It's been a month since Mercedes Mone defeated Willow Nightingale at AEW Double or Nothing for the TBS Championship, and the CEO has now revealed that she has creative control over her character in AEW.
This is rare in professional wrestling, though we know Tony Khan went all out to sign the former WWE Superstar, making the woman formerly known as Sasha Banks the highest-paid female star in wrestling today.
"I feel like here at AEW, all of my dreams and opportunities are just endless, so of course, being the TBS Champion, and this Sunday at Forbidden Door, I'm about to be a two-time champion," Mone says in the video below. "I'm going to be the TBS Champion and the New Japan Strong Champion, so yes, this little creativity that I have of taking all the belts and going global is beautiful."
"I got this [championship]. I think just every single week you got to watch. Yes, I have AEW creative control, but I work with Tony Khan very closely, so it's great. It's a great combo," she added.
This has raised eyebrows and arguably speaks to the larger issues within AEW, especially when the promotion's booker is clearly taking orders from his talent (it's like WCW all over again...). In fact, it goes a long way in explaining why AEW Dynamite feels like such a mess each week as Mone is likely one of many wrestlers with this sort of control.
Mone was also asked about a possible WWE return. Even with Triple H in charge, it's believed she turned down the chance to return to the company she walked out of in 2022.
"I have everything I want right now, so I’m happy," she said, dismissing the notion of leaving AEW. "Make sure everybody watch this Sunday's Forbidden Door live on pay-per-view, or come get tickets at Ticketmaster."
In a separate interview, Mone was recently asked whether WWE ever imposed any restrictions on her and explained how being cast in The Mandalorian proved a real sticking point for the company.
"Oh yes, oh yes. And that’s definitely a big reason why I came to AEW," she explained. "Even doing 'The Mandalorian' was like pulling teeth with WWE to get time off to film that show. So, Tony said, 'Whatever [you] need.' If I need that private jet to go from filming in LA to coming for shows, then it’s available for me."
Pushed for details on what led to her parting ways with WWE, Mone added, "For so many years, everyone wants the tea on that drama. You’re not going to get it unless you buy the book maybe ten years later."
As noted, Mone will take centre stage at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, where she will face Stephanie Vaquer with both the TBS and NJPW Strong Women's Championships on the line.
You can watch the full interview in the player below.