The WWE has announced their decision to suspend Sasha Banks and Naomi amid the ongoing fallout from their dramatic walkout. Merchandise relating to the pair can no longer be purchased from the WWE online shop.
The duo walked out of a live taping of Monday Night Raw at the beginning of the week amid conflicting opinions with WWE chiefs.
On Monday, the two wrestlers met with the WWE Head of Talent Relations, John Laurinaitis. Sasha was reportedly unhappy with the planned outcome of a main event, which would have featured both her and Naomi in a Six-Pack Challenge alongside Asuka, Becky Lynch, Doudrop and Nikki A.S.H.
This match would have determined who faced Bianca Belair at “Hell in a Cell.” Sasha reportedly raised her concerns with CEO Vince McMahon, and he is said to have refused to alter his plans.
On hearing this news, Sasha and Naomi left the building. The WWE’s official statement said that the partners felt they “weren’t respected enough as tag team champions” and “were uncomfortable in the ring with two of their opponents.”
Sasha Banks and Naomi suspension announced
During Friday night’s SmackDown, Michael Cole addressed what happened on Monday. Cole revealed that both women are indefinitely suspended and their Women’s Tag Team belts are now up for grabs.
He added that there would be a tournament to determine who becomes the new Women’s Tag Team Champions. Sasha Banks and Naomi are yet to make public statements of their own.
WWE pulls Sasha Banks and Naomi merch from online shop
In addition to their suspension, Banks and Naomi’s merchandise can no longer be bought from the WWE online shop. If you were to search for the pair on the Shop page now, it would return no results.
Eagle-eyed fans started to spot this on Friday evening. Those who want to purchase Banks and Naomi merchandise will now have to go elsewhere.
While secondary sellers do have stocks of official merchandise, WWE’s Shop has been the primary source of such items. Given the financial benefits merchandise gives the company, this makes the WWE’s intention clear.
What does it all mean?
While some fans may have thought the Sasha Banks and Naomi fallout was an elaborate script by the organisers at WWE, it doesn’t seem that way now.
Michael Cole’s statement on SmackDown supports the WWE’s official statement earlier in the week, and the merchandise removal confirms the duo’s omission.
It is clear beyond all doubt that this is not a scripted act and Sasha Banks’ and Naomi’s futures with WWE look in doubt.
Featured image credit: Getty
