Clarification Emerges on Mercedes Moné’s Contract Terms and Creative Control Accusations

Mercedes Moné has been winning consistently in AEW, and that success has led to a flood of online speculation claiming she has “creative control” over her matches. But according to multiple insiders, that talk is completely off-base.

Every time Moné gets her hand raised—whether it’s against a top-tier star, a debuting talent, or an international name—critics flood social media accusing her of using backstage influence to script her victories. However, sources within both AEW and NJPW shut those rumors down fast.

Fightful Select reports that officials in both promotions have “never heard of her having creative control,” and confirmed that “she hasn’t turned down losing, because losing hasn’t even been broached. Both companies had plans to push her heavily.”

One source close to both companies said her public claims of having control over her character are likely just that—character work. “She’s working the mic, not the match outcomes,” they added.

In fact, a source revealed that Mercedes once went out of her way to change the finish mid-match during her NJPW bout against Willow Nightingale after suffering a serious injury—specifically to lose. That alone, they say, proves she’s not ducking defeat or protecting her record behind the scenes.

Fans might want to believe Mercedes is pulling strings, but the truth looks a lot more straightforward: she’s simply being booked to win, and playing her part—on screen and off—like the pro she is.