Buying or Selling Mercedes Moné's Asking Price, MJF's AEW Contract and More Rumors

The pro wrestling world might slow down on the major events around the holidays, but as always, the rumor mill around the sport does no such thing.

If anything, the rumblings have only picked up another notch during this "slow" period after cashing-in with the CM Punk rumors culminating in his big return to WWE.

Fittingly, the latest must-know buzz features chatter on at least one major free agent and the contractual status of quite a few other big names, including those who could hop from one company to another.

To help fans keep pace during busy non-wrestling times, here's a look at the important rumors to know and some advice as to whether they should buy or sell on them.

WWE Starting Big Contract Talks Soon

It was always going to be interesting to see how WWE handles the contracts for its biggest Superstars after the merger.

Turns out spending might only increase.

According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Randall Ortman of Cageside Seats), WWE's looking to spend big on some of its upcoming long-term deals, because the company doesn't want free agents.

It's an...interesting note and easy buy. If the company has the overhead to make sure its Superstars are happy and don't want to jump to competitors, there's no reason to not keep this golden-age feeling going.

This could mean massive deals for upcoming names like Drew McIntyre and others, even on the heels of undoubtedly paying up big to welcome Punk back.

Verdict: Buying

MJF Hasn't Re-signed with AEW

The upcoming free-agency saga of MJF has been one of the more anticipated pro wrestling stories as the calendar turns to 2024.

And while AEW hasn't been all over that story like it used to, it only makes sense that MJF himself recently went on the SI Media Podcast (h/t Ortman) and said he hasn't re-signed with the company yet.

But that's a sell—what else would he say?

Fans haven't forgotten those "shoot" promos MJF had on Tony Khan around the time he was feuding with Wardlow and took an actual hiatus before returning. It felt like MJF got an extension then, which would harm the story they want to tell in 2024.

Granted, given the state of the two companies right now, MJF threatening to leave for the "bigger" promotion might not be the best tale to weave. But that sort of reality-blending is what makes stories great, so MJF's going to deny every chance he gets.

Verdict: Selling

WWE Speed Plans

WWE would appear to have big plans for something called WWE Speed.

Case in point, the company filed a trademark for that very term, per PW Insider (h/t Ortman).

That's a match style that appeared in social media videos by fans during a recent bout featuring Bronson Reed in which he won a match in mere minutes while a clock counted down on the arena's screens.

It's an easy buy given the circumstances, which would presumably seem to hint at a new match type making its way to broadcasts. And even if it doesn't, it sure feels like a style that could be useful on social media platforms such as TikTok or Twitch.

Either way, it's a nice, bite-sized way to get fans exposed to some lesser-known names and give a deep roster more chances to put on a show.

Verdict: Buying

Mercedes Moné's Asking Price

Mercedes Moné's destination certainly feels like WWE after nothing really materialized with AEW before a recent injury.

But potentially not if the two sides can't come to an agreement on a deal.

According to Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp (h/t Ortman), the Superstar formerly known as Sasha Banks wants a bigger contract than the new one just signed by Charlotte Flair. Sapp previously reported Flair's deal is one of the biggest women's deals ever and potentially even included a travel bus.

It's hard to imagine Moné has the same sort of leverage as Flair, though, particulalry after her recent WWE departure, showings elsewhere and—most importantly—the stellar state of women's wrestling in WWE even without her right now.

That's not to say Moné doesn't have amazing value, but it has the feel of a big ask being the starting point for talks. At this stage, few in pro wrestling overall should probably match Flair numbers, at least for now.

Verdict: Selling