Backstage Reactions To Rumors Regarding Sasha Banks And NJPW-AEW

Known professionally as Sasha Banks, Mercedes hasn’t wrestled since walking out on WWE back in May, and subsequently was suspended. PWInsider has reported that NJPW is bringing Mercedes into the NJPW Wrestle Kingdom show, which is interesting timing for multiple reasons.

Earlier this year, WrestleCade tried to book Sasha Banks for their Thanksgiving weekend event. Despite a high price tag, they were confident that she would yield a return, and were planning the booking. However, as talks progressed, they were told that Banks wasn’t taking wrestling booking until after January 1. Wrestle Kingdom is after that date, as is the AEW LA date that features Britt Baker and Jamie Hayter against Saraya and a mystery partner.

Fightful has already heard from reps from multiple companies, asking about Sasha Banks’ status and inquiring what we think it would take for her to make appearances, even one offs.

Fightful asked about Mercedes’ status with WWE after the heavy promotion of her appearing on USA Network’s Barmageddon. Nobody that we inquired with at WWE had heard any change or update on her status, or were at least willing to say as much. However, several AEW talent were excited about the possibility of her coming in. One source quickly agreed they thought that having Sasha Banks on their show weekly is another “anchor” for their women’s division, something that could kick start interest in it, and feel would significantly help viewership

When asking with NJPW sources, they would not confirm or deny the news, which is usually something they’ll quickly deny if it isn’t true. Also, Switchblade Jay White was happy to discuss it during our interview, even feigning that he didn’t know about the rumors before. We can tell you from experience, if Jay White doesn’t want to talk about something on camera, he’s not going to.

All signs point to January 1 being the availability date, as originally reported by Fightful.

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