AEW’s Mercedes Mone Reminisces About Backstage Birthdays In WWE Women’s Locker Room

Mercedes Mone Reflects on Backstage Birthday Celebrations in WWE Women’s Locker Room

Being a professional wrestler often means sacrificing personal moments, including the chance for a traditional birthday celebration. Mercedes Mone, the current TBS Champion in AEW, recently shared in her “Mone Mag” newsletter how her birthdays in WWE were far from typical. These celebrations often coincided with the excitement of the Royal Rumble premium live event.

“For me, birthdays aren’t about cake and candles; they’re about the roar of the crowd and the thrill of the ring,” Mone wrote. “As a wrestler whose birthday often falls near the Royal Rumble, my special day was anything but traditional. Instead of parties, I spent my birthdays in high-stakes matches, surrounded by fellow wrestlers and the electric energy of passionate fans.”

Mone’s birthdays became intertwined with the adrenaline of the Royal Rumble, which was known for its surprises and jaw-dropping moments. “The excitement of the Royal Rumble turned my birthdays into a rush of joy,” Mone explained. “Sure, I’d get the occasional small gift from friends, but the real celebration was always performing in front of an audience that made every moment unforgettable.”

Key Royal Rumble Moments for Mercedes Mone

Mone’s birthday memories include a notable moment on her 21st birthday in 2013, when she teamed up with Paige (now Saraya) in a Royal Rumble Fan Fest match against Emma and Summer Rae. In the following years, Mone continued to make a name for herself at the Royal Rumble, including a SmackDown Women’s Championship defense against Carmella in 2021 and a shot at the Raw Women’s Championship in 2019.

Backstage Birthday Celebrations During WWE’s Pandemic Era

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced WWE to hold shows without fans in attendance, including at the WWE Performance Center and later the ThunderDome, Mone and her colleagues had to adapt. Despite the lack of audience cheers, they continued to celebrate each other’s birthdays backstage.

“Honestly, it felt like every week was someone’s birthday!” Mone recalled. “We’d fill the room with balloons, bring in cakes, and create a festive atmosphere to lift everyone’s spirits. Those moments were about more than just birthdays—they were about the bonds we formed during a tough time. The laughter, shared stories, and even the goofy decorations turned the locker room into a safe, happy place. Even when the world felt heavy, we always found joy in each other’s company.”

From WWE to AEW: Mone’s Birthday Celebrations Now

By July 2021, WWE returned to full-time touring, with Mone (formerly Sasha Banks) continuing her feud with Bianca Belair, who had previously dethroned her at WrestleMania 37. Fast forward three years, and Mone now reigns as the TBS Champion in All Elite Wrestling. Recently, she received “the cutest birthday gift” from AEW colleague Harley Cameron. However, this came after a mix-up by the AEW social media team, which mistakenly posted a birthday graphic for Mone instead of for Mercedes Martinez, whose birthday falls on November 17.

Mone’s journey from WWE to AEW has been filled with memorable moments both in the ring and backstage, and her reflections on her birthday celebrations showcase the unique and close-knit environment of professional wrestling.