Tony Khan Shuts Down Claims That Mercedes Moné Has Creative Control in AEW

Mercedes Moné made headlines when she told TMZ Sports on June 29, 2024, that she had creative control in AEW and worked closely with Tony Khan. At the time, Moné described the dynamic as a strong partnership, saying she had creative freedom but collaborated directly with Khan.

However, during the July 8, 2025 AEW All In media call, Tony Khan publicly refuted the claim. When asked by Sean Ross Sapp if Moné has creative control and calls her own shots in AEW, Khan responded that this was “definitely not true, at all.” He acknowledged Moné’s importance to the company and praised her work, but made it clear that he is the only person with creative control in AEW.

Khan said the company is the most focused it has been in years, partly because he’s no longer listening to as many outside voices. While he confirmed that he meets with Moné and Toni Storm at least once a week and that Jennifer Pepperman is involved in Moné’s presentation, he made sure to clarify that he has the final say on everything. RJ City also assists in the creative process, but ultimate authority rests solely with Khan.

This stands in contrast to Moné’s own comments just over a year ago, where she suggested she had significant influence over her creative direction. While AEW clearly encourages collaboration, Khan’s comments firmly reestablish who is running the show.