Mercedes Moné may be a pro wrestling champion again after winning the IWGP Women’s Championship at NJPW Battle in the Valley, but that doesn’t mean her ambitions outside the ring are slowing down.
Quite the opposite, in fact. Variety broke the news that Moné — real name Mercedes Varnado, and known to wrestling fans everywhere as Sasha Banks during her time in WWE — has signed with United Talent Agency, or UTA.
UTA is one of the biggest talent agencies in the world, with hundreds of agents representing clients across every form of entertainment imaginable. The article suggests the agency will help Moné “secure new opportunities across film, television, theater and more.”
That would seem to mesh pretty well with her stated plans of taking her brand global. Working with NJPW is a big step in that direction already, though Moné has yet to work in Japan or outside the U.S. since agreeing to a deal with the company in January. She’s expected to make her in-ring Japanese debut in April.
Moné also started dipping her toes into the world of TV and film during her stint in WWE. She made a high profile TV debut playing Koska Reeves on the Disney+ series “The Mandalorian,” a well-regarded and popular part of the Star Wars universe. Appearances on unscripted reality and competition shows followed, but Moné has yet to have another significant acting role.
Signing with UTA signals that may change sooner rather than later. Fans will have to keep an eye on not just when Moné will wrestle again, but where else she might be popping up since the agency should help her have more options that ever.
For more on Moné and her plans for the near future, check out her recent appearance on our Under the Ring podcast with host Phil Strum below.