Wrestling’s New CEO: Mercedes Mone Takes on Toni Storm at AEW All In
Professional wrestling is a unique blend of storytelling and real-life passion. Few embody this duality like Mercedes Varnado, better known today as Mercedes Mone. Formerly wrestling under the name Sasha Banks, Mone has transformed herself into a multifaceted performer who controls her narrative and career on her own terms. This Saturday in Arlington, Texas, she will challenge Toni Storm for the AEW Women’s World Championship at the highly anticipated AEW All In event—a milestone that marks the culmination of her journey to self-empowerment and creative freedom.
Unlike many challengers who wear desperation on their sleeve, Mone exudes confidence. Her trophy case is overflowing, boasting six titles from promotions around the globe. These include AEW’s TBS Championship and the women’s world title from Mexico’s historic CMLL promotion. Since departing WWE in May 2022 alongside fellow star Naomi, Mone has charted her own path, seeking environments that nurture her artistic vision instead of stifling it.
In an interview with CBS Sports, Mone reflected on her past incarnation, stating that Mercedes Mone is “everything Sasha Banks could not be.” She sees her current persona as a CEO of her life and brand, with full control over her story and intellectual property. This autonomy, she says, is the greatest fulfillment of her career.
At 33 years old and entering her 15th year in professional wrestling, Mone describes this period as the peak of her journey, surpassing even her expectations for her twenties. “It’s about being the boss of your own life and making decisions every day that align with who you are,” she said.
Since joining AEW, Mone’s career has blossomed both professionally and personally. The freedom to shape her character and engage with fans on her own terms has healed wounds left by her departure from WWE, where creative restrictions were a source of frustration. Beyond wrestling, she is expanding her brand through collaborations, including a recent merchandise line with anime streaming giant Crunchyroll. This 11-piece collection merges her love for anime and wrestling and will donate a portion of proceeds to Step Up, a nonprofit that empowers young women.
Mone recalls how anime was a refuge during her childhood, a gateway to another world before wrestling became her true calling. This fusion of passions reflects her desire to inspire fans across multiple interests and elevate women’s wrestling to new heights.
Her achievements are groundbreaking. Mone was part of the first-ever WWE WrestleMania main event featuring two Black women, alongside Bianca Belair. She also holds the distinction of being the first woman to headline a WWE pay-per-view and to compete in both Iron Man and Hell in a Cell matches.
Now, her upcoming bout against Toni Storm is shaping up to be another historic moment. Storm is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry, and their match will take place before an expected crowd of around 20,000 at All In. This event is projected to set records for North American attendance and gate revenue for a non-WWE wrestling show.
Winning the AEW Women’s World Championship under such conditions would add another significant chapter to Mone’s legacy. Yet she insists that her true legacy will be defined by the fans. “I want people to know that I poured my heart and soul into wrestling to be the best and to lift women’s wrestling to a whole new level,” Mone said. “I hope my journey encourages others to chase their dreams.”
As Mercedes Mone prepares to step into the ring this weekend, she carries not just titles but the hopes of a new generation of wrestlers who see her as a trailblazer, proving that self-belief and artistic freedom can lead to greatness.