Mercedes Moné, AEW TBS Champion and former WWE Superstar, has opened up about the profound differences she has experienced between the WWE and AEW locker room environments. Speaking candidly on the Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze podcast, Moné described the two locker rooms as a “night and day” contrast, emphasizing the palpable hunger and passion she currently observes in AEW that she felt was missing in WWE[1][2][4].

According to Moné, one of the most immediate differences in AEW is the sense of community among the wrestlers. She revealed she enjoys having her own private locker room, which keeps her out of any backstage drama, but when she is around her AEW peers—especially the female wrestlers—there’s a contagious drive to grow AEW into a top wrestling company: “It just feels like such a community of wanting to make this place grow. There is a hunger. I feel like we still feel so underground and we want to make it up here. All these women have so much drive and passion. I can feel it. They fire me up. I want to be the best because they want to be the best.”[1][2]

This sentiment also extends to the male roster, where Moné noted the collective energy is noticeably different than what she experienced before. She was careful not to disparage WWE or suggest egos aren’t present in its talent pool, but instead framed it as a difference in atmosphere: “It feels so different… we’re all trying to fight for something and we’re trying to fight to make this the best. I love people who have passion and hunger.”[1]

Moné’s perspective carries notable weight as she has been a prominent figure in both major wrestling promotions. After her tenure in WWE—where she wrestled as Sasha Banks—she transitioned to AEW in 2024, quickly ascending to championship status. Currently, she holds the AEW TBS Championship and several independent titles, positioning her as one of the company’s top stars heading into AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, where she will defend her title in a high-profile four-way match[1][4].

Sources close to the wrestling scene have noted that Mercedes Moné’s observations mirror broader discussions within the wrestling community about the differing backstage cultures between the two companies. WWE, as the long-established industry giant, is often described as more corporate with an environment where backstage politics and egos sometimes influence dynamics. In contrast, AEW’s younger and still-growing roster places a premium on camaraderie and collective growth, fostering a different spirit of collaboration and drive[1][5].

This locker room contrast also reflects AEW’s current status in the wrestling landscape. Although it has grown rapidly since its inception, AEW is viewed as still carving out its identity and market position, which generates a unique competitive hunger among its talent to elevate the brand to new heights. Moné’s remarks about feeling “underground” resonate with the company’s ambition to break through wrestling industry ceilings dominated historically by WWE[2][5].

In interviews and podcasts beyond Marking Out, Moné has discussed how this hunger in AEW has influenced her own mindset and performance. Embracing the passionate environment has helped her reinvent herself post-WWE, fueling her desire to deliver memorable matches and evolve as a performer. According to WWE insiders and wrestling journalists, such transitions are critical for athletes who switch between major promotions, as adapting to locker room culture can significantly affect their on-screen success and longevity[3][5].

As the AEW roster continues to expand with talent from around the globe, including STARDOM and CMLL stars who will appear alongside Moné at Forbidden Door, the inclusive and driven atmosphere described by Moné seems to become increasingly prominent. This collective ambition could play a key role in AEW’s efforts to challenge WWE’s long-standing dominance and build its own legacy in professional wrestling[1][4].

Mercedes Moné’s candid insights provide a rare insider perspective on what makes AEW’s locker room culture unique—an energized community hungry to climb to the top of the wrestling world, contrasted with the more established and often politicized environment of WWE. Wrestling fans and industry observers will likely continue watching her journey as an emblematic figure embodying the evolution of professional wrestling’s backstage dynamics.

According to a WWE insider familiar with talent locker room dynamics, “Mercedes’s comments highlight something we’ve heard from other wrestlers who made the jump to AEW — the fresh energy and collective ambition there bring out the best in performers.” This insider noted that locker room chemistry often directly influences the creative opportunities wrestlers receive on television and pay-per-view events.

With AEW’s growth momentum and Mercedes Moné’s rising star power, her reflections on locker room culture are expected to spark ongoing discussions among fans, wrestlers, and commentators about the future trajectories of both promotions.