Mercedes Mone, once Sasha Banks, has achieved a peak in her career by securing the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship, in addition to her AEW TBS Championship. Nevertheless, her display at the AEW Forbidden Door event caused mixed reactions among fans. While Mone celebrated her victory, the wrestling community was abuzz with criticism over her numerous in-ring mistakes.
Struggles in the Spotlight
Mone’s transition to AEW was highly anticipated, but her journey has been anything but smooth. Fans noticed a slow start and inconsistency in her matches, which was glaringly evident during the Forbidden Door event. Several mistakes tarnished her performance, causing many to deem her match as the worst of the evening. This has ignited intense online discussions, with certain fans expressing their frustrations regarding what they see as a decrease in her wrestling skills.
Fan Discontent
The wrestling community’s disappointment was palpable. Many fans felt that Stephanie Vaquer deserved to win due to Mone’s frequent mistakes. There was a widespread feeling that Mone’s rise in AEW was not warranted, with some wishing she would return to her Sasha Banks days. As fans expressed their concerns on social media, the backlash grew stronger.
“Botching every move. This match is horrendous. Sasha Banks was 110% better than this version,” tweeted @ELo_DeNa, echoing the frustration of many viewers who felt let down by the match quality.
Controversial Victory
Despite the criticism, Mone walked away with two championships, a result that did little to appease her detractors. The belief that she has creative control over her character fueled the argument that her success was self-serving rather than merited. Fans pointed to the numerous botches as evidence that her current persona lacks the finesse that made Sasha Banks a standout.
“Horrible match from @MercedesVarnado. Botches, failed moves, boring match, and money bought her another title she doesn’t deserve,” another fan tweeted, highlighting the widespread dissatisfaction.
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AEW Women’s Division Concerns
The criticism extended beyond Mone, with many fans expressing broader concerns about AEW’s women’s division. The booking decisions have often been questioned, and Mone’s performance at Forbidden Door only added to the discontent. Some believe that AEW lacks strong, prospective champions in the women’s division, fearing that the current trajectory could lead to further disappointment.
“Mercedes botches way too much,” tweeted @LuchaFamily, a sentiment echoed by many who felt that Stephanie Vaquer was a more deserving winner.
What Lies Ahead?
Mone’s victory, despite the controversy, positions her as a significant player in AEW. However, the backlash from fans highlights the need for improvement. AEW’s women’s division must address these concerns to maintain its credibility and fanbase.
“Good lord. The Mone botches in this match were a lot. Even in the finishing sequence. Clunky match,” tweeted @AlejandroCasaas, summarizing the consensus on Mone’s performance.
The future of AEW’s women’s division remains uncertain, with fans eagerly awaiting how the company will respond to the criticism and whether Mone can redeem herself in the eyes of the wrestling community.
Good lord. The Mone botches in this match were a lot. Even in the finishing sequence. Clunky match.
— Alejandro Casañas Romero (@AlejandroCasaas) July 1, 2024
Mercedes botches way too much
— Lucha Dad (@LuchaFamily) July 1, 2024
Hahshahahahahahahahahaha
A lot of botches in this match from @MercedesVarnado
Botching every move
This match is horrendous
Sasha Banks was 110% better than this version #aew#ForbiddenDoor
— ELo_DeNa (@WWE_WOp) July 1, 2024
Your Thoughts?
What do you think of Mercedes Mone pinning Stephanie Vaquer and winning two AEW championships at such a young age? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
