Mercedes Mone’s recent move to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has sent ripples throughout the professional wrestling world, and for good reason. Known to WWE fans as Sasha Banks, Mone’s arrival in AEW wasn’t just a major acquisition for the company; it also signaled a potential shift in the financial landscape for women in professional wrestling, particularly concerning the “Mercedes Mone Contract”. This landmark deal could redefine expectations and pave the way for higher earnings for female performers across both AEW and WWE.
Before signing with AEW, reports from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter indicated that Mercedes Mone sought a contract with WWE that would place her earnings on par with top stars like Becky Lynch. This ambition, aiming for “Becky Lynch-level money,” ultimately led to WWE reportedly ending negotiations. However, AEW stepped in, offering Mone a deal that has not only brought a major star to their roster but also potentially reset the bar for women’s wrestling contracts.
Sources within WWE have suggested that the “mercedes mone contract” with AEW is substantial enough to make her the highest-paid woman in professional wrestling. This development has been reportedly welcomed by female WWE talent, who see it as a positive step towards a more equitable market where women can command top-tier salaries. In essence, Mercedes Mone’s contract could be the catalyst that breaks down long-standing pay disparities in the industry.
Historically, the highest-paid echelons of professional wrestling have been dominated by male superstars. While women like Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair have undeniably risen to the top and shattered glass ceilings, the financial compensation hasn’t always reflected their contributions and star power. Charlotte Flair, for example, recently signed a lucrative WWE contract solidifying her place among the top earners, and Becky Lynch is also poised for a significant contract renewal. However, the “mercedes mone contract” with AEW introduces a new benchmark, potentially pushing both companies to re-evaluate their pay structures for female talent.
[](Mercedes Mone in wrestling ring in AEW)
The impact of the “mercedes mone contract” extends beyond just individual salaries. It represents a broader recognition of the value and drawing power of women’s wrestling. The same Wrestling Observer Newsletter report highlighted that an unnamed WWE female star was “thrilled” by Mone’s AEW deal, believing it would improve the overall market for women’s wrestling talent. This sentiment underscores the collective benefit that Mone’s contract could bring to female performers across the industry.
Meltzer’s report further noted that Mone’s deal should be viewed as a “significant advancement for women,” especially at a time when women’s wrestlers are demonstrably top draws in both WWE and AEW. Stars like Rhea Ripley, Britt Baker, and Saraya, alongside Lynch and Flair, are consistently featured in main event storylines and command significant fan interest. Even for wrestlers lower down the card, a rising tide lifts all boats, and the “mercedes mone contract” could influence salary negotiations across the board.
While the rumored figure of $5 million per year for the “mercedes mone contract” may be an exaggeration, the reality is that AEW reportedly offered more money than WWE to secure Mone, as well as other recent high-profile signings like Will Ospreay and Kazuchika Okada. This suggests a willingness from AEW to invest heavily in top talent, and in Mone’s case, it has paid off immediately. Her AEW Dynamite debut drew over one million viewers in the opening quarter-hour, demonstrating her star power and ability to attract audiences. Interestingly, viewership declined significantly as the show progressed, indicating that many fans tuned in specifically to see Mone.
This ability to draw viewers is crucial. Other women’s wrestlers have also proven their drawing power, further solidifying the argument for increased compensation. For too long, WWE wrestlers, in particular, have been considered underpaid compared to athletes in other major sports, and this has been even more pronounced for women. However, with WrestleMania main events increasingly featuring women, and matches like Lynch vs. Ripley and Bayley vs. Sky being highly anticipated, the landscape is changing.
AEW’s investment in Mercedes Mone, highlighted by her trend-setting contract, is expected to force WWE’s hand. Becky Lynch, currently approaching free agency, is now in a stronger negotiating position, armed with the knowledge of the “mercedes mone contract”. Mone, a global pop culture figure and one of wrestling’s most recognizable faces, is not just a valuable addition to AEW; she’s a potential catalyst for broader change.
As women’s wrestling continues to gain prominence and female wrestlers solidify their positions as main event attractions, the “mercedes mone contract” serves as a crucial milestone. It signals the beginning of an era where women in professional wrestling can command salaries that more accurately reflect their value to the industry. More blockbuster contracts for women are likely on the horizon, and Mercedes Mone’s deal could be the rising tide that lifts all boats in women’s professional wrestling.
