Mercedes Varnado, now known as Mercedes Moné in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), has signed with United Talent Agency (UTA). Most famously known as Sasha Banks for her time in the WWE, Moné has joined UTA to help her secure more opportunities when it comes to film, television, theatre and more.
In 2019, Moné made her acting debut in season two of the hit Disney+ series The Mandalorian, she played the character of Koska Reeves. She’s also appeared on a number of unscripted shows like Nick Cannon Presents: Wild N Out, Hot Ones, Barmageddon, and Cold As Balls. Moné has also appeared in national advertisements for brands such as Pizza Hut, Cricket Wireless and Pure Life.
Moné is an ESPY Award winner and she is regarded as an athlete who helped revolutionize wrestling at a high level. She was a part of the WWE from 2012-2022 and during that time was a former NXT Women’s Champion, 5-time Raw Women’s Champion, 1-time SmackDown Women’s Champion, and a 3-time WWE Women’s tag team champion.
She also made history as the first African-American female to headline WrestleMania, when she defended the Smackdown Women’s championship against Bianca Belair in the main event.
Moné left the WWE in 2022 after an incident with management, and in January 2023 she debut for NJPW at Wrestle Kingdom 17. Her debut helped NJPW World generate its most new users ever, with 900,000. NJPW also sold over 25,000 tickets, which marks the highest ticket sales for a non-WWE live event in the last three years.
On February 18, at NJPW Battle in the Valley, Moné became the new and second-ever IWGP Women’s Champion by defeating Kairi. NJPW has another show approaching in March that will be in collaboration with Impact Wrestling.
Impact Wrestling EVP Scott D’Amore said during an appearance on Busted Open Radio that they need to book IWGP Women’s champion Mercedes Moné versus Impact Knockouts Champion Mickie James. This collaboration event could be the place for this match to take place.
D’Amore said he got to meet Moné at Battle in the Valley after her victory, “I got to talk to her afterward, Mercedes is obviously very focused and a passionate professional. Her wrestling is top-notch, her attitude seemed great to me.”
A while ago Moné also said that she would like to have a match against Mickie James and James, also said she wanted it.
“We have to get you two in a ring somewhere and get this done,” D’Amore said.
United Talent Agency is one of the world’s leading talent and entertainment agencies and represents Johnny Depp, Harrison Ford and Charlize Theron.
Moné will continue to be represented by her Advocate, Keven Undergaro.
RELATED LINKS
