AEW TBS Women’s Champion & NJPW Strong Women’s Champion Mercedes Mone (fka Sasha Banks) recently addressed comments made by Jonathan Coachman, who criticized her promo skills and claimed she never lived up to her confidence while in WWE. Coachman stated on the Reffin It Up podcast that Mone’s shortcomings on the microphone were becoming apparent and that she was “getting exposed”.
In her Mone Mag newsletter, Mercedes issued the following statement about The Coach’s comments:
“Jonathan Coachman’s Recent Statement
I don’t read Wrestle Press, but Wrestle Press, that centers on me, pops up in my social media feed. I didn’t read the article. I just read the quote in the headline.
I’ve been dealing with this kind of stuff for over a decade, so I’m used to it. But I am kind of annoyed with all these dumb old dudes in wrestling coming at me. I know the only reason that they’re doing it is because my name makes people click on their links. My name makes news. Oh yeah, and pretty sure making news makes Moné. Maybe that’s why I get paid what I do? Maybe? Lol. Plus, I’m sure it’s hard to see a young woman know and receive her value – and, not to mention, make a lot more than they do.
But hey, either way, they can keep talking about me, whether negatively or positively. It reminds me that I must be doing something right.”
Mone’s advocate Keven Undergaro also issued a statement about this in the newsletter:
“Keven Undergaro on Johnathan Coachman
It always bums me out when people I’m a fan of disappoint me. Love me The Coach from back in the day, and he has always been kind to my wife but what he said about Mercedes seemed extreme and came off as personal. I can’t argue with what happens in the ring. It’s subjective, and I’m just a fan. I can speak to the business of TV, and the business of show: a major part of wrestling.
To have a talent on your roster who has broken so many records and barriers, not to mention has such global and internet appeal (is part of the Star Wars franchise, no less), you have an asset that is more highly and diversely monetized. There’s a reason why national brands and sponsors are aligning with the likes of Mercedes and Mercedes alone. It makes my job a whole lot easier. Also, factor in what Mercedes’ brand value brings to those she competes against. The marketing light she shines on opponents increases their individual values.
Mercedes aside, the girls of today have delivered main event after main event. They have more than proven their value. Yet, they still don’t make close to what the top men make, nor do they have the freedom or creative input.
The historic deal Tony Khan and Mercedes forged is a needed disruption that will rightfully raise the bar for other women and future deals. Obviously, people are free to say what they want. Like Mercedes said, it’s money when they do, and criticism isn’t a bad thing.
As a girl dad, I’d like to see more of that curbed and more of the women in the WNBA, WWE, and AEW, who are rightfully celebrated and elevated. Enough out of me. It’s Mercedes you want to hear from!”
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