"She should not do that" - Veteran accuses Mercedes Moné of ripping off LA Knight
Mercedes Moné (fka Sasha Banks) made her AEW debut earlier this year. Unsurprisingly, her run in the Jacksonville-based company so far has been remarkable. At Double or Nothing, she defeated Willow Nightingale to become the TBS Champion. She later secured the Strong Women's Title by beating Stephanie Vaquer. Vince Russo recently accused Moné of ripping off WWE's LA Knight.
Since departing WWE, Mercedes Moné has been calling herself The CEO. Moreover, in her promos, she regularly emphasizes her nickname. Interestingly, Vince Russo believes that the 32-year-old needs to drop her current gimmick. According to the wrestling veteran, The CEO is copying WWE United States Champion, LA Knight, who spells out his name in his promos in a similar manner.
"She is totally ripping off LA Knight by doing that. She should not do that because everybody is going to say exactly what I'm saying. He was doing L. A. Knight long before. She should not do that, bro," Russo said on his The Brand podcast. [From 1:40 to 1:59]
Why does Mercedes Moné call herself The CEO?
Earlier this year, Mercedes Moné had a conversation with Renee Paquette, where she revealed the reason why she called herself The CEO. She said it took her some time; however, she eventually realized that she was not just a "Boss," but a CEO.
"It took a little bit of healing, a lot of healing, but a team to really help build me back up and to have my back. To let me know, I am more than a Boss, I am a CEO because I took control of my own life. I walked out with my head held up high, and I found so many new passions that I never got to discover before." [H/T: PW Mania]
Moné will defend her TBS Championship against Britt Baker at AEW All In 2024, which is scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium later this month.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit The Brand and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.