Mercedes Mone shares surprising reaction to TBS Championship opponent
When Mercedes Mone issued a spiteful open challenge for her TBS Championship, she likely didn't expect a former AEW Women's World Champion to answer the call. Now that Nyla Rose is set to face The CEO for her title, Mone seems to be having second thoughts.
Mercedes Mone won the TBS Championship at AEW Double or Nothing 2024, defeating her rival Willow Nightingale. She defended the title at Forbidden Door but then came face-to-face with the returning Britt Baker. After a tense promo battle on Dynamite, Mone issued an open challenge to any female on the roster except for Baker.
Unfortunately for the champion, acting out of spite may come back to haunt her. Her first challenge has been set for AEW Dynamite's 250th episode this Wednesday, and it's none other than The Native Beast, Nyla Rose.
Rose is a powerhouse and was the second-ever AEW Women's World Champion. Mercedes Mone reacted to the announcement of her opponent with some trepidation on X (fka Twitter).
"WHAT! 😳Her! 😨GULP! 😅," wrote Mercedes.
Backstage reaction to AEW fans turning on Mercedes Mone
All Elite Wrestling has welcomed several top former WWE Superstars to its roster, and many of them enjoy extended babyface runs due to their popularity. However, Mercedes Mone seems to have embraced a villainous role sooner than many expected.
The AEW faithful seemingly began to turn on The CEO shortly after her defeat of fan-favorite, Willow Nightingale, and she received plenty of boos during her match against Stephanie Vaquer at Forbidden Door. Now that Mone is up against the longtime face of the women's division, Britt Baker, she seems to have fully turned to the dark side.
According to Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp, this wasn't unexpected, and All Elite Wrestling's creative team knew that Mercedes could lean into a heel role. It seems that Mone has willingly embraced the role against the popular Dr. Baker.
Many expect Baker and Mone to square off for the TBS Championship at All In on August 25. Whether The Doctor can dethrone the now-villainous CEO remains to be seen.