Mone posed in the ring, and made it clear she wants a shot at the IWGP Women’s Championship.
The former Raw Women’s Champion dropped KAIRI with a modified Gory Bomb, and said she knows all about making history.
Calling herself the CEO of this women’s division, More vowed to make KAIRI bankrupt when they face off.
Mercedes Mone has challenged Kairi for the IWGP Women’s Championship at Battle In The Valley on February 18th. "I'm going to leave you bankrupt, bitch!" pic.twitter.com/1eV7FZwswD
Mercedes Varnado, formerly known as Sasha Banks, has given her thanks hours before she is reportedly expected to appear at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17
The former WWE star sent out multiple thank you messages on social media to WWE, Vince McMahon, Triple H, William Regal, the WWE Universe, The Krew (her fans), and her former persona.
Banks hasn’t appeared on WWE television since last May when she and Naomi, who were the reigning WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions at the time, walked out on the company due to a creative dispute with Vince McMahon.
Banks negotiated her WWE release months ago before becoming a free agent on January 1.
AEW talent told Fightful Select they’ve been “no sold” when asking about Sasha Banks being Saraya’s partner on January 11, but they’re still of the belief it’s her.
“The fact that it wasn’t shot down either on screen or internally, promoting it a month out, it being a week after her Wrestle Kingdom appearance, and the cast of characters involved in the tag match were all points brought up to us by talent in the company when assuming it was her.”
One talent said they didn’t believe a deal was done or “could have been completed” as of last week because she had to wait out her WWE non-compete clause.
The former Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion was suspended for her actions, which were deemed “unprofessional” on TV.
Boss ‘n Hug
Banks’ former tag-team partner Bayley will be at Wrestle Kingdom to support her friend, PW Insider has learned.
The report did not specify whether the Damage CTRL member was sent by WWE, but notes that she “shouldn’t be expected to be seen on camera.”
Bayley isn’t the only support Banks will have, as reports have come out that Naomi, who walked out of WWE with her in May, is also in Tokyo for the show.
Naomi’s status with WWE remains unclear and there has been no confirmation as to whether she has been released.
Bayley has been feuding with Becky Lynch since The Man’s in-ring return at WWE Survivor Series: WarGames, and appeared on this week’s Monday Night Raw.
Banks in New Japan
Sasha Banks’ impending arrival in New Japan Pro Wrestling is a huge score for the company as they seek to grow their own women’s division.
It is believed that Banks will confront the winner of the IWGP Women’s Championship match between KAIRI (aka Kairi Sane) and her challenger Tam Nakano.
Banks’ contract is said to be for five matches a year with New Japan, and she is set to make more per appearance for the promotion than she did during her tenure with WWE.
It has been a whirlwind of events for Sasha Banks (Mercedes Varnado) since she and her then WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion partner, Naomi (Trinity Fatu), walked out on Raw on that fateful mid-May day. For Banks, she kept herself busy, which only added to the rampant speculation as to her eventual destination – if it was even in professional wrestling.
Then, a figurative bomb dropped: Banks is set to appear at New Japan Pro Wrestling’s biggest show of the year on January 4, Wrestle Kingdom 17, which is once again a one-night affair. While her appearance has yet to be announced by New Japan, speculation is she will be jump straight into the IWGP Women’s Championship picture.
So, how did we get here? Here’s a timeline dating back to Varnado’s and Fatu’s walkout to what we know now. Much of this was corroborated through the December 19 Voices of Wrestling podcast’s flagship episode beginning around the 1:45:10 mark.
Note: I will refer to Banks and Naomi while discussing anything regarding WWE, but use Varnado and Fatu when discussing them outside of WWE. Varnado has also trademarked “Mercedes Moné,” indicating this may be her name outside of WWE.
May 16, 2022 – The Walkout
(via WWE)
It was reported during that night’s Raw that Banks and Naomi walked out due to creative differences they had concerning the tag team division. They had been set to involved in a six-pack challenge match to determine Bianca Belair’s challenger for her title at Hell in a Cell.
Michael Cole informed viewers – in very WWE-friendly terms – that Banks and Naomi walked out during the show. WWE also issued this statement, which blamed the wrestlers because “even though they had eight hours to rehearse and construct their match, they claimed they were uncomfortable in the ring with two of their opponents even though they’d had matches with those individuals in the past with no consequence.”
May 20 – Indefinite suspension
It was four days later on SmackDown that Michael Cole announced that Banks and Naomi had been suspended indefinitely and stripped of their Tag Team Championship. This announcement was made notorious by Cole stating that Banks and Naomi had “let down millions” of WWE fans with their actions.
In those four days, word came down that Naomi had been set to win the six-pack challenge and face Belair while Banks was set to face Ronda Rousey for her title. Both Banks and Naomi were set to lose though as mentioned earlier, they had concerns over the direction of the tag team division and not about their scheduled losses.
Fans also noticed during the packaged “WWE Then, Now, Forever, Together” intro video that both Banks and Naomi were removed. Cody Rhodes replaced Banks while Rousey replaced Naomi. WWE also removed all of their merchandise from WWEShop.
June 15 – Banks’ release
I'm hearing Sasha Banks has been released. I don't know if it's he requested it or if it was on WWE's end
June 15 saw even more breaking news as WrestlingInc.com founder Raj Giri tweeted Banks had been released from WWE. While some questioned his reporting, his news was confirmed by other wrestling journalists, thus refuting the skepticism from the questioning.
While Banks was released, nothing was known at the time about Naomi’s status. The VoW pod reported that WWE had come to their separation agreement with Banks over the summer with the agreement that January 1, 2023 was the earliest she could take wrestling bookings. Fightful later confirmed she signed a deal with Bushiroad for multiple dates with VoW reporting her per event fee was the highest in Bushiroad’s history.
July 6-7 – Removal from WWE’s internal roster
(via WWE)
Further strengthening Giri’s report about Banks’ release, between July 6 and 7, WWE removed both Banks and Naomi from their internal roster. The distinction of “internal roster” is key as WWE still has made no acknowledgement of Banks’ – or Naomi’s – status with the company.
In fact, if you go to WWE.com, Banks and Naomi are still listed as SmackDown wrestlers even though WWE has released Banks and has no plans on bringing back Naomi.
September 9 – Walking the runway
Varnado and Fatu kept their names in the headlines, but not within the world of wrestling. In September, they walked the runway at New York Fashion Week, a high honor. This was another sign to their detractors that both Varnado and Fatu have name recognition and demand outside of professional wrestling.
Then, on December 3, Varnado tweeted that she had just finished filming her first movie. Apparently, she was set in The Collective from Tom DeNucci. This comes after she appeared in the hit Disney+ series The Mandalorian.
December 5 – Barmageddon!
While the news of her appearing on the new USA show Barmageddon was revealed by Brie Bella on The Bellas Podcast in October, and previews that aired during both Raw and NXT showed clips of The Bellas and Banks (presumably filmed while still with WWE), Barmageddon debuted on December 5.
December 8 – Reported to appear at Wrestle Kingdom 17
NJPW does not have a women’s division, but is owned by the same company that owns World Wonder Ring Stardom. Varnado has made her affinity for Stardom and the wrestlers there known, but even if she doesn’t wrestle there, she can always wrestle on NJPW productions.
The inaugural and current IWGP Women’s Champion is KAIRI, fka Kairi Sane. Varnado teased a potential match with KAIRI a few months ago, and the plan seems to be her confronting the winner of the title match between KAIRI and Tam Nakano at WK 17 (presumably KAIRI).
December 21 – Arrival in Japan
Varnado then arrived in Japan on December 21, two weeks ahead of her scheduled debut with NJPW and Stardom. It’s likely she’s using the time to acclimate to the time difference while training in preparation of her upcoming appearances.
The VoW pod reported that Bushiroad is adamant about exposing the West to their women’s wrestling with the belief that there is a “dearth of quality women’s wrestling” in the West. they believe their best way to make this happen is through NJPW and the IWGP Women’s Championship. Having Varnado and presumably KAIRI – two names well known to Western wrestling fans – leading the way should do well in achieving this goal.
That’s the timeline of Sasha Banks’ WWE release and Mercedes Varnado’s path to New Japan Pro Wrestling and Wrestle Kingdom 17. Be sure to tune into Wrestle Kingdom 17 in a few short days on January 4, 2023 to witness Varnado’s debut in New Japan Pro Wrestling!
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.
AEW star Saraya is proud of Sasha Banks for having the guts to walk out of WWE when she felt undervalued and mistreated.
Banks now a free agent for the first time in many years. WWE attempted to re-sign her to a new deal, but the two sides failed to reach an agreement. The Legit Boss will now embark on a new chapter in her storied career. Later this week, she’s expected to attend NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom pay-per-view from the Tokyo Dome and explore other opportunities in wrestling, the entertainment industry and beyond.
Saraya tells Alistair McGeorge of Metro.co.uk that she’s proud of her former colleague for taking her career into her own hands.
“… She knows her worth and she knows she wants to be treated a certain way, and she deserves to be treated that way because she’s done a lot for the wrestling business.”
– Saraya proud of Sasha Banks
Sasha Banks is one of the rare attractions in pro wrestling who moves the needle, in terms of ‘butts in seats’ and merchandise sales. Her army of fans tune in and pay up to see her in action. We haven’t seen Banks on television since May 2022, so there is pent-up demand to see what she’ll will do next.
Banks is now in control of her own destiny. She’ll soon be wrestling in Japan, but maintains the flexibility to work wherever her schedule allows.
Saraya says whoever gets to work with Sasha Banks will be very lucky.” She “selfishly” admits that she hopes they cross paths again.
‘Wherever she ends up, I’m gonna be happy for her, and anyone that gets her is gonna be very, very lucky,” she said. “I just selfishly hope that I get to wrestle her one day,’ she admitted.
We’re just days away from Wrestle Kingdom 17, where we know Sasha Banks will be making an appearance. She is believed to have multiple dates with NJPW scheduled and is rumored to be Saraya’s mystery partner for the January 11 episode of AEW Dynamite.
She also recently finished filming her first movie in Boston. Banks said in an Instagram Live that a makeup brand along with tutorials are coming. As of today, she is free to take wrestling bookings.
Good morning. Mercedes Varnado is free to take wrestling bookings
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 1, 2023
Sasha Banks Files New Trademark
On December 1, she trademarked her real name, Mercedes Varnado. There’s been strong hints that she will use the name Mercedes Mone’ in wrestling. It’s a name she trademarked in November. On Christmas Day, she tweet “Mone Christmas”.
Through her company Soulnado, Inc., she trademarked Mone Banks. The filing is merchandise related and includes items such as jewelry, collectible printed trading cards, printed posters, coffee mugs, and clothing.
In addition, here are the other names she has trademarked:
– Mone’ Talks – Bank Mone’ – Statement Maker
Whatever Banks has up her sleeve, we should know more in just a few days.
In May, Sasha Banks and Naomi walked out of an episode of WWE Raw over a creative dispute about how they were being booked as WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.
They put their titles on John Laurinaitis’ desk and left the arena before the company stripped them of the titles and suspended them. The commentary teams for both Raw and SmackDown publicly chastised them for weeks.
Once Laurinaitis and Vince McMahon were gone from the company, some fans believed it would only be a matter of time before the two returned. For Naomi, fans are still waiting for that day to happen while Banks negotiated her WWE release months ago and is slated to start working for NJPW next month.
Banks reportedly signed a highly-lucrative contract with New Japan’s parent company Bushiroad. Although not confirmed, it’s believed Banks will feud with Kairi (Sane) over the IWGP Women’s Championship.
Dax Harwood, who is good friends with Banks, offered some insight in a new interview with AdFreeShows while promoting his new podcast “FTR With Dax Harwood.” He noted that she worked hard for the company and became a big star, but still feels slighted.
Insight
“I think that, just like me, I feel that sometimes she gets a bad rep because of how passionate she is and how much she wants,” Harwood explained. “You know, she wants it all, but she wants to work for it. That’s the same with us. Like, I want everything this business, but I want to work for it and I want you to know that I’m going to work hard for you, and that’s her, man. She knows what she deserves, and she knows what she’s earned, and she works her ass off to get it, and if she doesn’t get it, she feels slighted and she has a reason to feel that way. Huge star, huge heart, beautiful human being, the greatest woman wrestler of all time. I think she’s just incredible.”
FTR was in action on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite, where they lost to Austin & Colten Gunn.
Sasha Banks has reportedly arrived in Japan, days before she is expected to start the next chapter in her pro wrestling career.
It was anyone’s guess that Banks would end up in wrestling after she and Naomi walked out of WWE in May of this year. That changed when it was recently reported that Banks was scheduled to be at NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 17 event on January 4.
She is slated to do multiple dates for NJPW/STARDOM as she has been able to get her release from WWE.
Arrival
According to a report by PWInsider, Banks has now arrived in Japan ahead of her appearance at Wrestle Kingdom 17:
“PWInsider.com is told that Mercedes Varnado, aka Sasha Banks, is now in Japan in advance of the 1/4/23 New Japan Pro Wrestling Tokyo Dome event.”
Banks’ appearance at the upcoming show is still yet to be officially announced by NJPW so it looks like it will be saved as a surprise. Many fans expect that she will be setting something up with the winner of the IWGP Women’s Title match between Champion KAIRI & Tam Nakano.
The top matches on the card include Kazuchika Okada vs. Jay White for the IWGP World Heavyweight Title, and Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay for the IWGP United States Heavyweight Title.
Sasha Banks, real name Mercedes Varnado, will go to Japan earlier than expected.
It was originally reported that the former WWE Women’s Champion is expected to appear at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17. It has since been revealed that Varnado has verbally agreed to a deal with NJPW after negotiating her release from WWE months ago with the stipulation that she couldn’t do anything wrestling related until 2023.
Hiroaki Sawa confirmed that Varnado would be back in Japan in the middle of this week. Sawa tweeted (Translated from Japanese):
The Announcement
“Sasha Banks, a female top wrestler who has surpassed 5.6 million Instagram followers and is active in the American professional wrestling organization WWE, will be staying in Japan from the middle of this week. Hope to collaborate with Japanese brands. If you are interested in brands or agencies, how about MTG including her on the night of 12/21 (Wednesday) or 12/23 (Friday)? I’ll be waiting.”
Although not confirmed, the belief is Banks will appear at Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4 to confront KAIRI, who will be defending her IWGP Women’s Championship on the show.
Contract talks between Banks and WWE fell through due to money, as Banks wanted to be paid on the level of Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch. They also thought she had peaked as a top star.
Sasha Banks’ time with WWE has come to an end, but the former Women’s Champion may not be gone for good.
This week, it was reported that Banks reached an agreement in June to leave WWE, on the basis that she would not do anything wrestling-related for the rest of the year.
Banks will be a free agent come January 1, and has reportedly signed a lucrative per-appearance deal with New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Return to WWE
Banks’ first appearance for New Japan will come at the Wrestle Kingdom 17 event on January 4.
During the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that some in WWE are confident she will be back.
“There’s no reason at all that she can’t go back to WWE if she wants to. That door is not shut at all. People in WWE think she’ll be back, but who knows when? whereas with Mandy, she might. She might not, who knows? There’s a lot of questions because of the content, whether they would want her back with the sponsors.”
Dave Meltzer.
Mandy Rose’s departure from WWE was also confirmed this week, after the promotion learned of the content shared on her fan website.
Money
For now, Sasha Banks is out of WWE, a decision that comes down to money.
On his show, Meltzer explained how despite being a “given” at one time that she would be returning to WWE, the two sides were never close to a financial agreement
“It wasn’t close on money, but there were points when it was a given that she would be back. It was a question of when not even if. Their feeling from the WWE side is that she was asking too high of a price. From her side [she was not asking too high of a price.] That was the thing. She had how much she thought she was worth. And they were not close.
“She’s making a lot of money per date, and she’s got a lot of things she can do. Between the acting and things like that. She can market herself in many different ways. She has a better long-term than Mandy Rose, in the sense that she’s a really outstanding wrestler, and can go to Japan and wrestle. She’s in a good spot with the partial schedule.”
While it is unconfirmed how much Banks will be earning, it is believed she will earn more per appearance in Japan than with WWE.
Banks will reportedly be the highest-paid name under a contract with Bushiroad, the parent company of NJPW and STARDOM.
Sasha Banks and WWE were nowhere close to reaching a deal as the promotion no longer see potential in her, the Wrestling Observer Newletter reports.
This month, it was reported that Banks will appear for New Japan’s Wrestle Kingdom 17 event on January 4.
The former Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion hasn’t appeared for WWE since walking out of the May 16, Raw over a creative dispute.
Negotiations
For months, it was believed that Banks and WWE would reach an agreement that would facilitate her return to the promotion.
The Observer reports that the two sides were not close on money and that the only deal reached in the summer was for her to leave.
Banks did return to the negotiating table after Vince McMahon’s retirement in July, and despite belief of a “done deal” at the time, the two remained far apart on money.
Horsewomen
It is unclear how much exactly Banks was seeking from WWE, but the Observer writes that it was a number close to the levels of Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair.
WWE at the time did not see Banks as somebody who would be on top for the next five years, and instead, believe that she has already peaked as a wrestler.
The company acknowledged that if they did bring her back, there would be a ‘honeymoon’ period of fan support for her, but believed that would not be long-lasting.
It is believed within WWE that Banks could make a fine singles or tag champion, but she is far from a name WWE can build a women’s division around.
Dave Meltzer writes that New Japan cannot afford to pay anywhere close to her WWE deal, but that she will earn more per appearance than for WWE.
New details have emerged regarding Sasha Banks’ (Mercedes Varnado) reported exit from WWE and her potential deal with New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
According to Fightful Select, WWE and Sasha Banks negotiated her exit from the company several months ago, around the time Wrestling Inc’s Raj Giri tweeted that he was hearing she had been released.
I'm hearing Sasha Banks has been released. I don't know if it's he requested it or if it was on WWE's end
It should be noted that WWE has not confirmed Sasha’s release and she is still listed on the roster on the company’s website.
Fightful added that Sasha can take wrestling-related bookings starting on January 1st, and several conventions considered rebranding as “entertainment” conventions rather than pro wrestling in an effort to try and book her before the start of 2023.
Her deal with New Japan Wrestling is a “go” and was reportedly agreed upon in November. Sources told Fightful that they hadn’t heard anything regarding Mercedes and All Elite Wrestling, but that does not mean the 30-year-old won’t appear in the promotion.
Sasha Banks Teases Fans That “Something Crazy is Coming”
The Boss sent out a video ahead of Crown Jewel that led fans to speculate that she would be making an appearance at the premium live event. Sasha did not appear at Crown Jewel or at WWE Survivor Series in her hometown on November 26th.
She stated that she was taking November to prepare for making all her dreams happen and that the date she has been waiting for is approaching. Banks added that there will be something “so f***ing crazy coming”.
And I can’t wait, but I’m really going to make the most of this November to make all my dreams happen in preparation for this date that I’ve been waiting for.
I’m very excited and I hope you guys come along for this journey, which I know a lot of you have been with me for so long. So thank you.
But I just want to let you know that there is going to be something so f***ing crazy coming!
“The day is coming that I’ve been waiting for for the past 6 months — There’s going to be something so fucking crazy coming”
Saraya is neither confirming nor denying the reports that Sasha Banks will make her debut for AEW next month as her mystery partner.
The former Paige debuted for AEW at September’s Dynamite: Grand Slam and had her first match at Full Gear, defeating Britt Baker.
This also marked Saraya’s first match since a neck injury suffered at a December 2017 WWE Live event ended her in-ring career.
Sasha Banks
During that infamous WWE Live event, Saraya’s injury happened after she took a kick to the back of the head by Sasha Banks.
It was reported this week that Banks is ‘done’ with WWE, after being suspended in May for walking out of an episode of Raw.
During an interview with Forbes, Saraya responded to speculation that the former Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion could team with her in AEW.
“I feel like anytime there’s a mystery, everyone always goes straight for Mercedes (Sasha Banks). They’re like—straight away—it’s her! There’s plenty of women out there, I’m not going to say yes or no to anybody, but there’s a lot of exciting prospects for a potential tag partner.”
Saraya.
Saraya and a mystery partner will face AEW Women’s World Champion Jamie Hayter and Britt Baker on the January 11, 2023, episode of AEW Dynamite.
Banks in Japan
Banks could be in AEW soon enough, but that’s not the only promotion with an eye on the Boss.
WWE Superstar Bayley and Sasha Banks were on an Instagram Live earlier today and The Boss spoke about her first-time filming a movie. Sasha recently had a supporting role in Disney+ The Mandalorian series as Koska Reeves.
Insane how full circle that is, to get a first movie and to know that it’s in Boston. It came at a weird point where I was right in the middle of training in Mexico, so I kind of had to choose what days I needed to give up for that. To go back and forth between Boston and Mexico was such an incredible experience that I can say that I did it, I accomplished that, and it’s cool.
Sasha Banks on filming her first movie in Boston
The Boss then discussed her upcoming makeup line set to be released next year. Sasha noted that tutorials are coming as well, she just to get everything in order before 2023.
I’m trying to slow down because I do too much. A makeup line is coming. A makeup brand is coming, tutorials are coming. I’m doing so much, especially the last [month] of 2022, December, I have a couple more weeks to get everything in order before the new year. I’m just working.
Sasha Banks has not appeared on WWE TV since she walked out of the company with Naomi during the May 16th edition of Raw.
Since then, The Boss has teased fans that the date she has been waiting for is coming up and fans speculated that she would be returning to WWE at Survivor Series in her hometown of Boston, MA.
After it was revealed that Becky Lynch was the final member of Team Bianca for Survivor Series, rumors began to circulate that Sasha will be appearing WrestleKingdom 17. Banks did make an appearance in Boston recently, she was spotted at the Celtics game in the same venue Survivor Series was held.
The multi-time former Women’s Champion hasn’t been seen on WWE programming since walking out of the May 16, episode of Raw over a creative dispute.
The Deal
Banks’ deal with Bushiroad, the parent company of both NJPW and STARDOM, will make her the highest-paid contracted wrestler, Voices of Wrestling reports.
They report that STARDOM pursued Banks not long after her May walkout and that Banks also showed interest in working with the promotion.
STARDOM’s booker Rossy Ogawa walked away from negotiations after hearing Banks’ “exorbitant” asking price, which was said to be beyond the company’s budget.
These talks resumed months later after Bushiroad President Takaaki Kidani gave Ogawa the green light to pursue Banks.
It is believed that The Boss will confront IWGP Women’s Champion KAIRI, who became the first holder of the title last month at NJPWxSTARDOM Historic X-Over.
Highest Earner
Banks’ agreement with Bushiroad will make her the highest-paid name to ever be contracted, even higher than Chris Jericho.
For his feud with Kenny Omega that culminated in a match at Wrestle Kingdom 12 in 2018, Jericho was paid $100,000 per appearance for NJPW.
As Dave Meltzer pointed out on Wrestling Observer Radio, Jericho was practically underpaid due to how much revenue he brought to New Japan with his match.
Per appearance, the former Women’s Champion will earn far more than she made in WWE, though she is expected to be booked five times in 2023.
This leaves Banks with plenty of time for other projects, including possibly working in AEW, something that has reportedly been on her bucket list.
Those in New Japan Pro Wrestling only found out about Sasha Banks’ impending Wrestle Kingdom appearance when they read the news online.
This week, it was reported that Banks will be attending the January 4, 2023, event, but it is unclear if she will be competing, appearing on-screen, or just being present at the show.
Banks has been suspended from WWE programming since May after she and Naomi walked out of an episode of Raw over a creative dispute.
In the Dark
Banks’ involvement with New Japan is huge news given that she remains under contract with WWE.
During the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that everyone he spoke to in New Japan was not told that the Boss would be at the show.
“There’s nobody there that knew anything about it… including some big insiders.”
Dave Meltzer.
Meltzer added that the winner of the IWGP Women’s Championship match at Wrestle Kingdom between champion KAIRI and challenger Tam Nakano will have their next title defense in San Jose.
Next Stop, AEW?
Banks could be competing for New Japan Pro Wrestling soon enough, but many have speculated whether AEW is next on her list.
Fightful Select reported this week that some in Tony Khan’s promotion believe Banks at Wrestle Kingdom is a sign that her WWE contract is up.
One source who wished to remain anonymous said they believe bringing Banks in could turn around AEW’s dwindling ratings compared to previous years.
Some have suggested that Banks could be Saraya’s mystery partner for her January 11, tag match against AEW Women’s World Champion Jamie Hayter and Britt Baker.
It was Banks’ kick that would cause the neck injury that cost Saraya nearly five years of in-ring action.
Sasha Banks and Bayley are slated to reunite next week.
Bayley announced via Instagram that Banks would be part of her charity stream on December 14 to benefit the Family Giving Tree. The two stars are former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and have been good friends for years as part of the WWE Four Horsewomen.
Banks walked out of WWE alongside Naomi due to creative differences. While WWE and Banks had talks regarding a return, it’s been reported that the talks have stalled due to money. She is reportedly set to attend NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17.
Bayley’s Announcement
(via WWE)
“You’re welcomeeee!…. Because my 3rd guest joining me on IG live Dec 14 to benefit @familygivingtree is the one and only @themercedesvarnado. A main event of Wrestlemania, a star in The Mandalorian, killing the runways on Fashion weeks, co-owner of an award winning CBD company (@kanndelabs), and that’s all I’ll say for now because she’s gonna get a big head over this.
The best thing about having her on is that Mercedes asked ME to be a part of this interview to help spread the love.
Please join us next Wednesday, Dec. 14, as I’ll be hanging out with some amazing people. We can share some hot cocoa, answer some questions you may have, play games, and enter to win raffles! Click the link in my bio to see how you can contribute to @familygivingtree this year.”
Bayley is currently part of WWE Raw as a member of Damage CTRL alongside Dakota Kai & IYO SKY.
It was reported earlier today that Sasha Banks is heading to New Japan Pro Wrestling’s biggest show of the year.
Mike Johnson of PW Insider reported that Mercedes Varnado (Banks) is reportedly set to appear at Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4th at the Tokyo Dome.
“While it is unknown whether Varnado will be appearing before the live crowd, we are told that NJPW is bringing Varnado in to the event.”
According to a new report from Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, AEW talent is excited about the possibility of The Boss coming to All Elite Wrestling.
AEW aired a segment on Rampage to set up a tag team match between Britt Baker & AEW Women’s Champion Jamie Hayter versus Saraya & a mystery tag team partner for the January 11th episode of Dynamite in Los Angeles.
Sasha Banks has been rumored to be the mystery superstar a couple of times now. Many fans hoped that she would be the final superstar on Team Bianca at Survivor Series WarGames in her hometown but it was Becky Lynch instead. Now some fans and AEW talent are hoping that she’s Saraya’s partner on January 11th.
Fightful spoke with several AEW talent after the news earlier today about Mercedes reportedly appearing at Wrestle Kingdom. One source told Fightul that Sasha Banks joining AEW would be huge and referred to her as a potential anchor of the women’s division. The source added that Sasha Banks joining AEW would kickstart interest in the company and help viewership “significantly”.
The Boss will be appearing on an upcoming episode of Barmegeddon on January 2nd, 2023. The celebrity game show airs after WWE Raw on the USA Network.
Sasha Banks and Naomi walked out of WWE during the May 16th edition of Raw. Sasha recently teased that the date she has been waiting for is coming and “something crazy” is going to happen.
WWE Superstar Sasha Banks is reportedly headed to New Japan Pro Wrestling’s biggest event of the year, Wrestle Kingdom.
The Legit Boss is reportedly headed to Wrestle Kingdom 17, which takes place Wednesday, January 4 from the Tokyo Dome. The news was first reported by Mike Johnson of PWInsider and is based on several sources close to the situation.
“While it is unknown whether Varnado will be appearing before the live crowd, we are told that NJPW is bringing Varnado in to the event.”
Banks, real name Mercedes Varnado, has been playing something of a will-they/won’t-they with WWE ever since she and Naomi (Trinity Fatu) walked out of WWE, leaving the WWE Women Tag Team Titles on a desk (or, in the trash, if WWE hyberbole is to be believed).
Recently, Varnado has filed a number of trademarks related to her given and former name, including ‘Mercedes Mone’, Mone’ talks, Bank Mone’, and Statement Maker.
Back on October 16, Varnado whet wrestling fans’ appetites by teasing a match with Kairi Sane, the reigning (and inaugural) IWGP Women’s Champion.
The Statements Don’t Lie
Varnado is a multi-time WWE Women’s Champion, winning the WWE Raw Women’s Championship, the WWE Smackdown Women’s Championship, the NXT Women’s Championship, and the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship (which, if WWE is to be believed, she ate a spaghetti dinner off of and then threw it off a mountain).
It’s unknown how, in fact, Varnado was actually able to walk out of her contract without any penalties or fines. It’s also unknown if she’ll actually be wrestling at Wrestle Kingdom, or simply making an appearance. Either way Varnado in any company is sure to make an impact (please dear God don’t let it be IMPACT).
Stay tuned to SEScoops as we provide updates on this developing story.
Sasha Banks (Mercedes Varnado) has secured some interesting trademarks that provide some insight into her future plans. The trademarks were registered on behalf of her company, Soulnado, Inc., which was formed in August 2022.
The filings are clearly not WWE-related. The trademarks are listed for categories such as jewelry, decals, clothing, action figures, and entertainment services.
Performances by an Actor or Musician
Last week (December 1), she applied to trademark her real name, Mercedes Varnado.
The ‘Goods and Services’ usage description provides some interesting clues about what she’s planning for her professional career. There are some references to wrestling, but most of the description covers ‘live performances by an actor or musician.’
Entertainment services in the nature of live audio performances by an actor or musician;
Entertainment services in the nature of live visual and audio performances by an actor;
Entertainment services in the nature of live visual and audio performances by an actor or musician;
Entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests;
Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer;
Entertainment services, namely, live appearances by a professional wrestler, actor, and musician;
Entertainment services, namely, personal appearances by a professional wrestler, actor, and musician; Entertainment services, namely, providing music tours in the nature of live musical performances;
Last month, Banks posted a cryptic video that teased, “there’s going to be something so f***ing crazy coming” in the very near future.
Sasha Banks (Mercedes Varnado) has landed her first movie role. Details have been scarce, but we’ve been able to piece together some details based on clues we’ve tracked down on social media.
On Sunday, December 4, Banks tweeted that she just wrapped her first movie in her hometown of #Bosston.
DeNucci’s latest project in development is, The Collective. IMDB lists Yale Productions as the production company, First Row Filmed Entertainment as the distributor and 2024 as a tentative release date. The synopsis reads:
“A young recruit to a mysterious agency of assassins finds himself going rouge on his first assignment, tracking down a dangerous group of human traffickers.”
The Collective (IMDb)
We also have this (brief) behind-the-scenes clip of Sasha Banks on set:
Behind-the-scenes clip of Sasha Banks on the set of her first movie
While this is Banks’ first film role, she isn’t new to Hollywood. In 2020, she set the internet ablaze when she appeared in two episodes of Disney’s The Mandolorian. She played Koska Reeves.
Sasha Banks was at the Boston Celtics versus the Miami Heat basketball game tonight. The Celtics defeated the Heat 134-121 to improve their record to an impressive 18-4.
5 Ways Sasha Banks can be Successful Outside of WWE
The game happened to be played at the TD Garden in Boston, MA. WWE Survivor Series WarGames has held at the same venue a few days ago in The Boss’ hometown.
Sasha Banks and Naomi walked out of WWE on May 16th. The two were the Women’s Tag Team Champions at the time but were booked to face off against each other in a Six-Pack Challenge to determine Ronda Rousey’s opponent at Hell in a Cell 2022.
Instead, Sasha and Naomi walked into former EVP of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis’ office, left the titles on his desk, and left the arena. The two have not appeared in WWE since despite numerous rumors claiming their returns are inevitable.
Ahead of WWE Survivor Series, Bianca Belair was in search for a superstar to fill out her team in the Women’s WarGames match against Damage CTRL, Rhea Ripley, and Nikki Cross. Many fans were hoping that the mystery superstar would be Sasha Banks because the show was in her hometown.
Ahead of WWE Crown Jewel, Sasha posted a video teasing fans that “something so f***ing crazy” was coming.
I’m very excited and I hope you guys come along for this journey, which I know a lot of you have been with me for so long. So thank you. But I just want to let you know that there is going to be something so f***ing crazy coming!
“The day is coming that I’ve been waiting for for the past 6 months — There’s going to be something so fucking crazy coming”
Wrestling fans called for Sasha Banks at WWE Survivor Series, but the chants weren’t audible on television for long.
Saturday’s big event took place her hometown of Boston, MA. Banks remains one of the industries biggest names despite being out of the spotlight since May 2022.
According to a correspondent who was in attendance for Survivor Series, the “Sasha Banks” and “We Want Sasha” chants were pretty loud during Ronda Rousey’s match against Shotzi.
WWE’s production team lowered the crowd audio to censor the Sasha Banks chants at Survivor Series, according to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Radio.
The decision to censor Sasha Banks chants can be looked at from several perspectives. WWE knew she was not going to appear at Survivor Series. The company also does not want Sasha Banks chants become a form of rebellion, much like CM Punk’s name was chanted for years when the audience wasn’t satisfied with whatever WWE was presenting.
The two sides are currently in talks to get her back in the fold, but nothing has been signed as of this writing. During her time away from WWE, Banks has branched out with several non-wrestling projects.
We’ve also seen All Elite Wrestling sign names like Renee Paquette and Saraya. Earlier this month, Saraya said she’s confident she’ll get a chance to wrestle Banks again. You can be sure WWE hears about quotes like this and will do whatever it takes to prevent her from going to the competition.
Banks has a ton of leverage in her negotiations and will likely be offered the biggest contract of her wrestling career. At the end of the day, she’s in the drivers seat and will have to decide what’s best for herself and her career.
Stars like Sasha Banks don’t come around very often. Hopefully it’s only a matter of time before we see her grace the squared circle once again.
“That’s what I said [in response to Van Vliet saying Banks and Saraya should wrestle.] I really wanted to have that match with Sasha. I wanted to have that rematch with her, because we have that built-in story. So I really wanted that.”
Saraya added that Banks was one of the first people she told after doctor’s cleared her to wrestle, as The Boss had stressed for years over the injury.
Despite being in different companies, Saraya remains optimistic about a rematch.
“One day I’ll have my match with Sasha [Banks.]”
Saraya.
Banks’ Absence
Even if Saraya was still with WWE, a match with Banks would be unlikely at this time, given the latter’s suspension.
Sasha Banks (and Naomi) haven’t been seen since walking out of the May 16, episode of Raw over a creative dispute.
Speaking about Banks, Saraya said that it is great to see Banks try her hand outside of the ring.
“She’s going down her own path and stuff now, she’s doing her own thing. You don’t know where she’s going to be, she has an exciting life going on right now. I’m very pleased [for her.] She’s building her career outside of wrestling too. It’s awesome.”
Banks has been building her portfolio outside of wrestling, launching her own CBD Oil company with ex-Superstar Kalisto, and appearing in Disney+ hit ‘The Mandalorian.’
Britt Baker
On last week’s AEW Dynamite, Saraya not just confirmed that she is medically cleared, but added that she’ll be facing Britt Baker at Full Gear 2022.
Ahead of arguably the most important match of her career, Saraya had plenty of praise for the former AEW Women’s World Champion.
“Now I get to face Britt [Baker.] I’ve always wanted to face Britt, and in this brand-new company as well. The crazy part is that she’s always been a big fan of mine… She’s a fan of mine so it is cool that I get to have my comeback story with her and she’s so supportive, so I’m excited. I’m excited.”
AEW Full Gear 2022 will take place this Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Out of the Ring
Though she is cleared to wrestle, Saraya will not be 100% focused on her wrestling career at this time.
Outside of the industry, the former Divas Champion has plenty of opportunities and projects which she plans to keep working on.
“I’m still focusing on things outside of wrestling and still building Saraya up as the brand, rather than [just] Paige and being a wrestler. I’m still in the mindset of still building that, but it’s so good to be in the mindset that I can do something I’ve been in love with my whole life.”
Outside of wrestling, Saraya has a successful Twitch channel, and launched her own brand of clothing and cosmetics during her retirement.
