Sasha Banks: I Didn’t Smile When I Won The NXT Women’s Title Because I Was Pissed Off

Sasha Banks reveals the reason she didn’t smile when she won the NXT Women’s Title in 2015.

At NXT Rival on February 11, 2015, Sasha Banks defeated Charlotte Flair, Bayley and Becky Lynch in a fatal four-way bout to become the NXT Women’s Champion. After the bout, Sasha looked more angry than excited. You can view her reaction here.

Appearing on the Edge & Christian Pod of Awesomeness, Banks discussed winning the NXT Women’s Title and why she wasn’t smiling.

“That was such an insane moment because I was being called up, on the road to do live events but still doing NXT, so I wasn’t around those girls while they were trying to plan it and how to put it together,” stated Bank. “I remember winning and in the ref’s ear that were like, ‘You need to smile. Be happy that you won.’ I was like, ‘No. This is my character. I’m pissed off that you didn’t believe in me.’ I remember coming to the back and crying my eyes out and Triple H was like, ‘Why didn’t you do that out there?’ Because that’s how I felt. When I come through the curtain, I’m not Sasha Banks anymore. I’m just Mercedes and I got to live this dream of winning this title.

“But that’s when it clicked on who my character was. I was very angry that I was being overlooked and underused. Now, here I am winning the title. I’m not gonna smile and cry tears of joy. I’m gonna be pissed off holding up the title like, ‘Screw you guys. I did it by myself.'”

Banks will have a chance to become a five-time Raw Women’s Champion this Sunday at WWE Royal Rumble when she faces Ronda Rousey.