In a world where social media amplifies every decision and reaction, the recent situation involving JD from New York, Mercedes Moné, AEW, and House of Glory has caused a ripple effect throughout the wrestling industry. While the incident itself may seem isolated, the implications run far deeper, touching on issues of power dynamics, professionalism, and the fine line between personal disagreements and industry-wide consequences.
Marie Shadows believes and thinks both parties are wrong in this situation. It's not a defense but an observational conversation about what we know, the perspectives shared within the wrestling community, and how this can affect the wrestling industry because one party wants to pull power dynamics.
The Context
During a House of Glory event, Mercedes Moné reportedly requested that JD from New York be removed from commentary for her match against Indi Hartwell. AEW, by supporting Mercedes, seems to have backed the decision, resulting in JD's removal from the main event commentary team. While we don't know for sure, it’s easy to connect the dots and infer that the decision was supported. While this move was seen the whole IWC (Internet Wrestling Community) as a victory, it exposed an unsettling precedent in the wrestling world.
The Problem with Power Dynamics
One of the most glaring concerns is the imbalance of power. When a prominent figure like Mercedes Moné leverages her influence to make such a decision, it creates an uncomfortable atmosphere. Wrestlers, promoters, and commentators are left wondering whether their positions are secure if personal disagreements escalate.
Furthermore, AEW's (probable) involvement complicates the situation. For a company already navigating public scrutiny, this move adds fuel to the belief that favoritism and unchecked authority are present. It's essential for companies to maintain transparency and fairness, avoiding decisions that appear to be emotionally driven.
Missed Opportunities
Instead of removing JD from commentary, the situation could have been handled in a far more constructive manner. Wrestling thrives on drama and storytelling. Turning real-life tension into an on-screen storyline would have engaged fans while offering both parties a professional outlet to air their grievances. Such a narrative would not only boost viewership but also provide an opportunity for resolution through creative means.
A Call for Professionalism
In the wrestling business, disagreements are inevitable. However, professionalism demands that conflicts be addressed through dialogue rather than public power plays. Open discussions, mediated conversations, and conflict resolution should become standard practice. Promotions have the responsibility to set examples of ethical conduct, ensuring that no one wields influence to punish or silence others unjustly.
The Danger of Snakes in the Grass
The wrestling industry is no stranger to manipulation and power plays. Now that a precedent has been set with Mercedes Moné successfully having JD removed from commentary during HER match, the door has been left wide open for others to exploit similar tactics.
"Snakes in the grass" — those within the industry who are willing to manipulate situations for their gain — could weaponize this moment to further personal agendas. Without concrete evidence or reasonable justification, individuals may now see an opportunity to remove competitors, commentators, or other talent they dislike under the guise of emotional harm or discomfort.
This unchecked power dynamic creates a culture of fear and silence. Instead of addressing real misconduct, it encourages vendettas and diminishes legitimate claims of harm. Promoters may find themselves pressured to comply with demands simply to avoid public backlash, further destabilizing the integrity of decision-making in the industry.
To combat this, companies must establish fair and transparent processes for handling disputes. Accountability must apply to all parties involved, preventing the misuse of influence for personal gain. Promoting open communication rather than immediate action based on hearsay is key to maintaining a healthy wrestling ecosystem.
Moving Forward
To prevent further incidents like this, transparency and accountability must be prioritized. Companies like AEW and independent promotions must foster environments where disagreements are resolved constructively. Implementing clear policies on handling conflicts of interest and personal disputes can safeguard the industry from power misuse.
Ultimately, this situation serves as a reminder that the wrestling industry is not immune to the challenges of interpersonal conflict. The choices made now will define how disputes are managed in the future. By promoting dialogue and integrity, the wrestling world can continue to grow in a way that benefits all involved.
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