Mercedes Moné has created iconic moments in every promotion she’s been part of, from her unforgettable NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn match with Bayley to making history in NJPW, and her notable arrival in AEW.
Moné has competed against some of the biggest names in professional wrestling across these promotions, but one match stands out above the rest—not only for the fans but for Moné herself. This was the 2015 NXT Women’s Championship match, where Bayley defeated (then known as) Sasha Banks in under 20 minutes, marking a turning point in both of their careers.
In her latest fan newsletter, the “CEO” revealed an interesting behind-the-scenes detail about this all-time classic: the two had barely any time to prepare. At the time, Mone was working full-time on the main roster and traveling for a panel with Triple H, leaving them with just five minutes to discuss the match.
Little Prep Before Their Classic
“We only had maybe five minutes to talk about our match in the ring. I wanted to tell her about this crazy spot. In truth, I didn’t even want to practice it or show her because I was afraid they’d say no—or worse, the boys would see it and take it away. Yes, that happens.
So, I just kind of told her what I wanted to do. We didn’t rehearse any of it. Yet, that match turned out to be the greatest women’s match ever.”
– Mercedes Mone on her match with Bayley from NXT Takeover: Brooklyn (2015)
Another “Great Match, No Prep”
Another match that Moné holds close to her heart was her bout against Stephanie Vaquer at this year’s AEW-NJPW Forbidden Door PPV. Moné recalls Vaquer flying in the day of the event and arriving at the venue just hours before showtime. With little time to prepare, the difficulties were compounded by their language barrier (Vaquer’s first langue is Spanish).
“That was so hard. I’m like, my God, we don’t get time to walk over our moves, we speak two different languages, and we’re both tired, jet lagged, and hungry, too. Yet, that also turned out to be such a great match. She was signed by the WWE days later. I’d like to think our match had a say in that!”
– Mercedes Moné on her mach with Stephanie Vaquer at AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door 2024
Vaquer arrived in WWE NXT television this past week on The CW and aligned with Giulia. She’ll make her NXT in-ring debut next week against Wren Sinclair.