Introduction
Mercedes Moné, one of the most recognizable and decorated women’s wrestlers in the world, continues to collect championships across top promotions—first in NJPW, now in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), and with high-profile appearances elsewhere. But despite her globe-trotting dominance, there’s a surprising twist: according to AEW President Tony Khan, Moné isn’t stacking major paydays from her international appearances. Instead, she’s motivated by something deeper—a genuine love for wrestling and the desire to elevate women’s wrestling everywhere she goes.
Mercedes Moné’s International Success
Since leaving WWE in 2022, Mercedes Moné (formerly Sasha Banks) has become a bona fide international star, winning gold in Japan’s NJPW and now holding multiple titles in AEW, including the TBS Championship and the Strong Women’s Championship[3]. Her matches in Japan, especially her contests for the IWGP Women’s Title, were critically acclaimed and helped raise the profile of women’s wrestling overseas.
Yet, for all her success outside the U.S., Moné’s financial rewards aren’t what many fans might expect. “She’s not doing this for the money,” a source close to AEW creative told Ringside News. “Mercedes is one of the highest-paid women in wrestling because of her AEW deal, but when she takes overseas bookings, it’s about legacy, challenge, and growing the sport globally.”
The Tony Khan Perspective
During a recent media appearance, AEW President Tony Khan addressed Moné’s international schedule, emphasizing that her overseas matches are not major moneymakers. “Mercedes is with AEW, and that’s where her primary contract and compensation are,” Khan explained. “When she wrestles internationally, it’s not about the paycheck—it’s about her love for wrestling, the chance to work with new talent, and her commitment to being a true global ambassador for women’s wrestling.”
Khan’s comments reflect a broader industry trend: top stars often take international bookings for prestige, creative fulfillment, and to expand their brand—not necessarily for a significant pay bump. For Moné, who is already among wrestling’s elite earners thanks to her AEW contract (reportedly over $3 million per year)[1][7], the financial incentive abroad is less critical than the opportunity to make history.
Backstage Insights: The Real Motivation
According to a longtime WWE producer familiar with Moné’s career, her drive has always been about more than money. “Even in WWE, Sasha was never solely about the paycheck,” the insider revealed. “She wanted to change the game, to be in the biggest matches, and to prove women could main-event anywhere. That’s still her mindset today.”
This aligns with Moné’s own public statements. After leaving WWE, she tweeted, “I’m richer than I’ve ever been, and I love that for me #moné”[1], but she has also emphasized the importance of creative freedom and the chance to “be more” for women’s wrestling[4]. Her AEW debut in Boston was a homecoming and a statement: she’s here to push boundaries, not just collect checks[3].
The Business of Being Mercedes Moné
While Moné’s AEW contract reportedly makes her the highest-paid female wrestler in the world—ahead of even WWE’s Becky Lynch[1][7]—her international matches operate on a different financial model. “International deals for U.S.-based wrestlers are usually one-off payments or appearance fees, not life-changing money,” explained a veteran wrestling agent who has worked with both AEW and NJPW talent. “For someone like Mercedes, it’s about adding to her legacy and connecting with fans worldwide.”
Indeed, Moné’s NJPW run, while high-profile, was not a major source of income compared to her AEW salary. Reports indicate she earned around $100,000 for her marquee matches in Japan—significant, but a fraction of her current annual pay[1]. Her decision to compete internationally, therefore, appears driven by passion, not profit.
The Impact on Women’s Wrestling
Mercedes Moné’s globetrotting title reigns have had a ripple effect across the industry. By bringing her star power to different promotions, she’s helped raise the profile of women’s wrestling in markets where it has traditionally played second fiddle to men’s competition. Her matches in Japan, for example, drew international attention and were praised for their athleticism and storytelling.
“Mercedes is showing that women can be the attraction anywhere in the world,” said a prominent Japanese wrestling journalist. “Her presence in NJPW was a game-changer for the women’s division there, and her success in AEW is doing the same in the U.S.”
The Future for Mercedes Moné
As Moné continues her reign as AEW’s TBS Champion and Strong Women’s Champion, fans are eagerly watching to see what’s next. Will she take on more international challenges? Will AEW forge partnerships that allow her to defend her titles globally? And, perhaps most intriguingly, could her passion-driven approach inspire a new generation of wrestlers to prioritize legacy over lucre?
One thing is clear: Mercedes Moné is redefining what it means to be a champion in modern wrestling. Whether in Boston, Tokyo, or anywhere else, she’s proving that the greatest rewards aren’t always financial—sometimes, they’re measured in ovations, milestones, and the chance to make history.
Conclusion
Mercedes Moné’s international exploits have cemented her status as one of wrestling’s top stars, but as Tony Khan and insiders reveal, she’s not chasing overseas paydays. Instead, Moné is driven by a love for the craft, a desire to elevate women’s wrestling worldwide, and the pursuit of legacy. In an era where the business side of wrestling often dominates headlines, Moné’s story is a reminder that passion and purpose can be just as powerful as a hefty paycheck.