Mercedes Moné Photoshops Dakota Kai Over Natalya After WWE Releases

Mercedes Moné isn’t staying silent after WWE’s recent wave of talent cuts. The AEW star, formerly known as Sasha Banks, just made a bold statement—one that fans picked up on immediately.

After WWE released multiple stars on May 2, 2025—including Dakota Kai, Shayna Baszler, and Shotzi—Moné took to X with a photoshopped throwback picture. The original image featured her alongside Toni Storm, Shotzi, Shayna Baszler, and Natalya. But this time, Natalya’s face was replaced with Dakota Kai’s.

While Moné didn’t say much, the message was clear. She captioned the post with a tongue emoji with a dollar sign and dollar sign eyes—“🤑”—a subtle jab at WWE’s decision to cut costs by releasing long-tenured talent.

The photoshop came just as fans were reacting to Shotzi’s quiet shift to WWE.com’s alumni section. It was reported that although “she hasn’t been released,” WWE told her they “have no plans to renew her contract,” and her exit is already underway.

Shotzi first joined WWE in 2019 after making waves in EVOLVE and across the indie circuit. She made a name for herself in NXT, winning the Women’s Tag Team Titles with Ember Moon and riding a tank to the ring. Her energy and originality earned a loyal fanbase, even as creative roadblocks and injuries piled up.

As for Moné, she knows what it’s like to bet on herself. Since leaving WWE, she’s become one of AEW’s top draws and continues to show solidarity with talent she once shared locker rooms with.

Do you think Mercedes Moné was throwing shade or just supporting her friends? Should WWE have done more to keep stars like Shotzi and Dakota Kai? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you.