Fantasy Booking Mercedes Moné Feuds in AEW

After an ankle derailed her post-WWE run, Mercedes Moné seems to be gearing up to return to the ring, and All Elite Wrestling could be her next destination.

The former IWGP women's champion started the year as the hottest free agent on the market and went on a fantastic run in Japan. In May, her appearance in the inaugural NJPW Strong Women's Championship tournament suggested she was ready to compete in the U.S. again.

There are many reasons to believe this would have led to a stint with AEW. Speculation about her involvement with the company picked up again when she appeared in the crowd at All In London.

Although Moné hasn't given an update on her injury, this was the most explicit indication that she and Tony Khan have been in contact.

At this point, it seems only a matter of time before she makes her AEW debut and shakes up the women's division.

These are five feuds that would make the most sense for The CEO.

Saraya

Saraya has expressed interest in Moné since she was cleared to return to in-ring competition last year.

The two NXT alumni have a history together as she was a part of the match that ultimately forced the English wrestler to retire in 2018. The 31-year-old spoke about the experience and the fans' reaction during an episode of WWE Chronicle in 2021.

Saraya later revealed Moné was one of the first people she contacted when she received the news that she could wrestle again.

The two have been linked ever since with hopes that they could dispel the anguish surrounding their last encounter and create a memorable moment.

This may not be the most exciting matchup on paper, but there's room to tell a great story and offer redemption. Both women left WWE with something to prove, and this inevitable showdown is an emotional stepping stone.

Willow Nightingale

Following their first match in the finals of the inaugural NJPW Strong Women's Championship tournament, Moné is destined to cross paths with Willow Nightingale again.

The main event of NJPW Strong Resurgence was on pace to be one of the most acclaimed women's matches of the year. There was still a lot to like about the contest on the whole. However, Moné's injury forced them to end it sooner than planned, putting a damper on a historic moment.

It also cast a dark cloud over Nightingale's win for some fans and left us questioning what could have been. If The CEO won instead, maybe she would have competed in the women's Owen Hart Cup tournament or had a dream match with Giulia.

That lingering "what-if" is an excellent premise for a feud because it gives The Babe With The Power motivation to prove she can hang with the best. Meanwhile, the former IWGP women's champion must be anxious to avenge the loss that halted her momentum.

Athena

Although the term has become a cliché, Mercedes Moné vs. Athena is a dream match.

The two participated in several multi-women matches together during their time with WWE, but they haven't faced each other in a one-on-one bout yet. Considering the year they're both having, it's probably a great time for them to rectify this.

When Moné showed up at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17, she established that she wanted to fight the best in the world and win championship gold. Athena is, arguably, the best women's champion in North America, and she had an outstanding showing against Willow Nightingale in the main event of ROH Death Before Dishonor.

If The CEO is looking for a challenge, a feud with The Fallen Goddess writes itself. A win over someone with a claim to a shot at the NJPW Strong Women's Championship could also be Athena's first step toward fulfilling her dream of competing in Japan.

Toni Storm

Toni Storm has emerged as the best character in AEW's women's division and a consistent in-ring performer.

As such, she would make a great opponent for Moné. Her monumental stint with Stardom from 2016 to 2018 gave her notoriety in Japan, which eclipses the former IWGP women's champion's 64-day reign. This gives the 28-year-old the bragging rights to fuel her distinctive delusions of grandeur.

Meanwhile, The Blueprint could claim that the 2018 Mae Young Classic winner couldn't hack it on the biggest stage like she did. Like Athena, Storm also never competed in a one-on-one match against her during their time with WWE, giving her more ammo to undercut her run on the main roster.

This pairing has the potential to be a marquee matchup that produces entertaining segments. Watching them play off each other would be worth the price of admission alone.

Hikaru Shida

Hikaru Shida is the ace of the AEW women's division and potentially the best opponent for Moné.

Yes, Britt Baker is the preeminent name as one of the company's most successful homegrown stars. So, there's immediate interest in a standoff between The Role Model and The CEO.

However, the first three-time AEW women's world champion currently has a bigger target on her back. As stated earlier, Moné is interested in challenging herself against the best, and Shida is the greatest champion in the history of the division.

The Shining Samurai consistently brings out the best in her opponents, and she's been a part of several of the promotion's best contests. There are possibly better stories to tell, but this is the money match.