Mercedes Martinez Comments On Signing With AEW

Almost 18 months after her All Elite Wrestling debut, Mercedes Martinez returned to the promotion on the December 29 episode of Dynamite. 

After AEW President Tony Khan had teased a surprise earlier in the day, Martinez, disguised with a hood and facemask, struck Thunder Rosa during her TBS Title semifinal match against Jade Cargill which allowed 'That B*tch' to pick up the win following Jaded. 

Martinez then stopped Thunder Rosa from attacking Cargill after the match and following a beatdown, the 41-year-old revealed she was the assailant before continuing the post-match attack until Ruby Soho made the save. 

AEW confirmed shortly after the appearance that Martinez had signed with the promotion, tweeting out the usual '... is All Elite' graphic and the 20-year-veteran has since commented on joining the company.

Taking to Twitter, Martinez wrote: "The hustle/grind never stops! Blessed, humbled & READY to be UNLEASHED! Thank u @TonyKhan @AEW. To everyone that believes in me & what I can bring to wrestling. Cheer, boo, hate, love me...but RESPECT ME & what I continue to bring to this business. #RUGGEDandTHUGGED #OGBADASS."

Shortly after her second AEW match in October 2019, Martinez signed with WWE and she remained with the company until her release in August 2021. Martinez then returned to independent wrestling following her release and she has been a regular performer in IMPACT as well.