Mercedes Varnado, known in the wrestling world as Sasha Banks, recently shifted her career trajectory in a move from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), adopting the new ring name Mercedes Moné. This decision, spurred by her desire for greater freedom in pursuing acting roles, notably in the Star Wars series The Mandalorian, reflects a significant tension between her wrestling commitments and her emerging acting career.
Wrestling Fame to Star Wars Fame: Varnado’s Tumultuous Transition
Varnado’s involvement in the entertainment industry took a turn when she was cast in the Disney+ series The Mandalorian, playing Koska Reeves. Despite this being a major career milestone, Varnado encountered significant obstacles from WWE, which she claimed deliberately scheduled her for wrestling events that conflicted with her filming dates.
“I love WWE, but they tried so hard not to make me do The Mandalorian. [They] put me on house shows when I was supposed to film. It was pulling teeth just to get on that show, just to be a part of that show,”
Varnado revealed during an interview with Hot 97.
Her character, Koska Reeves, is a member of the Nite Owls, a formidable group that fights alongside Katee Sackhoff’s character, Bo-Katan Kryze. Varnado’s portrayal was well-received, allowing her to appear in key episodes including the much-acclaimed season two finale, “Chapter 16: The Rescue,” and later in “Chapter 22: Guns for Hire” from the third season.
From Wrestling Rings to Hollywood Sets: A New Chapter at AEW
The alleged sabotage by WWE is cited by Varnado as a primary reason for her switch to AEW. In AEW, Varnado found a supportive environment that aligned more closely with her Hollywood aspirations. She expressed enthusiasm about the new opportunities that have opened up for her since the move.
“(AEW President) Tony Khan will pick me up on the private jet to take me to the shows and back to the other show to film. It’s so beautiful. It’s so cool that I get these new doors, and I feel like it’s just the universe being like, ‘We want you to be this beautiful superstar that we see you as,’”
she shared with a tone of relief and optimism.
Looking ahead, Varnado’s transition might not only be a boon for her acting career but also for AEW’s branding as a nurturing haven for talent with multifaceted interests. With rumors of a fourth season of The Mandalorian and the upcoming film The Mandalorian & Grogu set for a May 2026 release, fans might get to see more of Varnado’s character, now that she has the freedom to balance her wrestling and acting careers more effectively.
The Industry’s Reaction and What This Means for Talent Mobility
Varnado’s move and subsequent revelations have sparked discussions about the flexibility and support entertainment industries provide to their talents pursuing multiple career paths. Her story underscores a growing trend where performers are no longer content with being pigeonholed into a single role or industry. For WWE, this situation could prompt a reevaluation of how they handle talent who are keen on exploring opportunities beyond wrestling.
For Varnado, now Mercedes Moné, the future holds a promise of unlimited potential, not just in the wrestling ring but on the screens of Hollywood as well. As she continues to navigate her roles with agility and grace, her journey from the wrestling ring to the filming set may just inspire many others to follow suit, paving the way for more integrated careers in entertainment.
