While I don't mind seeing Mercedes vs Athena, I think what they need to do is build up the women's division more. Problem is the expectations & lack of depth that it has. I mean the fact that people are asking for Toni vs Mercedes is evidence enough. I see no issue with Mercedes or having her as TBS champion but I also don't think it's necessary to make her women's champion or even lose the TBS title. But it seems like they running out of ideas and it's barely been a year.
She already did Stat and Willow who are prolly in that tier below her and Toni. Maybe Mariah when she comes back or Julia or Aminata, or Skye if she comes back soon, or Hayter.
Same with Toni who luckily got Megan. Just seems like they need to build up credible opponents instead of relying on outside stars or ones from other promotions.
When you have a division that lacks depth, it's not an either-or situation when it comes from outside people coming in. In fact, it's a very smart move to get freelancers or make use of your working relationships with other promotions, because you give time for the homegrown people to gain experience and momentum without having to rush them into title matches they are not ready for.
Willow was the only one that was clearly ready and she took full advantage of the Mone mini feud. Then Willow helped elevate Statlander with their feud, which in turn helped Stat be a better opponent for Mercedes.
With Athena, they've had her building up her reputation in a smaller scale promotion like ROH, so she's been incredibly protected and is a great challenger for whatever AEW Title she goes for.
Right now AEW has Mercedes, Toni, Willow, Stat, Mariah and soon, Athena. Six people that can win any title and feud without feeling forced is pretty damn good for a division that had pretty much
nothing 18 months ago.
The only thing they need more of are feuds that don't involve a title. They had that with Willow and Stat and have to try to get more women to get that kind of reps and chances to get both people over and elevate their status. But that's with any division in all of wrestling, not just women in AEW
