contract THIS SATURDAY 11/18 on ppv at #AEWFullGear!
See you TONIGHT on TBS for the final #AEWDynamite before Full Gear!
Khan doesn’t always show his cards on wrestler signings, as they sometimes just arrive unannounced. Adam Copeland was the most recent example, even though the larger pro wrestling industry wasn’t totally shocked when it happened.
The wording that Khan used is also worth noting: “a pro who is known + respected by virtually every AEW fan.” That suggests it’s someone very widely recognized, and thus rules out the likes of Giulia or Flip Gordon (who signed with CMLL anyway).
So who could it be? We’re always up for some speculation ahead of the reveal on Saturday night, so let’s go over the four most likely candidates in the approximate order of likelihood as we see it.
Image credit: New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Mercedes Moné
Why it could be her: If AEW was going to sign the artist formerly known as Sasha Banks, it didn’t make sense to do it until she was healed up from an injury suffered earlier this year. Mercedes Moné certainly fits the description that Khan used as a top wrestler and one who is universally known and respected. Among former WWE talents who are available, she’s arguably the biggest needle-mover out there.
Why it might not be her: Are we sure that Moné wants to tie herself down to any company, let alone AEW? Since leaving WWE, she seemed to revel in the freedom she had, which she’d likely give up by inking a deal with AEW. And the company’s booking of the women’s division isn’t exactly a strength.
Image credit: WWE.com
Goldberg
Why it could be him: Are there any wrestling fans who don’t know Goldberg? He’s certainly a recognizable name to anyone who’s even remotely dipped into pro wrestling over the last few decades, and even lapsed fans might perk up if they heard he was in AEW. He certainly hasn’t sounded like a guy who has embraced the idea of retirement, and he’s much more likely to get one more run in AEW than WWE at this point, especially since Khan has stated repeatedly they’ve talked in the past.
Why it might not be him: Khan might be overplaying his announcement if he’s suggesting Goldberg is “one of the world’s best wrestlers” when they already employ the likes of Bryan Danielson. Goldberg is also 56, and though he keeps himself in tremendous shape, it’s hard to imagine him coming in for a regular stint of any kind — and what feathers that might ruffle in the locker room if he receives a big push.
Will Ospreay
Why it could be him: One of the best wrestlers in the world? Check. Known and respected by every AEW fan? We’ll say yes since he’s appeared at Forbidden Door and on AEW TV more than once, though it’s pushing it a bit compared to Mercedes or Goldberg. Ospreay has softened his stance on not wanting to move to the U.S. and if AEW was going to lock him up, this would be the time.
Why it might not be him: Ospreay is said to be under contract until February of next year, so he might not be available to be signed right now (unless this is like a college recruit announcing their intentions ahead of time). He’s also said to be highly coveted by WWE and really appeared to enjoy working with Impact/TNA too, so there’s no guarantee that even if he decides to go across the pond that it’s going to be with AEW.
Image credit: WWE.com
Dolph Ziggler
Why it could be him: While he wouldn’t be able to use the Ziggler name in AEW, Nick Nemeth just finished two decades in WWE and is known to pretty much every wrestling fan. He’s also very well respected as an in-ring worker and a good locker room influence. So he fits all the criteria.
Why it might not be him: It’s been widely reported that Ziggler’s non-compete clause after his WWE release doesn’t expire until December, so this feels a bit too early. Also, as Dave Meltzer noted, he doesn’t quite reach the same level of widespread recognition as the other three names we’ve thrown out there, though Khan would almost certainly argue against that idea if it does turn out to be Dolph.
Will her schedule allow Mercedes Moné to appear at the final AEW PPV of 2023?
Mercedes Moné last competed at NJPW STRONG Resurgence when she suffered an ankle injury during a match for the inaugural NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship against Willow Nightingale. While that halted the former Sasha Banks‘ post-WWE momentum, she hasn’t been totally absent from pro wrestling.
The camera cut to Moné sitting in a suite multiple times during All In London, unofficially making her first AEW appearance. However, she hasn’t been seen since then and hasn’t been announced as an AEW roster member.
Moné’s debut in AEW appears inevitable, and her appearance at All In probably wasn’t coincidental, so it could be a matter of time before she arrives in a grand way like Adam Copeland, formerly known as Edge, did at WrestleDream.
Might she follow suit as soon as Full Gear, though? According to Moné on a recent Instagram Live stream, she’s open if her schedule permits.
Moné won’t spoil whether she’ll appear at Full Gear or not, which isn’t surprising.
Nonetheless, speculation will build with Full Gear six weeks away. Will she be healthy from her ankle injury? If so, and she officially signs with AEW, her appearance at Full Gear would be a major boost, just like Copeland’s was, and would create another unforgettable moment with an accompanying raucous reaction.
Fans will await to see if Moné becomes All Elite when Full Gear comes around on Sunday, Nov. 18 in Inglewood, California, with a main event featuring MJF vs. Jay White for the AEW World Championship.
Before Sony removed the film from its calendar, Mercedes Moné was eyed for a role alongside Bad Bunny.
Since departing WWE, Mercedes Moné‘s star power has risen, and she has evidently been planning something else to further boost her profile.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the Spider-Man spinoff film, “El Muerto” had eyed Moné for a role alongside its star, Bad Bunny (also of recent WWE fame). While Sony circled Moné for the film, Sony had not officially cast for it.
“El Muerto” was scheduled to release on Jan. 12, 2024, but Sony recently removed the film from its calendar due to the ongoing writers’ strike. Additional edits were needed for the script, but it could not be completed.
Strike aside, THR’s report noted that Bad Bunny’s touring schedule impacted when the movie could begin production. With a full slate, it is unknown if the film will move forward with him attached.
Sony had set Bad Bunny to star as the titular character, El Muerto, in Marvel’s first live-action film featuring a Latino character in a starring role. Based on the comic book, El Muerto, a luchador, inherits his father’s mask, granting him superpowers.
Perhaps the movie happens at some point, but if not, Moné will find other opportunities outside the ring. She appeared in Disney’s “The Mandalorian” television series as Koska Reeves in five episodes and will also play a part in the 2023 movie “The Collective,” alongside Ruby Rose and Tyrese Gibson.
Meanwhile, Moné remains out with an ankle injury suffered at NJPW STRONG Resurgence in May, when she lost the inaugural NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship match to Willow Nightingale. According to Fightful Select (subscription required but recommended), AEW wanted Moné at Sunday’s Forbidden Door pay-per-view, but obviously, the injury eliminated that possibility.
Either way, Moné will return to a ring or other entertainment platform at some point to build on the momentum she created after departing WWE in 2022.
