Mercedes Mone Criticizes WWE’s Creative Process While Praising AEW: A New Era for Wrestling
Mercedes Mone, recognized to wrestling fans as Sasha Banks, has these days taken a bold step in her profession, publicly contrasting her reviews between WWE and AEW. The transition from WWE to AEW has marked a huge shift in her expert adventure, and Mone’s latest feedback shed mild on her evolving angle on the wrestling world.
In her tenure with WWE, Mone accumulated a storied career, gathering accolades which include a couple of Women’s Championships and Tag Team titles. However, notwithstanding this wonderful resume, her departure in May 2022 was driven by way of dissatisfaction with the innovative direction and ordinary environment. This discontent become compounded by means of a experience of stifled creativity and unfulfilled ability, which Mone has now overtly addressed in her modern discourse.
Since becoming a member of AEW, where she has speedy risen to prominence because the TBS Champion and NJPW Strong Women’s Champion, Mone has observed a renewed feel of reason and pride. Her debut match at AEW’s Double or Nothing in May, wherein she claimed the TBS Championship with the aid of defeating Willow Nightingale, was a clean indicator of her fine shift in career trajectory.
Writing for the Independent inside the UK, Mone elaborated on the variations between her reports in WWE and AEW. Her commentary reflects a profound sense of contentment along with her cutting-edge function, and a robust endorsement of AEW’s method to wrestling.
“The women’s division here is something special, and I love seeing it progress and grow,” Mone wrote. She reminisced about Toni Storm, the current AEW Women’s Champion, describing her transformation from a shy, introverted performer in WWE to a magnetic presence in AEW. “Every week I’m glued to my set like I’m 10 again, waiting to see what Timeless Toni does next.”
Mone also praised Mariah May, an emerging star she views as a parallel to her own rise in the industry. “Mariah May came into this business a superfan like me, and she’s taking over (a little like me, too).” She acknowledged Willow Nightingale’s potential, highlighting her as a promising new talent who, despite just starting out, has a bright future ahead.
In a pointed critique of WWE’s creative process, Mone expressed frustration with the lack of clarity and creative control that characterized her experience there. “The difference between the two companies is night and day,” she stated. “In WWE, you have no idea what you’ll be doing week to week. Here, I have space to be heard.”
Mone’s remarks underscore a broader criticism of WWE’s previous creative regime under Vince McMahon, known for its unpredictable and often opaque decision-making processes. With Paul “Triple H” Levesque now at the helm as the Chief Content Officer, many have speculated about improvements within WWE. However, Mone’s statements suggest that the changes, though significant, might not fully address the concerns she experienced.
At AEW, Mone has found a supportive environment that she believes fosters her creative freedom and personal growth. “Along with Tony Khan and my friend and personal writer Jennifer Pepperman, there’s time to sit down and really plan out the kinds of stories we want to tell,” she explained. “I’m treated with genuine respect, and I really feel seen in a way I sometimes haven’t before.”
This newfound satisfaction is set to be showcased in her upcoming suit at AEW All In on August twenty fifth, wherein she will protect her TBS Title towards AEW original and previous Women’s Champion Britt Baker. The in shape is tremendously predicted and represents a considerable moment in Mone’s AEW journey.
Mone’s reflections provide a compelling insight into the evolving landscape of professional wrestling, highlighting the contrasting creative philosophies of WWE and AEW. As she continues to make her mark in AEW, her story underscores the dynamic nature of the wrestling industry and the ongoing quest for creative fulfillment and professional satisfaction.
h/t to TJRwrestling.
