Mercedes Moné, the reigning AEW TBS Champion and one of wrestling’s most decorated female athletes, recently spoke about the future trajectory she envisions for the All Elite Wrestling (AEW) women’s division. Known widely for her powerful in-ring work and historic championship accomplishments across multiple major promotions, Moné is focusing on elevating the division beyond its current acclaim to build a lasting legacy.
Mercedes Moné’s Vision for AEW Women’s Wrestling
In a recent interview, Mercedes Moné emphasized that while AEW’s women’s division has made remarkable progress in talent, storytelling, and match quality, the next big accomplishment is to firmly establish itself as a global standard for women’s wrestling excellence. She outlined that the goal is for AEW’s female wrestlers to consistently headline major events, captivate mainstream audiences, and create storylines that resonate beyond the niche wrestling fanbase.
Moné stressed that it’s not just about athletic performance but cultivating characters, rivalries, and opportunities that elevate every woman on the roster. “We’ve laid a strong foundation with incredible matches and athleticism,” Moné remarked. “Now it’s time to take AEW’s women’s division to a level where it demands top billing and truly inspires the next generation of wrestlers and fans.”
Reigning Champion and Trailblazer
Mercedes Justine Varnado, famously known by her WWE ring name Sasha Banks before transitioning to AEW as Mercedes Moné, has shattered ceilings across the wrestling world. Holding top women’s championships in WWE, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), and AEW, she is unique in her widespread dominance across continents, bringing unparalleled experience to AEW.
Currently in her first reign as TBS Champion, Moné recently secured her 19th successful defense of the title at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2025, further cementing her status as the division’s pillar[5]. Sources close to AEW praised her leadership backstage: “Mercedes is not just a competitor; she’s a mentor and a visionary. Everyone around her is inspired to push their limits,” said a WWE insider familiar with the AEW environment.
Elevating the Division through Storytelling and Competition
The next phase, according to Moné, requires AEW to build complex characters and elevate the storytelling around women’s wrestling to a level comparable to AEW’s top male storylines. This means more long-term booking, higher-profile feuds, and moments that resonate emotionally with fans.
“Women’s wrestling should never be treated as an afterthought or a special attraction. We deserve the same layers of storytelling, the same stakes, and the same opportunities to blow people away every single night,” Moné pointed out during a recent media session.
Indeed, recent AEW shows have seen the women’s division become a significant draw, headlining shows such as Forbidden Door and regularly putting on matches that critics acclaim as some of the best in wrestling today[2][3].
The Importance of Mainstream Recognition and Global Impact
Moné also highlighted the importance of cultural impact beyond just the wrestling ring. From social media reach to merchandise, to inspiring young fans worldwide, she wants the AEW women’s division to be a beacon for women in sports entertainment globally.
“Representation matters, and when young girls see strong, dynamic women owning the spotlight, that changes the whole game,” Moné said. “We want to be that change-makers’ division — not just good wrestlers, but stars and role models.”
A backstage source close to AEW management revealed that Mercedes Moné’s ambitious vision is resonating well with AEW President Tony Khan and the creative team. “There’s a concerted effort now to invest more in the women’s storylines, and Mercedes is at the heart of that push,” the source said.
What’s Next for Mercedes Moné and AEW Women?
As the division pushes for that next breakthrough, Mercedes Moné’s role as champion positions her to lead by example. Defending the TBS Championship with a record number of successful defenses cements her credibility and sets a high bar for challengers.
Fans can expect more high-stakes matches from Moné in upcoming AEW events, where she looks to pass the torch wisely while keeping the championship’s prestige intact. Meanwhile, AEW’s women’s roster continues to grow with fresh talent and veterans alike, setting the stage for diverse and compelling rivalries.
Conclusion: A New Era Beckons for AEW Women
Mercedes Moné’s insight reflects a pivotal moment for the AEW women’s division. From showcasing technical wrestling prowess to cultivating inspiring narratives and attaining mainstream visibility, the division stands ready to raise the bar dramatically.
As one AEW insider put it, “Mercedes isn’t just the TBS Champion — she’s the blueprint for what women’s wrestling in AEW can and should become.”
With Moné at the forefront, the AEW women’s division is poised not only to achieve its next big thing but to redefine the entire landscape of women’s professional wrestling.