-- Sasha Banks' situation in the world of pro wrestling has been making waves lately, with her status with WWE and NJPW a point of rampant speculation. Banks has been scheduled for New Japan's Wrestle Kingdom 17 in early January which would seem to suggest that she is free and clear from her WWE contract, or will be by the time that event comes around. On the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer discussed the situation again.
-- According to Meltzer, Banks appears to be done with WWE suggesting that her contract is set to expire at the end of the year. He notes that discussions between Banks and WWE continue to happen, but that the two sides are very far apart on monetary terms and that Banks was looking for money that would be "very high" for a female wrestler.
-- This report adds that Banks has already agreed to terms with NJPW on not only appearing at Wrestle Kingdom 17, but for a handful of other dates in the new year which would imply that from New Japan's side, they are confident that Banks not be legally tied to WWE and that they have a deal with her. It's unknown if WWE can or will try to freeze Banks' contract as they have done for others who have been inactive or injured. Whatever the case, Banks won't be wrestling at Wrestle Kingdom, but will be making an appearance of some kind.
-- As far as the (potential) situation between Banks and AEW, Meltzer noted that if Banks and WWE couldn't agree on money, it's unlikely that NJPW would be able to afford her at the rate she is looking for, however, AEW certainly could. One obvious rumor is that Banks will appear on January 11 for AEW as the mystery partner alongside Saraya against Jamie Hayter and Britt Baker. Obviously this is a fluid situation and we will post more as it becomes available.
