A retaining wall system for stabilizing an earthen wall. The retaining wall system comprises a panel structure, an anchor mesh panel, and a lock member. The wall panel defines an exposed face and a rear face. An insert is partly embedded within the wall panel such that a portion of the insert is spaced from the rear face of the wall panel to define a lock opening. The anchor mesh panel comprises at least one tension member defining an anchor axis. The tension member is bent at a first edge location to define a bearing portion. The lock member is inserted through the lock opening to engage the tension member and the insert to inhibit relative movement between the anchor mesh panel and the wall panel.