Sasha Banks, the professional wrestling superstar who now goes by her real name Mercedes Moné, has been making headlines recently. With her departure from WWE and new ventures in AEW, as well as her candid comments on WWE's decision to shorten its flagship show, Monday Night RAW, the former WWE Women's Champion has garnered significant attention. This article explores why Sasha Banks is currently trending, provides context on her career, and delves into her recent thoughts on WWE's move to shorten RAW.
Who is Sasha Banks (Mercedes Moné)?
Sasha Banks, real name Mercedes Kaestner-Varnado, is one of the most accomplished female wrestlers in modern professional wrestling history. She gained international fame during her time in WWE, where she was a multi-time Women's Champion and a pioneer in the Women's Revolution. Known for her in-ring prowess, charisma, and connection with fans, Banks built a legacy that transcended the wrestling ring.
However, in 2022, Banks made the decision to part ways with WWE and embarked on a new phase of her career, appearing in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) under the moniker Mercedes Moné. This move has allowed her to explore new challenges and opportunities while continuing to maintain a prominent position in the wrestling world. Despite her departure from WWE, her opinions on the company, particularly its flagship show RAW, still hold weight in the wrestling community.
Why Is Sasha Banks Trending?
Sasha Banks, or Mercedes Moné, has been trending recently due to her remarks on WWE's decision to cut Monday Night RAW from three hours to two hours. This change, set to take place in 2025, has sparked widespread discussions among fans and industry insiders alike. Given Banks' history with WWE, her input on the matter has garnered significant attention, with fans eager to hear her perspective.
Additionally, her ongoing career in AEW and NJPW continues to keep her in the spotlight. As she navigates new challenges in these promotions, her every move is closely followed by fans and media alike.
Mercedes Moné's Thoughts on WWE RAW's New Format
In a recent interview, Mercedes Moné expressed mixed feelings about WWE's decision to reduce the length of Monday Night RAW from three hours to two. As previously reported by Wrestlezone, Moné acknowledged the benefits of the change, suggesting that a shorter format could lead to better pacing and more focused storytelling. However, she also pointed out that cutting an hour means less time for wrestlers to showcase their skills and develop their characters, potentially limiting opportunities for talent to shine.
Moné's comments highlight a common concern among wrestlers and fans alike. WWE RAW, once a two-hour show, expanded to three hours in 2012, a move that many believed diluted the product with filler segments and repetitive content. By reverting to two hours, WWE may aim to improve the overall quality of the show, but the reduction in airtime could pose challenges for a roster packed with talent.
Moné's balanced perspective reflects her deep understanding of the business, both as a former WWE superstar and as a current top star in AEW. Her insight adds a valuable voice to the ongoing debate about the future of WWE's programming.
The Impact of RAW's Shortening on the Wrestling Landscape
The move to shorten RAW has been a major topic of discussion within the wrestling community. According to Slam Wrestling, this decision comes as WWE prepares for the expiration of its contract with the USA Network. While the change is seen as a means to improve the overall pacing of the show, it also bridges WWE’s transition into the next phase of its broadcasting deals.
For years, RAW’s three-hour format had been criticized for being too long, with many fans feeling that the show often dragged, especially in the third hour. By trimming an hour, WWE is likely hoping to deliver a more concise and engaging product, which could better hold viewers' attention. However, the reduction in time also raises questions about how WWE will manage its large roster and ensure that all talent receives adequate screen time.
Moné's remarks, as captured by NoDQ, suggest that while the change may benefit the overall structure of the show, it could also lead to fewer opportunities for lesser-known or developing talents to establish themselves. This is a critical consideration for a company that prides itself on building new stars.
Mercedes Moné's Current Wrestling Career
While Moné’s thoughts on WWE’s programming continue to make waves, her focus remains on her current endeavors in AEW and NJPW. As the AEW TBS Champion, Moné has successfully transitioned from WWE to establish herself as a key player in AEW’s women’s division. With a string of high-profile matches and rivalries, she continues to prove that her star power extends beyond WWE.
Moné’s career trajectory serves as an inspiration to many wrestlers who seek greater creative freedom and opportunities outside of WWE. By taking control of her destiny and exploring new horizons, she has shown that success in professional wrestling is not limited to one company or platform.
Conclusion
Sasha Banks, now known as Mercedes Moné, remains a dominant force in the world of professional wrestling. Her recent comments on WWE RAW’s move to a two-hour format have sparked conversations about the future of WWE’s programming and the impact it will have on talent. As Moné continues to thrive in AEW and NJPW, her influence on the wrestling industry shows no signs of slowing down. Whether she’s sharing her thoughts on the business or competing in the ring, Mercedes Moné’s voice continues to resonate with fans and professionals alike.