Eric Bischoff Offers Blunt Critique Of Mercedes Mone’s AEW Debut

WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff has lambasted the AEW debut of Mercedes Mone, pointing out various issues he had with it.

Mone’s AEW debut was one of the worst-kept secrets in recent pro wrestling history, as the special AEW Dynamite: Big Business show gave plenty of hints of her arrival. Bischoff, in a recent edition of his “Strictly Business” podcast, criticized the way Mone was booked and argued that the ratings didn’t improve even with her signing.

“Last week, you know, when Mercedes Mone, she made her big debut, and it was highly anticipated, everybody in the internet knew about it, anybody that was watching AEW knew that the event, of course, including the graphics promoting the event, was letting everybody know that Mercedes Mone was going to be there,” said Bischoff. “There are those who, since the rating came in at, I’ll call it an abysmal level, given the fact that so much was made of Mercedes and so much anticipation within the fanbase for AEW — and it didn’t pop a rating. So the excuse was, ‘Well, nobody knew she was coming.’ Really? Okay, that’s laughable.

“But, let’s just play along and we’ll find out whether it was laughable or whether it was a valid point because if the ratings don’t move significantly, there’s no excuse. The excuse last week was, ‘Well they weren’t promoted, nobody knew she was coming.’ Again, I’m throwing a flag on that one.”

Bischoff added that if the ratings don’t improve following signings like Mone — who he believes could be earning anywhere between $3 million and $5 million — the blame will fall on Tony Khan’s booking strategy and creative plans. 

Eric Bischoff also feels that AEW could’ve done a better job constructing Mercedes Mone’s story on her AEW debut. 

“You know what you want to have happen at the end of the show, you know the finish, work backwards from that finish and give us a couple of plot points along the way,” Bischoff said. “It can be something very subtle, it could be a look over her shoulder at another talent, be it male or female, it could be anything. There’s a million different things you could do that are better than doing nothing.”

The WWE Hall of Famer hit out at Tony Khan, stating that the AEW CEO “doesn’t know how to produce television.” Later in the podcast, Bischoff also assessed Mone’s first promo on AEW television and pointed out its flaws; he feels that the promo was prolonged and didn’t scream “superstar.”

“I don’t know her, she’s she had an amazing career in WWE, she was probably one of the more successful talents there and valuable assets there. The difference though is, in WWE she was created, she was managed creatively, she was protected creatively,” said Bischoff. “It was horrible [while speaking about Mone’s first promo] … let me take that back, it wasn’t horrible, it wasn’t ‘Superstar.’ It was a very middle of the roster, not quite a journeyperson, not really a rookie, but certainly not a seasoned veteran.”

He argued that Mone’s strong point isn’t her promos and gave her debut promo a 6.5 out of 10, mentioning that it didn’t create emotion, hint at what she’s there to do or make him excited about her.

Harley Cameron Details How She Was Brought Into AEW

Harley Cameron officially signed with AEW in April 2023, after originally making her debut within QT Marshall’s QTV stable, but is currently one half of The Outcasts faction with Saraya. On “AEW Unrestricted,” Cameron recalled how her deal with the promotion came about. According to Cameron, her journey with AEW and within wrestling came together really quickly.

“Realistically, in the grand scheme of things, I’ve just been very lucky. I know that I got things a lot quicker than most, especially with the amount of time that I’ve been in the business.” Cameron recalled originally training at Flatbacks with Shawn Spears and Tyler Breeze, before getting a call to compete on “AEW Dark.” “I got a call one day to do Dark and getting an entrance and then going over. I was thinking to myself ‘This isn’t usually what the extras do.'” She then began talks with higher-ups in AEW, notably Marshall, who believed she’d be a perfect fit for a concept they were working out, which turned out to be QTV.

“Ironically it was perfectly suited for me because the first thing I ever studied was journalism,” Cameron said. Following this, she noted how, unlike others in AEW, she had to reinvent her character to fit in with the angle. “But it just fit perfectly with what I naturally enjoyed doing. We had so much fun every week, like, we were just laughing every week. It was a great start for me.”

Mercedes Mone Says AEW Debut Made Her Feel Like This WWE Hall Of Famer

Mercedes Mone is officially All Elite after months of speculation about what her next move would be. While many have given their takes on her AEW debut, Mone recently spoke to Variety and recalled how she felt during the moment.

“It was unbelievable,” Mone said. “I still haven’t gotten to take everything in yet, but my heart was just pounding out of my chest. Once I heard the beat drop in the music and the ‘CEO’ chants were on the screens, and then they revealed the ‘Mercedes Moné’ name, that eruption was so electric.” Continuing, she compared the feeling to how “Stone Cold” Steve Austin likely felt when crowds erupted at his presence. “I felt so cool. I felt like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin when fans just lift up all their signs and stand up with their arms raised. I felt so cool. It was the best feeling in the world.”

Mone notably suffered an ankle injury during a 2023 match with Willow Nightingale that likely set back her AEW debut. In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, she revealed the initial diagnosis by a surgeon after an MRI was that the injury was career-ending. She explained that she’d never been seriously injured before then, making the prognosis devastating. However, despite what the surgeon said, she claims she always knew she’d be back and that she doesn’t like being told no. While the prognosis was likely made out of concern, Mone has clearly proven them wrong since she’s now back in the industry and seemingly gearing up for a major run.

Why Eric Bischoff Is Feeling ‘Neutral’ About Mercedes Mone’s Reported AEW Debut

Mercedes Mone is likely to debut for All Elite Wrestling at “AEW Big Business,” putting an end to long-running rumor and speculation. On the latest “Strictly Business,” WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff said that the amount of build-up to the announcement has drained the life from Mone’s inevitable debut.

“I’m kinda neutral on it. There’s been so much chatter about this and little teases here and there…so there’s no reason to try and orchestrate any kind of surprise,” Bischoff explained. Unless Mercedes debuts before the big “AEW Big Business” event set for March 13, Bischoff doesn’t feel there will be much surprise by her debut at the event in Boston, MA. “That being said, we’ll see. I’m happy for her. I don’t know Mercedes at all…She’s a great performer. She’s accomplished a lot. She’s young. She’s got an amazing career ahead of her potentially, I think, in the ring, out of the ring.”

Bischoff says the debut will undoubtedly be a positive one for AEW’s morale, both for the fans and the wrestlers, but he is worried that Mone will be debuting in a malnourished division.

“There are no real patterns, [Tony Khan] is all over the board. I think it will mean whatever it means to Tony in the moment, but I don’t think there’s any predictions here. Could it be a sign that…Tony has recognized that we’ve heard and read that the women’s division is underserved?” Bischoff wonder. The former WCW President believes the AEW Women’s Locker Room has solid talent but not enough focus or spotlight, leading to superb talents like Britt Baker underwhelming. “Let’s do something to add another dimension to an otherwise stale product.”

Deonna Purrazzo Discusses AEW Debut, Ease Of Keeping It A Secret

Deonna Purrazzo recently appeared on “AEW Unrestricted” and discussed her debut with the company. The former Impact Wrestling star revealed that Tony Khan contacted her in early December to initiate the process. Still, she had no idea what his plans for her were until the night before her first “AEW Dynamite” appearance, which happened to take place in her hometown.

“I didn’t hear anything until Tuesday night, so as Monday happened, Tuesday happened, nobody’s said anything like it’s probably not gonna happen. The rumor mill is going around. Don’t be upset; the contract is signed, so I will debut at some point but don’t be upset if you don’t get to do this in Newark; it’s okay.”

Purrazzo added that keeping her debut close to the vest wasn’t difficult, either. The AEW star noted that she only told some close friends and family members about it, and her father was at the arena to witness it happen and show his support.

“He had the time of his life at Prudential Center, and there’s only been a few times where I’ve seen my dad so happy and so free and loose and excited. My wedding day was one of them, and Prudential Center in Newark was the other time.”

Purrazzo has also been on a hot streak since joining AEW. As of this writing, she’s the top-ranked wrestler in the women’s division and has her eye on Toni Storm’s AEW Women’s World Championship.

Deonna Purrazzo Appears On 1/3 AEW Dynamite, Announces She’s All Elite

Deonna Purrazzo is #AllElite.

During the January 3 episode of AEW Dynamite, former STARDOM talent Mariah May made her awaited AEW in-ring debut against independent talent Queen Aminata. May was able to score the pinfall victory, but she wasn’t the only one making headlines.

Post-match, Renee Paquette spoke to May who expressed her disdain for debuting in New Jersey. It didn’t take long for New Jersey’s own Deonna Purrazzo to make her way down to the ring to remind May that they’re in her hometown. Not only that, but Purrazzo has officially signed with All Elite and has her sights set on Toni Storm’s AEW Women’s World Championship.

Purrazzo just became a free agent after nearly four years with IMPACT Wrestling. While there, “The Virtuosa” became a three-time Knockouts World Champion and a one-time Knockouts Tag Team Champion.

Purrazzo previously appeared on the May 4, 2022, episode of Dynamite as she lost the ROH Women’s World Championship to Mercedes Martinez in an undisputed title match.

Following the segment, AEW President Tony Khan took to social media to share the official graphic for Purrazzo’s signing.

It's official: @DeonnaPurrazzo is ALL ELITE!

What a great moment for the hometown hero, The Virtuosa TONIGHT on @TBSNetwork on Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite! pic.twitter.com/3ALoe6b1OT

— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) January 4, 2024

Mariah May To Make AEW Debut In 2024

AEW’s new signing Mariah May is set to make her in-ring debut on the first “AEW Dynamite” of 2024.

On this week’s “Dynamite,” May spoke to Renee Paquette, where she revealed that she will step in the ring in AEW next week but didn’t disclose whom she will be facing in her debut match. 

“You’ve all waited so patiently for me debut and I’m here to tell you when it’s going to be. I didn’t really feel like 2023 had the best energy, you know, not enough glamour. So my debut is going to be next week on the first ‘Dynamite’ of the new year because 2024 is all about Mariah,” said May.

After speaking to Paquette, Riho — who was attacked by May last week — appeared and chased May to the ring. But before Riho could lay her hands on the former NJPW star, Toni Storm ran to the ring and ambushed Riho. But the Japanese star had the last laugh as she attacked Storm and her butler Luther, and the two then retreated along with May.

May, who signed with AEW in November, hasn’t wrestled since September, with her last match coming against Hanan in Stardom. Storm, the current AEW Women’s World Champion, will face off against Riho at this weekend’s AEW Worlds End pay-per-view, and with May part of Storm’s entourage, she could possibly interfere in the match and set up a match with Riho for next week’s “Dynamite.”

Mariah May Opens Up About Guarding AEW Negotiations ‘With Her Life,’ Subsequent Leaks

New AEW star Mariah May has revealed that she was not pleased that the story of her AEW signing was leaked.
 
May, who debuted in AEW in November, was a recent guest on “AEW Unrestricted” where she revealed that she kept her signing with AEW a closely guarded secret.

“I didn’t tell anybody [about the conversations with AEW] because I guarded that secret with my life. When I saw it leak — I actually woke up in the middle of the night. I think the time it leaked was 5 AM or something, for me, that’s the middle of the night, that’s way too early,” said the English star. “I remember waking up, I picked up my phone and I had never had that many notifications in my life, and I was like, ‘Oh, no!’ To be fair, some of the girls asked, ‘Oh, Mariah, are you going to AEW?’ and I’d be like, ‘No!'”

She expressed regret for not informing one of STARDOM’s executives, Rossy Ogawa, about her move to AEW despite having a good relationship with him. The new AEW star wasn’t pleased about her signing being leaked as she loves surprises in pro wrestling. 

“I love surprises, so I was kind of sad that it happened,” said May. “In a way, it was good because it built a lot of suspense for it. I was sad ’cause when I grew up watching wrestling, I didn’t use the internet or anything, so everything was a surprise. Anyone returning from an injury was a surprise, anyone debuting was a surprise, the finish to a match was a surprise, so when I see stuff leak I hate it.”

May added that somebody on the staff at STARDOM leaks information to news outlets. The 25-year-old star has already set her sights on a few AEW stars, one of whom is Kris Statlander.

Glamorous New Signing Suddenly Debuts On AEW Dynamite

Mariah May debuted on last night’s episode of AEW Dynamite, ending months of speculation over her future.

The former Stardom prospect was involved in a backstage segment with interviewer RJ City. Introduced as AEW’s latest signing, May cited ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm as the reason for her joining AEW. ‘The Glamour’ added that she had followed in Storm’s footsteps by going to Stardom in the first place, and was now doing the same in the Tony Khan-helmed promotion.

City’s promise to introduce May to Storm next week sparked excitement in the newcomer, who kissed RJ on the cheek.

May, 25, has been an active wrestler since 2019. Though she hails from England, she has spent most of the past couple of years in Japan, wrestling for market-leading joshi promotion Stardom, where she became a one-time Goddess of Stardom Champion alongside Mina Shirakawa.

Leaving the group in September, May had been linked with an AEW move for many months – and it finally came to fruition on last night’s show, where she adopted the Storm superfan gimmick.

Adam Copeland Joins AEW’s New Era

Adam ‘Edge’ Copeland is #AllElite.

The WWE veteran debuted for Tony Khan’s promotion at last night’s WrestleDream pay-per-view, doing so on the day his contract with his now-former employers in Stamford expired.

Going by his real name, Copeland appeared at the end of the show. Christian Cage had successfully defended his TNT Championship over Darby Allin thanks to the newly-heel Nick Wayne, who turned during the bout, much to his mother’s agony. Luchasaurus joined the duo in the ring, looming over Allin, though Sting briefly made a valiant save.

As the trio was going for a Con-Chair-To, the lights cut. A brief vignette rolled, preceded by the words “Our Feature Presentation”, before “You think you know him” rang through the arena – and Alter Bridge’s ‘Metalingus.’

Copeland hit the stage to a monstrous pop from the Seattle, Washington crowd. Though he briefly teased aligning with Cage and his crew, he ended up clocking Wayne and Luchasaurus with the chair instead. Christian bailed as the former Edge dropped Luchasaurus with a Spear, closing the night on a high, seemingly preceding Tony Khan’s promised “new era” for AEW.

In addition, Copeland is to appear on this week’s Dynamite ahead of his first match, which will come against Luchasaurus the week after.

More on Adam Copeland (who has also retained his ‘Rated R Superstar’ nickname) throughout the day.