We reported on Thursday that Sasha Banks, under her real name of Mercedes Varnado is expected to appear the New Japan Pro Wrestling Wrestle Kingdom 17 event on January 4, 2023, per PWInsider.
Fightful Select provided an update on Banks and reactions from WWE, AEW and others regarding the news on Banks, and where she could end up in the long-term.
WrestleCade attempted to book Banks for their Thanksgiving weekend convention, but was unsuccessful. It was further stated despite a high asking price, WrestleCade promoters were planning on booking her. However, talks continued on and the promoters were told Banks is not taking any pro wrestling related bookings until after January 1, 2023.
Fightful Select points out that not only is Wrestle Kingdom 17 after January 1, 2023, but AEW Dynamite at the KIA Forum in Los Angeles is on January 11, 2023, in which Saraya will pick a mystery partner for her match against Britt Baker and AEW Women’s World Champion Jamie Hayter. Fightful Select also notes there is said to be multiple companies interested in Banks’ status and if she will be available for appearances, even one-off bookings.
Fightful Select also states sources within WWE were reportedly asked about Banks’ status. However, no one in the company has heard of any change or update to her status or at the least, say anything further.
AEW talents, as also noted by Fightful Select are said excited about the possibility of Banks coming in to the company. One AEW source agreed with the idea of Banks being on weekly programming as another anchor for the women’s division, which could certainly bring more interest to the product and help increase viewership for Dynamite and Rampage.
NJPW sources would not confirm or deny to Fightful Select, if Banks is indeed going to make an appearance at Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4, 2023.
Banks has not wrestled since she and Naomi walked out of the May 16 Raw due to creative differences. They were both suspended and then stripped of the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Banks has not been listed on WWE’s internal roster. She is however, still on the wwe.com roster.
Our same report from Thursday noted that PWInsider stated Banks recently made a number of trademark filings related to her real name, the terms Mercedes Mone’, Mone’ Talks, Bank Mone’, and Statement Maker under company name Soulnado.