Tony Khan is setting the record straight — Mercedes Moné didn’t bury anyone during her 13-title run at all.
During a conversation with Jon Alba, Khan directly responded to criticism from fans who’ve accused Moné of “burying” other women in the AEW and indie scenes during her dominant 13-title reign across multiple promotions.
“Mercedes had a hell of a year… Is it strange to hear when all these fans — because there’s a lot of them — say, ‘Ah, she has creative control, she’s burying all these other women’? Meanwhile, when you win 13 belts or whatever the number is, you’ve got to lose all 13 eventually, too,” Alba asked.
Khan made it clear that it couldn’t be further from the truth and gave full support for the CEO of AEW.
“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.”
Khan stated that the booking was always strategic and story-driven, not self-indulgent. He praised Moné’s chemistry with Toni Storm, calling their match a main-event caliber performance and promising there’s more to come:
“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.”
This defense came just days after Mercedes Moné addressed the critics herself in Moné Mag, throwing shade at those who tried to question her path.
“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.”
While Moné has spent 2025 dominating the globe, she’s also been a strong supporter of lesser-known talent, naming indie standouts like Denmark’s Aliss Link, RevPro’s Kanji, and Scotland’s Emersyn Jayne as personal highlights. She’s used her reign not just for the limelight, but to share it with underrated women in the industry.
“As the CEO of women’s wrestling, I study my opponents like no other — and I always find a way to win,” Moné said.
With Tony Khan officially putting the “burial” rumors to rest and Mercedes Moné standing firm in her legacy, the message is clear — the 13-title reign wasn’t about ego, it was about evolution.
Do you think Mercedes Moné’s 13-title run helped elevate the women’s division, or do you agree with the critics? Sound off in the comments and let us know what you think.
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.
December 31, 2025 9:47 am
