REPORTS: Sasha Banks negotiated WWE exit months ago, can take wrestling bookings in new year

Photo Courtesy: WWE

The pathway for Mercedes Varnado appears to be clear once the new year begins.

Last week, it was reported by Mike Johnson at PWinsider.com that the former Sasha Banks was set to attend Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4th, although New Japan is not advertising her and it is not expected that she would wrestle at the show.

Fightful has reported that Varnado’s exit from WWE was negotiated several months ago, which was originally reported by Raj Giri at Wrestling Inc. The belief is that the performer was not able to do any wrestling-related events until the start of 2023 with Fightful adding that various wrestling conventions wanted to book her.

In the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it states that Varnado is expected to do multiple dates for New Japan in the U.S. and Japan with the belief that one date will be with Stardom for a big show in April.

The Observer report added that Varnado and WWE were far apart on financial terms for a new contract. The company and Varnado reached an agreement to part ways over the summer rather than have the performer’s previous deal frozen.

About John Pollock 5924 Articles
Born on a Friday, John Pollock is a reporter, editor & podcaster at POST Wrestling. He runs and owns POST Wrestling alongside Wai Ting.