Sasha Banks Debuts On January 4, 2023

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 saw the return of former top WWE star Sasha Banks. Banks debuted under the new moniker “the CEO Mercedes Monè,” which was one of many trademarks recently filed by Banks.

Dressed to compete, with a multi-colored hairstyle, Banks confronted KAIRI, who retained the IWGP Women’s Championship over Tam Nakano.

Lead English announcer Kevin Kelly called the debut the “worst-kept secret in all of wrestling.”

Banks laid out KAIRI and cut her first promo in New Japan Pro Wrestling.

“Congratulations about making history tonight. I also know a thing or two about making history,” began Mone.

“I am here in New Japan and Stardom to make some more. Allow me to introduce myself: I’m the standard, the conversation, the blueprint and the CEO of this women’s division. So KAIRI-san, enjoy your IWGP Women’s Championship while you can. Because at Battle of the Valley in San Jose (February 18), I’m going to leave you bankrupt, b—tch.”

Banks underwent a long, and seemingly bitter, divorce with WWE after walking out during a live WWE Raw broadcast due to creative differences with then-WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. Banks left WWE alongside Naomi, and the former tag team champions did not appear on pro wrestling programming for the rest of 2022.

In a new year, and after Sasha Banks was quietly released from her contract, Banks was widely rumored to show up at Wrestle Kingdom 17. Banks was reportedly accompanied by Naomi and Bayley in her triumphant return to pro wrestling.

Sasha Banks NJPW Debut Leads to AEW Rumors

Banks’ NJPW debut will only continue to fuel rumors that she is indeed Paige’s mystery partner for next week’s AEW Dynamite from Inglewood, Calif.

“I feel like anytime there’s a mystery, everyone always goes straight for Mercedes (laughs). They’re like—straight away—it’s her!” said Saraya during our recent interview.

“I’ve always said that I would want to work with Sasha again in any capacity, because she’s a pro. In the wrestling side of things, she’s such a fantastic athlete, you can’t deny her talent. She’s fantastic.”

For now, Sasha Banks’ first advertised match since returning is an IWGP Women’s Championship clash with KAIRI on February 18. Whether or not that will be her next match is anybody’s guess.