Kevin Nash, a WWE Hall of Famer, has shared unexpected information about the backstage conflicts that arose when Mercedes Mone, a well-known WWE star, appeared on “The Mandalorian.” Nash stated that WWE did not fully back Mone’s venture into the Star Wars universe.
Mercedes Mone’s Frank Admission
Mercedes Mone, a well-known presence in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), discussed the challenges she faced during her time with WWE while working on “The Mandalorian.” During an interview, she revealed that WWE executives tried to limit her participation on the show by mentioning conflicting schedules and her obligations to “WWE Smackdown.”
Kevin Nash’s Insight on WWE’s Stance
Speaking on his “Kliq This” podcast, Kevin Nash offered a perspective on why WWE might have been apprehensive about Mone’s dual roles. Nash suggested that WWE felt threatened by the Star Wars franchise and the spotlight it provided to Mone. He emphasized that WWE might have been wary of Mone receiving star treatment outside the wrestling world, potentially overshadowing her WWE persona.
“I mean, she was over. I mean, she had such momentum and had so many things going for her there [in WWE]. I thought she was as over as anybody that they had … that’s what they [WWE] don’t want. They don’t want you to go someplace, then you hire somebody and get treated like a star.”
WWE’s Fear of Losing Control
Nash’s comments highlight a broader issue within WWE—control over its talents. The company has traditionally been cautious of its top performers, frequently discouraging external projects that may shift focus away from WWE shows. Mone’s rising popularity through “The Mandalorian” might have posed a risk to WWE’s narrative control and her availability for WWE events.
AEW’s Flexible Approach
Contrasting WWE’s stance, Mone praised AEW President Tony Khan for his accommodating approach towards her acting career. She noted that Khan’s flexible travel schedule allowed her to take on as many acting roles as she desired. This flexibility enabled Mone to appear in five episodes of “The Mandalorian” across its second and third seasons.
Balancing Wrestling and Acting
The situation with Mone underscores the ongoing struggle wrestlers face when balancing commitments to their primary wrestling promotion with outside opportunities. For Mone, the transition to AEW has provided a more supportive environment for her dual career ambitions. Her experience raises questions about how wrestling promotions can better support their talents’ pursuits outside the ring.
The Future of Wrestling Talent in Hollywood
Mone’s transition from the WWE ring to the Star Wars set showcases the increasing overlap between wrestling and popular entertainment. With an expanding number of wrestlers pursuing acting opportunities, organizations such as WWE may have to review their policies and support structures to keep their top talent.
Is this the end of wrist management’s old ways?
Kevin Nash’s disclosures and Mercedes Mone’s encounters expose the changing interactions between wrestling companies and their top performers. With the evolving entertainment industry, the wrestling sector needs to adjust to enable its performers to succeed in various aspects of their careers, whether in the ring or outside.
