Subhojeet Mukherjee on February 16, 2026
Mercedes Moné is opening up again about the line between her wrestling persona and real life — and this time, she’s calling out creepy fans fetishizing her.
While speaking to Nick Cannon on the February 16, 2026 episode of We Playin’ Spades, the AEW TBS Champion addressed whether men fetishize her because of her on-screen persona. The question came up in the context of how difficult it is for fans to separate the character from the real Mercedes Varnado. When asked point-blank if men fetishize her, Moné didn’t hesitate.
“ I mean, I really don’t step outside without my wig on or something. Who are you talking to? What do you think? Yes, they fetishize me.”
When asked if people assume she’s always the bold, dominant character from television, she confirmed that the confusion happens constantly. She made it clear that when she’s at home, she just wants quiet time with her dogs and peace.
“Always. But we’re on the road four days a week, barely home. I’d rather be at home sleeping and playing with my corgis with the time that I have at home. So no. I chose peace, amen.”
Her comments line up with what she said back in March 2025 about wrestling feeling like a “24/7 fantasy world.” At the time, she explained that fans often don’t understand that what they see weekly on TV is still a role.
“I don't think people understand that at all in, um, the line of work that I do. Because wrestling, um, is like living a 24/7 fantasy world—not only for wrestlers but for wrestling fans. So people don't know who Mercedes Varnado is because I don't—I don't get the opportunity to show them. That's not who they get to see on TV. It's someone that's totally different than what my wrestling character is.”
Moné made it clear that she actually likes that separation because it protects her private life. But social media and constant exposure make it harder, especially when fans treat her like the character all the time. Now she’s calling it out directly. For her, it’s simple — she’ll perform the role on TV, but off camera, she wants space and respect.
Do you think fans sometimes blur the line too much between a wrestling character and the real person? Let us know your thoughts below.
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