Mercedes Mone has fans eagerly awaiting word on her next move in the world of pro wrestling.
The WWE Superstars formerly known as Sasha Banks and Naomi walked out of the company together in May 2022, relinquishing their WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles in a defiant display aimed at Vince McMahon’s booking. They have both landed in other companies after that, and Trinity is now locked into a TNA Wrestling deal. That being said, Mercedes Mone’s contract status is a much more shrouded situation.
Triple H was asked by Ariel Helwani a few months ago if Sasha Banks’ return to WWE is a possibility. His response was, “Time will tell,” which left a lot to be interpreted, especially through his bearded grin.
Fans are still waiting for an official update about Mercedes Mone’s NJPW contract status. She was once thought to be a slam dunk for Tony Khan, as she showed up at AEW All In London. She remained seated during that brief appearance at Wembley Stadium, because she was still in a walking boot. That ankle injury was real, and she is just now approaching the end of that injury hiatus.
As the 2024 Royal Rumble looms closer on January 27th, some fans are hoping to see Sasha Banks make a return to WWE. With Triple H in control, anything is possible. During a recent episode of Keeping it 100, Konnan shared his view that ‘all roads lead back to WWE’ – especially for someone like ‘Sasha Banks’ – who achieved megastardom in WWE and then branched out in Hollywood.
“She’s a big megastar, looks professional, has worked on ‘The Mandalorian,’ … she’s from their system. I said this a couple of months ago, and I’m going to repeat it again — everybody comes back to WWE.”
Bayley also admitted that she “begs” Mercedes Mone every chance she can to make a WWE return. She also posted a photo of Mercedes alongside some Damage CTRL members recently, just to stir the pot even more.
Mercedes Mone Update (Exclusive)
I have spoken to sources within WWE who have confirmed to me on three separate occasions over the past 30 days that there are no contract talks between Mercedes Mone and WWE. The creative team is also not discussing any ideas for her return to the company. That being said, this is a much different time, especially how information flows within WWE.
I was told by a tenured member of the WWE team on December 12th that, “Sasha Banks’ name will only come up when there’s a deal.” Per one source, “There’s no deal, or no deal yet.”
CM Punk’s return during the closing moments of the 2023 Survivor Series premium live event in Chicago meant a lot more than a massive pop in the Allstate Arena. It also signified that anything is really possible in WWE right now, as Triple H has obviously thrown away the old way doing a lot of things.
CM Punk’s Road Back To WWE
In April 2023, CM Punk showed up to visit with people backstage during a WWE RAW in Chicago, but Vince McMahon had him removed. Punk was also under AEW contract at the time, but no report surfaced saying that had anything to do with the reason why Mr. McMahon didn’t want Punk around.
Triple H admitted in the press conference after Survivor Series that CM Punk’s deal came together after everyone already thought it was too late to work something out. I spoke to sources in the company during that time, and they confirmed time and time again that there were no talks, and the WWE creative team knew nothing.
CM Punk made his return to WWE, as a huge shock to the creative team as well. It’s anyone’s guess how WWE will play their hand with a possible Sasha Banks return, but it’s possible that we have another situation where only Nick Khan and Triple H are aware of the surprise before the big moment.
Punk’s return shows the door is wide open for Sasha Banks (or Mercedes Mone) to walk right through. This is also perfect timing for the Royal Rumble, an event that is always sure to include a surprise or two.
Keep checking back with us here at SE Scoops for more updates.