Mercedes Mone Teasing WWE Return on Social Media?

Could Mercedes Mone be laying the groundwork for her return to WWE, close to two years after her final appearance?

Mone, then Sasha Banks, walked out of WWE in May of 2022, alongside her then-tag-team partner Naomi. Mone would join New Japan at Wrestle Kingdom 18 and captured the IWGP Women's Championship the next month. She has been out of action since May due to an injury.

While Mone hasn't appeared for WWE in 19 months, rumors persist that she could one day make a comeback. After all, several Superstars who were once deemed 'never' to make a WWE return did exactly that. This week, Mone added fuel to the speculation with her Instagram Stories. On social media, Mone shared photos of Funko POP! Vinyls, all of which are based on her Sasha Banks WWE tenure.

Mone left WWE on bad terms, but a lot has changed within the promotion since the May 2022 walkout. Triple H now has significantly more influence than before which may help negotiations with the former IWGP Women's Champion. Mone worked closely with the Game during his time as head of NXT and is said to have a good relationship with the DX/Evolution leader.

Contractually speaking, there are currently no obstacles that would block Mone from entering talks with WWE. Her contract with New Japan has expired and she has not signed with any other promotion yet. While Tony Khan has often shared his interest in bringing Mone in, the two sides have yet to reach a deal and it is unknown if there are any current plans to sign her.