Mercedes Moné, known formerly as Sasha Banks in WWE, began her wrestling journey in 2010 after two years of dedicated training. Her initial years on the independent circuit were marked by notable achievements, including a reign as Chaotic Wrestling Women’s Champion that lasted more than a year. This foundation helped set the stage for her entrance into larger promotions, where her skills and charisma quickly earned attention.
Entry into WWE and NXT Breakthrough
In 2012, Moné signed with WWE, making her debut the same year under the ring name Sasha Banks. Her first match was against Paige, and early on, she aligned with Summer Rae as part of the BFFs faction. However, her talent soon propelled her beyond the group, and she emerged as a standout singles competitor in WWE’s NXT brand. Her performances were vital in elevating the women’s division, as she became a key member of the renowned Four Horsewomen alongside Bayley, Becky Lynch, and Charlotte Flair.
One of the most memorable moments from her time in NXT was her rivalry with Bayley, which included the first-ever women’s Ironwoman match. This bout was historic because it marked the first time women headlined a WWE pay-per-view event, a significant milestone for women’s wrestling.
Major Achievements and Title Reigns in WWE
At NXT TakeOver: Rival, Moné secured the NXT Women’s Championship in a Fatal 4-Way match that involved the other three Horsewomen, highlighting her emerging dominance. Although she later lost the title to Bayley in Brooklyn, her momentum carried forward.
Her transition to WWE’s main roster in 2015 was part of the broader women’s revolution, where Moné debuted on Raw alongside Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch. She formed Team B.A.D. with Naomi and Tamina, clashing with prominent competitors such as Paige, The Bella Twins, and Alicia Fox. Despite never contending directly for the WWE Divas Championship, Moné quickly became a top contender for the newly established WWE Women’s Championship.
Moné’s intense rivalry with Becky Lynch resulted in matches that ended with double pins and disqualifications, culminating in both women earning the right to challenge Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 32 for the WWE Women’s Title. Although Flair won, this event marked a turning point in women’s wrestling visibility.
Historical Matches and Continued Dominance
Her ongoing feud with Charlotte Flair led to several landmark moments, including headlining a main-roster WWE pay-per-view and participating in the inaugural women’s Hell in a Cell match, which has amassed over 64 million views on YouTube. Moné was also part of pioneering events like entering at number one in the first women’s Royal Rumble, competing in the first women’s match in Abu Dhabi alongside Alexa Bliss, and battling in the first women’s Elimination Chamber match.
She achieved substantial title success, capturing the Raw Women’s Championship five times, and notably became one half of the first WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions with Bayley. Moné later reclaimed the tag titles twice more—once again with Bayley and once with Naomi at WrestleMania 38. This partnership with Naomi established them as the first Black women’s tag team champions in WWE history.
Record-Breaking Moments and Final WWE Years
After becoming SmackDown Women’s Champion at a Hell in a Cell event by defeating Bayley, Moné held the title until another historic moment unfolded. At WrestleMania 37’s first night, she defended the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Bianca Belair in the main event—the first-ever WrestleMania pay-per-view main event featuring two Black women. Belair emerged victorious, marking another milestone in the sport’s evolving history.
Moné departed WWE in 2022, having spent a decade in the company where she left a lasting legacy defined by numerous championships and groundbreaking performances.
International Career and AEW Stardom
Following her WWE exit, Moné competed internationally, particularly in Japan, where her reputation flourished. In 2024, she signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where she adopted the moniker ‘The CEO.’ In a short period, she quickly became one of AEW’s top stars, making history by competing in the promotion’s first women’s Blood And Guts match and becoming the longest-reigning AEW TBS Champion, holding the title for 584 days.
Moné’s global appeal spans multiple countries including Mexico, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, further solidifying her status as an international wrestling icon. Holding up to 13 championship titles simultaneously during her career, she continues to set high standards for excellence and representation.
A Trailblazer in Wrestling and Cultural Impact
At just 34 years old, Mercedes Moné remains a compelling and sometimes polarizing figure within professional wrestling. Her journey reflects more than just athletic achievement; it represents significant progress for Black women and women in general in a traditionally male-dominated and often exclusive industry. As her career advances in AEW and beyond, Moné’s influence is felt not only inside the ring but also in wrestling’s broader cultural evolution.
