Mercedes Moné Bio
Early Life and Background
Mercedes Justine Kaestner Varnado was born on January 26, 1992, in Fairfield, California. She is of mixed descent, with her mother being of German heritage and her father, Reo Varnado, being African American. Growing up, Varnado’s family moved frequently across the United States, including a significant period in Minnesota, to access better educational and healthcare facilities for her autistic brother. Eventually, they settled in Boston, where Varnado would begin her journey in professional wrestling. An avid fan of wrestling from a young age, she idolized figures like Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio, and her passion for the sport was ignited after attending a WWE event where Guerrero was scheduled to appear shortly before his untimely death.
Path to Professional Wrestling
Varnado began her wrestling career in 2010, training with Chaotic Wrestling in Massachusetts. She made her debut on August 8, 2010, under the ring name Mercedes KV. During her early years on the independent circuit, she quickly gained recognition, winning the Chaotic Wrestling Women’s Championship in December 2011, which she held for 378 days. Her success in the independent scene paved the way for her signing with WWE in 2012, where she adopted the ring name Sasha Banks and was assigned to the developmental territory NXT.
Mercedes Moné Career
Early Career (2010–2012)
Mercedes Moné, initially wrestling as Mercedes KV, made a significant impact in the independent wrestling scene, particularly in Chaotic Wrestling and other promotions. Her notable achievement during this period was winning the Chaotic Wrestling Women’s Championship, which established her as a formidable competitor. After two years of honing her craft, she signed with WWE, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her wrestling career.
WWE Breakthrough (2012–2022)
In WWE, Varnado made her televised debut on NXT in December 2012. She quickly rose through the ranks, winning the NXT Women’s Championship and gaining notoriety for her match against Bayley at NXT TakeOver: Respect, which was the first women’s match to headline an NXT TakeOver event. This match was a pivotal moment in her career, showcasing her talent and earning her accolades, including the title of “Woman of the Year” from Pro Wrestling Illustrated.
Promoted to WWE’s main roster in 2015, she became a five-time WWE Raw Women’s Champion and was part of historic matches, including the first women’s Hell in a Cell match and the first women’s main event at WrestleMania 37. After creative differences in 2022, she left WWE, marking the end of a significant era in her career.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling / All Elite Wrestling Era (2023–Present)
In January 2023, Varnado made her debut in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) under the ring name Mercedes Moné, quickly winning the IWGP Women’s Championship. After her contract with NJPW ended, she signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in early 2024, making her debut at Dynamite: Big Business. Moné won the AEW TBS Championship in her in-ring debut at Double or Nothing, establishing herself as a dominant force in the promotion.
Professional Wrestler Style and Strengths
Mercedes Moné is known for her athleticism and dynamic in-ring style, often incorporating high-flying maneuvers and technical wrestling into her matches. Her character has evolved from “The Boss” in WWE to “The CEO” in AEW, reflecting her confidence and ambition in the wrestling industry.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Throughout her career, Moné has achieved numerous milestones, including being the first woman to win championships across major promotions such as WWE, NJPW, AEW, and CMLL. She holds the record for the longest reign as AEW TBS Champion and has been recognized as one of the greatest female wrestlers of all time.
Mercedes Moné Career Wins
Mercedes Moné has accumulated an impressive array of championships throughout her wrestling career, making her one of the most decorated wrestlers in history.
Current AEW Series Highlights
As of 2025, Moné has held the AEW TBS Championship for over 500 days, breaking the previous record. She has successfully defended her title against various competitors, solidifying her status as a top performer in AEW.
Previous WWE Series Achievements
During her time in WWE, Moné won multiple championships, including the Raw Women’s Championship five times and the inaugural WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. Her matches have garnered critical acclaim, establishing her as a trailblazer in women’s wrestling.
Mercedes Moné Family
Family Background and Wrestling Lineage
Mercedes Moné is related to several notable figures in the entertainment industry, including rapper Snoop Dogg, who has influenced her wrestling persona. Her family background has played a significant role in shaping her identity as a performer.
Personal Life
Varnado was previously married to Sarath Ton, a retired professional wrestler and WWE costume designer. The couple divorced in 2024 after several years of marriage. Moné has been open about her mental health struggles and has used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness in the wrestling community.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a defining year for Mercedes Moné, marked by her continued dominance in the AEW TBS Championship scene. She has engaged in high-profile matches, including a significant title defense at the Grand Slam event. Moné’s performance has not only solidified her status as a champion but has also set the stage for potential future title opportunities, including a shot at the AEW Women’s World Championship. Her ability to draw crowds and generate excitement has made her a key figure in AEW’s women’s division, showcasing her resilience and commitment to excellence in professional wrestling.
