Mercedes Martinez returns to AEW, signs full-time contract

Mercedes Martinez made her return to AEW on Wednesday’s New Year’s Smash edition of Dynamite, attacking Thunder Rosa and contributing to her loss to Jade Cargill in the TBS title tournament semifinal.

Shortly thereafter, Tony Khan welcomed Martinez back on Twitter and said she was #AllElite, signifying her deal with the company.

Martinez had on a black hooded sweatshirt and face covering when she hit a slumped Rosa on the bottom rope with an object. Cargill then hit Jaded to win the match and when Rosa attacked her afterward, Martinez jumped in the ring again to lay her out, revealing herself after. The two beat down Rosa until Ruby Soho came out to make the save.

The 41-year-old made two appearances for the company in 2019, competing in the first women’s Casino Battle Royale at All Out. Two months later, Martinez and Big Swole lost to Allie and Sadie Gibbs on AEW Dark.

She continued to work indies until beginning with WWE starting in 2020. She mainly worked in WWE NXT, but made an appearance at that year’s Royal Rumble. She was part of the original Retribution lineup before requesting to be removed from the group over creative differences.

She was released this summer and returned to the indies in September, also working for Impact Wrestling. She won the Knockouts Knockdown tournament to earn a title shot and was unsuccessful in defeating champion Mickie James at November’s Turning Point.