Thekla Rejects Comparisons With Mercedes Mone, Says Mone Never Had To Grind Like Her in Japan

During a recent interview with TMZ’s Inside the Ring, AEW Women’s World Champion Thekla was asked about comparisons with her and Mercedes Mone, as Mone also had a run in the Japanese wrestling scene, competing in NJPW and STARDOM after leaving WWE. Thekla rejected the comparisons, claiming that Mone never had to grind as she did in Japan for several years.

Thekla was also asked about the recent comments by reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji, who refused to defend the title in AEW at Forbidden Door, with AEW’s Will Ospreay saying that Tsuji should take pride in representing his company as the top star. Below are some highlights:

Thekla on Whether She Sees a Similar Path Between Her and Mercedes Mone

“No. No. She’s done a couple of like stunts over there, a couple of gigs. That’s about it. Like she never had to go — like she didn’t she never did the grind like that. I was over there for five years. I had years where I had 120 matches per year, you know. I was like, I mean, no. You know what, fair enough. I mean, when it comes to like work horsing, Mercedes is definitely doing the thing. Honestly, I do have to give her that. But not like –Japan’s just different, man. Like they will, they will beat the hell out of you in front of 20 people. And I’ve done that, you know, and it’s like sometimes you think, damn, I should have gotten into MMA. Maybe that would have maybe that would have paid better, you know. I don’t know. But no, no, no. Me and her, no, it’s not the same thing, man. Like the the ups and downs of living in a foreign country for five years, you know, you lose yourself, you find yourself, you get humbled. It’s like, I’m sure she did go through her own stuff, but we’re not the same.

Her Thoughts on Yota Tsuji’s Recent Comments and Being Proud to Represent AEW as Champion

“That is a very interesting point, actually. I’ve been seeing the comments that Tsuji has been making, and I honestly kind of respect him for that because he’s just straight up like, ‘No, we got our own thing here in Japan,’ and he would rather have it all, like you know, apart from each other. I have never been this proud to represent a company, I have to say. So I’m especially, this is the most precious bling I’ve ever been holding as a champion, and especially with how STARDOM and me have you know, we’re not on on like good terms per se. And I’ve never been that proud to represent STARDOM anywhere. You know, as I said, it’s interesting to see how it’s all going to play out, honestly, because AEW, and New Japan, and STARDOM, and CMLL, I feel like we’re all in one group, one kind of family. But there’s also with comments like Tsuji’s making, it’s interesting to see where we’re going to go. Are we going to be a happy family, or is everybody going to go their own ways, you know? And I think the Forbidden Door is there to be kicked down and burn. But also, you know, there’s something to New Japan trying to get back on their feet just all by themselves. That’s what I think.”

Thekla defends the AEW Women’s World Title this weekend against STARDOM’s Starlight Kid at Forbidden Door 2026 on Sunday, June 28. The event is being held at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. It will be broadcast live on pay-per-view.

If using any of the above quotes, please credit TMZ’s Inside the Ring, with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.