Sasha Banks left WWE in 2023 and is now a free agent pursuing acting and other projects

Sasha Banks (real name Mercedes Kaestner-Varnado) departed WWE in November 2023 after a contract dispute and has not returned to professional wrestling since. She is currently focused on acting roles, brand partnerships, and personal projects outside the wrestling industry. Her last WWE appearance was in September 2023, and she has made no public statements indicating plans to return to any wrestling promotion.

Banks was one of WWE's most decorated female wrestlers, holding multiple championship titles during her tenure. Her exit came after she and Naomi walked out during a Raw episode in May 2022 over creative disagreements, which led to a suspension. She returned to WWE in late 2022 but ultimately chose to leave the company permanently when her contract expired.

Key Takeaways

  • Sasha Banks left WWE in November 2023 and has not signed with any other wrestling promotion as of now.
  • She is pursuing acting opportunities and has appeared in television and film projects since leaving wrestling.
  • Banks maintains an active social media presence where she shares updates about her current work and personal life.
  • Her departure followed a previous walkout in 2022 over creative control, which she has discussed publicly.

Her Acting and Entertainment Career Since Leaving WWE

Since departing WWE, Banks has shifted focus toward the entertainment industry beyond wrestling. She has pursued acting roles and has been open about her interest in expanding her career into film and television. Her social media accounts show she remains active in the public eye, sharing personal updates and professional announcements with her followers.

Banks has also engaged in brand partnerships and endorsement deals that align with her personal interests. She has spoken in interviews about wanting to explore different creative avenues and not being limited to professional wrestling as her sole career path. This pivot reflects a broader trend among wrestlers who use their platform and recognition to transition into other entertainment sectors.

What Led to Her WWE Departure

Banks's exit from WWE was not sudden but rather the culmination of ongoing tensions. In May 2022, she and fellow wrestler Naomi walked out during a Raw taping, citing dissatisfaction with how they were being booked and creative direction. WWE suspended both wrestlers, and while Naomi eventually returned, Banks's relationship with the company remained strained.

When her contract came up for renewal in late 2023, Banks chose not to re-sign. She has stated in interviews that the walkout was about respect and creative input, issues that were never fully resolved during her remaining time with WWE. Her departure was amicable in the sense that there was no public feud at the time of her exit, but it was clear the working relationship had run its course.

Her Wrestling Legacy and Impact

During her WWE career, which began in 2013, Banks became one of the most influential female wrestlers of her generation. She was a multi-time Raw Women's Champion, SmackDown Women's Champion, and tag team champion. She was instrumental in elevating women's wrestling during the "Women's Evolution" and "Women's Revolution" periods of WWE programming.

Banks was known for her technical wrestling ability, character work, and willingness to take risks in the ring. Her matches against Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and others are considered among the best women's matches in WWE history. Even though she is no longer active in wrestling, her influence on how women's wrestling is presented continues to be recognized by fans and industry professionals.

Current Social Media and Public Presence

Banks maintains active accounts on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok where she shares updates about her life and work. Her social media presence shows a mix of personal content, professional announcements, and interactions with fans. She has used these platforms to discuss her transition away from wrestling and to promote her other projects.

Her followers remain engaged with her content, and she has not disappeared from public view despite leaving wrestling. She occasionally comments on wrestling-related topics or events, but primarily uses her platform to highlight her current endeavors and personal interests. This ongoing visibility keeps her connected to her fanbase while she pursues new directions.

Possibilities for Her Future in Wrestling

While Banks has not indicated any when ready plans to return to wrestling, the door is not completely closed. Wrestlers have returned to the industry after extended breaks, and Banks has the star power and fan support that would make her a significant signing for any major promotion. However, based on her public statements, she appears genuinely interested in exploring opportunities outside wrestling.

If she were to return, it would likely be on her own terms with creative control—the very issue that led to her departure. Some fans speculate about potential returns to WWE, AEW, or other promotions, but these remain fan theories rather than based on any confirmed reporting. Banks herself has not made any public statements suggesting she is considering a wrestling comeback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Sasha Banks retire from wrestling?

Banks has not officially announced a retirement, but she has not returned to any wrestling promotion since leaving WWE in November 2023. She has shifted her focus to acting and other entertainment projects, which suggests a permanent move away from wrestling rather than a temporary hiatus.

Is Sasha Banks still married to Sarath Ton?

Yes, Banks is married to Sarath Ton, a former professional wrestler known as Kid Mikaze. They married in 2017 and have children together. She occasionally shares family updates on social media but keeps most of her personal life private.

Has Sasha Banks signed with AEW or another wrestling company?

As of now, there are no confirmed reports of Banks signing with AEW, Impact Wrestling, or any other major wrestling promotion. She remains a free agent but has not pursued wrestling contracts since her WWE departure.

What was the main reason she left WWE?

Banks cited creative disagreements and lack of input on her character direction as the primary reasons for leaving. The 2022 walkout with Naomi highlighted these issues, and they were never fully resolved during her remaining time with the company.

Can fans expect to see Sasha Banks in wrestling again?

While nothing is impossible in wrestling, Banks has shown no public interest in returning. Her current focus on acting and entertainment suggests she is moving forward with a different career path, though circumstances could change in the future.