The biggest suggestion yet that Sasha Banks (Mercedes Varnado) has signed for New Japan has been dropped by Bushiroad CEO Takaaki Kidani.
Excitement has been building over rumours of The Boss being lined up to appear in the Tokyo Dome for Wrestle Kingdom 17.
Bushiroad are the parent company of New Japan Pro Wrestling and STARDOM, and with Kidani now adding to the speculation, it seems Banks (Varnado) is ready to step back into the ring in some capacity on January 4th.
Whilst managing to avoid mentioning Banks by name, Kidani’s comments are sure to fire up fans even more.
“There is a possibility that she will come to the Dome.”
Sasha Banks lining up for IWGP Women’s Champion
Banks has appeared in any wrestling company since walking out of WWE in May 2022, whilst as one half of the Women’s Tag Team Champions with Naomi, over alleged concerns with storylines and how she was being used.
During the hiatus, Banks has been seen attending signings and sports events, whilst fans have been able to enjoy her performances in Disney+ Star Wars franchise series The Mandalorian. Banks is yet to comment on her decision to leave WWE, or her future plans.
The five time Raw Women’s Champion and former NXT and Smackdown Women’s Champion is rumoured to be looking at doing more than appearing in New Japan, with a number of potential business collaborations also in the pipeline.
KAIRI became the first ever women’s champion in New Japan, winning the IWGP title in November 2022, and will be defending her title against Tam Nakano in the Dome. An appearance by Banks on January 4th, could set up a feud with her former WWE colleague.
Wrestle Kingdom 17 is NJPW’s biggest event of the year, and will see current WWE Superstars Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, and AEW’s Kenny Omega and FTR all in action.
H/t to Fightful