A growing debate has emerged as Tony Khan defends Mercedes Mone, the AEW star accused of overshadowing fellow wrestlers during her streak of holding 13 championship titles across multiple promotions. The controversy intensified following Mercedes Mone’s landmark series of victories and subsequent reactions from both AEW leadership and the wrestling community.
Mercedes Mone’s Record-Breaking Success Draws Criticism
Throughout the past year, Mercedes Mone—who gained fame as Sasha Banks in WWE—captured an unprecedented 13 different championships, spanning AEW and other wrestling organizations. While this remarkable feat elevated her status within the industry, it has also led to accusations that her dominant presence has relegated other women’s wrestlers to the background.
After concluding 2025 by relinquishing three of her titles, speculation swirled about whether Mercedes, celebrated for her creative control and influence behind the scenes, had manipulated outcomes to preserve her image at the expense of other talent. These allegations generated heated conversations among fans and critics, fueling a broader debate about competitive opportunities in women’s wrestling.
Khan Rejects Claims of Talent Suppression
AEW CEO Tony Khan, determined to set the record straight, addressed these criticisms during an interview with Jon Alba of The Takedown on SI. He firmly dismissed the notion that Mercedes Mone’s success was detrimental to other performers, instead emphasizing strategic narrative planning behind her multi-title run.
“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. 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.They have incredible chemistry… I would expect to see them involved again down the line because they’re two of our greatest stars… there’s so much meat on that bone.”
– Tony Khan, AEW CEO
Khan explained that the build-up to Mercedes facing “Timeless” Toni Storm was deliberate, designed to showcase the talent of both women. He highlighted their on-screen rivalry and exceptional in-ring chemistry, predicting further encounters between the two prominent AEW competitors.
Mercedes Mone Addresses Her Critics Directly
Rather than back down in the face of controversy, Mercedes Mone responded publicly to critics through a statement to Mone Mag. She made it clear she was unbothered by negative opinions regarding her many championship wins.
“Why would I acknowledge the critics? The goal is shown. It’s been shown. For the people that can’t see it, it’s on them.”
– Mercedes Mone, AEW Star
Her remarks underscored her commitment to her goals, suggesting that results speak for themselves. This approach has further cemented her image as a driven leader within the wrestling world, often referring to herself as the CEO of women’s wrestling.
Mone Highlights the Exposure of Emerging Talent
Amid accusations that she buried talent, Mercedes Mone took the opportunity to spotlight opponents who benefited from sharing the ring with her over the course of her championship run. She credited her multi-title journey with increasing visibility for lesser-known wrestlers from around the globe.
“One of my favorite discoveries was Aliss Link from Denmark. Her style is unlike anything I’ve experienced—creative, sharp, and unpredictable. One of my favorite independent matches of the year came against her, and trust me when I say: Aliss Link is someone you need to keep your eyes on.Kanji from the UK, wrestling for RevPro, twisted me into shapes I didn’t even know my body could bend into. She proudly calls herself the female Zack Sabre Jr., and for good reason. Wrestling her felt like a high-level chess match—one I can’t wait to play again.Then there’s Emersyn Jayne from Scotland. Don’t let appearances fool you. Her intensity, agility, and ferocity were unreal. She represented her country with pride, holding the Discovery Pro Championship for over 1,000 days. But as the CEO of women’s wrestling, I study my opponents like no other— and I always find a way to win.”
– Mercedes Mone, AEW Star
Among those mentioned were Aliss Link from Denmark, whose innovative approach impressed Mone during their match; Kanji from the UK’s RevPro scene, described as a strategic competitor reminiscent of Zack Sabre Jr.; and Emersyn Jayne of Scotland, who held the Discovery Pro Championship for over a thousand days and delivered a fiercely contested bout. Mone credited these encounters as valuable, both for her own development and for shining a spotlight on these international athletes.
The Ongoing Impact of Mercedes Mone’s Championship Run
As the debate persists, Tony Khan’s vocal defense and Mercedes Mone’s direct responses are shaping the narrative around women’s wrestling in 2025. The discussion has reached beyond AEW, resonating throughout the wrestling world and highlighting the balance required between elevating top stars and giving emerging talent the opportunity to shine.
With both Khan and Mone standing by their decisions and approaches, attention remains on AEW’s women’s division and how future feuds—such as the evolving rivalry between Mercedes Mone and Toni Storm—will unfold. Fans and industry observers alike continue to watch Mercedes Mone’s path, analyzing whether her legacy will be defined more by dominance or by her influence in spotlighting the next generation of wrestlers.
