Saraya is starting to make her mark on the AEW women’s division after returning to the ring following a long hiatus from in-ring competition. Speaking of returning, former WWE superstar Sasha Banks returned to wrestling in New Japan Pro Wrestling last week under the name Mercedes Mone, and Saraya immediately reached out to Mone following her successful debut.
Sasha Banks had been away from wrestling ever since she and Naomi famously walked out of Monday Night RAW back in May 2022. She was seen involved in outside projects and spotted at various public appearances, with reports emerging about her return to the squared circle.
The Tokyo Dome finally saw the former WWE star emerge as Mercedes Mone on January 4th at Wrestle Kingdom 17, confronting and dropping KAIRI after successfully defending her IWGP Women’s title. Moreover, she was also speculated to be Saraya’s mystery partner in her match against Britt Baker and Jamie Hayter, but she chose to go with Toni Storm.
While speaking to DJ Whoo Kid’s Shade45 show, Saraya revealed that she texted Mercedes Mone right after her NJPW debut. That being said, she is not aware if Tony Khan is interested in bringing Mercedes over to AEW, considering the good relations between his company and NJPW.
“I don’t know. I wish I knew that. Even Meech, my manager, is constantly asking, and I’m like, ‘I have no idea’ I asked Tony Khan like, ‘what’s the deal?’ I would love to (face her) in AEW because I’m there. Tony has a good relationship with New Japan and he loves New Japan. Sasha, I texted her the other day just to be like, ‘congratulations.’ She said that she was happy. I’m not starting any rumors with her.”
There are reports that indicate WWE thinks that Mercedes Mone might come back and that is why she has not signed with AEW to avoid a three-year tenure. Moreover, speculation also suggests that Tony Khan would not put Mone on television due to the fear of raising her name value and eventually seeing her go back to their rival competitor, WWE. Only time will tell what Mercedes Money does next in pro wrestling, but she will have a lot of attention.
Do you think Mercedes Mone would choose to sign with AEW along with her NJPW tenure? Sound off in the comments!