Who is Mercedes Mone?
Mercedes Mone, better known by her birth name Mercedes Justine Kaestner-Varnado and her WWE ring name Sasha Banks, has made a name for herself in the world of professional wrestling. An American-born athlete, Mercedes is presently working with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) under the alias Mercedes Moné. She made an indelible mark on the wrestling world from 2012-2022 while working for WWE after having first become known on independent circuit.
Mercedes has left an indelible mark on the wrestling world during her decade-long career in WWE, making history by becoming the first women’s match to ever headline an NXT TakeOver event and featuring in an iron woman match for the first time ever. Her impressive accomplishments extend beyond WWE, with Mercedes now making waves in NJPW.
Early Life and Entry into Wrestling
Mercedes was born on January 26, 1992, in Fairfield, California. Her childhood was a test of resilience as her family moved frequently, ultimately settling in Boston. She started her professional wrestling career with Chaotic Wrestling before joining WWE in 2012. Her unique heritage of German and African-American roots has shaped her identity, playing a key role in her wrestling journey.
Impactful Career in WWE
Mercedes was part of WWE’s main roster from 2015 to 2022. She achieved groundbreaking milestones for women’s wrestling, including headlining pay-per-view events, winning the inaugural WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship, and becoming a Women’s Grand Slam Champion.
Current NJPW Tenure
Mercedes left WWE in 2022 due to creative differences and made her debut in NJPW/Stardom in January 2023 as Mercedes Moné. She’s maintained her impact on the wrestling scene, even as she recovers from a serious ankle injury sustained in the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship match.
Mercedes Mone Injury Update
Mercedes Mone suffered a severe ankle injury during a match against Willow Nightingale at the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship tournament. Despite the setback, Mercedes has remained supportive of her colleagues, showing up for Trinity’s IMPACT Wrestling Knockouts Title win.
While her return to the ring remains uncertain, wrestling insiders are eagerly anticipating her recovery. She’s expected to face Giulia, the New Japan STRONG Champion, if she’s ready to compete by August 19th. Her fans and the wrestling community at large are eagerly awaiting her recovery and return.
The Injury and its Aftermath
The injury led to a change in the match outcome, making Willow Nightingale the first NJPW Strong Women’s Champion instead of Mercedes. Mercedes is now on a journey to recovery, with fans and insiders eagerly awaiting her return to the ring.
Mercedes Mone: Personal Life and More
Beyond her wrestling career, Mercedes has branched out into acting, playing the character Koska Reeves on the Disney+ series “The Mandalorian”. She also shares a deep, loving bond with her husband, Sarath Ton, who she married in 2016.
Mercedes Mone’s Marital Life
Mercedes Mone and her husband Sarath Ton, also known as Mikaze, share a unique bond. The couple’s love story blossomed during their time wrestling on the independent circuit and they’ve been inseparable since their marriage in 2016. Mikaze now works as a costume designer for WWE, where their shared passion for wrestling continues to strengthen their bond.
The Road Ahead for Mercedes Mone
Mercedes Mone’s injury may have disrupted her plans, but it has not dampened her spirit or her dedication to the sport. Her talent, determination, and popularity ensure that she has a promising future ahead, with many more milestones to achieve in the wrestling world. As fans and the wrestling community continue to root for her speedy recovery, they eagerly await her return to the squared circle.
