The news about Mercedes Varnado (Sasha Banks) headed to Wrestle Kingdom 17 only added fuel to the rumors that she is going elsewhere in the wrestling world outside of WWE. PWInsider reported that New Japan Pro Wrestling is bringing her in for the event but it is unknown if she will appear on camera.
Several weeks back, Fightful reported that WrestleCade tried to book her but they were told that she was not taking wrestling bookings until after January 1st. Whatever Banks has lined up for next year, it looks like wrestling fans will see more of her and the rumors are that she may land in AEW.
Nothing is confirmed but many fans are speculating that she will be the person brought in by Bow Wow to wrestle against Jade Cargill for the TBS Championship. After this week’s episode of Dynamite, there was speculation from fans who think that Banks could be the mystery partner for Saraya in a tag team match against World Champion Jamie Hayter and Dr. Britt Baker, DMD. That match is scheduled for January 11 in Los Angeles.
Fightful reports that they asked about Banks’ status with WWE after heavy promotion of Barmageddon. Banks is one of the guest stars on the show for one of the episodes and she is featured in the commercials that air during Raw. Her inclusion in the commercials does not necessarily reflect on her WWE status because the show is not produced by WWE and the show was taped before Banks had her falling out with Vince McMahon.
Fightful reported that those spoken with in WWE were not aware of any change or update on her status. WrestlingNews.co reported in August that a deal had been reached between Banks and WWE but Dave Meltzer later reported that talks stalled at some point because both sides were not on the same page with the money terms.
It was also noted by Fightful that people in AEW are said to be excited about the possibility of Banks coming in would mean that there’s another “anchor” for the women’s division and she would help boost viewership.
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