AEW missed out on two big stars in Mercedes Mone and Trinity Fatu

Mercedes Mone and Trinity Fatu either extended with NJPW or signed with IMPACT Wrestling at a time with the AEW women’s division needed a boost. 

The AEW women’s division is perhaps the biggest criticism that individuals still place on the young promotion. Fans want to see more of the talented women in the company but are sitting through what many would consider baby steps for the division’s growth. Mercedes Mone and Trinity Fatu were two major free agents on the market and news this week revealed both are either returning to NJPW in the case of Mone or heading to IMPACT Wrestling in the case of Fatu. All Elite Wrestling missed out on two big names that would have quickly helped boost the women’s division.

According to multiple reports, Mone has signed a contract extension with NJPW. The length of said extension is unknown, but it would place her back with New Japan where she’s received high praise for her performances. Even though she had a brief run with the IWGP Women’s Championship, her presence did a lot to raise the stock of that division in the eyes of wrestling fans.

Mike Johnson of PWInsider reported that Fatu is slated to be the surprise scheduled for the April 28 edition of IMPACT Wrestling. This will be her first wrestling appearance since walking out of the WWE in May 2022 after more than a decade with that company.

Many wanted to see either one or both women sign with AEW. Their presence would have an immediate impact on either of the two storylines running in the company. Mone was already hinted at as Saraya’s surprise partner back in January, a moment that fell through as that storyline has failed to keep consistent momentum.

Then there’s the need to find a major opponent for Jade Cargill. Imagine the reaction fans would have if Mone and Fatu appeared in AEW to confront perhaps the company’s biggest home-grown star. Neither one of these angles is now an option as both have picked other companies for their immediate steps.

Now, AEW has shown a willingness to partner with other organizations in the past. With Mone returning to NJPW, hopes should grow that she will take part in Forbidden Door II set for this summer. AEW and IMPACT Wrestling worked closely together for the better part of a year, although that did not feature any crossover within the women’s division until Deonna Purrazzo’s single appearance on AEW Dynamite on May 4. Still, one-off appearances for both women will not satiate the fan’s desire to see them in the company that many see as the number two promotion in the industry.

AEW does a lot of things right, but there’s still a lot left to be desired with the women’s division. Missing out on two top stars like Trinity Fatu and Mercedes Mone should raise some eyebrows about the immediate future and perceptions of how this division is booked.