Mercedes Mone’s debut in AEW has significantly reshaped the promotion’s landscape and she is truly determined to change the face of women’s wrestling in general. In fact, Mone has now called out male wrestlers for blocking women’s opportunities.
While speaking to Katee Sackhoff, Mercedes Mone stated that she believes women should have the same opportunities and pay as men in sports, especially in wrestling. She pointed out that women already bring in as much money as men through TV ratings, merchandise, and ticket sales. Fans come to see women wrestle, proving they deserve equal pay and screen time.
Mone’s goal is to create more chances for women and continue breaking barriers. She has made history many times, including being the first woman to main event a pay-per-view and the first African American woman to main event WrestleMania. She wants to inspire others by showing that if she can do it, so can they. She believes women should be among the highest-paid athletes and get the same recognition as men.
“My thoughts are, number one, we already do. Especially in the sport I’m in—pro wrestling—it’s proven every week. It’s shown in television ratings, in merchandise sales, and in the fans who come to events, hold up their signs, and buy tickets specifically to see the women. It’s clear that we bring in just as much as the men, so why not get paid equally? Why not receive the same amount of TV time?
That’s exactly what I’m here to do and to prove. I’ve had the opportunity to do that so many times because of the hard work I’ve put in my whole career. I was the first woman to main event a pay-per-view, which is so special. I was the first African American woman to main event WrestleMania. I’ve accomplished so many firsts, and my biggest goal is to make that happen for women all over the world.
I want to create a place where women know that if I can do it, they can do it too. If I can accomplish my dreams, they can accomplish theirs. If I can main event, so can they. If I can be the highest-paid woman in the sport, then so can others. That’s what I want for women in pro wrestling and for women’s sports globally.”
Mone sees a major challenge in how men in the industry hold women back and believes men are roadblocks. Even when women prove themselves, they don’t always get the support they deserve. Opportunities are often given but later taken away, making it harder for women to succeed. She believes real progress means treating women equally all the time, not just once in a while.
“These men. That’s the biggest roadblock. We prove ourselves all the time, but the consistency isn’t there. It’s like, ‘Okay, we’ll give them a chance.’ Then when we succeed, they think, ‘Oh, don’t let them be better than us. We need to take that chance back.’
It’s about showing them that it’s okay to give us the same respect and opportunities—and to not take them away. It needs to be consistent, not just a one-time thing. It shouldn’t be, ‘Okay, you can main event this month, but next year, it’s about us again.'”
Mone also talked about how some male wrestlers and backstage officials don’t want to give women more screen time. Society has taught people to keep women in a lower position, but she refuses to accept that.
Instead of waiting for chances, she believes women need to take them and stand their ground. For Moné, real progress comes from women claiming their place in wrestling and pushing forward without backing down.
“Yes, it’s the male wrestlers not wanting to give up their screen time and also the people in the back. Society is so used to keeping women at a lower level, but we can’t lower ourselves anymore. We can’t just sit back and say, ‘It’s okay, I’ll wait my turn.’ No—we’re going to take it. I’m going to take it and be consistent with it. It’s up to us as women to claim our spot and keep it.”
Mercedes Mone’s approach reflects a continuing challenge in professional wrestling. While opportunities for women have grown, she still believes men are roadblocks. Instead of waiting for change, she actively pushes for women to take their rightful place in the industry and fans will likely agree with what she had to say.
Do you agree with Mercedes Mone’s stance on gender equality in wrestling? What needs to change for women to receive the same opportunities as men? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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