Since joining AEW last year, Mercedes Mone has maintained an undefeated streak in singles competition and holds the TBS Championship alongside three other titles from different promotions. This weekend, she aims to enhance her reputation by challenging Toni Storm for the AEW Women’s World Championship at AEW All In Texas. Many fans speculate that Mone has creative control within AEW due to her prominent position, but AEW President Tony Khan firmly denies these claims during a media call.
Khan stated, “That’s definitely not true. Mercedes Mone is phenomenal, and I want her to be a major star in AEW, but she does not have creative control.” He emphasized that no AEW talent holds creative control over the show and expressed pride in the content AEW has produced under his leadership. “I am the only person with creative control, and I take full responsibility for what you see. I believe this has been one of AEW’s best years ever,” Khan explained.
Khan further reiterated his sole creative authority, mentioning that he has shifted towards relying on his own judgment rather than outside input. He noted, “Like many New Year’s resolutions, this has been a process since 2020. If I don’t believe in an idea, I won’t force it, understanding that some things just don’t work.” Khan also mentioned that key figures like Mone and others frequently collaborate with him on creative direction, but none hold unrestricted creative control or a so-called “creative control card.”
Fan Take: This clarification from Tony Khan is significant for AEW fans because it underscores the centralized creative direction behind the company’s storytelling, ensuring consistency and quality. It also reassures that while wrestlers like Mercedes Mone are given spotlight opportunities, the overall vision remains firmly guided by leadership, which could benefit the sport by maintaining a cohesive product.
