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A multi-time WWE Hall of Famer believes that the version of Mercedes Mone that AEW fans are witnessing is a far cry from the exceptional performer she was in WWE, where she gained fame as Sasha Banks.
When AEW signed Mercedes Mone last year, the move was hailed as a massive win for the company. The former Sasha Banks had a stellar career, holding the NXT and WWE Women’s Championships multiple times and becoming one of the few women to headline WrestleMania.
Mone was expected to be the cornerstone of AEW’s women’s division, which had long been considered a weak point in the company’s roster. Over her first year, she was booked as an unstoppable force, capturing championships worldwide. However, her undefeated streak, combined with some lackluster promos, has turned off certain segments of the AEW fanbase.
Kevin Nash Criticizes Mercedes Mone’s Efforts in AEW
While Mone’s in-ring ability was once her strongest asset, even her wrestling has come under fire recently. WWE and WCW legend Kevin Nash didn’t hold back on his “Kliq This” podcast, where he suggested that Mone is no longer performing at the level she did during her WWE days.
“They had Sasha Banks like three all-time [on BET’s list of best black wrestlers ever]. I don’t think Bobo Brazil made the list. Sasha, whatever her name is now, CEO, she was the third [actually fifth], so I watched her match,” Nash remarked. “Man, she’s fing; she’s phoning her s in big time. That’s not the same girl I watched tear down the house in Brooklyn with Bayley [in NXT].”
One of the very best ladies matches in history against Bayley in NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn, it seems Nash was looking at Mone that night. He seems to suggest that her work or intensity these days does not seem to be there.
Strong Statements Coming From A WWE-Legend.
Nash's stinging remarks are important because the man has been a WWE/WCW champion in his own right. But Mercedes Mone will probably brush off these comments and the subsequent booking by AEW CEO Tony Khan.
Growing Mone's prominence in AEW and the criticism notwithstanding, she is the leading figure in the woman's division. Whether she will address Nash's comments or focuses her attention more on proving the critics wrong inside the ring will be seen.
What's Next For Mercedes Mone?
Fans will be keen to see whether Mone whetstone-forges a reply to Nash's remarks with renewed sharpness and intensity in the wake of AEW's agenda for her. Mone has substantial opportunities ahead to dispel her naysayers through some major feuds and title defenses, and remind the world just why she was once looked upon as WWE's greatest star.
