AEW Want This Mercedes Moné Match
Former Sasha Banks might be injured, but it hasn't taken huge AEW move off the table.
Mercedes Moné may yet one day still be #AllElite, and those within All Elite Wrestling might already have the match they want lined up.
This is according to Fightful Select, who reported that;
"There had actually been an inquiry about the possibility of her appearing on an AEW show -- specifically Forbidden Door.Those with knowledge of the situation claim that AEW had spoken to NJPW -- or those with ties to NJPW -- in an effort to facilitate the appearance...Sources on the New Japan side told Fightful that the potential of AEW using Mercedes was mentioned as far back as January, with Forbidden Door brought up at that point...Prior to her injury there were talent at NJPW and AEW believed that she was coming in to do the show, and even rumors that she’d be working against Saraya. We’ve been unable to confirm if there have ever been plans for such, but confirmed Saraya wasn't approached with it. Saraya and Mercedes have a built-in history, as the two worked together in Saraya’s last match for five years back in 2017. "
Saraya (formerly Paige) has worked seven matches as of writing for All Elite Wrestling since arriving in 2022, but as noted, her final WWE outing came against TAFKA Sasha Banks. The two were part of a house show six-woman tag that also included Bayley, Mickie James, Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville that gained infamy for the accidental injury sustained by Paige when she was kicked by Banks. It was thought to be career-ending before her recent return, to the point that she retired on-screen from in-ring action in 2018.
Mercedes Moné's own injury occurred during her NJPW STRONG Women's Championship tournament final against Willow Nightingale on May 21st. She hurt her ankle midway through the encounter and the pair rapidly headed for a finish that crowned Nightingale as the inaugural champion. Moné emerging victorious there could have further fuelled this Forbidden Door match with 'The CEO' firmly positioned on the NJPW side. In contrast, babyface Nightingale works regularly for both companies - a potential title defence has not been confirmed yet but may take place on the supercard.