Jim Ross Clarifies Mercedes Mone Criticism

Jim Ross has clarified his comments on Mercedes Mone.

During a recent episode of his podcast, Jim Ross said he hasn’t felt a connection with Mercedes Mone yet, despite her undeniable “cool” factor.

After signing with AEW, Mone quickly looked to get revenge on Willow Nightingale and defeated her for the TBS Title at Double or Nothing. Mone went on to add the NJPW STRONG Women’s Title at Forbidden Door with a win over Stephanie Vaquer.

Mone’s biggest match to date arguably came at All in at Wembley Stadium where she saw off Britt Baker. However, the match drew a mixed reaction from fans online.

The star made the most recent defence of her TBS Title against Queen Aminata on the October 16th episode of Dynamite.

Mercedes Mone “Could Be More Effective”

Speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, Ross attempted to add more context to his comments on Mone. The legendary announcer explained that what he said previously wasn’t a criticism of her as a performer, but more that she hasn’t been given a storyline where she can showcase her abilities.

“One thing that’s on my mind that I want to clear up. I said something regarding Mercedes Mone that, you know, she had not rung my bell, shall we say. That was no disrespect meant to her. It’s all depending on how you’re booked and who you’re working with, and the scenario, the storyline.

I think she’s been short of storyline, and so therefore I haven’t got to feel that grit and that aggression. She’s very athletic and she’s a beautiful woman, but golly, she could be used a lot more efficiently, I think. I’m not knocking the company, but she’s a significant investment. I’m anxious to see how it all works out…

I’m a big fan of her work. It’s just, I think, you know, she could be even more effective. The best is yet to come for her. So I just want to clear that up.”

Meanwhile, Mercedes Mone recently had special praise for Toni Storm, who she admitted was the main reason she watched Dynamite before joining AEW. The comments from Mone came after Storm landed at number one on the Pro Wrestling Illustrated 250.

H/t to WrestlingNews.Co