Sasha Banks worked as a hairdresser and salon assistant before signing with WWE
Before Sasha Banks became one of WWE's most recognizable performers, she worked in the beauty industry. In her late teens and early twenties, she held positions as a hairdresser and salon assistant in the Boston area, where she grew up. This work gave her income and flexibility while she pursued her real passion: professional wrestling training and independent wrestling shows.
Banks, whose real name is Mercedes Kaestner-Varnado, trained at wrestling schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island during this period. She performed on the independent circuit under various names, building her skills and reputation while maintaining her salon work. The combination of a steady job and wrestling training is common for wrestlers starting out—most cannot make a living from wrestling alone until they reach a major promotion.
Her transition from salon work to full-time wrestling happened gradually. As her independent wrestling career gained traction and she began appearing on larger shows, she reduced her salon hours. By the time she signed with WWE's developmental system (NXT) in 2013, she was able to focus entirely on wrestling.
Key Takeaways
- Sasha Banks worked as a hairdresser and salon assistant in the Boston area before her wrestling career took off.
- She trained at independent wrestling schools while maintaining her salon job to support herself financially.
- Most professional wrestlers work other jobs during their early years because independent wrestling does not pay enough to live on.
- Banks gradually transitioned to full-time wrestling as her independent circuit reputation grew and led to her WWE developmental contract in 2013.
How salon work fit into her wrestling training schedule
Working in a salon offered Banks something many entry-level jobs do not: schedule flexibility. Salons often operate on appointment-based systems, which meant she could sometimes adjust her hours around wrestling training sessions and independent show bookings. This was crucial during her early years when she was learning the fundamentals at wrestling schools.
The salon work also kept her connected to the entertainment and performance world, even if it was not wrestling. Working with clients, managing appearance, and understanding personal presentation are all skills that translate to professional wrestling, where character and visual presentation matter enormously. Many wrestlers from that era describe their pre-wrestling jobs as simply a way to pay rent while they pursued their real career.
The independent wrestling circuit while working full-time
Between her salon shifts, Banks performed on independent wrestling shows throughout New England. These shows typically pay wrestlers between $20 and $200 per appearance, depending on the promotion's size and draw. For someone working a full-time job, independent wrestling was a side pursuit that required significant dedication but could not yet be a primary income source.
She wrestled under different names during this period, including "Sasha" and variations of her real name, before settling on the Sasha Banks character. Independent wrestlers often change their names and gimmicks as they move between promotions and develop their craft. This experimentation is a normal part of the learning process before reaching WWE or other major promotions.
When she transitioned to wrestling full-time
Banks signed with WWE's NXT developmental program in 2013, which marked her shift to full-time wrestling. NXT wrestlers receive a salary from WWE, though the amount varies based on experience and position. This contract allowed her to leave salon work and focus entirely on training and performing.
Her rise through NXT was rapid. She debuted on the main WWE roster in 2015 and quickly became one of the company's top female performers. Within a few years of signing with WWE, she was main-eventing major pay-per-view events and winning world championships. The path from salon assistant to WWE main eventer took roughly a decade of work, training, and independent wrestling performances.
Why many wrestlers work other jobs early in their careers
Sasha Banks' experience is typical for professional wrestlers. The independent wrestling circuit does not generate enough income for most performers to live on, especially when starting out. Wrestlers need to train constantly, travel to shows (often paying their own expenses), and build a reputation over years before they earn significant money.
Major promotions like WWE, AEW, and Impact Wrestling only hire wrestlers who have already proven themselves elsewhere. This means almost every wrestler who reaches the top has worked another job while building their independent resume. Salon work, retail, construction, security, and food service are common jobs wrestlers hold during their early years. The combination of a paying job and wrestling training is not a sign of struggle—it is the standard path to a professional wrestling career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Sasha Banks train at a specific wrestling school?
Banks trained at wrestling schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island during her early years. She worked with various trainers and promotions in the New England independent circuit before signing with WWE. Specific school names and trainer details from that period are not widely documented in public sources.
How much money do independent wrestlers make per show?
Independent wrestling pay varies widely based on the promotion's size and attendance. Smaller local shows might pay $20 to $50 per wrestler, while larger regional promotions can pay $100 to $300 or more. Top independent wrestlers with strong reputations earn higher rates, but most wrestlers starting out make very little per show.
How long did Sasha Banks work in salons before WWE?
Banks worked in the salon industry for several years during her late teens and early twenties while training and performing on the independent circuit. She transitioned to full-time wrestling when she signed with WWE's NXT program in 2013, roughly a decade after she began wrestling training.
Do all professional wrestlers work other jobs when starting out?
Nearly all professional wrestlers work other jobs during their early years on the independent circuit. Independent wrestling does not pay enough to live on for most performers. Only after reaching a major promotion like WWE, AEW, or Impact Wrestling can wrestlers typically support themselves through wrestling alone.