Mercedes Mone: Getting time off from WWE to film ‘The Mandalorian’ was like pulling teeth

Having more freedom to do outside projects is one of the reasons why Mercedes Mone decided to join AEW.

At Forbidden Door this Sunday, Mone is facing off against Stephanie Vaquer in a title vs. title match. Mone’s AEW TBS Championship and Vaquer’s NJPW Strong Women’s Championship will both be on the line.

While doing press to promote the pay-per-view, Mone stopped by WFAN Radio in New York City for an interview with Brandon Tierney & Sal Licata. Mone was asked if there were restrictions in WWE that kept her from doing some of the outside-the-ring things she wanted to.

“Oh yes, oh yes,” Mone responded. “And that’s definitely a big reason why I came to AEW. Even doing ‘The Mandalorian’ was pulling teeth with the WWE to even try to get time off to film that show. So, Tony [Khan] said whatever I need, if I need that private jet to go from — you know, filming in LA to coming for shows, then it’s available for me.”

Mone played the character Koska Reeves in “The Mandalorian,” a Disney+ TV series from the Star Wars franchise.

She told Tierney & Licata that she loves being able to go by her birth name Mercedes in AEW. Mone wasn’t born as Sasha Banks and can’t own that name.

Mone said WWE will always hold a special place in her heart. In AEW, she wants to help globalize women’s wrestling and show fans how many incredible women’s performers there are around the world.

This is the third annual AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door event. The PPV is taking place from UBS Arena in Long Island, New York on Sunday.