SUMMARY
- Sasha Banks joined AEW in 2024 after a long stint with WWE.
- Now known as Mercedes Mone, she is on the verge of creating a record.
Mercedes Justine Kaestner-Varnado, aka Mercedes Mone, aka Sasha Banks, is currently a part of All Elite Wrestling (AEW). However, she was previously a part of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and World Wonder Ring Stardom. Meanwhile, it is worth mentioning that she is famous among fans for her time in WWE.
Previously, Sasha Banks became a part of WWE in 2012. Following that, she was assigned to the NXT brand division. During her time at NXT, Banks showcased excellent in-ring skills and won the NXT Women’s Championship. Thereafter, she was promoted to the main roster in 2015.
During her time on the main roster, Banks participated in several storylines and became a part of many feuds. In addition to that, she also bagged many championships to her name. This includes winning the RAW Women’s Championship five times, the SmackDown Women’s Championship one time, the Women’s Tag Team Championship three times, and more.
However, her last WWE match took place on the May 13, 2022, episode of SmackDown. This is because during the May 16, 2022, episode of Monday Night RAW, Banks and Naomi walked out of WWE. It was later reported that they left the Stamford-based promotion owing to a creative dispute with the then-boss, Vince McMahon.
This made the fans extremely sad, and they were looking forward to Banks’ return to the largest wrestling promotion in the world. However, that did not happen.
In December of the same year, it was reported that Sasha Banks had no intentions of returning and was reportedly done with the Stamford-based promotion. However, as of now, it seems Banks might achieve a rare milestone after leaving WWE.
Mercedes Mone may create a unique pro wrestling record
Sasha Banks, aka Mercedes Mone, has come a long way since she left the Stamford-based promotion. With that, it now seems Mone is about to create history. It is to be noted that Banks is set to become the first woman to ever main event a WWE Premium Live Event, an NJPW Premium Live Event, and an AEW Premium Live Event.
Previously, Sasha Banks and Charlotte Flair faced each other in the main event of the 2016 WWE Hell in a Cell PLE. It is also to be noted that it was the first time a women’s match was set as the main event for a WWE PLE. With that, the final outcome of the match saw Flair defeat Banks to win the RAW Women’s Championship.
In addition to that, Willow Nightingale and Mercedes Mone faced each other in the main event of the NJPW PLE, Resurgence 2023. The outcome of the match saw Willow defeat Mone to win the inaugural Strong Women’s Championship. However, as of now, a match has been scheduled between Nightingale and Mone at the upcoming AEW PLE, Double or Nothing 2024.
AEW fans are pushing for Willow Nightingale and Mercedes Mone to be the main event of Double or Nothing 2024.
And here I was assuming that was happening anyway. It’s a no-brainer.
But yes. They should definitely main event the show. #WillowMercedesMainEvent pic.twitter.com/zeS2oaUGwv
— Just Alyx (@JustAlyxCentral) May 8, 2024
In that regard, it is to be noted that the 2024 Double or Nothing Premium Live Event is all set to take place on May 26, 2024, at the MGGM Grand Garden Arena in the Las Vegas suburb of Paradise, Nevada. It is also worth mentioning that the match between Nightingale and Mone will take place with the AEW TBS Championship on the line.
Meanwhile, fans are vouching for Willow and Mercedes to be the main event of Double or Nothing. If that actually happens, then Mone will create history by main-eventing WWE, NJPW, and AEW’s Premium Live Events.
Mercedes Moné being the first woman to ever main event a WWE PPV, NJPW PPV AND AEW PPV… I NEEDA WITNESS THIS HISTORY AT #AEWDoN👏🏾👏🏾 #WillowMercedesMainEvent pic.twitter.com/9o7rWwoEem
— 𝗮 (@starboymania) May 8, 2024
Meanwhile, it is worth mentioning that Mone will be the first female wrestler to do so. Since then, many male wrestlers have already achieved that record. For instance, Cody Rhodes previously main-evented WWE WrestleMania 39 and WrestleMania 40. Apart from that, Cody Rhodes faced Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi in the main event of NJPW, King of Pro-Wrestling 2018.
Also, Rhodes faced Malakai Black in the main event of AEW Homecoming 2021. Apart from him, Chris Jericho faced Triple H in the main event of WWE WrestleMania 18. Also, Jericho faced Evil in the main event of the NJPW Power Struggle 2018. In addition to that, Jericho Main evented AEW Double or Nothing 2021.
Thus, it seems Cody Rhodes, Chris Jericho, and others have already Main-evented WWE, NJPW, and AEW events. Now, it remains to be seen if Mone will be able to add her name to the same list or not.
Focusing on Sasha Banks’ achievements since leaving WWE
After leaving WWE in 2022, Sasha Banks made her NJPW debut on January 20, 2023. Following that, she defeated Kairi Sane at the 2023 Battle in the Valley to win the IWGP Women’s Championship. Thereafter, she successfully defended her title in a three-way match against AZM and Hazuki.
Following that, she participated in feuds and became a part of many events. This includes the 2023 Stardom All-Starr Grand Queendom, the 2023 Resurgence, and more. However, in December 2023, her contract with NJPW expired, and she didn’t renew the deal.
Soon, in February 2024, Mone signed a contract with All Elite Wrestling. Thereafter, she kept making several appearances in the Tony Khan-led promotion. However, fans were looking forward to her first match in the promotion.
With that, it has been announced that Mone will make her AEW in-ring debut at the 2024 Double or Nothing PLE, where she will challenge Willow Nightingale for the AEW TBS Championship.
Thus, it can be understood that after taking her departure from the Stamford-based promotion, Banks has participated in several matches and Premium Live Events. In addition to that, she also won the IWGP women’s title at New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Meanwhile, she now has her eyes set on the AEW TBS Championship. If she becomes successful, she will surely achieve a rare feat in the world of professional wrestling. However, it is worth mentioning that, though Banks has achieved a lot after her time in WWE, her latest achievements do not compare to what she previously accomplished while being a part of the largest wrestling promotion in the world.
However, she now has a long way to go, and it remains to be seen if she will ever decide to return to the Triple H-led promotion. Meanwhile, fans will look forward to her upcoming title match and will wait with high anticipation to see their favorite superstar achieve a golden milestone.
