One big thing: Mercedes Mone, AEW’s TBS Champion, has shed light on the differences between her current character and her former WWE persona, Sasha Banks.
Why it matters: Mone’s transition from WWE to AEW has been a significant move in the wrestling world, and her explanation offers insights into the creative freedom wrestlers can experience when changing promotions.
Key details:
• Mone no longer uses “The Boss” moniker, now branding herself as the “CEO”
• She emphasizes having more control over her character and career in AEW
• The shift represents a move from a scripted persona to a more authentic representation of herself
What she’s saying:
“Being a wrestler is role-playing online; it’s role-playing offline. Once I put on that wig, I’m Sasha Banks… but I’m not. I’m not her. I’m Mercedes Mone,” Mone said on the Breakfast Club.
“Sasha was a ‘Legit Boss.’ Now, Mercedes, she leveled up. She is the ‘CEO’ of her own life. She is the CEO of the women’s division, and she is the best in the game.”
Between the lines:
Mone’s comments highlight the creative constraints often associated with WWE, contrasting them with the apparent freedom she now enjoys in AEW.
“With Sasha Banks, I was told what to do. I was told what to say. I was told where to be. And now, really, I get to be the CEO of my own life, and let people know where I want to be.”
The big picture:
This transformation reflects a broader trend in professional wrestling, where performers are increasingly seeking opportunities to showcase their authentic selves and exercise greater control over their careers.
What’s next:
Fans are eagerly anticipating Mone’s next appearance on AEW television, as she hasn’t been seen since retaining her TBS Championship against Hikaru Shida at All Out.
How do you think Mercedes Mone’s new character will evolve in AEW? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
