Mercedes Mone reveals WWE return plans before AEW debut

One big thing: Mercedes Mone planned WWE comeback for WrestleMania 39

Mercedes Mone, formerly known as Sasha Banks in WWE, disclosed her intentions to return to WWE for WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles before ultimately joining AEW.

Key details:

• Mone left WWE in May 2022 alongside Naomi due to creative differences
• She became a free agent in January 2023
• Mone debuted with New Japan Pro Wrestling at Wrestle Kingdom 17
• After an ankle injury, she made her AEW debut in March 2024

Why it matters:

This revelation sheds light on the behind-the-scenes decision-making of one of wrestling’s biggest stars and the competitive landscape between WWE and AEW.

By the numbers:

• 2: Championships Mone has won since leaving WWE (AEW TBS Championship and NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship)
• 1: Year between her WWE departure and AEW debut

What they’re saying:

Mone wrote in her newsletter: “I had planned on returning to WWE for WrestleMania in LA. That was, of course, before Tony invited us to see the show.”

What’s next:

Mone is set to defend her TBS Championship against Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. at AEW All In London on August 25.

How do you think Mercedes Mone’s career trajectory would have differed if she had returned to WWE instead of joining AEW? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.