Mercedes Martinez Reflects on AEW Run, Feeling Underutilized

Former All Elite Wrestling and Ring of Honor star Mercedes Martinez has spoken openly about her experience with the company, expressing that she felt underutilized during the latter part of her tenure. Martinez, a veteran of over two decades in professional wrestling, shared her perspective on the challenges she faced and how it ultimately influenced her decision to embrace a final year in the ring.

Frustration with Limited Opportunities

Speaking on the A2theKWrestling Show podcast, Martinez revealed that a significant period of her AEW contract involved limited television time. “I’m blessed for the opportunity that Tony [Khan] gave me for the last four years. 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,” she stated. Source: F4WOnline

This lack of consistent involvement led to internal questioning about her value within the promotion. “And it kind of messes with your mind a lot. It kind of just makes you think, ’Am I worth it? Does he really seek to utilize my talent and my expertise?’” Martinez explained. Source: Sportskeeda

Style and Generational Differences

Martinez also acknowledged a potential disconnect between her wrestling style and the current television landscape. “I realize my style is not like a TV style. It’s very raw. It’s very rugged. It’s very old school in the sense of very power and strong style,” she noted. She questioned whether younger talent might have been hesitant to wrestle someone with her more aggressive approach, but also pointed to Eddie Kingston as an example of a performer who successfully bridges that gap. Source: F4WOnline

The 45-year-old wrestler also considered whether her age played a role in creative decisions, as AEW increasingly focused on developing a younger roster. “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 head with the recent generation?’ Maybe that’s their thing. Maybe they didn’t want to set me into creative storylines or anything like that I’ve pitched,” she said. Source: NODQ

Looking Ahead to Retirement

Martinez stated she had anticipated her contract would not be renewed and began planning for a final run in professional wrestling on her own terms. She announced earlier in 2026 that she would be retiring as a full-time active pro wrestler after this year. Source: Sportskeeda

“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—I’m gonna go out the way I want to go out,” Martinez explained. She intends to wrestle a variety of opponents, both established veterans and rising stars, during her final year. Source: NODQ

Martinez’s career includes significant runs in WWE, AEW, and ROH, establishing her as a respected and experienced performer in the industry.