All Wrestling Elite (AEW) chairman Tony Khan has also been attacked by wrestling champion Eric Bischoff. The debate surrounds Mercedes Mone, also known as Sasha Banks, whose career has been a topic of controversy since her highly anticipated arrival at AEW. The burning question remains: Did Tony Khan err in bringing in one of wrestling’s top talents?
Hype Mercedes Mone
Mercedes Mone’s arrival in AEW is one of the most anticipated events in recent wrestling history. Fans are excited about his debut, waiting for the fire and the big promotional push. But the reality is far from ideal. From his first promotion in his hometown of Boston, which many fans considered a disappointment, to subsequent shows that failed to hold the audience’s attention, Mone’s intro was a bit of a misnomer.
Slow start: First Boston
Mone’s debut has been met with excitement, and fans are looking forward to a big performance worthy of his WWE legend. However, their promotions are slow and ineffective. Despite the elaborate arrangement, the show lacks the energy and creativity to sustain the idea. Subsequent promotions were not very successful and started slow enough that many could avoid them.
The Waiting Game: Delayed Debut Match
Adding to the frustration was the long wait before Mone’s first match in AEW. Fans expected her to hit the ground running, but instead, they were left waiting, only to see her debut in a rather ordinary spot. This delay and the lackluster placement of her first match only served to dampen the initial excitement surrounding her arrival.
Eric Bischoff’s Brutal Critique
Eric Bischoff, a respected voice in the wrestling community, did not hold back his criticism. On his podcast, “83 Weeks,” the 69-year-old wrestling legend tore into Tony Khan’s handling of Mone. “It’s off the charts because it’s not working. And you know why, Tony? Because you f****d it up. You didn’t introduce Mercedes Mone properly. You didn’t build her beyond announcing and teasing. And then you made the career-killing mistake of giving her a live mic. She can’t cut a promo, but yet you put her out there to cut promos for what was it, four, five, six weeks before she ever wrestled. You killed her character before a bell rang,” Bischoff stated passionately.
The Fallout: Mone’s Struggles in AEW
Bischoff’s comments reflect a broader concern among fans and analysts. Mone’s AEW tenure has been plagued by inconsistent booking and questionable creative decisions. The initial excitement has waned, and many now question whether AEW is the right fit for her talents. The critique is not just about her booking but also about the overall strategy behind her use in the promotion.
Tony Khan’s Response and Continued Faith
Despite the criticism, Tony Khan remains steadfast in his support for Mone. Recently, Mone defeated Willow Nightingale for the TBS Championship, a move Khan heralded as a testament to her talent. With a title defense against Stephanie Vaquer at the upcoming Forbidden Door event, Khan continues to push Mone as a central figure in AEW. He described her signing as one of the greatest free-agent acquisitions in wrestling history, a statement that underscores his belief in her potential.
The Strategy Behind the Push
Khan’s strategy appears to be a calculated effort to elevate Mone as a top star in AEW. By putting her in high-profile matches and giving her significant screen time, he aims to solidify her status within the company. However, the concern remains that without proper build-up and creative storytelling, these efforts may fall short.
The Risk of Empty Pushing
The main issue critics point to is the risk of “empty pushing”—promoting a wrestler heavily without the necessary groundwork to support their rise. This can lead to fan fatigue and a loss of interest, as seen with Mone’s initial reception. The challenge for Khan is to find a balance between pushing Mone and ensuring that her storylines resonate with the audience.
Work on the headache
As Mercedes Mone prepares to defend her title in the City of No One, her career is falling apart. The next few months will be crucial to determine if Khan’s faith in him will pay off or if Bischoff’s dire predictions will come true. The wrestling world is waiting in hopes that he can turn things around and solidify Mone’s status as one of AEW’s top performers.
Reader: What do you think?
What do you think of Eric Bischoff’s criticism of Tony Khan’s handling of Mercedes Mone? Do you think Money can turn things around in AEW? Post your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.
