Entertainment
Sasha Banks ‘set for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17’ in shock move months after controversial WWE exit-Alistair McGeorge-Entertainment – Metro
This would be massive!
Where will Sasha Banks turn up next? (Picture: WWE)
Sasha Banks will reportedly be at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 in January.
The former Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion – whose real name is Mercedes Varnado – hasn’t been seen on WWE television since she and her tag team partner Naomi walked out of Monday Night Raw while the show was on air over creative issues.
There has been plenty of speculation about the Mandalorian star’s future in the wrestling business, and now it’s said she will be at New Japan Pro Wrestling’s annual extravaganza on January 4.
As reported by PWInsider, it’s said the major company is looking to bring in Sasha for the event, although it’s not known if she’ll appear in front of the live crowd at the Tokyo Dome or simply be there as a guest.
However, the rumours come after plenty of teases about her return to wrestling, including videos of herself training in the ring with talent in the United States and Mexico.
Meanwhile, she has also teased the possibility of facing fellow WWE alum Kairi Sane in STARDOM, which shares an owner with NJPW.
Sasha Banks was a huge name in WWE before her exit (Picture: WWE)
In another twist, New Japan has announced that Wrestle Kingdom will continue with a special event at Yokohama Arena on January 21.
They said in a statement: ‘After January 8 2022 saw a third night of Wrestle Kingdom sell out the Yokohama Arena, January 21 will see this special festival of an event for the second year.
‘This year, NJPW and Pro-Wrestling NOAH collided on a card full of interpromotional battles. What does this special night have in store for 2023? Stay tuned for more information!”
Last month, Sasha added further fuel to the fire regarding her next move with a cryptic video on Instagram hinting at some big plans in the pipeline.
She said: ‘As time passes, there’s been so much growth and so much beautiful opportunity and the journey that I’ve been loving but as the time also goes on, the date is coming that I’ve been waiting for [for] the past six months.
‘I can’t wait, but I’m really going to make the most of November to make all my dreams happen in preparation for this date that I’ve been waiting for. I’m very excited.
‘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 wanted to let you know there’s going to be something so… crazy coming.’
Sasha hasn’t appeared on screen since the May 13 episode of SmackDown, while she and Naomi defended the Women’s Tag Team Titles against Shayna Baszler and Natalya two days later on a live event.
The following night, they walked out of Raw and while the pair have been making waves on the runway at New York Fashion Week and beyond.
Also last month, it emerged a company called Soulnado, Inc. was set up in August 2022, and had since filed for a number of trademarks for entertainment and merchandise purposes.
Through wrestling trademark attorney Michael Dockins, the company has made moves for Statement Maker, Mercedes Mone’, Mone’ Talks and Bank Mone’, all of which have connections to the Legit Boss.
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