Mercedes Moné officially debuted for All Elite Wrestling (Aew) on Wednesday night and instantly changed the face of the company’s women’s division.
Moné, whose given name is Mercedes Varnado and is also known for her time in WWE as Sasha Banks, hit the ring in her hometown of Boston to a thunderous reception from the fans in attendance.
“It was unbelievable,” Moné told Variety. “I still haven’t gotten to take everything in yet, but my heart was just pounding out of my chest. Once I heard the beat drop in the music and the ‘CEO’ chants were on the screens, and then they revealed the ‘Mercedes Moné’ name, that eruption was so electric. I felt so cool. I felt like Stone Cold Steve Austin, when fans just lift up all their signs and stand up with their arms raised. I felt so cool. It was the best feeling in the world.
Moné, whose given name is Mercedes Varnado and is also known for her time in WWE as Sasha Banks, hit the ring in her hometown of Boston to a thunderous reception from the fans in attendance.
“It was unbelievable,” Moné told Variety. “I still haven’t gotten to take everything in yet, but my heart was just pounding out of my chest. Once I heard the beat drop in the music and the ‘CEO’ chants were on the screens, and then they revealed the ‘Mercedes Moné’ name, that eruption was so electric. I felt so cool. I felt like Stone Cold Steve Austin, when fans just lift up all their signs and stand up with their arms raised. I felt so cool. It was the best feeling in the world.
- 3/15/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
WWE.com
Another month, another defunct championship history to delve into.
The Cruiserweight Championship is arguably the most poorly-booked, unfairly neglected championship in WWE/WCW history, as it provided some of the best in-ring action and some of the main excitement on shows, yet was almost always presented as a sideshow and rarely, if ever, the main attraction.
The first champion was crowned when Brian Pillman defeated Ricky Morton in a tournament final in WCW in October 1991. 40 different competitors would hold the belt over a combined 79 reigns. Superstars as varied as Chris Jericho, Oklahoma, Dean Malenko, Alex Wright and Rey Mysterio would be champion, again showing the mishmash attitude towards its booking.
One important note is that this is the history of the Cruiserweight Championship, established in WCW and then taken over by WWE. As such, it is this lineage that is looked at here, not the WWF Light Heavyweight Title.
Another month, another defunct championship history to delve into.
The Cruiserweight Championship is arguably the most poorly-booked, unfairly neglected championship in WWE/WCW history, as it provided some of the best in-ring action and some of the main excitement on shows, yet was almost always presented as a sideshow and rarely, if ever, the main attraction.
The first champion was crowned when Brian Pillman defeated Ricky Morton in a tournament final in WCW in October 1991. 40 different competitors would hold the belt over a combined 79 reigns. Superstars as varied as Chris Jericho, Oklahoma, Dean Malenko, Alex Wright and Rey Mysterio would be champion, again showing the mishmash attitude towards its booking.
One important note is that this is the history of the Cruiserweight Championship, established in WCW and then taken over by WWE. As such, it is this lineage that is looked at here, not the WWF Light Heavyweight Title.
- 10/6/2015
- by John Bills
- Obsessed with Film
WWE
The cruiserweight division was one of the highlights of WCW in the 1990s. When the nWo and the ‘surprise’ appearances by former WWE stars became tiresome, you could still rely on the fast-moving, high-flying cruiserweights for entertainment.
For years, the likes of Rey Mysterio, Eddie Guerrero, Dean Malenko, Juventud Guerrera, Billy Kidman and a host of others were presenting cutting edge professional wrestling night in and night out. It was the most exciting wrestling on prime time television and they often stole the show on PPV, too.
The WWE tried to compete, but their Lightheavyweight division, such as it was, had no chance of competing. The WCW guys were just in a different class altogether. When WWE acquired WCW in March 2001, however, they got the Cruiserweight Tite as part of the package and went about trying to revive the division.
With no history of being able to properly promote smaller wrestlers,...
The cruiserweight division was one of the highlights of WCW in the 1990s. When the nWo and the ‘surprise’ appearances by former WWE stars became tiresome, you could still rely on the fast-moving, high-flying cruiserweights for entertainment.
For years, the likes of Rey Mysterio, Eddie Guerrero, Dean Malenko, Juventud Guerrera, Billy Kidman and a host of others were presenting cutting edge professional wrestling night in and night out. It was the most exciting wrestling on prime time television and they often stole the show on PPV, too.
The WWE tried to compete, but their Lightheavyweight division, such as it was, had no chance of competing. The WCW guys were just in a different class altogether. When WWE acquired WCW in March 2001, however, they got the Cruiserweight Tite as part of the package and went about trying to revive the division.
With no history of being able to properly promote smaller wrestlers,...
- 8/13/2015
- by Lewis Howse
- Obsessed with Film
WWE.com
News has recently surfaced that 20-plus year wrestling veteran Rey Mysterio has been released from WWE, ending his 13-year run with the company. Maybe moreso than any other wrestler the company has ever employed, losing the Mexican living legend may be as important as if, say, WWE released The Undertaker.
If that statement seems bold to you, pause and consider that it may actually not be at all. WWE’s employed luchadores before. Dating back to getting scheduled dates from Mil Mascaras in the WWF to having Eddie Guerrero, Psicosis, Ultimo Dragon, Juventud Guerrera and Super Crazy in the company, lucha megastars have all had runs “up north.” However, how many of them ever became iconic performers and pop cultural names able to become World Heavyweight Champion?
Rey’s a once-in-a-lifetime performer. From his size to his charisma to the groundbreaking nature of his maneuvers and more, he...
News has recently surfaced that 20-plus year wrestling veteran Rey Mysterio has been released from WWE, ending his 13-year run with the company. Maybe moreso than any other wrestler the company has ever employed, losing the Mexican living legend may be as important as if, say, WWE released The Undertaker.
If that statement seems bold to you, pause and consider that it may actually not be at all. WWE’s employed luchadores before. Dating back to getting scheduled dates from Mil Mascaras in the WWF to having Eddie Guerrero, Psicosis, Ultimo Dragon, Juventud Guerrera and Super Crazy in the company, lucha megastars have all had runs “up north.” However, how many of them ever became iconic performers and pop cultural names able to become World Heavyweight Champion?
Rey’s a once-in-a-lifetime performer. From his size to his charisma to the groundbreaking nature of his maneuvers and more, he...
- 3/1/2015
- by Marcus K. Dowling
- Obsessed with Film
Since WWE purchased WCW and the vast video library that came along with it, there have been numerous releases devoted to WCW related content, from the Goldberg set, to the Best of Nitro stuff, down to the Nwo release, but this is the first time WWE has taken a look at the best matches from the rich history of WCW’s Pay-Per-View’s. So here it is, volume one in the greatest matches from the PPV years of WCW.
WCW had some great PPV shows over the years of their existence. From Starrcade to Halloween Havoc, Superbrawl to Uncensored, Road Wild to Sin. Okay, ignore Sin, pretend I didn’t say that.
Here, in this 3 DVD/2 Bd set, you get over 20 matches ranging from 1987 until 2001 and the quality is, for the most-part, very high. From true wrestling greats, such as Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, Sting, Vader, Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage,...
WCW had some great PPV shows over the years of their existence. From Starrcade to Halloween Havoc, Superbrawl to Uncensored, Road Wild to Sin. Okay, ignore Sin, pretend I didn’t say that.
Here, in this 3 DVD/2 Bd set, you get over 20 matches ranging from 1987 until 2001 and the quality is, for the most-part, very high. From true wrestling greats, such as Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, Sting, Vader, Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage,...
- 4/30/2014
- by Chris Cummings
- Nerdly
The cruiserweight division had a very hard long struggle to become a global wrestling success. It started off in the form of lucha libre, perfected and showcased in the likes of Mexico by the likes of the legendary Mil Mascaras. The form was developed on in various different countries like Japan before the high-flying cruiserweights were introduced to America, through the ever-so-daring Ecw.
With the likes of Rey Mysterio and Juventud Guerrera having high-flying, explosive matches that put American audiences on the edge of their seats, the cruiserweight division was further established by WCW and eventually was widely accepted as the replacement for the tried-and-tested Light-Heavyweight division. Eventually, this high-flying style made its way to WWE after the WWE bought-out WCW and their talent, with the likes of Billy Kidman and Tajiri being introduced to the WWE audience. However, after the Cruiserweight Championship’s prestige was hugely damaged by poor...
With the likes of Rey Mysterio and Juventud Guerrera having high-flying, explosive matches that put American audiences on the edge of their seats, the cruiserweight division was further established by WCW and eventually was widely accepted as the replacement for the tried-and-tested Light-Heavyweight division. Eventually, this high-flying style made its way to WWE after the WWE bought-out WCW and their talent, with the likes of Billy Kidman and Tajiri being introduced to the WWE audience. However, after the Cruiserweight Championship’s prestige was hugely damaged by poor...
- 9/13/2013
- by Thomas Robinson
- Obsessed with Film
The WCW was a promotion full of misused talent, the older stars kept the younger stars from blossoming into their full potential, However, there are many examples of WCW talent being misused in WWE, such as Dean Malenko, Ultimo Dragon, Scott Steiner and Perry Saturn, who were all misused in Vince McMahon’s company.
Yet despite this, there are a few examples of WCW talent reaching high levels of success in the WWE. So without further ado, I ask you to cast your eye over these WCW success stories.
5. Rey Mysterio
Rey Mysterio made his name in Mexico fighting the likes of Juventud Guerrera and Psicosis in fresh and innovative matches, emerging as the main draw of an influx of Mexican superstars coming over to the States to make a name and some money for themselves. He firstly appeared in Ecw first before making his debut in the WCW, taking...
Yet despite this, there are a few examples of WCW talent reaching high levels of success in the WWE. So without further ado, I ask you to cast your eye over these WCW success stories.
5. Rey Mysterio
Rey Mysterio made his name in Mexico fighting the likes of Juventud Guerrera and Psicosis in fresh and innovative matches, emerging as the main draw of an influx of Mexican superstars coming over to the States to make a name and some money for themselves. He firstly appeared in Ecw first before making his debut in the WCW, taking...
- 8/6/2013
- by Nathan Ritchie
- Obsessed with Film
WCW may be best remembered for the Nwo angle. A storyline that basically made wrestling “cool” back in the 90s. But there was so much more to World Championship Wrestling… like ridiculous gimmick matches, some of which are considered the worst matches of all time. Though that’s not really fair, it’s not the matches fault, or the wrestlers who took part in them. WCW is to blame for these profoundly stupid match types.
In the right hands with the right participates some of WCW’s dumbest stipulations could become legendary battles talked about for generations. Or at the very least a mild laugh on a Monday night. Here are five WCW matches that WWE needs to bring back and give a fair chance.
5. Piñata On a Pole Match
Vince Russo seemed to believe the ticket to exciting television was to have two or more people fight it out...
In the right hands with the right participates some of WCW’s dumbest stipulations could become legendary battles talked about for generations. Or at the very least a mild laugh on a Monday night. Here are five WCW matches that WWE needs to bring back and give a fair chance.
5. Piñata On a Pole Match
Vince Russo seemed to believe the ticket to exciting television was to have two or more people fight it out...
- 2/12/2013
- by Chris Librizzi
- Obsessed with Film
Alright here’s the thing, Pole matches sometimes (and I mean rarely) have a useful premise. For example if a wrestler has been using a personal weapon unfairly, it’s a good match to even the playing field and give the heel a taste of his own medicine. Whilst in the WWE, William Regal used brass knuckles to his advantage, so Edge vs. Regal in a “Brass Knuckles on a Pole Match” made at least some sense. But over the years, the “On a Pole” stipulation has seen its fair share of ridiculous moments, and we mostly have WCW and Vince Russo to thank.
Here’s a selection of some of the worst/weirdest/most pointless “On a Pole” Stipulations in wrestling history.
Chair on a Pole Match
Crowbar vs. Meng
Ok firstly, Crowbar reaches the chair on his first attempt! No suspense or battling back and forth. Just one...
Here’s a selection of some of the worst/weirdest/most pointless “On a Pole” Stipulations in wrestling history.
Chair on a Pole Match
Crowbar vs. Meng
Ok firstly, Crowbar reaches the chair on his first attempt! No suspense or battling back and forth. Just one...
- 10/17/2011
- by Patrick Farren
- Obsessed with Film
After a hard fought battle on the floor of E3, Dr. Wagner Jr. was victorious over La Parka, Silver King and The Chosen One, El Elegido to become the cover athlete for Lucha Libre Aaa: Heroes del Ring. While Lucha Libre Aaa is the first game of Konami’s new franchise, from the looks of it, it can quickly jump to the top rope of wrestling games.
As I’m sure you know, Lucha Libre is the term used in Mexico for wrestling. Lucha libre is highlighted by masked men and a high-flying, fast-paced matches, which, if they don’t leave you dizzy, will leave you amazed.
Here’s the E3 trailer for Lucha Libre Aaa: Heries del Ring:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMpUtZNEAT0
From what I see in the trailer, I’m Very excited for this game. In the WWE and old WCW games, I always had fun...
As I’m sure you know, Lucha Libre is the term used in Mexico for wrestling. Lucha libre is highlighted by masked men and a high-flying, fast-paced matches, which, if they don’t leave you dizzy, will leave you amazed.
Here’s the E3 trailer for Lucha Libre Aaa: Heries del Ring:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMpUtZNEAT0
From what I see in the trailer, I’m Very excited for this game. In the WWE and old WCW games, I always had fun...
- 6/22/2010
- by T.J. Lauerman
- GameRant
United Kingdom Release Date: Out now
Discs: 3
Running Time: Approx 8 hours
Languages: English, German, French
The Rise and Fall of WCW examines the storied history of World Championship Wrestling, from its beginnings in the territory system through Ted Turner’s acquisition and the savage battles with WWE for sports-entertainment domination in the 90s.
On this 3-dvd set, you will hear from the people behind the scenes and in the ring who witnessed and created the history of the promotion. Exclusive interviews from Jim and David Crockett, Goldberg, Dusty Rhodes, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan and many more give us an inside view of the organization and the highlights and lowlights of its three decade existence, including the first Starrcade, Black Saturday, the emergence of the New World Order, the management turmoil, the ascension of Sting and Goldberg, the final night of its existence and so much more. Packed with extras, including more than 20 complete matches,...
Discs: 3
Running Time: Approx 8 hours
Languages: English, German, French
The Rise and Fall of WCW examines the storied history of World Championship Wrestling, from its beginnings in the territory system through Ted Turner’s acquisition and the savage battles with WWE for sports-entertainment domination in the 90s.
On this 3-dvd set, you will hear from the people behind the scenes and in the ring who witnessed and created the history of the promotion. Exclusive interviews from Jim and David Crockett, Goldberg, Dusty Rhodes, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan and many more give us an inside view of the organization and the highlights and lowlights of its three decade existence, including the first Starrcade, Black Saturday, the emergence of the New World Order, the management turmoil, the ascension of Sting and Goldberg, the final night of its existence and so much more. Packed with extras, including more than 20 complete matches,...
- 11/30/2009
- by Ryan Petty
- The Cinema Post
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