Sasha Banks (aka Mercedes Moné) has been making waves in the wrestling industry since she walked out of WWE in May of 2022. She has been with New Japan Pro Wrestling ever since, remaining a fan favorite with her ambitious personality and coveted in-ring abilities.
NJPW's live event, Resurgence, took place on Sunday, May 21, at Long Beach, California. It was announced that a one-night tournament would determine the inaugural NJPW Strong Women's Champion. Mercedes Moné, Momo Kohgo, Stephanie Vaquer, and Willow Nightingale competed for the championship, and Moné defeated Vaquer and moved on to face Nightingale after the latter defeated Kohgo.
In the Championship final match, the former IWGP Women's Champion came out in her Disney-inspired look, wearing colors that emanate the Disney princess, Snow White.
The two women squared off, but Nightingale's raw power continued to overwhelm Moné as the fight went on. In the end, Willow delivered two Doctor Bombs to the former WWE Superstar and was crowned NJPW STRONG Women's Champion.
Both women performed incredibly well, and it has been rumored that Moné, unfortunately, was injured during the bout, with a few videos circulating online showing her being carried out from the ring post-match.
WWE has been open to Sasha Banks' return
After her departure from WWE due to creative differences, Mercedes Moné has been presented as a major star on the NJPW roster.
It was reported that Sasha Banks wanted to be paid at the same level as the women's roster's top competitors, Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch. Though many fans believe she deserved the payout, WWE certainly did not share the same opinion.
Wrestling News reported in March that WWE was open to Sasha Banks' return if she was willing to give up certain points she initially talked of while away from the company.
With her most recent loss at the NJPW Resurgence event, some fans believe her Japanese wrestling era is over, but it is only just getting started. Bleacher Report reported that Moné and Bushiroad agreed to an extension on her contract, though it is unsure how long it has been extended.
“From the WWE side, we were told there were points that she has asked for that she would have to give up asking for to sign a deal with them, but the door is open for her otherwise.” [H/T Wrestling News]
Unfortunately for the WWE Universe, it doesn't seem like Sasha Banks will be making her comeback anytime soon, especially with how NJPW has presented her as a big star.