In a recent episode of the “Close Up” podcast, Mariah May, the reigning AEW Women’s World Champion, boldly claimed that she surpasses TBS Champion Mercedes Mone in skills.
Here are some key takeaways from the podcast discussion:
Regarding Mone’s AEW affiliation: “I’m not particularly interested. She’s here often, but I hardly notice since she has her private locker room. She claims to be here with a helpful intention and deep concern. If that’s the case, why not share our small locker room? Why not share her vast experiences that she’d reportedly gathered over the years? Instead, she secludes herself in her locker room, working on her Mone Mag. I wonder who actually reads it? Does anyone genuinely have any interest in your magazine? Because I’m dedicated to women’s wrestling and ensuring our segment gets more airtime than a mere 10 minutes. So if you’re truly someone who cares, prove it by joining me in our space.”
On feeling overshadowed due to Mone’s longer screen time: “Indeed, there’s a bit of resentment there. Because, frankly, I believe I’m superior.”
During a conversational interaction with “Sports Guys Talk Wrestling,” Bobby Lashley talked about the possibility of confronting Swerve Strickland again and vowed to inflict harm if their paths crossed in the future.
Lashley affirmed, “If we happen to bump into each other at AEW, it would be because we’re there to stir the pot. Our initial presence would involve a lot of beating and subduing others. Swerve was merely close by, and he found himself in the crossfire. It’s a shame that he couldn’t discern the golden opportunity extended by MVP, choosing instead to stay aligned with Prince Nana on a path that had only led him to defeats. His plan resisted change even when we offered to assist. Perhaps the reality of losing to me at Full Gear and the resulting pain have made him reconsider his decisions. Maybe he was looking for another chance with the Hurt Syndicate rather than a rematch. However, we’re uncertain if we want to extend that chance. While we don’t know his next move, we’ve suggested he try applying through job portals and we may consider his application. Yet for now, the answer stands as ‘no’. If he attempts to face off against me again, he’ll face the same fate, only this time, he’ll spend time recuperating in the hospital. He needs to start with a less formidable opponent, build his confidence before he challenges me.”
Last month, Lashley claimed victory over Strickland at AEW Full Gear 2024.