While Sasha Banks’ role at Wrestle Kingdom 17 remains unclear, what’s for certain is that she isn’t heading out on her new adventure alone.
On January 2nd it was reported that Banks will be joined in Japan by her former WWE tag team partner Naomi. The star famously walked out of WWE alongside The Boss back in May 2022 and is also yet to return to the company. There is no word on whether Naomi will be appearing on camera along with Banks or whether she will simply be backstage to support her friend.
Sasha Banks To Be Joined By Bayley
It has now been reported by PWInsider that Sasha Banks will also have Bayley by her side as she makes her eagerly awaited New Japan bow. The report from Mike Johnson notes that as Bayley is under contract with WWE it’s highly unlikely that she will appear on camera, but will be there to support Banks. Johnson adds that he was unable to confirm that WWE sent Bayley to the show, but it seems more likely that she made the decision to travel herself to be with her long-time friend.
Sasha Banks, real name Mercedes Varnado hasn’t wrestled since a 15th May, 2021 WWE live event where she teamed with Naomi to see off Natalya and Shayna Baszler. 24-hours later the Women’s Tag Team Champions walked out of the Monday Night Raw taping reportedly following a row over creative.
Although it was initially reported that Banks wouldn’t be back with WWE, the departure of Vince McMahon raised expectations of a sensational comeback. The star has previously worked with WWE’s new Chief Content Officer, Triple H during an acclaimed stint in NXT. However, the return never came to fruition and Banks became a free agent on January 1st, 2023.
It is expected that Banks is in Japan to challenge the winner of the IWGP Women’s Championship match between champion Kairi and Tam Nakano.
You can follow all of the action from Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4th right here with Inside The Ropes.