Mercedes Moné, formerly known as Sasha Banks in WWE, has been a major talking point in the world of professional wrestling recently. Moné has made waves not only due to her transition from WWE to the independent wrestling scene and AEW but also because of her candid opinions on recent developments in the industry. One of the key reasons she’s trending is her reaction to WWE's decision to reduce its flagship show, Monday Night Raw, to a two-hour format and its move to Netflix. This article dives into the reasons behind her current popularity and summarizes the latest news and developments about her views and the changes in WWE's programming.
Why is Mercedes Moné Trending?
Mercedes Moné has been trending largely due to her involvement in the ongoing discussion surrounding WWE’s decision to scale back Monday Night Raw from a three-hour show to a two-hour format starting in 2025. This change is significant for WWE, which has aired three-hour Raw episodes since 2012. The decision, along with the move of Raw to Netflix, has sparked a variety of opinions from wrestling fans, industry insiders, and former WWE superstars, including Moné.
Moné, who left WWE in 2022 to pursue opportunities in Japan and other wrestling promotions, has remained vocal about the wrestling scene, both in and out of WWE. Her insights carry weight because she has firsthand experience of WWE’s operations and has now gained a broader perspective from her time wrestling elsewhere.
Mercedes Moné’s Reaction to WWE's Raw Changes
In interviews and public statements, Moné has expressed mixed emotions about the decision to reduce Raw’s length to two hours. According to Moné, while she acknowledges that a shorter show may be more digestible for audiences, it could also significantly impact the WWE roster. The reduction in airtime means there will be fewer opportunities for wrestlers to showcase their talent on WWE's biggest weekly platform.
Moné pointed out that many wrestlers might find it harder to get consistent television time, which could hinder their character development and overall visibility. She noted that during her time in WWE, the extra hour of Raw allowed newer or less-established talent to get exposure. Now, with less time available, those wrestlers may struggle to break through the crowded roster.
However, Moné also sees potential upsides, particularly for fans and the pacing of the show. She commented that a two-hour format could lead to a more streamlined and engaging viewing experience, avoiding the sometimes bloated feeling of the three-hour shows. This perspective resonates with many fans who have long criticized the three-hour episodes for dragging on too long.
You can read more about her thoughts here and here.
The Broader Impact on WWE Talent
Moné isn’t the only one concerned about the potential impact on WWE’s performers. Freddie Prinze Jr., a former WWE writer, also weighed in on the subject, echoing some of Moné’s concerns. Prinze Jr. explained that with only two hours of weekly airtime, there will inevitably be less room for WWE to feature its extensive roster. This could mean fewer opportunities for mid-card and lower-tier talents to get the exposure they need to advance their careers.
Prinze Jr. highlighted that the move to a two-hour format could have a mixed impact on talent development. While the main event stars are likely to remain in the spotlight, the mid-card performers could suffer from the reduced screen time. He also suggested that WWE might have to rotate talent more frequently or find alternative platforms, such as WWE Network or social media, to give underutilized wrestlers a platform to shine.
For more insights from Freddie Prinze Jr., you can check out his perspective here.
The Move to Netflix: A New Era for WWE?
Another significant aspect of this change is the shift of Monday Night Raw to Netflix. This move marks a new era for WWE, as it partners with one of the largest streaming platforms in the world. While details about the deal are sparse, this shift could potentially introduce wrestling to an entirely new audience.
Moné also commented on the impact of the Netflix move, noting that it could be a groundbreaking step for WWE, particularly in leveraging Netflix's global reach. WWE has always aimed to expand its global footprint, and by moving to a platform as widely used as Netflix, it could attract more international viewers. However, she emphasized that for WWE talent, the shift will require adjustments, especially when it comes to how content is structured for streaming platforms compared to traditional TV.
Conclusion: A Time of Change in Wrestling
Mercedes Moné’s continued relevance in the wrestling world, despite her departure from WWE, speaks to her influential voice within the industry. Her insights into the potential consequences of WWE's move to a two-hour Raw and its partnership with Netflix highlight the complexities of these changes. While there are clear benefits for fans—such as a more succinct show and the possibility of reaching a broader audience via Netflix—there are also valid concerns about how these changes will affect the performers who rely on Raw for exposure.
The wrestling world will be watching closely as these developments unfold, and Mercedes Moné’s perspective will undoubtedly remain an important part of the conversation.