Mercedes Moné, a prominent AEW star, recently disclosed the reasons behind her surprising exit from <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE in 2022, emphasizing that she was not fired but chose to leave on her own terms. Despite having a year remaining on her contract, she was offered an enticing five-year extension, which she ultimately declined due to waning enthusiasm for wrestling.
Loss of Passion and Desire for a New Direction
Moné explained that her decision stemmed from a growing loss of passion for wrestling and a strong desire to compete in Japan, which she believed would help reignite her love for the sport. She requested her release specifically to join New Japan Pro-Wrestling, seeking to revitalize her career away from WWE’s environment.
“A lot of people thought that I got fired by WWE. I asked for my release,” Moné explained. “I had a year left on my deal. They were offering me a five-year deal, and at that point, I just… I wasn’t happy anymore.” —Mercedes Moné
“I had lost my passion for wrestling, and I wanted to wrestle again. I asked for my release so that I could go to New Japan, and it reinvigorated my love for wrestling again.” —Mercedes Moné
The Fallout and Reinvention After WWE
Her departure was marked by controversy when she and then-partner Naomi walked out of a live Monday Night Raw taping in May 2022, protesting creative differences. This led to their suspension and a public fallout with WWE. After leaving WWE, Moné rebuilt her career in New Japan Pro-Wrestling before making a high-profile debut in AEW.
Current Success and Future Opportunities in AEW
Now a leading figure at AEW, Moné holds the AEW TBS Championship and recently competed against AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm in a highly praised match at All In: Texas. She is scheduled to defend her title in a four-way match at the AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door event on August 24, signaling continued prominence in her wrestling career.
