Mercedes Moné isn’t just making waves in AEW—she’s pushing for real change in women’s wrestling. In a revealing interview on The Sackhoff Show, the AEW TBS Champion made it clear: women in wrestling deserve equal pay and opportunities.
We put the same butts in seats as the men. We sell the merch, we bring in the ratings. So why not get paid equally?” Moné questioned.
She highlighted that despite proving themselves time and time again, women in wrestling still struggle for consistent screen time and financial recognition.
While she helped lead the women’s evolution in WWE—including becoming the first Black woman to main event WrestleMania—she emphasized that true equality has yet to be reached.
For Moné, leaving WWE was about more than creative freedom—it was about taking control of her career, branding, and finances. Adopting the \”CEO\” persona, she says, represents not just her character but her real-life determination to define her own worth.
I wanted to take control of everything—control of my brand, my name, my finances, and where I want to be,” she said.
Wrestling\’s gender pay gap reflects a larger issue seen across professional sports. While skeptics argue that women should be paid based on revenue generated, Moné insists that female wrestlers are already proving their value—and now it’s time for the industry to recognize it.
She’s not waiting for permission. Moné is determined to use her platform in AEW to elevate women’s wrestling on a global scale.
If I can do it, so can they,” she said. “We’re not waiting our turn anymore—we’re taking it.
