Ex-WWE star Sasha Banks makes ‘f***ing surreal’ Japan debut with new name
Former WWE star Sasha Banks has made her first appearance in a wrestling ring since walking out on the United States-based company last year.
Using her real first name, Mercedes Vernado – who has more than 2.4 million Twitter followers – made a shock appearance at New Japan Pro Wrestling's WrestleKingdom 17 at the Tokyo Dome in Japan, with Mone as her new in-ring last name earlier today (January 4).
Vernado walked out on WWE after reportedly being unhappy with the direction her character was going, despite being on half of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions at the time.
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There were rumours that she might return to the company after disgraced former CEO Vince McMahon retired and had been replaced with legendary former wrestler Triple H – but she became a free agent on New Year's Day (January 1) and has now chosen NJPW as her new home.
And she has already set the wrestling world ablaze by challenging IWGP Women's Champion Kairi (formerly Kairi Sane in WWE) for the title just minutes after she beat Tam Nakano in her first defence.
Calling herself the “CEO of the women's division” she told Kaira that she would be facing her for the title at the Battle In The Valley show set to take place in San Jose, California on February 18.
And harping back to her previous gimmick as The Boss and name as Sasha Banks in WWE, she said: “I'm going to leave you bankrupt, b***h!"
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Her army of fans on social media was loving the debut, with one calling it “f***ing awesome”.
Another wrote: “I’m crying tears of happiness and of nostalgia.
“Sasha Banks may be gone, but Mercedes Mone is here to stay.”
A third wrote: “Mercedes Moné looks like a million bucks.
“Can’t wait to see her challenge for the IWGP title at Battle in the Valley in San Jose.”
Shortly before making her debut, Mercedes took to Twitter to show her appreciation for her former employers, thanking WWE, William Regal, Triple H, the WWE Universe, Vince McMahon, her “Krew”, and lastly . . . her former self.
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