Mercedes Mone, formerly known to WWE fans as Sasha Banks, boasts a legacy built on memorable feuds, most notably her iconic rivalry with Bayley in NXT. While her WWE career included moments of brilliance, like headlining WrestleMania 37, many felt she could have achieved even greater heights with stronger creative backing. Her talent was undeniable, both in character work and in-ring prowess.
However, since transitioning to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and adopting the moniker “The CEO,” Mercedes Mone’s run has been met with mixed reactions. While there have been glimpses of promise, the overall impact of Mercedes Mone in AEW leaves room for significant improvement. Initially, her AEW debut was hampered by a poorly executed “mystery attacker” storyline, inadvertently highlighting why a babyface role might not be her strongest suit. A shift towards a heel persona seemed to revitalize her trajectory, marked by a standout contract signing segment with Willow Nightingale. This segment remains a highlight of her AEW tenure for many fans. Unfortunately, momentum waned after Mone’s victory over Nightingale for the TBS Championship at Double or Nothing.
Time for a Character Evolution for Mercedes Mone?
A primary critique of Mercedes Mone’s AEW persona centers on its perceived lack of depth. The “Boss” gimmick, which served her well for a decade, feels somewhat stale in this new context. There was an opportunity to inject intrigue by having her lose the TBS Championship match against Nightingale. Such a loss could have instigated a compelling narrative of Mone grappling with adversity and evolving beyond the well-trodden “CEO” archetype. Imagine a storyline focused on Mercedes Mone fighting her way back to the top, showcasing vulnerability and a different facet of her personality.
Instead, the “CEO” gimmick feels superficial. Even the addition of Kamille as her bodyguard feels like a predictable, rehashed trope. Mercedes Mone’s current portrayal as arrogant and self-centered lacks compelling layers. While the contract signing segment with Willow Nightingale was captivating, its success hinged more on Nightingale’s charisma than Mone’s character work within that narrative.
A significant part of the issue isn’t solely on Mercedes Mone herself, but rather the storylines crafted around her.
Booking Shortcomings Hampering Mercedes Mone’s AEW Run
While Mercedes Mone has delivered commendable in-ring performances in AEW, a truly memorable feud is yet to materialize. The rivalry with Willow Nightingale, excluding the aforementioned contract signing, bordered on lackluster in terms of storytelling depth. Similarly, her matches with Kris Statlander have been technically sound, but the underlying feuds have relied on simplistic, paint-by-numbers narratives. The rushed rematch at World’s End, while justified by Mone’s arrogance, missed an opportunity for richer storytelling, such as Mone initially avoiding Statlander due to recognizing her as a legitimate threat.
The reliance on standard number one contender matches to set up title defenses further contributes to the creative stagnation. This formulaic approach stifles the potential for developing fresh and engaging storylines. While not every feud needs to be a deeply personal blood feud, adding layers beyond the simple pursuit of the TBS Championship is crucial.
Consider Anna Jay’s pursuit of her first AEW title. This storyline had potential but lacked depth. Exploring Anna Jay’s motivations – perhaps a desire to prove her wrestling career to skeptical family members or frustration with her stagnant progress – could have added significant dimension to her character and the feud. Currently, Anna Jay is largely defined by her past association with the Dark Order and her blonde hair, lacking deeper character traits that resonate with audiences.
Even the initial interactions between Mone and Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D., showed promise but ultimately fizzled out due to a lack of substantial narrative development. The inconsistent booking of Kris Statlander’s character further complicates the landscape of the AEW women’s division.
It’s clear that AEW’s booking decisions have, in many ways, undermined Mercedes Mone’s potential impact. The “CEO/Boss” persona, while familiar, could be effective if supported by compelling storylines that allow for character development and audience investment. The desire to see Mone as a compelling heel is present, but the narratives need to provide genuine reasons to invest in and despise her character. Even the attempt to create animosity by having her seemingly run over a challenger fell flat due to the overall weak storytelling.
Storytelling is as Crucial as In-Ring Action
Tony Khan has demonstrated an understanding of the importance of compelling narratives, evident in feuds like Chris Jericho vs. Cody Rhodes, Kenny Omega vs. Hangman Page, CM Punk vs. MJF, and Swerve Strickland vs. Hangman Page. While AEW’s product leans towards a sports-centric presentation, reminiscent of WWE at times, the need for strong storytelling remains paramount. These narratives are the “glue” that maintains audience engagement. The current, somewhat lackluster booking of Mercedes Mone’s title reign is not serving her or the AEW women’s division effectively.
Referencing classic feuds like Mickie James vs. Trish Stratus from 2006 highlights the importance of defined characters, well-crafted stories, and quality in-ring action. While perfection isn’t always attainable, these elements combine to create memorable and impactful wrestling. Mercedes Mone’s character has a foundation, but it needs richer stories to truly flourish.
While a character evolution for Mercedes Mone in AEW might be beneficial, compelling narratives that maximize her existing persona are essential. Her AEW run, while not historically poor, pales in comparison to her previous accomplishments. There is still time to redirect her path, but as it stands, Mercedes Mone in AEW is not yet reaching her full potential.
