Mercedes Mone Celebrates Pay Equity in AEW and NJPW: “I’m Getting What I Deserve”
Mercedes Mone, previously known as Sasha Banks at some point of her storied WWE tenure, has made a convincing effect within the international of professional wrestling, following her transition to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in early 2024. Since her debut, she has maintained her dominance within the ring, capturing the AEW TBS Championship as well as the NJPW Strong Women’s Title. But perhaps extra large than her in-ring victories is the victory she feels she has executed in phrases of pay fairness—something that, for Mone, has been lengthy past due.
A Career Defined by way of Success
Mercedes Mone’s wrestling career spans over a decade, first attaining mainstream reputation as Sasha Banks in WWE. As one of the most celebrated figures within the ladies’s division, she again and again showcased her prowess in each heel and face roles, making her a fixture in essential occasion suits. Her in-ring talents, air of mystery, and storylines contributed heavily to the growing prominence of ladies’s wrestling at some point of a pivotal time for the sport.
After years of being a mainstay in WWE, Mone departed the organisation, with a whole lot speculation surrounding her exit. While rumors abounded, it have become clean that innovative and monetary differences with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon performed a significant function in her decision. However, with AEW’s hastily developing popularity as a area for wrestlers to reinvent themselves, Mone saw an possibility to assert her rightful region not simply as a competitor, but as a trailblazer for women in wrestling.
Wrestling’s Highest-Paid Woman?
When information of Mone’s AEW signing broke, reviews surfaced that she had grow to be the best-paid lady in expert wrestling. This declare intrigued fans and sparked conversations about pay disparity within the industry, however Mone herself remained silent on the problem—till now.
In a candid interview on “The Breakfast Club,” Mone ultimately addressed the swirling rumors surrounding her AEW contract. Although she didn’t affirm being the very best-paid woman in wrestling, she expressed contentment with her income, mentioning unequivocally that she is being compensated pretty.
“I would like to think I’m the highest paid,” she shared. “But I don’t know other people’s bank accounts. What I do know is that I’m getting what I deserve, and that’s something I’ve worked hard for my entire career.”
A Push for Pay Equity
For Mone, her achievement isn’t just about the cash—although it’s clear that her economic reward performs a critical position in her feel of achievement. Instead, it’s approximately the message her earnings ship to the girls who comply with in her footsteps. For too long, women within the wrestling industry have had to combat for pay parity with their male opposite numbers, often with out the capability to overtly speak their monetary expectations or needs.
“I don’t even want to say it’s crazy,” Mone explained. “It’s just beautifully deserved and earned. I’ve worked so hard for so long, and it’s something I want women to know they can achieve too. There was a time when we couldn’t even talk about those numbers. You couldn’t walk into a room and ask for a raise or a bonus. Now, things are changing, and I’m proud to be part of that change.”
Mone’s remarks reflect a developing consciousness of the importance of pay fairness in wrestling and past. The as soon as-taboo challenge of profits negotiation is now becoming a vital communication, specially for girls within the industry. Mone’s determination to no longer handiest declare her worth but to push the boundaries of what women can ask for sets a brand new precedent.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Mercedes Mone
As Mercedes Mone continues her run in AEW, her eyes are set on tons extra than championship belts and in-ring glory. She believes that her modern pay is a step inside the proper course however stays hungry for extra—each in phrases of private fulfillment and broader enterprise alternate.
“I definitely want to make more money,” Mone stated confidently. “I feel like I deserve so much more, and I’m going to get that. It’s so amazing. It gives people a chance to dream more, to believe they can make more too if they put in the hard work.”
Mone’s message is clear: reaching economic success is feasible, and it’s far something to be fought for. She hopes that her journey evokes others to rise up for themselves, call for their worth, and wreck down the barriers which have lengthy saved women within the shadows of their male friends.
Her selection to go away WWE was certainly risky, but Mercedes Mone has determined validation in AEW, not best through her titles however via the honor she now feels in her pay. With rumors of in addition opportunities and titles in her points of interest, Mone’s legacy in wrestling is poised to most effective develop more potent. And as she maintains to combat for equity, it’s secure to mention that her influence will make bigger some distance beyond the wrestling ring.
