Ever since All Elite Wrestling (AEW) burst onto the scene in 2019, wrestling fans have been fiercely divided on social media, drawing battle lines between AEW and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). The rivalry has become a staple of online discourse, with fans often treating the two promotions as mutually exclusive options. Mercedes Mone, a decorated WWE champion who recently joined AEW, shared her perspective on this ongoing debate in an interview with US Weekly ahead of her in-ring debut at Double or Nothing 2024.
“I feel like there should be no competition when it’s between companies,” Mone stated. “It just needs to be competition between the wrestlers, seeing who wants to be the main event of the show, to make the most money. I’m competing with everybody here in AEW to let them know I’m the face of the company. I’m not competing with any other company.”
Social Media vs. Reality
Mone believes the perception of competition between WWE and AEW is largely fueled by the internet rather than reality.
“A lot of things just trail from the internet,” she noted. “People are just so in their phones. Going on the internet and bragging and complaining, they’re not actually living in the real world. When they come out into the real world and they actually go to wrestling shows and enjoy things with wrestling fans, they know that this is all just so much fun. People just like to drag things and be mean on the internet just to be mean. When they come to these shows, it’s a whole different feeling.”
Aligning with AEW Stars
Mone’s stance on wrestling tribalism aligns with sentiments expressed by other AEW stars like MJF, Saraya, and Adam Copeland. They have all advocated for a more unified wrestling community focused on enjoying the sport rather than pitting one promotion against the other.
Support from WWE Friends
Interestingly, two of Mone’s close friends from WWE, Bayley and Naomi, were in Boston to support her during her AEW debut in March. This camaraderie across company lines underscores Mone’s point that the so-called rivalry is more of an online phenomenon than a reality among the wrestlers themselves.
Mone’s Competitive Spirit
Despite her call for unity, Mone’s competitive spirit remains fierce within AEW. She made it clear that her primary goal is to establish herself as a top performer in her new home. This declaration underlines her determination to excel and make a significant impact in AEW’s highly competitive women’s division.
Mone’s transition to AEW comes with high expectations, both from herself and from fans who have followed her career. Her statement signals that she is ready to take on the best the company has to offer, aiming to rise quickly through the ranks and capture championship gold. This drive to succeed is a hallmark of her career and has consistently pushed her to new heights, making her a formidable competitor in any promotion she joins.
As she navigates the challenges and opportunities within AEW, Mone’s blend of athleticism, charisma, and in-ring prowess will be crucial. Her journey in AEW will not only be a test of her skills but also a chance to further solidify her legacy in professional wrestling. With a clear focus on becoming a top performer, Mone’s presence is set to elevate the competition and bring exciting new dynamics to AEW.
“I’m competing with everybody here in AEW to let them know I’m the face of the company,” she emphasized. “I’m not competing with any other company.”
