Sasha Banks Debut as Mercedes Mone, Challenges Kairi for the IWGP Women’s Championship at NJPW’s Battle in the Valley

Sasha Banks has finally bid farewell to WWE. It has been teased for months that the Legit Boss was going to make an appearance at NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 17. The Boss’s exit from the Stamford-based company came from the infamous walkout in May 2022 involving Naomi and her during an edition of Monday Night Raw due to creative disagreements. After the walkout, both Sasha and Naomi were suspended indefinitely. 

After Vince McMahon stepped down as the CEO, WWE tried reaching a deal with Sasha under Triple H’s leadership but to no avail. Banks reportedly felt she was underpaid in WWE. Until her contract expired with WWE, she was unable to partake in wrestling bookings.

As noted, Banks was rumored to make an appearance at NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 17 and the day has finally come. Sasha Banks has made her debut under the name Mercedes Mone. 

Mercedes Mone takes out Kairi at Wrestle Kingdom 17

After Kairi’s successful title defense against Tam Nakano, Mercedes Mone made her entrance in her wrestling attire and laid waste to Kairi. Mone emphatically challenged Kairi for the IWGP Women’s title at NJPW’s Battle in the Valley in San Jose on February 18.

It also appears that Mone has started her journey at NJPW as a heel. After Kairi was laid off by the CEO of the Women’s division, Mone stated on the mic that she had arrived at Stardom to “make history”.

Mercedes last competed in a wrestling match last year in May during a live event when she teamed up with her former partner Naomi and took on Natalya and Shayna Baszler. Interestingly, Noami and Bayley were reportedly present at Wrestle Kingdom 17 to cheer for their friend Mercedes Mone. 

Sasha Banks publicly expresses gratitude to WWE before her NJPW debut

Multi-time WWE Women’s Champion Sasha Banks took to social media to thank WWE authorities and the WWE Universe ahead of her debut at NJPW. This act from Sasha proves that she has not burned the bridge with WWE despite having creative differences with the company in the past.

The Legit Boss thanked the former CEO Vince McMahon, Triple H, William Regal, and the fans. Even though Banks has embarked on her new career, her next possible run in WWE will be bigger than ever.

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