Sasha Banks left WWE in 2023 and has not returned

Sasha Banks, whose real name is Mercedes Kaestner-Varnado, is no longer with WWE as of June 2023. She departed the company after a contract dispute and has since moved to other wrestling promotions. As of now, she competes in AEW (All Elite Wrestling) and has also appeared in other wrestling organizations.

Her exit from WWE was not a typical retirement or release. Banks walked out of her contract in June 2023 after disagreements with WWE management over creative direction and how she was being used on television. This was a significant moment because Banks had been one of WWE's most prominent female wrestlers for nearly a decade.

Key Takeaways

  • Sasha Banks left WWE in June 2023 following a contract dispute with management.
  • She is currently signed to AEW (All Elite Wrestling) and performs there regularly.
  • Banks had been with WWE since 2013 and was a multiple-time champion before her departure.
  • Her exit was voluntary and related to creative disagreements, not a release by the company.

What happened between Sasha Banks and WWE

The conflict between Banks and WWE centered on how the company was booking her matches and storylines. Banks felt her character was not being developed in ways that matched her abilities and star power. She had expressed frustration publicly about her creative direction in the months leading up to her departure.

In June 2023, Banks made the decision to leave WWE rather than continue under these conditions. She announced her departure on social media, stating that she was walking away from her contract. This was a bold move because wrestlers typically either finish out their contracts or negotiate a release with the company.

Sasha Banks' career in AEW

After leaving WWE, Banks signed with AEW in late 2023. She debuted for the promotion in November 2023 and has been featured in their women's division since then. Her arrival was significant because AEW actively recruited her, and she has been given prominent storylines and match opportunities.

In AEW, Banks has competed in major matches and has been involved in the women's championship picture. The promotion has positioned her as one of their top female wrestlers, which reflects her status as an experienced and accomplished performer. She continues to perform regularly on AEW programming.

Banks' accomplishments before leaving WWE

During her time with WWE, Sasha Banks won multiple championships and became known for her technical wrestling ability and character work. She held the NXT Women's Championship, the RAW Women's Championship, and the SmackDown Women's Championship at different points in her career. She was also a multiple-time tag team champion.

Banks was part of the women's evolution in WWE and helped establish women's wrestling as a main event draw for the company. She had memorable matches at major WWE events and was considered one of the best female wrestlers on the roster. Her departure meant WWE lost one of its most skilled performers.

Why wrestlers leave WWE

Wrestlers leave WWE for several reasons: creative disagreements, contract disputes, health concerns, or opportunities with other promotions. In Banks' case, the primary issue was creative control and how she was being used. This is not uncommon—wrestlers sometimes feel their talents are not being showcased properly or that their character development has stalled.

Other major wrestlers have left WWE in recent years for similar reasons. The wrestling industry now has multiple major promotions competing for talent, which gives wrestlers more options than they had in the past. This shift has changed the power dynamic between wrestlers and WWE.

The current state of professional wrestling promotions

WWE, AEW, and Impact Wrestling are the three largest professional wrestling promotions in North America. WWE remains the largest by revenue and viewership, but AEW has grown significantly since its launch in 2019. Both promotions actively recruit wrestlers from each other and from independent circuits.

The existence of multiple major promotions means wrestlers can negotiate better contracts and have more control over their careers. This was not the case 10 or 15 years ago when WWE had far less competition. Banks' ability to leave WWE and when ready sign with AEW reflects this change in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could Sasha Banks return to WWE in the future?

It is possible but uncertain. WWE and AEW have had some talent exchanges in the past, though they are rare. Banks would need to either finish her AEW contract or negotiate a release. There has been no public indication from either Banks or WWE about a potential return.

Why did Sasha Banks use a different name in WWE?

WWE requires wrestlers to use ring names rather than their real names. Banks chose "Sasha Banks" as her professional wrestling name early in her career. Many wrestlers use ring names that are different from their legal names for branding and entertainment purposes.

Is Sasha Banks still wrestling regularly?

Yes, she performs regularly on AEW programming. She competes in matches and is involved in ongoing storylines with the women's division. You can see her on AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision, which air weekly on television.

What was Sasha Banks' most famous WWE match?

Banks had many notable matches during her WWE career. Some of her most remembered performances include matches at WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and other major WWE events. Her matches with Bayley, Charlotte Flair, and other top wrestlers are frequently cited by fans as highlights of her career.