Sasha Banks left WWE in 2023 and has not returned

Sasha Banks, whose real name is Mercedes Kaestner-Varnado, departed WWE in November 2023 after nearly a decade with the company. She is not currently signed to WWE and has not rejoined the promotion since her departure. Banks was released from her contract following a dispute with WWE management over creative direction and how she and fellow wrestler Naomi were being used on television.

The split was public and contentious. Banks and Naomi walked out of a live episode of Monday Night Raw in May 2023, citing frustration with their storylines. WWE initially suspended both wrestlers, then released them from their contracts in November 2023. Banks has since moved on to other wrestling promotions and entertainment projects outside of WWE.

Key Takeaways

  • Sasha Banks left WWE in November 2023 after a contract dispute and has not signed with the company again.
  • The departure followed a public walkout in May 2023 when Banks and Naomi objected to their creative direction on Raw.
  • Banks was one of WWE's most decorated female wrestlers, holding multiple championship titles during her tenure.
  • Since leaving WWE, Banks has pursued opportunities in other wrestling promotions and entertainment ventures.

What led to Sasha Banks leaving WWE

The conflict between Sasha Banks and WWE management centered on how she and Naomi were being portrayed on television. Both wrestlers felt their storylines lacked substance and that they were not being given meaningful roles despite their track records as top performers. On the May 15, 2023 episode of Monday Night Raw, Banks and Naomi walked out before their scheduled match, making their dissatisfaction public.

WWE responded by suspending both wrestlers and stripping them of their titles. The company later announced that Banks and Naomi had been released from their contracts on November 2, 2023. Banks posted on social media that she had requested her release, framing the departure as her choice rather than WWE's decision alone. The exact terms of the split and any financial settlement were not disclosed publicly.

Sasha Banks' accomplishments during her WWE career

Banks joined WWE in 2013 and became one of the most accomplished female wrestlers in the company's history. She held the RAW Women's Championship, the SmackDown Women's Championship, and the NXT Women's Championship at different points in her career. She was also a multi-time tag team champion and main-evented major WWE events including WrestleMania.

Her wrestling style was known for technical skill and high-flying moves. Banks was credited with helping to elevate women's wrestling in WWE during a period when the company was increasing investment in female performers. She was part of the "Four Horsewomen" alongside Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Bayley, a group that became central to WWE's women's division for several years.

Where Sasha Banks has worked since leaving WWE

After her WWE departure, Banks signed with AEW (All Elite Wrestling) in 2024 under the ring name Mercedes Moné. She debuted with the promotion at the Dynasty pay-per-view event in April 2024. AEW is the second-largest professional wrestling promotion in North America and competes directly with WWE for audience and talent.

Banks has also pursued opportunities outside of wrestling, including acting roles and other entertainment projects. She has appeared in television shows and films, expanding her career beyond professional wrestling. Her move to AEW marked a significant shift in the wrestling landscape, as she was one of WWE's most recognizable female performers to join a competing major promotion.

Could Sasha Banks return to WWE in the future

There is no indication that Sasha Banks plans to return to WWE, and she has not publicly expressed interest in doing so. Her move to AEW and her rebranding as Mercedes Moné suggest she is focused on her current path. However, professional wrestling has a history of wrestlers returning to promotions years after departing, sometimes after disputes have cooled.

Any future return would likely depend on whether Banks and WWE management resolve their underlying disagreements about creative control and how performers are used. Banks has indicated that creative satisfaction is important to her, and that concern was central to her departure. As of now, she remains committed to AEW and her projects outside wrestling.

How to follow Sasha Banks' current work

Fans can follow Sasha Banks' wrestling career through AEW programming, which airs on TBS and streams on Max (formerly HBO Max). AEW also produces pay-per-view events throughout the year where Banks competes. Her social media accounts on platforms like Instagram and Twitter provide updates on her wrestling appearances and other projects.

Banks also appears in entertainment projects outside of wrestling, which may be announced through her official social media channels or entertainment news outlets. Keeping up with her official accounts is the most direct way to learn about her upcoming appearances and career moves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Sasha Banks and Naomi walk out of WWE?

Banks and Naomi walked out because they were unhappy with their creative direction and felt their storylines lacked substance. They objected to how they were being used on television and wanted more meaningful roles. The walkout on May 15, 2023 was a public protest against WWE management's decisions about their characters.

Is Sasha Banks still wrestling professionally?

Yes, Sasha Banks is still wrestling professionally. She signed with AEW in 2024 and performs under the ring name Mercedes Moné. She competes in AEW matches and appears on the promotion's television programming and pay-per-view events.

What is Sasha Banks doing now besides wrestling?

Beyond wrestling, Banks has pursued acting and entertainment roles in television and film. She has appeared in various entertainment projects and continues to expand her career outside of professional wrestling while maintaining her AEW wrestling schedule.

Did WWE fire Sasha Banks or did she quit?

The departure was framed as a mutual split. WWE released Banks from her contract in November 2023, but Banks stated she had requested her release. The exact circumstances of the separation were not fully disclosed, though both sides acknowledged the split was related to creative disagreements.