Why Sasha Banks Is DONE With WWE

Real reason WWE and Sasha Banks are going their separate ways revealed.

Sasha Banks
WWE

With an appearance at NJPW's 4 January supershow Wrestle Kingdom 17 on the horizon, Mercedes 'Sasha Banks' Varnado is done with WWE.

Dave Meltzer reported as much on Wrestling Observer Radio. The situation could change, though NJPW (and potentially AEW) is likelier to be in her future than WWE as things stand.

WWE, according to Meltzer, "had basically nothing to say" when it came to Varnado's situation. The promotion had been in negotiations with its former Women's Champion over a potential comeback, though the two parties "were very apart on money." Meltzer added that Mercedes "was asking for a very high number for a WWE woman wrestler," though even if she had landed it, she would still be underpaid - such is this unprecedented era of WWE revenue generation.

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Varnado has not been seen on WWE television since walking out of a Raw taping in May. Meltzer stated that her contract with the promotion was due to expire at the end of 2022, though WWE could possibly freeze her deal, prolonging her exit, as it has done with other wrestlers in the past.

That Mercedes was due to appear at Wrestle Kingdom broke last week. Although she will feature on the show, she will not be wrestling.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.