Details On Sasha Banks-WWE, NJPW, More

The last week of November being when the deal was finalized is consistent with what she said on her Insta story that something she'd been waiting for "for 6 months" at the end of Nov was coming.

Allyssa Golden

Except it didn’t really improve numbers much except for one episode during the finals of the tag tournament. They haven’t confirmed releases of Sasha or Naomi and there’s been nothing on Naomi’s intentions. There’s more to it than just “Well they want you to think she’s still there”. Maybe under the previous regime. This one is less about insulting peoples intelligence.

Joel Wood

THAT'S THE POINT! They don't WANT people to move on. There's people that think if she shows up in NJPW then it's just "proof" of a partnership between WWE & NJPW. There's people that thought she would magically appear during numerous Raws or Smackdowns.

Manwithbeard9

Well when she shows up in NJPW, then it doesn’t matter. So that’s why it makes no sense. If they would’ve just confirmed it over the summer, people would’ve moved on by now

Joel Wood

What exactly do they have to gain? Everybody who’s paying attention knows she’s gone and the ones who aren’t paying attention likely don’t care. They’ve confirmed releases of their biggest stars before. There’s literally no precedent for what’s going on here.

Joel Wood

Because they don’t want the perception of one of their most popular stars not wanting to be there

The Fed has more to gain in keeping people thinking she's still the/going back. In confirming her release, people stop talking about "WWE's Sasha Banks" and only talk about Mercedes Varnado.

Manwithbeard9

Not if TK can sign her. She will be in LA on January 11th for her debut match after sitting ringside at WK17

Samantha L. Sayre

Mandy Rose just got released. She has yet to sign with any promotion because she’s still under non compete. 24 hours later, without an official announcement by WWE, to my knowledge anyway, she’s on the alumni page. Yet we’re 7 months deep and nothing even confirming Sasha is gone. I believe she was released but the lack of confirmation within WWE is leaving me dumbfounded

Joel Wood

That’s a long limb you’re going out on there

Joel Wood

Sweet! I hope the stint is longer than a show or two. My hope is that this really brings in a surprisingly high number of new fans like me into NJPW world and that in turn gives Mercedes more leverage she needs to get the deal and respect that entails in whatever future deal she might have with WWE or AEW. I believe she’s the greatest women’s wrestling talent alive and should be paid like it.

Aaron P

$20 says we will see Naomi back in WWE before Sasha.

Nick O’Shea

Yes, you will be able to watch WK for the single sub price.

rocksolid124

So, as someone who is now going to pay for NJPW World - will I be able to watch Wrestle Kingdom for the single sub price or is there additional cost?

Aaron P

Imo she'll come out after Kairi beats Tam Nakano and challenge her to a match which will probably happen at the Yokohama show on the 21st Jan.

Colin Mathie

Why? His story was she negotiated her exit, not that she was going somewhere else.

Kyle Cotton

He should probably wait until she shows up in a wrestling ring.

Leron Ford

What about Naomi?

Ethan Ilvento

Raj taking a major deserved victory lap.

Kyle Cotton

Because she doesn't have a huge group of fans wanting answers. They are just letting her hang around for time being.

Samantha L. Sayre

Mercedes wasn't listed taking on Kairi at WK17 when they announced her first championship defense.

Samantha L. Sayre

What about Trinity (Naomi)?

Alex

Dang😔. Hope she does well wherever she lands

Paden Kemp

And, so it ends…

Magan Yusuf