"They coming to AEW?" "This picture is wild" - Mercedes Mone breaks the internet with post featuring released WWE stars

Another day, and it's been another rendition of AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Mone being unable to stay away from the headlines. The CEO has set the internet on fire once again after sharing a backstage photo on X with an intriguing lineup of female wrestlers.

But wait, what's the catch? Well, several of these wrestlers were recently released by the rival promotion, WWE. The image, which has since gone viral across X, featured Shotzi, Shayna Baszler, Dakota Kai hilariously edited in, Toni Storm, and Mone herself at the center.

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Fans were quick to react to this visual. Some comments were focused on speculation from fans stating that the ex-WWE stars were heading to Tony Khan's promotion, while others couldn’t help but notice the clever but hilarious (and slightly chaotic) photo editing from Mone.

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"Given the context, this picture is wild. And I can definitely see it happening," posted a fan.

"If she got all of them into AEW, her motion is insane," quipped another fan

One element of the photo that caught immediate attention was Dakota Kai’s appearance. Fans realized her face had been edited onto what appeared to be Natalya’s body.

Here are some of those reactions:

Fan Reactions [Credit: Fan reaction on X]

Shotzi, Dakota Kai, and Shayna Baszler were all released as part of WWE's recent talent cuts, and the timing of Moné's post, who herself walked away from WWE in 2022, has only helped add to the buzz. While the Jacksonville-based promotion has not confirmed any signings or teased any arrivals officially, this image has given fans plenty to chew on.

Ex-WWE star to go toe-to-toe with The CEO? AEW arrival chances explored

Speaking of Dakota Kai, there is enough buzz in the wrestling world around the possibility of the former WWE star making her AEW debut to confront Mercedes Mone.

Kai, a four-time tag team champion at the Stamford-based promotion, is a widely respected in-ring talent. Her name is already being floated by fans and wrestling pundits as a top-tier contender who could match Moné in both skill and presence.

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While the TBS Champion continues to dominate All Elite Wrestling, with a likely shot at the AEW Women’s World Championship at All In: Texas, Dakota Kai’s reputation as a high-level performer makes her an intriguing opponent for The CEO.

About the author

Karan Raj is a senior writer in Sportskeeda's AEW division. He holds an engineering degree from Manipal University, but his passion for sports motivated him to pursue an MSc in Sports Business from the University of Liverpool. Karan has been in the sports marketing industry for the past seven years.

As a lifelong WWE fan and enthusiast of wrestling entertainment, he has always been drawn to the industry's unique blend of sports and storytelling. Karan was introduced to the business by his elder sister when he was 10 years old.

Before assuming his current role at Sportskeeda, Karan worked for several reputable organizations, such as Ting Works LLP and Sportz Interactive, wearing different hats. He also wrote the anthem of UP Rudras, a hockey team that played in the Hockey India League. Karan conducts thorough research while writing articles and only relies on credible sources for information.

Karan's favorite pro wrestler is Seth Rollins. He admires The Visionary's versatility as a performer and his ability to play both heel and babyface characters to perfection. Besides Rollins, Karan looks up to Roman Reigns for his storytelling skills and ability to captivate audiences.

In AEW, he enjoys watching Will Ospreay compete inside the ring. Karan loves The Aerial Assassin's technical in-ring ability and athleticism. If Karan could go back to the Attitude Era, he would combine forces with Jericho and promise to elevate his career to the same level as The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin.When not writing about pro wrestling, Karan loves to play and watch football. It is a huge part of his life.

He is also a massive fan of tennis and is learning to play the sport. Apart from sports, he also knows how to play the ukulele.

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Edited by Harish Raj S