Felix Upton on February 24, 2026
AEW star Mercedes Moné is stepping out of the ring and into primetime television.
The new season of Bar Rescue is officially underway, and Paramount Network has confirmed that Moné — listed under her real name Mercedes Varnado — will appear as a special guest during the show’s milestone tenth season.
Paramount Network announced that Season 10 of the long-running reality series will premiere Sunday, February 22 at 10 PM ET/PT with two back-to-back episodes. The network made it clear this is no ordinary season.
“Paramount Network today announced the premiere date for the highly anticipated tenth season of its hit reality series Bar Rescue, hosted by world-renowned bar and hospitality expert Jon Taffer.”
“Marking a major milestone for the network’s longest-running unscripted series, the new season will premiere with two back-to-back episodes on Sunday, February 22 at 10 PM ET/PT, delivering even bigger rescues, higher stakes and unforgettable transformations.”
Mercedes Moné is specifically named among the celebrity guests joining Jon Taffer in the field.
*“This milestone season ups the ante with special celebrity guest appearances, including Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC and pro wrestler and actress Mercedes Varnado, who join Taffer in the field as he journeys to cities across Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky to help revive ailing establishments.”
Bar Rescue has built its reputation on Taffer’s tough-love approach to struggling bars and restaurants. Paramount described what viewers can expect this season.
“Taffer and his trusted team of culinary and mixology experts tackle each rescue with his signature tough-love approach – identifying the core issues holding businesses back and implementing high-impact solutions designed to guide them toward long-term success.”
The network also teased the emotional and explosive tone fans have come to expect.
“Along the way, viewers can expect explosive confrontations, emotional breakthroughs and inspiring turnarounds that highlight the resilience of small businesses across the country.”
Moné’s appearance marks another mainstream crossover moment for the former WWE star turned AEW champion. With wrestling talent increasingly branching into television and entertainment projects outside the squared circle, this move puts her in front of a different audience on a major cable platform.
Past episodes of Bar Rescue are available on Paramount+ and Pluto TV, while Season 10 continues airing on Paramount Network. Mercedes Moné trading forearms for bar renovations wasn’t on many bingo cards this year — but here we are. Will this kind of mainstream TV exposure help boost her brand outside AEW, or is this just a fun one-off appearance? Drop your thoughts below and let us know what you think.
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