Mercedes Martinez, a veteran professional wrestler with over two decades of experience, recently spoke candidly about her time with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), expressing a feeling of underutilization during the latter part of her four-year contract. The 45-year-old Martinez, known for her “raw” and “rugged” in-ring style, detailed how a shift in creative direction left her feeling sidelined and questioning her value to the company. Her reflections offer a glimpse into the challenges faced by established performers navigating the evolving landscape of professional wrestling and the importance of finding a role that aligns with both their skillset and the promotion’s vision.
Speaking on the A2theKWrestling podcast, Martinez described a period of inactivity that began roughly a year and a half ago. “I’m blessed for the opportunity that Tony [Khan] gave me for the last four years,” she said, acknowledging the initial opportunity. “But it felt like the last year and a half, almost two years, I just sat on the shelf not doing anything for the company.” This extended period of limited participation, she explained, began to accept a toll on her confidence and prompted her to consider whether her style of wrestling still fit within AEW’s evolving presentation.
A Clash of Styles and Generational Shifts
Martinez’s wrestling style, rooted in a powerful and old-school approach, proved to be a central theme in her assessment of her time with AEW. She characterized her style as “very raw. It’s very rugged. It’s very old school in the sense of very power and strong style.” She openly wondered if this approach didn’t mesh with the preferences of some of the younger talent on the roster. “And maybe the girls didn’t want to wrestle somebody like me with that style because it’s very raw,” she posited. However, she also pointed to Eddie Kingston, a male performer known for a similarly intense and physical style, as evidence that such a style could find a place within AEW. “But I also look at Eddie Kingston and be like, ‘Well, if he can do it, I know I can do it. You need a female like that.’”
The question of whether her age played a role in the decision-making process also weighed on Martinez’s mind. “It’s kind of one of those things where I’m just like, ‘Man, I’m hitting that age group. I’m 45 and can I still go with the new generation?’” she said. This internal questioning highlights a broader issue within professional wrestling: the balance between showcasing established veterans and promoting emerging talent. Martinez acknowledged the possibility that AEW’s creative team may have simply chosen to focus on younger performers, but expressed disappointment that her experience and expertise weren’t more fully utilized.
Looking Ahead: A Final Run and Legacy
Martinez’s contract with AEW concluded earlier this year, a departure she anticipated. She had previously announced her intention to embark on one final run as a full-time wrestler in 2026, a decision she framed as an opportunity to control her own narrative and exit the sport on her own terms. “So it’s just one of those things where I’m like, maybe if we don’t renew the contract, which I already knew wasn’t going to happen, that I’m gonna go out the way I want to go out,” she explained.
Martinez’s career, which began in 2001 with her first recorded match, has spanned multiple prominent promotions, including WWE, Ring of Honor (ROH), and now AEW. She’s built a reputation as a formidable competitor and a respected figure within the industry. Her journey reflects the dedication and resilience required to succeed in the demanding world of professional wrestling. While her time with AEW may not have unfolded as she envisioned, Martinez remains proud of her accomplishments and determined to produce the most of her final run.
The situation highlights the complexities of creative control and the challenges of integrating diverse wrestling styles within a large promotion like AEW. The company, founded by Tony Khan in 2019, has quickly become a major player in the industry, offering an alternative to WWE and attracting a wide range of talent. Balancing the needs of established veterans like Martinez with the desire to showcase up-and-coming stars is a constant challenge for any wrestling promotion.
Martinez’s comments also spark a broader conversation about the representation of different wrestling styles and the importance of providing opportunities for performers of all ages and backgrounds. Her willingness to speak openly about her experiences demonstrates a commitment to transparency and a desire to foster a more inclusive environment within the industry. The wrestling world will be watching to see where Martinez lands next and how she chooses to define her legacy in the years to come.
As Martinez prepares for her final run, scheduled to start in 2026, fans can expect to see her continue to compete on the independent circuit and potentially make appearances for other promotions. Further details regarding her schedule and future plans are expected to be announced in the coming months. AEW’s next major event, Double or Nothing, is scheduled for May 26, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will offer a platform for the company to showcase its current roster and continue to build its brand.
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