Sasha Banks has once again shocked the wrestling world as it has been revealed ‘The Boss’ will be at NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 17 event in January 2023!
Sasha Banks will reportedly be a part of Wrestle Kingdom 17. According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, multiple sources have indicated to him that Banks will be at the NJPW show, which will be taking place on January 4th and January 21st 2023 – although it must be noted sources are unsure at this time as to the nature of Banks’ attendance at the event and it is unknown if she will appear in front of the crowd or if she will simply be backstage at the iconic event.
Sasha Banks Is Set To Be At Wrestle Kingdom 17
If Banks does make an appearance in January, this will be The Boss’ first appearance inside a wrestling ring since the events that took place in WWE on May 16th, 2022, where both Sasha Banks and Naomi walked out of the company. With Triple H now taking control of WWE, many had speculated that Banks’ return may be imminent, as multiple superstars have returned to WWE following the change in management structure.
This is not the first time that it has been rumoured that the former Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion would be appearing for the promotion. Back in October, Sasha Banks would post an image to her Instagram story of a match graphic showing Banks challenging KAIRI, the former Kairi Sane in WWE, to a match for the IWGP Women’s Championship. KAIRI will be competing at Wrestle Kingdom 17, defending the title against Tam Nakano at the event.
While not seen inside a wrestling ring in front of a live crowd since the events before the WWE walkout, Banks has made multiple appearances at film premieres and fan conventions. The Boss has also been seen taking part in training sessions at wrestling schools, including one with former Cruiserweight Champion Juventud Guererra.
Wrestle Kingdom is the biggest event on the New Japan calendar, with some of the highest rated matches taking place on the show each year along with cross promotional dream matches. The 17th iteration promises to be the same, with Kenny Omega challenging Will Ospreay for the IWGP United States Championship in January. The event will be the first since the passing of NJPW founder Antonio Inoki, who sadly passed away on October 1st 2022 at the age of 79 years old.
Inside The Ropes will look to bring you new information on Sasha Banks NJPW status as it becomes available.