How The WWE Nearly Cost The Mandalorian One Of Its Key Guest Stars
Mercedes Moné, aka Sasha Banks, is one of the most successful professional wrestlers in the world. As is often the case, Hollywood comes calling when one reaches a certain level of success. That's precisely what happened when Moné was still wrestling under the name Sasha Banks for the WWE when Lucasfilm cast her on the live-action "Star Wars" series "The Mandalorian." Given that this is one of the biggest, most beloved franchises on the planet, it was a big deal. But the WWE didn't make the gig easy on her. The organization actively tried to get in the way, it seems.
Moné recently spoke with Hot 97 all about her career, including why she left WWE for AEW, aka All Elite Wrestling. She explained that while she still has love for WWE, what happened with her role as Koska Reeves on "The Mandalorian" season 2 was nothing shy of frustrating. Here's what she had to say about it:
"I love WWE, but they tried so hard to not make me do The Mandalorian. [They] put me on house shows when I was supposed to film. It was pulling teeth just to get on that show, just to be a part of that show."
To date, Moné has appeared in a total of five episodes of the series, debuting in season 2 episode titled "The Heiress." She also appeared in "The Mandalorian" season 2 finale, which remains a highlight for "Star Wars" fans during the Disney era of the franchise. A select few got to be a part of Luke Skywalker's glorious return and Moné now holds her place in "Star Wars" history as a result. Sadly, the brass at WWE didn't make accomplishing that easy on her.
The Mandalorian situation encouraged Mercedes Moné's move to AEW
Things have since changed quite a bit. The artist formerly known as Sasha Banks has now become a giant star in AEW wrestling under the name Mercedes Moné. She left her post at WWE at the height of her powers, which is telling. Undoubtedly, the organization getting in the way of her acting career played into that. In the interview, Moné also explained that things at AEW are far better in this regard:
"With these new doors of opportunity here at AEW, I have all the time in the world to go do acting and more. (AEW President) Tony Khan will pick me up on the private jet to take me to the shows and back to the other show to film. It's so beautiful. It's so cool that I get these new doors, and I feel like it's just the universe being like, 'We want you to be this beautiful superstar that we see you as.'"
This means that "Star Wars" fans could see more of Koska Reeves in the future, and there may well be a logical place for that to happen. Jon Favreau is directing a new movie called "The Mandalorian & Grogu," which is currently set to hit theaters in 2026. While very little has been confirmed, an appearance by Moné would be easy enough to envision. Be it in that movie or elsewhere, it sounds very much like her new role at AEW will make it far easier to squeeze in some time in a galaxy far, far away.
"The Mandalorian" is now streaming on Disney+.