WWE star Sasha Banks has been released by the company, according to reports.
Banks, along with Naomi, was suspended ‘indefinitely’ by WWE in May. The reigning Women’s Tag Team Champions legitimately walked out of an episode of Raw over concerns with their future creative direction.
On May 16, Banks and Naomi were due to participate in the main event of Raw. It was a women’s Six-Pack Challenge. The winner of the match would have faced Bianca Belair at Hell in a Cell.
According to reports, WWE planned for Naomi to win the match and take on Belair, in what would have been a losing effort. Banks would then have gone over to SmackDown to take on their reigning Women’s Champion, Ronda Rousey, in what would also likely have been a losing effort.
The belief is that the pair took issue with their portrayal over the coming weeks. They were concerned that the tag team titles would be devalued as a result.
WWE switched the main event, with Asuka defeating Becky Lynch for a shot at Belair’s title. Lynch was then a late addition to the match, with Belair retaining at Hell in a Cell.
Following Banks and Naomi’s suspensions, WWE stripped them of their tag titles. Michael Cole said on SmackDown that a Women’s Tag Team Tournament would take place to determine a new champion.
However, as of yet, there is no indication of when that tournament will take place.
Sasha Banks reportedly released by WWE
Reports from WrestlingInc claim that Sasha Banks has been released by WWE.
If the news is accurate, it will therefore end Banks’ 10-year stint in the company. In that time, she has won the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championships a total of six times. She is also a three-time Women’s Tag Team Champion, and a one-time WWE NXT Champion.
Banks would be a significant loss for WWE. One of the bonafide stars of its women’s division, the 30-year-old is also one of the most popular faces of the company. In addition, she is one of the biggest merchandise sellers in WWE, and draws in crowds wherever she competes.
WrestlingInc‘s Raj Giri has reported that he has heard Banks has been released from the company. However, there is no indication whether the release came at her request or whether WWE made that decision. There is, as yet, no official comment from WWE on the situation.
Meanwhile, there is no news on the future of Naomi, although it has been reported that her contract is due to expire soon.
Update (17/06): Fightful Select has reported that Sasha Banks’ lawyers are now involved with the situation, with eyes on Banks’ physical release from WWE.
Meanwhile, PWInsider‘s Andrew Zarian has said: “I cannot confirm she has been released. But I did hear late last week that her attorneys were working on this getting this done.”
As mentioned above, the situation remains that neither WWE nor Banks have commented publicly on her possible departure from the company.
Featured Image Credit: WWE
