As All Elite Wrestling (AEW) gears up for its highly anticipated event, Double or Nothing, the eyes of the wrestling world are fixed on the promotion’s ability to deliver a showstopper that will leave fans talking long after the dust settles. One way to achieve this, according to many, is for Tony Khan to pull off a major swerve, and what better way to do so than by turning a WWE veteran heel? The star in question is none other than Mercedes Mone, formerly Sasha Banks, whose current babyface run has failed to resonate with fans.
Mone’s arrival in AEW was met with great fanfare, and rightly so, given her impressive pedigree and wealth of experience in the wrestling world. However, her current character has failed to connect with the audience, and the reasons for this are twofold. Firstly, her CEO gimmick, which is inherently narcissistic, seems better suited to a heel character. Secondly, her opponent, Willow Nightingale, is a more natural and relatable babyface, making it difficult for Mone to gain traction as a face.
The fan reaction has been telling, with cheers often ringing out for Nightingale, the TBS Champion, when the two step into the ring together. This has led to an awkward dynamic, with Mone struggling to gain the fan support that her character needs to thrive. By turning Mone heel, AEW can capitalize on her natural charisma and create a more compelling character arc.
Furthermore, a heel Mone could potentially team up with the Elite, further exacerbating her privileged character and creating new and intriguing storyline possibilities. The fact that she has not wrestled a single match since joining AEW, yet is immediately thrust into a TBS title match, has led some to view her as receiving preferential treatment. This could be a rich vein for storytelling, with Mone using her supposed connections to get ahead, much to the dismay of the fans and her fellow wrestlers.
Ultimately, a heel turn for Mercedes Mone at Double or Nothing could be the masterstroke that AEW needs to shake things up and send shockwaves through the wrestling world. With the right booking and storyline, this could be the catalyst for a renewed push for Mone, and a fresh chapter in the AEW narrative.