Mercedes Mone, formerly known as Sasha Banks in WWE, recently made waves with her debut in AEW. Amidst speculation about her move and the financial aspects surrounding it, Mone shed light on her decision to join AEW during an interview with ESPN.
One of the key factors Mone highlighted was the opportunity to make a significant impact in AEW compared to returning to WWE or exploring other options. Addressing the talk about her financial gains, Mone candidly stated, “I mean, I’m not Mercedes Moné for no reason. Money changes everything. I’m always about that bag. Absolutely.” However, she emphasized that her decision was not solely money-driven.
Mone expressed her aspiration to create history and make a meaningful impact. She said, “I’m all about creating history. I’m all about creating magic, and I’m all about creating so much more. And that’s what AEW brings so much more, more opportunity, more chances, and more chances just to stand out and to be seen and noticed. You can do so much more in AEW you can do everything, and for me, I want to do everything. So, this is the place for me to be, and this is the place that I call home.”
WWE wanted to bring Mercedes Mone back before her AEW signing
Considering the back-and-forth discussions with WWE, Mercedes Mone’s journey to AEW has been a subject of much speculation and interest. Reports indicate that both wrestling giants, WWE and AEW, were vying for her signature.
Recent reports from PWInsider indicate that negotiations between Mercedes Mone and AEW spanned approximately 18 months before she ultimately chose to join All Elite Wrestling. Before Mercedes Mone appeared at last year’s All In event, AEW had been interested in her for a long time. On the other hand, WWE executives were also actively engaged in discussions with Mone, keen on bringing her back into promotion.
In conclusion, Mone’s decision to join AEW was a strategic one, driven by a desire to create significant impact and gain creative freedom.
