WWE’s Royal Rumble event is set to go down at Tropicana Field on January 27th, and the pro wrestling world can’t wait to see how Triple H books his first Rumble without Vince McMahon’s creative oversight. Now, we have a couple possible spoilers about whom to expect during one of the big matches.
The Women’s Royal Rumble match
Mike Johnson from PW Insider reported that Sonya Deville and Jade Cargill could be potential entrants in the upcoming women’s Rumble match. Both of them are reportedly scheduled to be at the Royal Rumble event, but there’s no assurance that they will actively participate in the Rumble match.
Sonya Deville has been on the mend from a torn ACL, focusing on her recovery. Her inclusion in the Rumble match would mark a significant return for Deville, adding anticipation to her comeback in the wrestling scene.
Jade Cargill Has Been Training Hard
Jade Cargill is undergoing training at the Performance Center, gearing up for her WWE in-ring debut. While her participation in the Rumble match is not confirmed, fans are eager to see how her training translates into her first official WWE match.
I asked around specifically about Jade’s status for the Royal Rumble match this Saturday. Although I did not pull down any concrete spoiler on her participation, one tenured member of the creative team told me that, “I’ve heard lots of things regarding Jade Cargill.”
As the 2024 Royal Rumble event approaches, the potential involvement of Sonya Deville and Jade Cargill add an element of unpredictability to the women’s Rumble match, keeping the excitement high for wrestling fans.
Another Possible Royal Rumble Surprise
Trinity finished up her time with TNA Wrestling. She also gave a heartfelt speech after her final television taping event for the company. Her WWE return has been reportedly in line for several weeks. That being said, Naomi’s return is also expected for the Royal Rumble event.
That being said, the Women’s Royal Rumble match could include some big surprises this year, with The Glow, Deville, and Jade Cargill’s names in the situation, anything can happen.
TNA Wrestling presented their Hard to Kill event on Saturday, and a few titles changed hands. After Jordynne Grace won the Knockouts Title from Trinity, many assumed that reports about Naomi’s WWE return were on the money. That comeback may have to wait.
Trinity Fatu’s Current Status
Following her loss of the Knockouts Title to Jordynne Grace at Hard To Kill, some speculated that Trinity’s time with TNA Wrestling had concluded. Contrary to expectations, reports now suggest that her return to WWE might not be imminent.
PW Insider noted that Trinity had additional scheduled dates with TNA Wrestling, and she did not fulfill her commitment on Sunday. This may push her WWE comeback even further.
We are told Trinity had several more dates with the promotion and did not finish up yesterday at TV, where she wrestled Jordynne Grace.
In the past, WWE typically prefers to bring in talent after they wrap up commitments with another television-prominent promotion. They don’t really like to share talent on television, and it’s a rarity that they will even allow a Superstar to do anything else for another company.
TNA Wrestling’s Morale is Good
The report from Mike Johnson further noted that morale within the promotion reportedly experienced a boost after these events, coinciding with the official reintroduction of the TNA brand at Hard to Kill.
It was also noted that Kazuchika Okada’s return to the company after many years was a “healing” moment. This comes after he had been treated so poorly by the previous administration so many years ago.
Trinity may still be WWE-bound, but it appears she has a few more dates with TNA Wrestling to go. Nothing is 100% until contracts are signed, so she may just decide to stick around with the freshly re-branded company, because that option is likely there for her as well.
Trinity Fatu battled Jordynne Grace at TNA Wrestling’s Hard to Kill event. The pro wrestling world was watching, and she had two very special friends who were also there to see her big match.
Mercedes Mone & Bayley Spotted At TNA Wrestling Hard To Kill
TNA Wrestling hosted their Hard to Kill event on pay-per-view. The event featured noteworthy moments, such as Trinity Fatu’s potential final match in the company.
It was previously reported that the current thought is that Naomi will make her return to WWE. So, Fatu lost her Knockouts Title to Jordynne Grace, marking her 3rd reign with the title.
During Hard to Kill, Mercedes Mone and Bayley were seen behind the French announce team’s table, witnessing the matchup between Trinity and Jordynne Grace. They were not shown on screen during the actual pay-per-view event.
Both Bayley and Money were decked out in shades, and beanies, but they were still spotted. It was obvious who they were, but the two stayed off the radar, because they were not there to be a focus.
As of right now, Mercedes Mone appears to be heading to AEW, but she has not debuted for the company yet. It was reported that talks with WWE stalled, because they were far apart with money.
Even if Mercedes Mone and Bayley end up in different wrestling companies, they are still very close. Their presence at Hard to Kill also proves that Naomi has their support.
one thing about Bayley , Trin & Mercedes they gonna show up to support each other pic.twitter.com/wN5Dn1pbRt
According to Fightful Select, that Fatu’s deal with TNA is set to expire very soon and that sources within WWE have said that they feel confident they could re-sign the former Naomi.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 2, 2024
Not only that, but others believe that the company expected it to happen. One source from WWE actually said the following:
“Something huge would have to happen for her to not end up back in WWE sooner than later, but this is a crazy free agent period.”
Trinity has undoubtedly established herself outside of WWE as she made the move to IMPACT and it didn’t take her long to become the Knockouts Champion.
She’s to face Jordynne Grace at Hard To Kill, the official PPV showcasing the TNA rebrand.
Reverberations From Trinity’s WWE Walkout
Fatu would have plenty incentive to return to WWE considering her husband Jimmy Uso is still with the company, but there is an interesting aspect to all this. Fatu notoriously walked out of WWE back in May of 2022 with Mercedes Mone and from how it seems, Mone is expected to join AEW in what is absolutely a “crazy free agent period” for pro wrestling.
Naomi has been away from WWE since last May, when she walked out due to creative differences alongside Mercedes Mone.
It was reported by Bryan Alvarez last month that Naomi was expected to make her return to the company, leading to speculation that it could happen with her being a surprise entrant in the Women’s Royal Rumble match.
That same week, Dave Meltzer reported that talks between WWE and Naomi were ongoing, although nothing had been signed. Fightful also reported that one WWE higher-up was confident Naomi would return to WWE.
Surgery
Obviously, the Royal Rumble PLE has come and gone, and Naomi is still not back. However, her former tag team partner Ariane Andrew (Cameron), may have shed some light on the situation as Andrew noted that Naomi underwent surgery.
“So, she (Trinity Fatu/Naomi) is recovering from shoulder surgery and you know, I want her to answer the question for herself (of what’s next for her). I know she’s recovering from shoulder surgery,” Andrew stated (H/T to POST Wrestling). “But, I’m super proud of her. That’s my sister from another mister and I think you have to ask her for yourself how she’s feeling. See if her shoulder is feeling good because she’s recovering right now. Ask her that question.”
Posted February 28th, 2023 in WWE, News. Tagged: Naomi.
Free agent Mercedes Moné and WWE talent Naomi will appear on the Bar season premiere of Bar Rescue this weekend.
Both Moné and Naomi are keeping themselves busy outside of professional wrestling. They stepped away from WWE on May 16 due to reportedly creative differences. Wrestling fans saw both participate in Fashion Week in New York last year in September. They’ve also been seen together for movie premieres and other events. However, they will soon be making their reality TV debut.
Bar Rescue will have its season 9 premiere on Feb. 26. In a clip to promote their upcoming premiere; the show put out a teaser. Wrestling fans have spotted Moné and Naomi in the episode, watching the host, Jon Taffer, berate a bar owner.
Since the teaser came out, fans have wondered why Moné and Naomi were in that bar. In response to the Public Enemies Podcast, both superstars shared what led them there. It may be a joke, but they seemingly were there to get some drinks and food. It’s unclear if they will be featured more than what was shown in the teaser.
Naomi’s status is unclear. She is still doing work outside of WWE but is still listed on their website as a Friday Night Smackdown roster member. On Jan. 19, Fightful Select reported that a source within WWE has shared they are confident she will return to the company. However, the report didn’t share when she could return to WWE.
Both Moné and Naomi seem to be enjoying their time together and pursuing other opportunities. They will appear at the Emerald City Comic Con on March 4 and 5. Wrestling fans can look forward to seeing the two on TV again on Feb. 26 on the Paramount Network channel at 10 PM ET/ 7 PM PT.
WWE Superstar Naomi’s return to the promotion is just a matter of time, according to one higher-up with the promotion.
Naomi walked out with Sasha Banks (now NJPW’s Mercedes Moné) during the May 16, 2022, episode of Monday Night Raw, over a creative dispute with Vince McMahon.
Naomi and Mone felt that the planned feuds they were going to be in for the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championships devalued the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles they had won at WrestleMania 38.
Confident
It is far too late for WWE to get Moné but there’s still time to win over Naomi.
One WWE higher-up who spoke to Fightful Select said they are “confident” she will be returning to the promotion.
The report adds that prior to the May 2022 walkout, Naomi’s contract was coming up and that she and WWE were excited for her to sign a new deal.
The new contract Naomi was on the cusp of signing was likely the biggest money deal the former SmackDown Women’s Champion had ever seen from WWE.
Naomi has reportedly kept positive contact with WWE despite the walkout and some have speculated that she could be part of next week’s Bloodline Acknowledgement Ceremony (as she is married to Jimmy Uso.)
The higher-up who is confident of her return did not provide a timeline for when fans can expect Naomi back on TV.
Naomi Outside of WWE
It has been over seven months since Naomi walked out, but she has been busy in this time.
In September 2022, Naomi and Moné walked the runway for New York Fashion Week, a first for both women.
The pair also appeared at the premieres for Marvel film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and walked the (green) carpet for the premiere of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.
The Glow made the trip to Japan earlier this month to watch Moné’s debut for New Japan at Wrestle Kingdom 17.
Karl Anderson and Mercedes Mone (aka Sasha Banks) may have made their presence felt at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom, but they weren’t the only WWE names at the event.
Anderson, who returned to WWE in October of last year, lost the NJPW Never Openweight Champion to Tama Tonga, kicking off the latter’s second reign.
Mone, who was quietly released from WWE in June 2022, debuted as Mercedes Mone and confronted IWGP Women’s Champion KAIRI after her successful title defense.
Hours before her former WWE tag team partner prepares to make an expected return to the wrestling stage on Wednesday in Japan, Naomi’s wrestling future has some clarity after several months of uncertainty as she is slated to make a return to WWE.
Bryan Alvarez reported on Tuesday’s Wrestling Observer Live that his impression is that Naomi would be returning to the company, meaning she will not be joining NJPW along with Sasha Banks.
Naomi is Staying
“My belief is she will be returning to WWE because she will almost certainly be returning to WWE,” he said on the broadcast, although he did not give any return date or timeline.
Banks is expected to appear at tonight’s NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17, marking her promotional debut. As previously reported, Naomi is reportedly in the country, as is Bayley, in a show of support for their good friends.
Banks and Naomi, then WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, walked out before an episode of WWE Raw in May 2022 due to issues with their creative direction. They were later stripped of the titles and suspended.
Throughout 2022, fans speculated about them potentially returning to WWE, especially after Vince McMahon resigned and Triple H took over as head of creative as part of the new regime this summer.
Last month it was first reported that Banks was headed to NJPW with her expected to make an appearance at this event. She is currently a free agent after she negotiated her WWE release several months ago.
Posted January 3rd, 2023 in WWE, News. Tagged: Naomi.
The 2-time SmackDown Women’s Champion is expected to accompany Sasha Banks to the event, which will mark the Legit Boss’ first wrestling-related appearance since walking out of the WWE back in May 2022.
Banks — real name Mercedes Varnado — will make her debut in New Japan Pro Wrestling at the company’s biggest event: Wrestle Kingdom. The 17th iteration of the event will begin on January 4, where Banks will make her first appearance with NJPW in a series of dates agreed upon between both parties.
The deal finalized in November, including one date with NJPW’s sister company, STARDOM, in April for their All-Star Grand Queendom event.
Japan Feels The Glow
(Naomi & Sasha Banks)
As of this writing, it’s unclear if Naomi’s presence in Tokyo, Japan will be for anything more than supporting her friend, Sasha Banks.
Banks’ departure from WWE was reportedly solidified last summer, despite still being listed on WWE’s official website as an active member of the roster. While Banks’ next moves in professional wrestling look towards work away from WWE, Naomi’s future with the company remains uncertain.
In September, Naomi, as well as Banks, walked the runway in New York Fashion Week. The duo also appeared at the C2E2 event in Chicago under their real name in August, signing autographs and taking photographs with fans amidst meet and greets.
Another indication that Sasha Banks and Naomi are on their way back to WWE was shown during Saturday’s Crown Jewel premium live event.
There was a change made to the signature video that kicks off all WWE shows, as they are included in the intro. If you blinked, you might have missed it, but many fans on social media were quick to point it out right away, just as Crown Jewel was about to start.
This only adds fuel to the rumors that Banks and Naomi are returning soon after it was reported by WrestlingNews.co in August that an agreement was reached for both women to return.
Several media outlets later reported that there were “hang-ups” in the talks between the company and the two stars. Banks is still under a WWE deal, but they were working on another contract because the current one was due to expire soon.
On Friday, Banks posted a cryptic video that teased something “crazy” happening soon after waiting for it over the past six months.
Banks and Naomi walked out of a WWE Raw event in May due to creative differences, as WWE wanted Naomi to win a six-pack challenge on the show.
Sasha Banks and Naomi have not appeared in WWE since the May 16th edition of RAW.
They were the Women’s Tag Team Champions at the time but creative called for them to enter singles programs ahead of the Hell in a Cell PLE. Sasha and Naomi were scheduled to compete against each other in a Six-Pack Challenge but that never happened.
The Women’s Tag Team Champions walked into former EVP of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis’ desk, left the titles behind, and walked out of the arena. There have been rumors of their return to the company but nothing has come to fruition yet.
The former Women’s Tag Team Champions recently walked the runway at a fashion show in NYC with Bayley in attendance.
Your friendship has never wavered that means everything to me love you DING DONG thank you for being here for us ? @itsBayleyWWE (just know you can still get swung on tho ?) @SashaBanksWWE #NYFWpic.twitter.com/8Mwha03mfe
Sasha, Naomi, Jimmy Uso, and New Day Attend Movie Premiere Today In Los Angeles
Sasha Banks, Naomi, Jimmy Uso, Kofi Kingston, Big E, and Xavier Woods attended Wednesday’s premiere for ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ today in Los Angeles. The crew arrived together and danced on the purple carpet.
The stars walked the purple carpet during the premiere for the Marvel Studios film. Xavier Woods and Naomi posted photos from the event on social media.
Former WWE Champion Big E posted a slow-motion video of the New Day walking the purple carpet. Big E has been out of action since March after suffering a neck injury. He is scheduled to be reevaluated next March to see if he can return to the squared circle.
Naomi’s return to WWE TV may still be a long way away as talks between herself and the promotion have reportedly stalled.
In May, Naomi and Sasha Banks walked out of a Raw taping over a creative dispute.
In response, WWE stripped the pair of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, suspended both women, and branded them “unprofessional.”
Stalled
While fans of Naomi will want her back soon, that is unlikely to happen.
In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is said that certain “deal points” in a new contract haven’t been finalized.
Naomi’s most recent contract with WWE was close to expiring at the time of the walk-out, and it is believed that the promotion may have frozen her deal.
If so, it means the former SmackDown Women’s Champion will not be able to negotiate with any other promotions until the deal expires.
While talks between WWE and Naomi have slowed down, the two sides are reported to still be in communication.
Sasha Banks
While Naomi walked out of WWE during the May 16, 2022 Raw, she didn’t go alone, as Sasha Banks left with her.
For a time, it was believed that both women were finished with WWE, though that isn’t believed to be the case anymore.
At Extreme Rules 2022, Banks’ name was uttered on commentary during the Raw Women’s Championship match between Bianca Belair and Bayley.
This marked the first time Banks had been mentioned since the walk-out and a sign to some that her return is getting closer.
Naomi has reacted to a wrestling fan comparing her to WWE NXT star Lash Legend.
On last night’s edition of NXT, Lash Legend and Wendy Choo traded words to continue their storyline. A wrestling fan on social media mocked the segment and referred to Lash as an “off-brand Naomi”.
The two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion took to Twitter to respond to the comparison. She stated that she looks forward to watching Lash’s success in the industry and requested that fans stop comparing black women for the wrong reasons.
Absolutely NOT! Lash is in her own lane. I’m very proud of her and I look forward to her growth and success. Please stop comparing us black women for the wrong reasons. Respectfully.
Absolutely NOT! Lash is in her own lane. I’m very proud of her and I look forward to her growth and success. Please stop comparing us black women for the wrong reasons. Respectfully.✌️
Naomi and Sasha Banks captured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships during Night 2 of WrestleMania 38. Queen Zelina and Carmella defended the titles in a Fatal 4-Way Tag Team match. Banks and Naomi performed a double team move on Carmella to win the titles.
A little over a month later, Sasha Banks and Naomi walked out of the company during the May 16th taping of RAW. WWE was building towards the Hell in a Cell PPV and the champions were set to battle each other in a Six-Pack Challenge in the main event to determine Bianca Belair’s opponent at the Premium Live Event.
Banks and Naomi walked into former EVP of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis’ office and claimed that they were not respected enough as the tag team champions. They then left the titles on his desk and exited the building.
On the May 20th of SmackDown, Michael Cole announced the two were suspended “indefinitely” and referred to their actions as unprofessional. He announced that there would be a future tournament to crown new Women’s Tag Team Champions.
Sasha Banks and Naomi have been suspended indefinitely. There will be a future tournament to crown the new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. pic.twitter.com/8xhJe0l5bV
More than three months after Banks and Naomi walked out of RAW, Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah defeated IYO SKY & Dakota Kai of Damage CTRL to win the titles in the finals of the tournament.
Rodriguez and Aliyah dropped the titles to Damage CTRL in a rematch on the September 12th episode of RAW. Naomi and Sasha Banks have been rumored to return to the company but have not appeared yet. They recently walked the runway at a fashion show in New York City and a member of Damage CTRL was in attendance.
Your friendship has never wavered that means everything to me love you DING DONG thank you for being here for us 🥲 @itsBayleyWWE (just know you can still get swung on tho 😂) @SashaBanksWWE #NYFWpic.twitter.com/8Mwha03mfe
WWE announced the tournament to crown the new Women’s Tag Team champions in the midst of all this. The tournament was won by Aliyah and Raquel Rodriguez.
It was believed that both Sasha Banks and Naomi will return to TV shortly after this tournament concludes since they never officially lost the titles. However, they haven’t made their return so far.
The glory of pro-wrestling does not come without its cons. For decades wrestlers have been battling severe injuries and long-lasting affects of taking bumps on a weekly basis, which requires them to take certain measures to ease their pain. While many have been able to manage this safely, there are just as many instances where tragedy has struck.
This was the topic of conversation for top industry superstar Sasha Banks (currently a free agent), who has gone through her own battles with pain, anxiety, and depression in the past.
The Boss chatted with “Cannabis & Tech Today” Magazine about her love of CBD, and how it has helped her feel like her old self again.
Being A Wrestler Is Draining
Banks begins by discussing how difficult it is to be a professional wrestler. Just a few years ago, drinking every day and she was taking ibuprofen. CBD helped her break the cycle of alcohol and pain medication. It also alleviated her anxiety.
“Being a professional wrestler, it’s so draining. It’s so, so hard. We’re never home. We’re always banged up and always hurt. And once I got introduced to CBD my life just fully, fully changed. I noticed that anxiety I would get, once I took CBD it all just dissipated. I started to feel like myself again. I started [working] with Manny and Abby, and the more that we learned and grew, we just wanted to create our own project.”
Later the former multi-time women’s champion says that she introduced CBD to several other stars backstage to great reviews.
“And there are so many people in the locker room that I gave CBD to and they’re just like, “Wait, what is this? Oh my God, this makes me feel good.” So you see, not even the culture in wrestling, the culture all over the world is changing.”
Banks has been absent from WWE programming for several months following her and Naomi’s very public departure from the company due to booking disagreements with the now retired Vince McMahon. Multiple reports have recently surfaced indicating that the duo are headed back to WWE, with a big hint being that their roster pages have been restored on the WWE website.
Bayley supports Sasha Banks and Naomi “100 percent, no matter what” amidst their current hiatus from WWE.
Back on the May 16 episode of Monday Night RAW, both Banks and Naomi, then the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, walked out of RAW over creative differences. The pair were subsequently suspended, and even the commentary team took some shots at the pair on live TV.
There were reportedly plans for both Banks and Naomi to enter into storylines for the RAW and SmackDown Women’s Titles, while remaining Tag Team Champions, but both losing their respective title pursuits. This was something seen as disrespectful, prompting the walkout.
In their absence, new Tag Team Champions have been crowned, and a new team has hit the scene. That being the returning Bayley, along with Dakota Kai, and IYO SKY.
This weekend at Clash At The Castle in Wales, the trio will take on Bianca Belair, Alexa Bliss, and Asuka.
WWE.com
Recently, Bayley spoke to Sports Illustrated to hype up the pay-per-view (PPV), and was asked about the ongoing situation with Banks and Naomi. The RAW star said she supports her friends “100 percent.”
“I haven’t thought about whether they would join or whether we would be against them, but something would arise,” Bayley said. “I just want them to know I support them 100 percent, no matter what.”
With Vince McMahon now out at WWE, Banks and Naomi are reportedly expected to return “any week now,” as their issues were with the former Chairman. It will be interesting to see how WWE decides to re-introduce the pair when the time comes.
The WWE Universe was hoping for the return of former Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks and Naomi tonight.
It appeared to be the perfect time for them to make their return. Sasha and Naomi walked out of WWE during the May 16th episode of RAW. They left their Women’s Tag Team Championships on former EVP of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis’ desk and left the arena.
Banks and Naomi were the champions at the time but creative wanted to put the tag titles on the back burner so the two could have singles matches against the RAW and SmackDown Women’s Champions at the Hell in a Cell premium live event. Sasha and Naomi were scheduled to compete against each other in a Six-Pack Challenge on the night they walked out.
The finals of the women’s tag team tournament took place to crown the new Women’s Tag Team Champions. Many fans expected to see them arrive after the match as the real champions but it did not happen. Aliyah and Raquel Rodriguez defeated Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky in the main event of RAW to crown the new champions.
Bayley tried to interfere multiple times but Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Alexa Bliss chased her through the crowd. Dakota and Iyo were distraught by Bayley not being ringside and it allowed Aliyah to tag in while they weren’t paying attention. Dakota Kai went to attack Raquel but Aliyah snuck up from behind and rolled her up to win the tournament. Raquel and Aliyah celebrated with Bianca, Asuka, and Alexa to close the show.
During tonight’s show, a sign could be seen several times that read “We want Naomi, not botch Banks”. The disrespectful sign towards The Boss was shown several times on camera before it was eventually removed.
While Asuka, Alexa, and RAW Women’s Champion Bianca Belair were cutting a promo, a security guard can be seen quickly approaching the fan holding the sign in the crowd. Towards the end of the video below, you can see the security guard walking by the barricade with the sign.
This is so funny to me, the negative Sasha Banks sign in the background, the producer running to snatch the sign and Bianca saying damage control at the same time. Like the coincidence 😭😭. #WWERawpic.twitter.com/dpgN2Jp49t
There had been plans for Banks and Naomi, then the WWE Women’s Tag Champions, to enter feuds for the SmackDown and Raw Women’s Championships, but losing both feuds.
The then-Women’s Tag Team Champions felt this was disrespectful to their titles, and haven’t been seen on WWE TV since.
Any Week Now
While there was a time when it seemed Banks and Naomi were gone from WWE for good, that is no longer the case.
With Vince McMahon retired, it has been reported that the pair have agreed to return, as their main issues were with the former Chairman.
On the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reports that Banks and Naomi are expected back any week now.
Bryan Alverez added that both women have been re-added to the internal roster, a huge sign that they’ve resolved the issues between them and the company.
Tonight’s Raw will see new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions be crowned after Banks and Naomi were stripped of the gold in May.
Changes
Banks and Naomi are expected to be back soon, but they are returning to a much different WWE.
Reports at the time of the walkout stated that the former champions left their WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles on the desk of then Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis.
Laurinaitis has since been released from WWE over his alleged role in the alleged misconduct between Vince McMahon and WWE employees.
In his place, Triple H is serving as Head of Talent Relations, and reportedly has a good relationship with both women.
Sasha Banks and Naomi have kept quiet about their wrestling future since their Raw walkout, but the duo have been making public appearances.
The most recent of these appearances came on Monday when the former WWE women’s tag team champions attended the premiere for new Marvel series She-Hulk.
She Hulk is a new Disney+ series from Marvel. The show follows lawyer Jennifer Walters who becomes a superhero after receiving a blood transfusion from Bruce Banner. It’s set to premiere on August 18, 2022.
Banks herself posted photos from the She-Hulk launch event on social media. As seen in the pictures below, both the wrestling stars were donning green attires matching the occasion:
Sasha Banks and Naomi walked out of WWE back in May due to creative frustrations. At one point it appeared they were done with the company, with reports indicating that Banks had gotten her release.
Things changed after Vince McMahon retired and Triple H took over the creative in the promotion. It’s now believed that Sasha Banks and Naomi have agreed to return to WWE, and a deal has been worked out.
WWE has not yet commented on their return, but it’s believed that they will show up once the ongoing women’s tag team championship tournament has concluded.
Sasha Banks and Naomi have yet to make their return to WWE television. As previously reported, the two sides reached an agreement to return two weeks ago, but nothing has yet to be signed. However, with it being an agreement in principle, it’s believed to be as good as done.
WWE recently started the tournament to crown new Women’s Tag Team Champions. Many fans expect to see Banks and Naomi involved with the tournament in some way.
In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer also speculated that they’re likely to return in the Women’s Tag Team Title tournament as well.
Returning after the Women’s Tag Title Tournament?
Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah will battle Shotzi and Xia Li on tonight’s episode of SmackDown. Io Shirai and Dakota Kai are the favorites to win the tournament.
Meltzer wrote, “If they make the finals, it presumably won’t be on PPV since they already announced Sky & Kai for a trios match on 9/3. This being announced right as Naomi & Banks are expected back is probably not a coincidence and I guess the idea is for them not to be in the tournament and have them surprise appear later.”
When Banks and Naomi return, they will be the latest and biggest stars to be brought back by Triple H since he took over as the head of creative and talent relations.
News broke last week that Sasha Banks and Naomi agreed to return to WWE months after walking out of the company due to creative differences.
During his appearance on Sunday Night’s Main Event, Dave Meltzer reported that the two sides reached an agreement to return a week ago, but nothing has yet to be signed. However, with it being an agreement in principle, it’s believed to be as good as done.
“Last week, which is the last I checked, the contract hadn’t been signed, but they were all expecting that it was happening, Meltzer stated. “They were all on the same page. I was basically told it’s as good as done, but they haven’t signed, so it could fall through. They may have already signed by now, but a week ago, [I was told] they’re back. It could be tomorrow, it could be in a couple of weeks. It’s whatever day they want. They are probably pacing things. You don’t want to show all your cards in week 1 (after Triple H taking over). You want to have something big to talk about weekly for the next couple of weeks. An agreement in principle was reached over a week ago.”
WWE announced last week that a tournament would be held to crown new Women’s Tag Team Champions on tonight’s episode of Raw. Many fans expect to see Banks and Naomi involved with the tournament in some way whether that’s them being part of the tournament or confronting the winners.
Banks and Naomi’s return comes after Triple H took over as head of creative and brought back several stars, including Dakota Kai, IYO SKY, Karrion Kross, and Scarlett.
WWE is expected to be welcoming back two big names very soom.
According to a report from WrestlingNewsCo, a deal has been struck to bring back Sasha Banks and Naomi to WWE.
It was recently reported that WWE was attempting to mend their relationship with the former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Especially since the pair’s issues were with Vince McMahon, creatively, who is now retired.
Naomi and Banks walked out prior to an episode of Monday Night RAW several weeks ago after reported creative differences with McMahon. The WWE commentary team went as far as confirming it during the broadcast.
There has been a lot of speculation as to the status of both women since their walkout, with some reports suggesting Banks has already been granted her release. WWE has yet to confirm any releases for either Banks or Naomi as of this writing.
It will be interesting to see what WWE has in store for them creatively. Especially in regards to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles.
Of course, we’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available on tonight’s episode of Monday Night RAW.
Saraya, whose formerly known as Paige, believes that Sasha Banks and Naomi will return to WWE now that Triple H is in charge.
Saraya officially left WWE on July 7 when her contract expired and the company decided not to re-sign her.
Sasha Banks & Naomi To Return To WWE?
During Saraya’s StarrCast V Media Scrum, Saraya commented on the suspensions and rumored departures of the tag team of Sasha Banks and Naomi.
The former Divas Champion said, “I mean, everyone love Sasha Banks, right? So the four horsewomen in general is such a big and critical part of the women’s revolutions. So, I think she’ll be back. I think now with Hunter in charge, and kind of like taking the reigns and everything anything.
Just SummerSlam in general, just showed how much WWE has changed overnight. I mean, I don’t think anyone’s really been 100% happy with the pay-per-view in a long time and people are walking away from SummerSlam feeling like this is a turning point.
So, I feel like eventually you know Sasha and Naomi hopefully in my opinion will come back.”
SummerSlam Shakes Up The Women’s Division
Last night, at SummerSlam, Becky Lynch challenged for Bianca Belair’s Raw Women’s Title in the opening match. Belair picked up the win after 15 minutes of back and forth action.
Naomi is set to make her first public appearance as she has been booked for C2E2 2022, which takes place from August 5 – 7, 2022, at McCormick Place.
She is going by her real name, Trinity Fatu, and will be doing a signing with fans at the gathering. This is the same first public appearance for Sasha Banks, who is also going by her real name, Mercedes Varnado, and is hyped as “Sasha Banks” and from The Mandalorian, since they walked out of WWE.
Watch Saraya’s Starrcast V Media Scrum here:
If you use any of the quotes above, please credit the original source with a h/t and link back to SEScoops for the transcription.
Naomi is set to make her first public appearance as she has been booked for C2E2 2022, which takes place from August 5 – 7, 2022, at McCormick Place.
She is going by her real name, Trinity Fatu, and will be doing a signing with fans at the gathering. This is the same first public appearance for Sasha Banks, who is also going by her real name, Mercedes Varnado, and is hyped as “Sasha Banks” and from The Mandalorian, since they walked out of WWE.
Banks and Naomi walked out of a WWE Raw event in May due to creative differences. WWE noted in their statement that Banks and Naomi felt they weren’t respected enough as champions and later referred to them as ‘unprofessional.” WWE suspended them and stripped them of the Women’s Tag Team Titles.
The latest on their status with the company is that Banks and Naomi were taken off the company’s internal roster. Banks’ attorneys were still working on her release, but she has not been released yet.
They may get brought back now that Vince McMahon has resigned from the company.
Posted July 29th, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: Naomi.
