Mercedes Mone’s arrival in AEW has sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, but her journey to the ring was fraught with uncertainty. Just last year, Mone faced the devastating news that an injury could prematurely end her career. In a revealing interview with Sports Illustrated, the newly signed AEW star opened up about the harrowing experience and her unwavering determination to defy the odds.
The injury occurred during a match with Willow Nightingale, resulting in a severe ankle injury. An MRI in May delivered the crushing blow. “The surgeon told me, ‘This is career-ending,'” Mone recounted. For an athlete at the peak of her career, this prognosis was understandably “the biggest shock” of her life, especially considering her relative lack of serious injuries prior to this.
Alt text: Mercedes Mone makes her triumphant AEW debut after recovering from a serious ankle injury, showcasing her resilience and determination to overcome career-threatening setbacks.
Despite the grim diagnosis, Mone refused to accept defeat. “It was devastating when I was told I was never going to come back. But I always knew I would be back,” she asserted, highlighting her inner strength. She conveyed this resolute belief to her surgeon, a testament to her unwavering spirit. Now, fully recovered, Mone’s surgeon is reportedly amazed by her progress, a testament to modern medicine and Mone’s dedication to rehabilitation. “I don’t like being told no,” Mone declared, emphasizing her drive to prove the prognosis wrong.
Mone described the ankle injury as intensely painful, even surpassing the pain of her previous Hell in a Cell injury, which she had previously considered the worst of her career. The recovery process was a grueling “fight every day,” involving three months where she couldn’t even put weight on her injured ankle.
Her highly anticipated AEW debut finally materialized on “AEW Dynamite: Big Business.” Mone didn’t just arrive; she made a statement, explaining her reasons for joining AEW and immediately setting her sights on Willow Nightingale, indicating “unfinished business” stemming from the match where the injury occurred. This debut marked Mone’s first wrestling appearance since that fateful match against Nightingale last May, where she also lost the NJPW Strong Women’s title.
Mercedes Mone’s story is one of resilience and triumph over adversity. From being told her career was over due to a severe injury, she fought her way back to full health and is now poised to make a significant impact in AEW. Her journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that even in the face of career-threatening injuries, determination and belief can pave the way for an incredible comeback.
