"THE CEO" MAKES HEADLINES AT WRESTLE KINGDOM ALONGSIDE SOME HEAVY HITTERS
DON’T CALL HER “The Boss.” The former Sasha Banks has a new name and a new job title, anointing herself “The CEO” of women’s competition at New Japan Pro-Wrestling and World Wonder Ring Stardom. Though the gig may not come with a plush corner office or a devoted personal assistant, it apparently pays pretty handsomely. Prior to her official on-screen debut at Wrestle Kingdom 17, January 4 at the Tokyo Dome, Mercedes Mone had reportedly inked a deal with Bushiroad that saw her become the highest-paid wrestler in the company’s history, earning north of the six-figure mark per show.
That may seem like a lot of money—and, no doubt, it is—but consider the upsides. Mone brings to the table a rabid fan base, not just from her celebrated, decade-long run in WWE, but also her work as Koska Reeves on the hit Star Wars show, The Mandalorian. Thousands of first-time New Japan viewers across several time zones burned the midnight oil to catch Wrestle Kingdom live, based solely on a strongly rumored, non-wrestling appearance.
Japan’s top promotion later reported a record number of live viewers on its NJPW World streaming service, which was due in no small part to Mone’s involvement. Then, on the strength of a single match-up—“The CEO” challenging Stardom’s KAIRI (Sane) for the IWGP Women’s title—New Japan quickly sold out the San Jose Civic theater, capacity 2,850, for its February Battle in the Valley event.
In short, there’s a good reason why Mone, with her moneymaking potential and devoted “stans,” is on the cover of this magazine. And it’s easy to see why Bushiroad wants her to lock up in rings at both of its wrestling
