Mercedes Mone, formerly known as Sasha Banks in WWE, made headlines in 2022 when she walked out of a “WWE Raw” taping alongside Naomi. In a recent interview on New York’s Hot 97, Mone opened up about her final days in WWE and the pivotal decision to depart from the company that had been her dream since childhood.
“The biggest thing is just listening to my heart and my soul,” Mone shared candidly. “Something didn’t feel right that day. How we were talked to didn’t settle in my heart, and I just instantly knew if I wasn’t gonna take control of my life right here and now, then I was never going to be happy there.”
With 14 years of professional wrestling experience under her belt, Mone felt a deep sense of disrespect during her tenure in WWE, particularly on her final day. This feeling, coupled with her long-standing admiration for the company, made her departure an incredibly tough but necessary choice.
“It’s now the greatest decision I’ve ever made,” Mone affirmed, reflecting on her journey since leaving WWE. “I’ve become the TBS Champion. The highest-paid woman in women’s wrestling history. … And I could just go on and on about all of these amazing opportunities that have happened since I listened to my heart and just walked out.”
Since her departure from WWE over two years ago, Mone has undergone significant personal growth and embarked on a transformative journey in her wrestling career. Her decision to join AEW in March marked a pivotal new chapter, where she has flourished both creatively and professionally. Despite previous hints at a potential return to WWE, Mone has publicly demonstrated steadfast dedication to her current home in AEW, where she continues to make a profound impact in the wrestling world.
Mone’s tenure in AEW has been marked by notable achievements and memorable performances, showcasing her versatility and skill in the ring. Her commitment to AEW reflects not only her professional ambitions but also her alignment with the promotion’s creative direction and values. By choosing to forge her path in AEW, Mone has embraced opportunities to showcase her talents in new and dynamic ways, contributing to the promotion’s evolving narrative and competitive landscape.
As Mone continues to thrive in AEW, fans and industry observers eagerly anticipate her future endeavors and the contributions she will make to the wrestling industry. Her journey serves as a testament to the opportunities for growth and fulfillment that can arise when wrestlers align with organizations that support their aspirations and provide platforms for creative expression. In embracing her role in AEW, Mone exemplifies resilience, dedication, and a commitment to leaving a lasting legacy in professional wrestling.
