Sasha Banks left WWE in 2023 and signed with AEW in 2024

Sasha Banks, whose real name is Mercedes Kaestner-Varnado, departed WWE in June 2023 after a contract dispute. She had been with WWE since 2012 and was one of the company's most decorated women's wrestlers, holding multiple championship titles. Her exit came after she refused to drop the women's tag team championship as WWE had requested, leading to her suspension and eventual release from her contract.

After leaving WWE, Banks took time away from professional wrestling. In May 2024, she signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Tony Khan's wrestling promotion. She made her AEW debut at the Double or Nothing pay-per-view event on May 26, 2024, aligning with the Blackpool Combat Club faction.

Key Takeaways

  • Sasha Banks left WWE in June 2023 following a contract dispute over the women's tag team championship.
  • She had been with WWE for over a decade and held multiple championship titles during her tenure.
  • Banks signed with AEW in May 2024 and debuted at the Double or Nothing event.
  • Her move to AEW marked a significant shift in professional wrestling, as she joined one of WWE's main competitors.

Her WWE Career and Championship Accomplishments

Banks debuted in WWE's developmental system in 2012 and worked her way up through NXT before joining the main roster. She became known for her technical wrestling style, high-flying moves, and character work. Over her 11 years with WWE, she held the NXT Women's Championship, the Raw Women's Championship, the SmackDown Women's Championship, and multiple tag team championships.

She was part of several notable factions and teams during her WWE run, including The Riott Squad and a tag team partnership with Bayley. Her matches against wrestlers like Bayley, Charlotte Flair, and Rhea Ripley became some of WWE's most talked-about women's matches. Banks was considered one of the architects of WWE's women's evolution, helping to establish women's wrestling as a main event draw.

The Contract Dispute That Led to Her Departure

In June 2023, WWE requested that Banks drop the women's tag team championship she held with Naomi. Banks refused the request, which led to WWE suspending her from all programming. The suspension was later converted into her release from her contract, ending her time with the company.

Banks cited creative differences and her desire to have more control over her character direction as reasons for the dispute. The situation highlighted tensions between WWE management and performers over creative decisions. Her departure was one of several high-profile exits from WWE during that period, as other wrestlers also sought opportunities elsewhere.

Time Away from Wrestling and Personal Projects

After leaving WWE, Banks took an extended break from professional wrestling. During this time, she focused on other projects and personal pursuits. She appeared in entertainment ventures outside of wrestling and spent time away from the spotlight that had defined her career for over a decade.

This period of time away gave her space to step back from the wrestling industry and explore different opportunities. When she eventually decided to return to wrestling, she had multiple promotions interested in signing her, given her track record and fan following.

Her Signing with AEW and Debut

In May 2024, AEW announced that Banks had signed with the promotion. Her contract with AEW represented a major acquisition for the company, as she was one of the most recognizable women's wrestlers in the industry. She made her in-ring debut at AEW's Double or Nothing pay-per-view event on May 26, 2024.

At her debut, Banks joined the Blackpool Combat Club, a faction led by Jon Moxley that focuses on technical wrestling and strong style matches. This alignment positioned her as a key player in AEW's women's division and set up storylines with other top female wrestlers on the roster.

What Her Move to AEW Means for Professional Wrestling

Banks' signing with AEW represented a significant moment in professional wrestling's competitive landscape. Her departure from WWE and move to a rival promotion demonstrated that top wrestlers had options beyond WWE, which had long been the industry standard. This shift has contributed to a more competitive wrestling market where multiple promotions can attract major talent.

Her presence in AEW strengthened the women's division and gave the promotion another main-event caliber performer. Fans who had followed her WWE career could now watch her work in a different environment with different creative direction. Her move also signaled that AEW was willing to invest in established, proven talent to build its roster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Sasha Banks leave WWE?

Banks left WWE in June 2023 after refusing to drop the women's tag team championship as the company requested. She cited creative differences and a desire for more control over her character direction. The dispute led to her suspension and eventual release from her contract.

How long was Sasha Banks away from wrestling?

Banks took approximately 11 months away from professional wrestling between her WWE departure in June 2023 and her AEW debut in May 2024. During this time, she focused on personal projects and other entertainment ventures outside of wrestling.

What faction is Sasha Banks in within AEW?

Banks joined the Blackpool Combat Club upon her AEW debut. The faction is led by Jon Moxley and emphasizes technical wrestling and strong style matches. This alignment positioned her as a central figure in AEW's women's division.

Has Sasha Banks held championships in AEW?

Since her debut in May 2024, Banks has competed in AEW's women's division. Her championship pursuits and title reigns in AEW would depend on storyline developments and booking decisions made by AEW's creative team after her debut.