Highlights

  • Formerly known as Sasha Banks, Mercedes Moné is recovering from an ankle injury and is expected to make appearances in AEW.
  • Moné's debut with AEW was delayed due to her ankle injury, but her presence at the All-In event has sparked speculation.
  • AEW has the opportunity to capitalize on Moné's star power and elevate her to the top of the Women's Division, but they must address backstage drama to ensure a successful transition.

Formerly known as Sasha Banks, Mercedes Moné is poised to make her presence felt in AEW as she recovers from an ankle injury. Mike Johnson's report on PWInsider.com has ignited speculation about her imminent appearances in the company, following up on questions from fans after Moné was shown in the crowd at the recent All-In event at Wembley Stadium.

While the wrestling world anticipates her AEW debut, it's revealed that Moné's debut could have occurred sooner if not for her ankle injury. Johnson notes that plans for her appearance at the Blood & Guts event on July 19, hosted at Boston's TD Garden, were thwarted by her ongoing recovery. The report notes, "The expectation backstage is that when she's cleared, she will be coming in for appearances..." They added, "had she not gotten injured wrestling for New Japan Pro Wrestling just prior to that." Furthering speculation that she'll be coming in, Saraya said after winning the Women's AEW Title, that she can't wait for Mercedes Mone to finally join them in AEW.

Moné's wrestling journey has seen a detour due to her ankle injury suffered during the finals of the NJPW Strong Women's Championship tournament against Willow Nightingale in May. Despite this setback, if AEW is bringing her in, they were smart to tease it at their biggest show to date. Just because she can't wrestle yet, it doesn't mean there isn't value in her being connected and linked to the promotion for future events.

RELATED: 10 Backstage Stories About Mercedes Mone Fans Should Know About

Her potential impact on AEW's roster is undeniable. Once she regains her ability to compete, Moné's desirability as a performer will surely attract attention and she'll no doubt be elevated to the top of the card in the Women's Division. Even if her involvement is intermittent and a deal short-term, there are plenty of potential dream matches she could have with members of the AEW's women's division.

Is This The Best Move For AEW?

Moné's imminent arrival also poses questions about how well AEW can utilize her and capitalize on her star power. As the company expands and evolves, they have a chance to make her involvement really count, but there's a lot of backstage drama in AEW that never seems to go away. Moné's presence provides an opportunity for AEW to demonstrate its commitment to creating a thriving women's wrestling scene but they need to get their ducks in a row to ensure the opportunity isn't wasted.

They way she left WWE doesn't exactly demonstrate she'll be a calming presence in AEW's already turbulent locker room.