One of the most popular women’s wrestlers of the past few years is looking to shake up the pro wrestling industry.
Sasha Banks, a multi-time WWE Women’s Champion, may be set to appear at New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Wrestle Kingdom 17 event on January 4. The event takes place inside the Tokyo Dome. This is after Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp confirmed that Banks can take wrestling bookings as of January 1.
It is unknown as of now the capacity in which she will be involved at the event. She is currently in Japan, per her social media.
MORE: All you need to know about Wrestle Kingdom 17
Banks (real name Mercedes Varnado) last appeared on WWE programming in May 2022. Banks and Naomi (Trinity Fatu) walked out on WWE before an episode of Raw due to a disagreement with WWE’s creative team regarding their status the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. WWE later suspended, stripped them of their titles, and took their merchandise off the WWE Shop website.
Following the news that Sasha Banks and Naomi have been suspended by #WWE, this is what you see when searching their names on the WWE Shop site. The image on the right is when you type Naomi's name. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/3w1WKaYmZh
— Daniel Yanofsky (@DanYanofsky) May 21, 2022
WWE would address the walk-out on the same episode of RAW, while also releasing a statement on the company website.
“They (Banks and Naomi) claimed they weren't respected enough as tag team champions. And 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. Monday Night Raw is a scripted live TV show, whose characters are expected to perform the requirements of their contract. We regret we were unable to deliver, as advertised, tonight's main event.”
Just hours out from the Wrestle Kingdom event, Varnado took to social media to say thank you to the WWE fans, her bosses and her Sasha Banks persona.
Thank you #SashaBanks 💙
— Mercedes Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) January 4, 2023
Thank you @VinceMcMahon
— Mercedes Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) January 4, 2023
Thank you @WWE
— Mercedes Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) January 4, 2023
Thank you @TripleH
— Mercedes Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) January 4, 2023
Thank you @WWEUniverse
— Mercedes Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) January 4, 2023
Sasha Banks contract timeline
It was later reported in June by Wrestling Inc.’s Raj Giri that Banks exited WWE. Fightful confirmed that her exit was “months ago.” Banks and NJPW reportedly came to an agreement in November, and on January 1, Banks' profile was moved to the alumni section of WWE.com. There was interest between Banks and NJPW's parent company Bushiroad, also home to women’s wrestling company Stardom. Regarding the reports, Bushiroad CEO Takaaki Kidani told Yahoo Sports, “There is a possibility that she (Banks) will come to the Dome."
A reported deal discussed by Voices of Wrestling’s Joe Lanza would make Banks one of the highest-paid wrestlers today.
MORE: Vince McMahon retires from WWE: Pro wrestling giant steps away amid 'hush pact' investigation
It has been rumored that Naomi will appear at Wrestle Kingdom 17 to support Banks. It is unknown what her status is, compared to Banks, at this time. The only women's match at the event is Kairi (the former Kairi Sane) vs. Tam Nakano for the IWGP Women's Title.
When you take a risk doing what you love, that's exciting. pic.twitter.com/pR5xkBapXh
— Mercedes Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) January 1, 2023
January 4, 2023: At Wrestle Kingdom 17, Banks made her NJPW debut. Dubbed Mercedes Mone, the former WWE star attacked KAIRI after she beat Tam Nakano to retain the IWGP Women's Title. She now has her eyes set on gold.
IT’S MERCEDES MONÉ!@mercedesvarnado is in the Tokyo Dome!!!#wk17 #njpw pic.twitter.com/PD54lqLr1L
— njpwworld (@njpwworld) January 4, 2023
Sasha Banks bio
The cousin of Snoop Dogg, Banks made her pro wrestling debut in 2010. In 2012 she appeared on WWE's NXT programming, where she debuted her "Boss" gimmick. From there, she shined as one of WWE's Horsewomen along with Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Bayley. She is an NXT, RAW (5x), and SmackDown Women's Champion and a three-time WWE Women's Tag Team Champion.
Outside of wrestling Banks and Naomi have appeared at several red carpet events. Banks recently had a role within the Disney+ show "The Mandalorian" as bounty hunter Koska Reeves. She later stated in December that she recently wrapped up filming her first movie role.
The Sporting News will provide more information and updates on Mercedes Varnado’s (Sasha Banks) status, along with what she will be doing at Wrestle Kingdom.
