Former WWE wrestler Sasha Banks made her New Japan Pro-Wrestling debut at Wrestle Kingdom 17. She appeared under the new ring name Mercedes Mone.
After walking out of a WWE TV taping in May 2022, Banks was suspended. She was also stripped of her Women’s Tag Team Champions title alongside Naomi.
Since leaving WWE, there have been numerous rumours telling of Banks’ return.
However, the wrestler has finally put chatter to bed by appearing at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom on Wednesday, January 4.
Following the IWGP Women’s Championship match between KAIRI and Tam Nakano, Banks made her debut in the ring as her new alias.
The lights dramatically dropped on KAIRI’s victory. However, they were eventually raised again when Mercedes Mone staked to stalk towards the ring.
After flooring the IWGP Women’s Champion, Mercedes Mone grabbed the mic and announced herself as “the new CEO of the women’s division”.
She then revealed that she would be competing for the title at San Jose’s Battle In The Valley. This is set to take place on February 18.
The forthcoming match will be Mercedes Mone’s first wrestling match since May 15 2022. where she defeated Natalya and Shayna Baszler alongside Naomi as Sasha Banks.
According to TJR wrestling, wrestlers Naomi and Bayley were also in Japan to support Banks. However, they were not shown on screen.
Feature image credit: NJPW