On July 9, AEW wrestler Mercedes Moné announced a new partnership with Crunchyroll, a leading anime streaming platform, unveiling a unique line of eleven anime-inspired apparel pieces. These exclusive items are now available through Crunchyroll’s online store, will be featured at the Starrcast convention held alongside All In Texas, and will later make an appearance at San Diego Comic-Con. Part of the sales revenue will benefit Step Up, a mentorship-focused nonprofit organization.
Freedom Outside WWE Fuels Moné’s Expanded Career Ambitions
In a recent interview with CBS Sports journalist Shakiel Mahjouri, Mercedes Moné revealed that this crossover opportunity would not have been possible during her tenure in WWE under the ring name Sasha Banks. Expressing how her current independence allows her to pursue dreams beyond wrestling, she highlighted the difference the change has made in her career.
“Getting to have dreams when I go to sleep and waking up to achieve them. Not being told I can’t. It’s getting to do more than just professional wrestling.”
—Mercedes Moné
At 33 years old and holding multiple women’s championship titles across TBS, CMLL, RevPro Unified, and EWA, Moné credits her personal freedom for propelling her to new professional heights. She described her growth not just in wrestling but as the leader of her own career path.
“It’s being the boss of your life, taking control and doing that daily. I feel the best I’ve ever felt in my professional wrestling career. It’s so crazy to say that. I thought maybe my 20s would be my highest point. Here I am going into my 15th year of professional wrestling feeling my greatest. I can’t even imagine what the next five years will hold.”
—Mercedes Moné
Comparing Current Success to Past WWE Experiences
Moné drew a clear contrast between her current persona and her former WWE character, explaining that while Sasha Banks always wanted comprehensive control and success, she never fully achieved it. Now, as Mercedes Moné and “the CEO,” she commands her narrative, career, and intellectual property.
“She [Sasha] wanted it all, but she never got to hold it all. Mercedes Mone, the CEO, is everything ‘The Legit Boss’ wanted to be. She controls her life, narrative and intellectual property.”
—Mercedes Moné
This distinction is evident in their respective title reigns: though Sasha Banks held nine main roster titles in WWE, only two of those reigns lasted longer than 90 days, and her first four singles championships combined didn’t exceed three months. Moné’s current freedom and control contrast sharply with those limitations.
Wrestlers Navigating Opportunities Between AEW and WWE
This new partnership and Moné’s reflections underscore the broader industry dynamics where wrestlers weigh the pros and cons of AEW versus WWE. The recent interview with Ricky Starks alongside Moné’s highlights indicate that performers are increasingly making strategic decisions about which promotion suits their professional and personal goals. This trend may result in more informed choices and career paths for wrestlers in the years ahead.
What Lies Ahead for Mercedes Moné and Her Expanded Ventures
Mercedes Moné’s breakthrough into merchandise collaborations with Crunchyroll signals not only an expansion of her personal brand but also the potential for wrestlers to explore creative opportunities beyond the ring. Her alignment with a major anime streaming brand, participation in high-profile conventions, and charitable contributions illustrate a multifaceted approach to her career. Fans and industry observers will likely watch closely as Moné continues to redefine what it means to be a wrestler and a business leader simultaneously.
