AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Moné recently spoke with SportBible, revealing her personal Mount Rushmore of women’s wrestling legends. This selection highlights the wrestlers who have shaped her career and changed the landscape of women’s wrestling worldwide.
Manami Toyota: A Pioneering Force
Moné named Manami Toyota as the first figure on her Mount Rushmore, citing the profound impact Toyota had on her at a young age. Watching Toyota wrestle at 13 made Moné realize women could perform at an elite level, inspiring her to dream big in the sport.
“My Mount Rushmore of female wrestlers is… first I have to choose Manami Toyota because she is a woman that I used to watch when I was 13 years old and was like, ‘what the hell? Woman can wrestle just like the men but better.’ She inspired me so much to let me know that I can do this and have the biggest dreams and the biggest goals and legit, she is one of the greatest women’s wrestlers of all time.”
—Mercedes Moné
Honoring Trish Stratus and Self-Recognition
For her second choice, Moné selected legendary WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus, praising her unforgettable matches and iconic status. Moné also confidently included herself and her alter ego Sasha Banks, emphasizing their role in elevating women’s wrestling globally.
“I think number two for me would have to be Trish Stratus, because she’s just so legendary, she’s so hot. She’s had amazing, incredible matches and she’s just- she’s one of the best in the world. Number three, I’m gonna have to choose Sasha Banks/Mercedes Mone, the CEO. Do I really need to say more? I am the Beyoncé of women’s wrestling for a reason. I really feel like Sasha Banks and Mercedes Mone helped to change the perspective of what women’s wrestling is all over the world.”
—Mercedes Moné
Recognizing Toni Storm’s Impact on Wrestling’s Future
Moné’s final pick was Toni Storm, whom she described as a “timeless” character with a game-changing presence in the industry. Storm’s influence, according to Moné, is undeniable, and she is seen as a role model for future wrestlers aspiring to reach the top.
“Toni Storm, ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm, is one of the greatest woman characters in all of professional wrestling. She has changed the game in just under legit two years. I think she’s one of the greatest of all time. And I think the future of professional wrestling are gonna be watching her and being like, Can I be a star just like her?”
—Mercedes Moné
The Significance of Moné’s Wrestling Icons
By naming these four women—Manami Toyota, Trish Stratus, herself (Mercedes Moné/Sasha Banks), and Toni Storm—Mercedes Moné highlights how each has contributed uniquely to women’s wrestling. Her choices reflect an evolution from trailblazing pioneers to the stars of today shaping the sport’s future. This list not only honors the legends but also signals the ongoing progress and excitement surrounding women’s wrestling worldwide.
