Mercedes Moné
Lists:
Top 10 Wrestlers of 2025 (So Far)
The Best Finishing Moves in Wrestling History
The Best Wrestling Champion In History
Real Name: Mercedes Justine Kaestner-Varnado
Ring Names: Mercedes Moné (AEW/NJPW), Sasha Banks (WWE), Mercedes KV (Indies)
Date of Birth: January 26, 1992
Place of Birth: Fairfield, California, USA
Height: 5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
Weight: 115 lbs (52 kg)
Billed From: Boston, Massachusetts
Debut: 2010
Current Promotion: All Elite Wrestling (AEW) / Former NJPW / WWE
Finisher(s): Moné Maker (Gory neckbreaker), Bank Statement (WWE)
Career Highlights
| Promotion | Accomplishments |
|---|---|
| WWE | 5× Raw Women’s Champion |
| 1× SmackDown Women’s Champion | |
| 3× WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion (with Bayley, Naomi) | |
| 1× NXT Women’s Champion | |
| 1st-ever Women’s Tag Team Champions (with Bayley) | |
| 1st Black woman to headline WrestleMania (WrestleMania 37) | |
| NJPW | 1× IWGP Women’s Champion |
| Winner – NJPW Battle in the Valley (2023) | |
| AEW | Debuted in 2024, signed as one of AEW’s top women’s division stars |
| Competed for TBS and AEW Women’s titles |
Persona & Gimmick
Mercedes Moné’s persona has evolved from the “Legit Boss” in WWE to the “CEO of Women’s Wrestling” in NJPW and AEW. She’s a trailblazer, fashion-forward icon, and proud advocate for equality and creative freedom.
Key traits:
- Fearless and fiercely independent
- Confident, money-minded ring general (Moné = “money”)
- Glamorous entrance attire and futuristic style
- Blends mainstream fame with elite wrestling ability
- Passionate about wrestling as both sport and art
In-Ring Style
Mercedes Moné is known for her technical precision, athleticism, and storytelling psychology. Her matches combine high spots, submissions, and intense emotion.
In-ring trademarks:
- Moné Maker – innovative neckbreaker from fireman’s carry
- Bank Statement – crossface + backstabber combo
- Meteora (flying double knees), suicide dives, tilt-a-whirl counters
- Exceptional chemistry with top talents (Bayley, Charlotte, Kairi, Mayu Iwatani)
She blends Japanese strong style with American showmanship—often compared to Eddie Guerrero, her idol.
Mic Skills & Charisma
Mercedes speaks with purpose and poise, often using her promos to:
- Assert her status as a main-event talent
- Address real-life moments (creative control, industry equality)
- Fuse character with authenticity
Her confidence, presence, and emotional delivery have helped her stand out in multiple promotions.
Career Timeline
Early Career & WWE Rise (2010–2022)
- Trained at Chaotic Wrestling as Mercedes KV
- Signed to WWE in 2012; rebranded as Sasha Banks
- Member of WWE’s Four Horsewomen with Bayley, Charlotte, and Becky Lynch
- NXT Women’s Title reign led to one of the greatest matches in WWE history:
Sasha Banks vs. Bayley – NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn (2015)
WWE Main Roster Breakthrough
- Debuted on RAW in 2015 during the “Women’s Evolution”
- Became a multiple-time Women’s Champion
- Formed Team B.A.D., The Boss ‘n’ Hug Connection, and a high-profile tag team with Naomi
- WrestleMania 37 Main Event: Sasha vs. Bianca Belair – first time two Black women headlined WrestleMania
- Walked out of WWE in 2022 over creative differences with Naomi
NJPW & Stardom (2023)
- Rebranded as Mercedes Moné
- Debuted at Wrestle Kingdom 17
- Defeated KAIRI to become IWGP Women’s Champion
- Wrestled Mayu Iwatani and others in high-profile Stardom matches
AEW (2024–Present)
- Signed with All Elite Wrestling in early 2024
- Currently one of the top female stars in AEW’s women’s division
- Featured in main events, major PPVs like Double or Nothing, Revolution, and All In London
- Factions: Has aligned with and feuded against top AEW names (Toni Storm, Willow Nightingale, Julia Hart)
Notable Matches
- Bayley – NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn 2015 (historic match)
- Bianca Belair – WrestleMania 37 (WM main event)
- Charlotte Flair – Hell in a Cell 2016 (1st ever women’s HIAC)
- KAIRI – Battle in the Valley 2023 (IWGP Title win)
- Mayu Iwatani – Stardom All-Star Grand Queendom
- Willow Nightingale – AEW feud over TBS/AEW Women’s Title
Social Media Presence
- Twitter/X: @MercedesVarnado
- Instagram: @mercedesmone
- TikTok: Active with training, lifestyle, and behind-the-scenes content
- Known for fashion-forward content and travel vlogs
- Actress credits: Appeared as Koska Reeves in The Mandalorian (Disney+)
Fun Facts
- Cousin of rapper Snoop Dogg, who helped craft her original WWE theme
- Inspired by Eddie Guerrero; wears tribute gear often
- Starred in The Mandalorian – one of the first wrestlers to cross into Star Wars
- Advocated for better representation and treatment of women in wrestling
- Avid anime and gaming fan
Suggested Fan Ranking Lists
- Best Female Wrestlers of the 2010s & 2020s
- Top Cross-Promotion Stars (WWE, NJPW, AEW)
- Best WrestleMania Women’s Matches
- Most Stylish Wrestlers in the World
- Top 10 IWGP Women’s Title Matches
- Wrestlers Who Redefined Their Careers After WWE
Legacy & Future
Mercedes Moné has proven she is more than just a wrestler—she’s a global brand, creative visionary, and symbol of empowerment. She left WWE at the peak of her popularity to bet on herself—and succeeded.
“I’m not just a boss anymore—I’m the CEO of this whole damn industry.”
With AEW continuing to grow and women’s wrestling more global than ever, Mercedes Moné is set to lead the next generation—on her terms.
