TMZ Sports · Jan 4, 2023
Ex-WWE Superstar Sasha Banks
Sasha Banks is back in the ring ... just not with the WWE.
The former women's champ officially joined New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), debuting as "Mercedes Mone" with the promotion.
Mercedes Varnado, who went by "Sasha Banks" during her tenure with the WWE, arrived at NJPW's WrestleKingdom 17 at the Tokyo Dome in front of a packed crowd.
Mone confronted Kairi, former WWE athlete and the current IGWP women's champion, setting up a showdown between the two at New Japan's Battle in the Valley event on Feb. 18 in San Jose, California.
"I am here in New Japan and Stardom to make more [history]," Varnado said on the mic after she attacked Kairi.