Mercedes Mone fires warning to WWE

After a tough 2024 where AEW struggled for momentum, including TV viewership, fan attendance and captivating storylines, the company has begun to bounce back. In recent months, Tony Khan's company has become a hot commodity once again.

Now, WWE is starting to fight back and has been looking to counter-program AEW pay-per-views in recent months. The latest example of this strategy is the launch of a "Wrestlepalooza" Premium Live Event to counterbook AEW's "All Out."

During a recent interview with TV Insider,  AEW's Mercedes Mone gave a sharp response when asked about WWE's recent tactics. Her comments were dismissive, while also firing a shot at the quality of in-ring production WWE has been serving its fanbase.

"I don't watch them," Mone said. "I don't care about them. I'm 'Eight Belts Mone.' I'm a champion of so many different companies. So, the more the merrier. If they want to put on wrestling shows while we have wrestling shows, I'm always going to be better. I'm always better. That's why I call myself 'The CEO.' They can keep on doing whatever they want to do, but AEW is taking over. If you want to watch the best, good wrestling, watch AEW."

Mone is arguably the biggest name in women's wrestling. She holds championships across numerous promotions around the world. And, most importantly, she can push tickets wherever she goes. The problem is, she's underselling the threat that WWE poses. It's still the largest wrestling company in the world, with significant resources to make AEW's life difficult.

Nonetheless, her warning is fair: AEW is the best in-ring wrestling company out there. The matches rarely fall short, and the company has embraced the need to tell compelling stories. There's a reason WWE is taking AEW seriously now, and that should be seen as a win for AEW in itself.

AEW isn't WCW, which shut down. It won't go out in the same manner. Khan has significant financial resources at his disposal. Still, it's good to see Mone championing the company and doing her best to push it forward. Now, she and the rest of the roster must live up to her words.