Amid ongoing debate, Tony Khan has publicly commented for the first time on recent accusations directed at Mercedes Mone, the talented wrestler who rapidly rose to prominence after joining AEW. With speculation swirling about the impact of Mercedes Mone’s consecutive victories, Khan addressed concerns over her championship runs and the fallout among fans and talent alike, bringing the focus keyword—Tony Khan on Mercedes Mone—to the forefront of wrestling conversations.
Mercedes Mone has made a significant mark since stepping into All Elite Wrestling, capturing the TBS Championship shortly after her debut and continuing to collect titles in various promotions around the world. Such swift and frequent wins led some critics and fans to claim that Mercedes was overshadowing other female wrestlers, potentially limiting their opportunities in the spotlight. These assertions intensified as her success stretched beyond AEW, reinforcing her ‘CEO’ brand and elite performer status.
Khan Defends Mercedes Mone’s Booking Choices
In a candid interview with Jon Alba for SI’s The Takedown, AEW chief Tony Khan addressed the concern head-on, offering his perspective on why he was so committed to elevating Mercedes Mone within the company. Khan explained his deliberate approach to building up the star, reflecting both his vision for her role and his confidence in her abilities.
“Mercedes is tremendous to work with, and I had been adamant about building Mercedes up and having Mercedes continue to win and win and win,”
Khan explained.
“Then finally, you have this match… Mercedes versus Toni Storm — the TBS champion versus the world champion for the world title… and Timeless Toni Storm picked up that great win.”
— Tony Khan, AEW President
This reflection highlighted that despite positioning Mercedes Mone for constant victories initially, AEW ensured a climactic confrontation where ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm was able to seize a major win, countering claims that others in the women’s division were being permanently sidelined.
Tony Khan Addresses Cody Rhodes’ Comments on AEW Tenure
The discussion around leadership and respect in AEW was further spotlighted by Tony Khan’s recent comments regarding Cody Rhodes, a founding figure of the organization who later returned to WWE. Cody Rhodes previously stated that while he would accept disrespect from prominent global promotions, receiving such treatment from the very company he helped establish hurt more deeply. Khan was questioned about these remarks during a separate appearance on Q101, where he offered a measured and understanding response.
“You know, he does a lot of interviews, and I think when you have to say so many words so often — because he works so hard, he works such a big schedule — to his credit, I bet he does hundreds of interviews a year. And I’m not sure I agree with that, but I also would give him the benefit of the doubt that, you know, I’ve heard him say a lot of positive things, too,”
Khan said. — Tony Khan, AEW President
Khan’s reaction underscored a respectful acknowledgment of Rhodes’ workload and the broad spectrum of his public statements, emphasizing that everyone involved with AEW, no matter their path, contributed meaningfully to its current place in the wrestling landscape.
The Broader Impact of Khan’s Statements on Wrestling Fans and Talent
By addressing the skepticism surrounding Mercedes Mone’s meteoric rise, as well as Cody Rhodes’ reflections on his AEW experience, Tony Khan demonstrated an open and transparent approach to leadership. His choice to speak directly about the booking philosophy for Mercedes, and to publicly offer fair consideration to Rhodes’ feelings, signals to fans and insiders alike that AEW values both high achievement and the voices of its team. As AEW continues to evolve and respond to audience feedback, expectations remain high for inclusivity and competitive opportunity within its women’s division and broader roster.
