Sasha Banks walked out of WWE in May 2022 and has not returned

Sasha Banks left WWE on May 16, 2022, during a live episode of Monday Night Raw. She was scheduled to defend her Raw Women's Championship against Rhea Ripley but refused to go to the ring. WWE later announced she had been suspended and her championship was vacated. Banks did not return to WWE after that date, and her contract eventually expired.

The departure was sudden and public. Banks had been with WWE since 2013 and was one of the company's marquee female wrestlers. Her exit marked the end of a nearly decade-long tenure and left her championship reign unresolved on live television.

Key Takeaways

  • Sasha Banks walked out during a live Raw episode on May 16, 2022, refusing to defend her championship against Rhea Ripley.
  • WWE suspended her immediately and vacated her Raw Women's Championship the same night.
  • Banks did not return to WWE after her departure, and her contract expired without renewal.
  • She signed with AEW (All Elite Wrestling) in June 2023, more than a year after leaving WWE.

What happened the night Sasha Banks left

On May 16, 2022, Sasha Banks was scheduled to face Rhea Ripley for the Raw Women's Championship on live television. When it came time for the match, Banks did not enter the ring. WWE officials announced she had been suspended indefinitely for refusing to perform.

The company vacated her championship that same night, meaning Ripley was declared the new champion without having to wrestle for it. This was highly unusual—championships are normally defended in matches, not handed over due to a wrestler's absence.

Banks did not make a public statement about why she refused to wrestle. WWE also did not explain the underlying reason for her departure. The incident happened live in front of an audience and was broadcast on television, making it impossible to keep quiet.

The suspension and contract expiration

After the May 16 incident, WWE placed Sasha Banks on suspension. The company did not announce a specific end date for the suspension, and Banks remained off television for months. During this time, she was not seen at WWE events or mentioned in storylines.

Banks' WWE contract was set to expire in 2023. Rather than renew it, both sides allowed it to lapse. This meant she was no longer under contract to WWE and was free to work elsewhere. The exact expiration date was not publicly disclosed, but by mid-2023 she was no longer bound to the company.

Sasha Banks signs with AEW in 2023

In June 2023, more than a year after leaving WWE, Sasha Banks signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a competing wrestling promotion. She debuted on AEW Dynamite on June 26, 2023, under the ring name Mercedes Moné—a name she had used earlier in her career before joining WWE.

Her AEW debut was a major signing for the company. Banks had been one of WWE's top female wrestlers and was considered one of the best in-ring performers in the industry. Her move to AEW was seen as a significant shift in professional wrestling's landscape.

Since joining AEW, Banks has competed in multiple matches and has held championship titles in the promotion. She has remained active on AEW programming and has not returned to WWE.

Why she left: what we know and don't know

WWE and Sasha Banks have never publicly stated the specific reason for her departure. No official statement from either side explained what led to her refusing to wrestle on May 16, 2022. This lack of clarity has led to speculation among fans and wrestling observers.

Some reports suggested creative differences—that Banks disagreed with how WWE was booking her character or planning her storylines. Others pointed to contract negotiations or pay disputes. None of these reports were confirmed by Banks or WWE.

Banks herself has been limited in what she has said publicly about the incident. She has not given a detailed interview explaining her reasons for leaving. This means the full story of why she walked out remains known only to her and WWE's leadership.

Impact on WWE and professional wrestling

Sasha Banks' departure was significant because she was one of WWE's most recognizable female wrestlers. She had been part of the company's women's evolution and was featured in major matches and storylines. Her sudden exit left a notable gap in WWE's women's roster.

The incident also highlighted tensions that can exist between wrestlers and major promotions over creative control, pay, and working conditions. Banks' decision to walk out rather than continue under WWE's terms showed that even top-tier wrestlers were willing to leave if they felt their concerns were not being addressed.

Her move to AEW demonstrated that wrestlers had options beyond WWE, even after spending years with the company. This shift has affected how professional wrestling is structured and has given wrestlers more leverage in negotiations with major promotions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Sasha Banks ever explain why she left WWE?

No. Neither Sasha Banks nor WWE has publicly stated the specific reason for her departure. Banks has not given a detailed interview about the incident, and WWE has not released an official explanation. The exact cause remains undisclosed.

Could Sasha Banks return to WWE in the future?

It is possible but uncertain. Wrestlers have returned to WWE after leaving, but there is no indication Banks plans to do so. She is currently signed to AEW and appears committed to that promotion. Any return would require new negotiations between her and WWE.

What happened to her Raw Women's Championship?

WWE vacated the championship on the night she left. Rhea Ripley was declared the new champion without wrestling for it. Banks never lost the title in a match—it was simply taken from her due to her refusal to compete.

How long was Sasha Banks suspended by WWE?

WWE did not announce a specific suspension length. Banks remained off television for months after May 16, 2022, but her contract eventually expired in 2023, ending her time with the company before any formal suspension period could conclude.

Is Sasha Banks still wrestling?

Yes. She is currently signed to AEW under the ring name Mercedes Moné and competes regularly on AEW programming. She has held championships in AEW and continues to be an active wrestler in the promotion.