Mercedes Martinez made a surprise appearance at AEW New Year's Smash.
Martinez made a big impact in the semi-final bout of AEW TBS Women's Championship match, costing Thunder Rosa against Jade Cargill. Dressing as a crew member, Martinez hit Rosa with a foreign object as she lay prone against the ropes. Cargill was able to capitalize and hit Jaded on Rosa for the victory.
After the bout, Rosa attacked Cargill, leading to Martinez entering the ring and go after Rosa. She would then reveal herself to the live crowd.
Ruby Soho made the save for Rosa.
Who was that??? With that interference, @Jade_cargill advances to the finals of the TBS Tournament Finals to face @realrubysoho!
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) December 30, 2021
Catch #AEWDynamite: #NewYearsSmash LIVE on @tntdrama!
Reminder: #AEWDynamite moves to @tbsnetwork next Wed. Jan 5th 2022 -- pic.twitter.com/xx1oAW8bcr
HOLY SH..... @RealMMartinez is in @AEW #AEWDynamite pic.twitter.com/8OKO9ZasmK
— All Elite Wrestling on TNT (@AEWonTNT) December 30, 2021
Tony Khan took to social media to confirm that Martinez has signed with AEW.
Welcome to @AEW, @RealMMartinez!
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) December 30, 2021
Mercedes Martinez is #allelite#AEWDynamite pic.twitter.com/kDpXtnqyBv
Mercedes commented on her signing the next day. In her tweet, Mercedes thanked her supporters and promised that the work ethic that kept her going for over a decade in wrestling would continue and be fully unleashed.
The hustle/grind never stops! Blessed, humbled & READY to be UNLEASHED!
— Mercedes Martinez (@RealMMartinez) December 30, 2021
Thank u @TonyKhan @AEW
To everyone that believes in me & what I can bring to wrestling.
Cheer, boo, hate, love me...but RESPECT ME & what I continue to bring to this business. #RUGGEDandTHUGGED #OGBADASS pic.twitter.com/QlC7DE7cpv
Martinez was released by WWE on August 6. She has worked independent shows and IMPACT Wrestling shows since her release.
Martinez previously wrestled for AEW at All Out 2019 when she competed in the Casino Battle Royale. She also competed on the November 5, 2019 episode of AEW Dark. This was her first appearance on AEW Dynamite.
You can find Fightful's coverage of AEW New Year's Smash by clicking here. You can also check out Fightful's post-show podcast for a full review of the show by clicking here.
