The recent spotlight on Mercedes Moné influence on The Beast Mortos in AEW has stirred debate about whether their relationship could shape Mortos’ future with the promotion. After a long absence from Arena Mexico, Mortos made a notable return during AEW’s Grand Slam Mexico event, raising questions on how backstage dynamics are shifting and if personal factors are influencing storyline developments.
The Beast Mortos Returns After 14 Years Away
During the build to AEW’s Grand Slam Mexico show, unforeseen travel complications led to Claudio Castagnoli being unable to compete in the main event’s 10-man tag team match. The commentary team announced that both Castagnoli and Cash Wheeler were not present due to these issues, creating an urgent need for replacements in the lineup. This pivotal change opened the door for Mortos to make his return to Arena Mexico, a venue where he first made his mark as part of CMLL between 2008 and 2011, before moving to AAA from 2012 through 2023.
Tony Khan’s Personal Effort to Secure Mortos’ Spot
According to reporting from Fightful Español, AEW President Tony Khan initiated direct talks with Salvador Lutteroth Lomeli, the CEO of CMLL, to ensure Mortos could perform in Arena Mexico for the first time in over a decade. Mortos’ opportunity arose as a direct consequence of the unavailability of two key AEW talents.
“SCOOP on @FightfulEspanol:Tony Khan personally went to Salvador Lutteroth Lomeli and requested The Beast Mortos be allowed to wrestle his first match in Arena Mexico in 14 years. This was a result of the absences of Cash Wheeler and Claudio tonight.They were happy to… https://t.co/GfmeAh7RPd”
— Sean Ross Sapp, Fightful.com reporter
Implications for Mortos’ Standing in AEW
The move drew attention within the wrestling world, with many seeing it as a significant endorsement of Mortos’ value to the company. Although Mortos did not secure the final pin, he was a member of the victorious team in the main event—an early indicator that a renewed push could be in the works for him within AEW. The direct intervention by Tony Khan highlighted Mortos’ importance, especially with his romantic connection to Mercedes Moné, who remains a key talent and storyline force in the current landscape.
Mercedes Moné’s Influence and a Shifting AEW Landscape
The speculation over Mercedes Moné’s influence on The Beast Mortos in AEW continues, particularly since Moné recently became the CMLL Women’s Champion amid a busy night packed with headline matches and surprise appearances at Arena Mexico. The show featured stars such as Hangman Page, Kazuchika Okada, Mark Briscoe, Mistico, MJF, and Toni Storm, reinforcing AEW’s evolving ties to international wrestling and CMLL.
What’s Next For Mortos in AEW?
With Mortos back in the spotlight at a venue that defined his early career, and with Tony Khan invested in his narrative, there is reason to believe further opportunities may be on the horizon. Whether the partnership with Mercedes Moné plays a direct role in securing Mortos’ spot in AEW programming remains a topic of discussion, as fans and insiders alike watch for signs of increased momentum for Mortos within the company.
The developments at Grand Slam Mexico may mark the beginning of a new chapter for Mortos in AEW—one shaped by serendipity, backstage advocacy, and the potential influence of personal relationships among wrestling’s top talent.
