As a leading professional wrestling figure, Mercedes Mone, who was previously recognized as Sasha Banks in WWE, has made a notable name for herself in the wrestling industry.
In May 2022, Mone and her tag-team partner Naomi took their leave from WWE during an episode of Monday Night RAW due to discord over creative decisions with Vince McMahon, the then-chairman of WWE. Both were holders of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships when they decided to cut ties.
After a brief period with TNA Wrestling, Naomi made her return to WWE in the 2024 Royal Rumble pay-per-view event. Meanwhile, Mone made her way to AEW.
During a recent guest appearance on “Hot 97” radio station, Mone openly discussed her decision to leave WWE in 2022 and shared her feelings about the change.
She reflected on her exit, stating, “Numerous factors influenced my decision, but mostly, it was a matter of following my heart. Things just didn’t feel right. The way we were addressed didn’t sit well with me. A sudden realization hit me that if I didn’t take reins of my life at that very moment, I wouldn’t be content there. Being disregarded or feeling out of place, especially after 14 years of invested effort made me realize that it was time for me to move on.”
“Nevertheless, it was no small decision. Leaving WWE, which was my childhood dream, after a decade-long stint was the toughest choice I’ve ever had to make. But, in retrospect, it was also the best one as it led me to where I am today – the TBS Champion and the highest-earning female wrestler ever.”
Following her departure from the billion-dollar promotion, WWE, where she received extensive acclaim as Sasha Banks, Mone decided to adopt a new moniker.
The AEW CEO proceeded to share the story behind her current wrestling alias.
She added, “Later when I was considering my future in wrestling, I asked myself what I wanted the most? The answer was money. What was I lacking the most? Again, money. What has the power to change everything? Money. Hence, I decided on ‘Mercedes Mone,’ which is exactly what I’ve achieved. So, my advice to everyone would be to focus and strive for what you want, especially when it’s time for a change.”
Mone successfully defended her AEW TBS Championship and also won Stephanie Vaquer’s NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship in their Winner Takes All match at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2024.