The Remarkable Journey of Mercedes Monet
Mercedes Monet has undeniably transformed the landscape of women’s wrestling in the United States. At just 33 years old, this dynamic athlete has accomplished more in 15 years than many accomplish in a lifetime. Currently, she holds multiple titles, including the AEW TBS Championship, Revpro Undisputed British Women’s Championship, CMLL World Women’s Championship, and EWA Women’s Championship. With all these accolades, her travel schedule must be hectic, especially since the Revpro title comprises two belts. Over the past two years, it’s arguable that Monet has achieved more than most in the wrestling industry.
Her journey to greatness has certainly had its ups and downs. Even though she’s one of the most successful female wrestlers of her time, she faces criticism regarding her creative control in AEW and the wider wrestling world, especially from those who witnessed her departure from WWE in 2022. So how did she become "The CEO" that fans admire today? That is what we’re about to explore.
Relax and join us on a journey from Fairfield, California to Boston, Massachusetts, as we delve into the stunning evolution of Mercedes Monet.
Growing Up
Born Justin Kestner Varnado on January 26, 1992, in Fairfield, California, Mercedes hails from a diverse background, with her mother Judith being of German descent and her father Leo Varnado being African-American. The Varnado family is quite notable, particularly because Snoop Dogg, a hip-hop icon and WWE Hall of Fame member, is her first cousin. Interestingly, she didn’t learn of this connection until she turned nine.
Besides the fame that comes with her cousin, she also has ties to other music icons. Despite being born in California, her family relocated multiple times across the U.S. to find suitable schools and healthcare for her autistic brother, Joshua. Eventually, they settled in Boston, where, in 2005, Mercedes attended a WWE Raw episode honoring Eddie Guerrero, a major influence on her decision to pursue wrestling after he passed away unexpectedly.
Her Early Career
Once the Varnados settled in Boston, young Mercedes had one goal: to become a professional wrestler. She began her training with a mixed wrestling school in Woburn, Massachusetts at age 16, finding the experience rigorous yet formative.
After turning 18 in 2010, she made her debut at a New England Championship Wrestling event on August 8. Competing under the ring name Mercedes KV, she quickly made a name for herself in the Massachusetts indie scene and captured several championships in local promotions. Her resilience and talent helped her become a double champion by early 2012, earning her recognition among fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
WWE NXT Debut
Following a successful tryout, Mercedes KV signed a developmental contract with WWE in August 2012. She was 20 years old, joining WWE just as they revamped their developmental roster. Early in her WWE journey, she appeared at NXT house shows in Florida, facing off against well-known talents like Paige, Charlotte Flair, and Emma. It was during this period that she rebranded herself as Sasha Banks.
Sasha made her WWE television debut on December 12, 2012, on an episode of NXT against Paige. Although she lost, it was evident WWE recognized her potential. Shortly after, she began a storyline with Summer Rae that would define her character. This marked the beginning of her transformation into an unforgettable figure in wrestling.
The Queen of NXT
Sasha’s tenure as part of the BFFs ended in 2014 when Summer Rae was drafted to the main roster. This shift allowed Sasha to forge her own path, aligning with Bailey, Charlotte, and Becky Lynch to form the "Four Horsewomen." By late 2014, all four competed for the NXT Women’s Championship held by Charlotte, igniting rivalries fueled by betrayal and ambition.
Sasha effectively dominated the NXT women’s division, winning defenses against formidable opponents such as Charlotte and Becky Lynch. However, she faced her greatest challenge yet when Bailey earned a title shot at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn in 2015.
The Diva Revolution
Sasha’s reign as NXT Women’s Champion coincided with a growing sentiment among WWE fans that the women’s division needed a revamp. Responding to this fan demand, WWE brought Sasha, Becky, and Charlotte to the main roster in mid-2015 while Sasha was still the NXT champion.
This evolution was part of the "Diva Revolution," aiming to elevate women’s wrestling. By WrestleMania 32 in 2016, Sasha was positioned as one of WWE’s most popular stars, headlining a match for the newly introduced Women’s Championship. Though she didn’t win, sharing the ring with her cousin, Snoop Dogg, made the moment special.
Wrestling gained renewed vigor, especially after WWE honored women’s wrestling through the brand split, with Sasha featuring prominently on WWE Raw. By mid-2017, she had captured the WWE Raw Women’s Championship four times, solidifying her status as a major star.
Boss n’ Hug Connection
The bond between Sasha Banks and Bailey grew deeper as they found mutual respect in their in-ring chemistry. In 2018, they formed a tag team known as the "Boss and Hug Connection," gaining notoriety after successfully competing at the Evolution pay-per-view.
Their success was pivotal in the creation of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship in early 2019. Despite some controversies about Sasha’s inner dissatisfaction with her booking, she returned to the ring as a heel. The duo won multiple titles simultaneously; however, the partnership began to fracture as creative differences emerged.
Leaving WWE
The alliance between Sasha and Bailey ended in 2020 when Bailey betrayed her. Sasha later became the WWE Smackdown Women’s Champion but found herself increasingly sidelined in terms of creative direction. Following WrestleMania 37, she continued to compete but expressed dissatisfaction with her booking, leading her to leave WWE in May 2022 alongside Naomi after placing their belts on John Laurinitis’ desk.
This sudden exit shocked fans and WWE officials, marking the end of a significant chapter in her career.
Japanese CEO
The new year brought a fresh identity for Sasha Banks, now known as Mercedes Monet. She made her debut in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) at Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4, 2023. Signs pointed towards Monet exploring new horizons outside WWE as she signed a one-year deal with NJPW.
Her first non-WWE match was a resounding success, where she became the IWGP Women’s Champion. However, her triumph was tainted by a serious injury during a tournament match against Willow Nightingale, sidelining her for the rest of 2023.
AEW CEO
After a captivating appearance at an AEW event in 2023, fans speculated on Monet’s potential involvement with All Elite Wrestling. She was formally introduced as a new signee in her hometown of Boston, though doubts surfaced about her readiness to compete.
Her first match after returning was against Willow Nightingale, with whom she had previously faced off when she was injured. Following a victorious comeback at Double or Nothing in 2024, Monet then won the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship at Forbidden Door.
Her AEW journey continues to flourish; as of July 2025, she remains undefeated in singles competition, amassing multiple titles. Despite facing setbacks, Monet’s drive for the AEW Women’s World Championship remains undeterred.
Fan Take: The evolution of Mercedes Monet not only showcases her resilience and adaptability in wrestling but also highlights a pivotal shift in how women are perceived in the industry. As she continues to make waves in AEW, her journey is a significant beacon for aspiring female wrestlers everywhere, reaffirming that success knows no boundaries.
