Sasha Banks makes NJPW debut at Wrestle Kingdom 17, confronts KAIRI

Sasha Banks made her debut at NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 17 event Wednesday morning, laying out KAIRI and challenging her to a match for next month in San Jose.

After KAIRI defeated Tam Nakano to retain the IWGP Women’s Championship, Banks came out, using the name Mercedes Mone. She at first congratulated KAIRI and offered to shake her hand. It was a trap, however, as Banks laid her out. Banks then took a microphone and said that she is here in New Japan and Stardom to make more history, and called herself the CEO of the women’s division. She promised to take the title from KAIRI at NJPW Battle in the Valley, which takes place in San Jose on February 18.

It was reported in recent weeks that Banks would become a free agent at the start of 2023. She was indefinitely suspended by WWE last May after she and Naomi walked out prior to an episode of WWE Raw. As a result, Naomi and Banks were suspended and stripped of the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles.

Negotiations between Banks and WWE for a return began after Vince McMahon left WWE in July. However, it was reported that WWE and Banks were “very far apart” on money.