Tony Khan's Next Major AEW Surprise SPOILED?!
If Tony Khan doesn't have this up his sleeve, it'll be a major AEW disappointment.
Anyone other than Sasha Banks showing up in AEW as Saraya's mystery partner on the 11 January 2023 episode of Dynamite would now be considered a major disappointment.
That Saraya's second AEW match will see her and a secret partner face Britt Baker and Jamie Hayter in Inglewood, California was confirmed last week, following Saraya's win over Baker at Full Gear 2022. On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer stated that while where Banks and AEW stand isn't certain at the moment, the speculation is clear - and anyone other than Banks partnering Saraya could likely be a "terrible disappointment."
Banks, real name Mercedes Varnado, is believed to be "done" with WWE. While the two parties were in negotiations over a potential return at one stage, they are understood to have been far apart on financial terms.
Meltzer reports that AEW can afford to pay Varnado's asking price, which he described as "a very high number for a WWE woman wrestler." NJPW, for whom Mercedes will appear on 4 January (at Wrestle Kingdom 17), cannot - at least as far as a full-time deal goes.
Banks hasn't appeared for WWE since walking out during a Raw taping in May, resulting in her indefinite suspension.