During a recent appearance on The Sherri Shepherd Show, professional wrestler Mercedes Moné opened up about the profound influence her cousin, iconic rapper Snoop Dogg, has had on her career. From childhood dreams to wrestling stardom, Moné shared how Snoop’s wisdom and unwavering support have shaped her journey.
A Dream Born at WrestleMania
Moné, formerly known as Sasha Banks in WWE, recalled attending WrestleMania 24 with Snoop Dogg at the age of 16. It was during this pivotal moment that she shared her aspirations of becoming a professional wrestler.
“He told me, ‘Cuzzo, if you want to do it, I believe in you.’ He’s been my biggest supporter ever since,” Moné said, reflecting on the beginning of their close bond.
Snoop’s belief in her dreams marked the start of a lifelong mentorship. As her career progressed, Snoop’s advice became a guiding light, offering her the motivation to persevere.
Life-Changing Advice
Among the many nuggets of wisdom Snoop imparted, one particular piece of advice left a lasting impression.
“He told me, ‘Sometimes in life, you’ve gotta be a hoe,’” Moné revealed with a laugh. “I asked him what he meant, and he explained, ‘You’ve got to put your head down, work hard, and give it your all until you rise above it. Then, you become a pimp—the CEO of your life.’ That stuck with me.”
Moné reflected on how this metaphor perfectly captured her career journey. “Back then, I felt like the hoe, grinding to prove myself. But today, with AEW, I’m the pimp. I’m the CEO of my life, and it feels amazing.”
A Late Start to Family Ties
Surprisingly, Moné didn’t know about her connection to Snoop Dogg until she was about 10 years old. She shared with WTOP News that her father casually mentioned, “Your cousin is a really famous rapper now,” to which she replied, “Oh, cool.”
Their relationship deepened years later when Snoop introduced her to the electrifying world of WrestleMania.
“That’s when we really started to connect,” she said. “Our bond is wrestling. He grew up a huge fan, and I grew up watching it. When we went to WrestleMania together, I told him I wanted to be a wrestler one day.”
Snoop’s Continued Support
Snoop Dogg’s encouragement didn’t stop at words. As Moné’s career in WWE took off, he actively supported her ambitions. He even contributed to her entrance theme during her WWE days and accompanied her to the ring at WrestleMania 32.
“That moment was so special because it felt like everything came full circle. He promised to back my dreams, and there he was, walking me to the ring,” Moné said.
A Legacy of Mentorship
Today, as Mercedes Moné thrives in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), she credits Snoop’s advice and support for helping her navigate the challenges of the industry. His words about hard work, perseverance, and ultimately taking control of her life have become the foundation of her success.
“I’m living proof that when you believe in yourself and put in the work, you can become the CEO of your life,” Moné shared.
Final Thoughts
The bond between Mercedes Moné and Snoop Dogg is a testament to the power of mentorship and unwavering support. From WrestleMania dreams to worldwide wrestling stardom, Moné’s story is a reminder of the transformative power of guidance and determination.
With Snoop’s wisdom as her compass, Moné continues to inspire fans by blazing her trail in the wrestling world, embodying the very advice that shaped her journey.
