In a dramatic turn of events during the May 16th, 2022, Monday Night Raw taping, Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks and Naomi, now known as Mercedes Mone, made headlines with their abrupt exit, reportedly over creative differences.
Naomi’s return to the ring saw her brief stint with TNA before rejoining WWE at the 2024 Royal Rumble, while Banks, under her new persona Mercedes Mone, ventured into NJPW before making waves with AEW in March 2024.
Despite the buzz surrounding their departure, the specifics of that fateful night remain shrouded in mystery, a narrative Mone seems intent on preserving.
In an exclusive interview with WFAN, Mone coyly sidestepped questions about the incident, teasing future revelations only possibly found in a future memoir, stating:
“For so many years, everyone wants the tea on that drama. You’re not going to get it unless you buy the book maybe ten years later.”
When pressed on backstage tensions, Mone redirected the conversation to personal growth and empowerment:
“For me, I went from a Legit Boss to a CEO because I wanted to grow. There was something in my soul that said, ‘You need to grow.’ I wanted to be the CEO of my own life. There was a light source that came into my heart that day. ‘You have to do what’s right for you. What’s happening right now at this moment is not right. You have to take your life in your hands and go make it happen. Go make your heart happy. Go let them know that what they’re doing right now is wrong and show them.’ I did.”
Mone’s journey since has been nothing short of meteoric. From the upheaval of that pivotal night, she has ascended to become one of the highest-paid women in wrestling history, currently holding the prestigious TBS Championship in AEW and eyeing the coveted NJPW Strong Women’s Championship.
Stephen’s Insight
Mercedes Martinez’s resilience and unwavering determination have not only reshaped her career but have also catalyzed a revolution within women’s wrestling. Her upcoming ‘Winner Take All’ clash against Stephanie Vaquer at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door is poised to be a showdown of epic proportions, symbolizing a defining moment in her illustrious career and ongoing legacy.
Martinez’s journey in professional wrestling has been marked by her indomitable spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence. Her ability to overcome challenges and adversity has earned her respect and admiration from fans and peers alike. As she prepares to face Stephanie Vaquer in this high-stakes match, Martinez embodies the essence of resilience and determination, showcasing her readiness to seize opportunities and cement her place among wrestling’s elite.
The ‘Winner Take All’ clash between Mercedes Martinez and Stephanie Vaquer promises to captivate audiences with its intensity and significance. Beyond the championship implications, this match represents a pivotal juncture in Martinez’s career, where her skills, experience, and legacy converge to create a compelling narrative of triumph and perseverance in the world of professional wrestling.
As Martinez steps into the ring at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, all eyes will be on her as she continues to redefine possibilities for women in wrestling. Her resilience and determination serve as a beacon of inspiration, underscoring the transformative impact she has had on the sport and paving the way for future generations of female wrestlers to follow.
