We're only a couple of days into 2023, but the year's first big pro wrestling news story may have already dropped! Ahead of tonight's RAW, it's said that Sasha Banks is now officially a free agent, with plans in place for her to appear during this week's Wrestle Kingdom 17 event in Japan.
That's New Japan Pro Wrestling's biggest show, and if The Boss is indeed done with WWE, then she's going to need a new name, right?
According to a new trademark filing, Banks - whose real name is Mercedes Varnado - looks set to go by "Mone' Banks." She filed this on December 27 through her company Soulnado Inc., along with - Mercedes Mone', Mone' Talks, Bank Mone', and Statement Maker.
Needless to say, all signs now point to her being done with WWE.
She and Naomi both walked out of the company back in May, and while they're still listed as active Superstars on WWE.com, we're guessing Banks is definitely finished with her former employers. Of course, we can't discount the possibility that this is all a misdirect, and that she's been given permission to appear at the Japanese event to throw fans off the scent.
After all, WWE recently allowed Shinsuke Nakamura to wrestle The Great Muta in Pro Wrestling NOAH on New Year's Day, and if Banks is being lined up for a Royal Rumble return, this would be a fantastic way to surprise us ahead of WrestleMania!
Failing that, there's still a tonne of speculation that Banks will be Saraya's mystery partner on AEW Dynamite on January 11, so there's a chance she'll soon be "All Elite" instead.
As you can see below, Banks has also teased a fresh start moving into 2023...