WWE star Bayley is reportedly set to be in Tokyo ahead of NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17.
As first reported by PWInsider, Sasha Banks (Mercedes Varnado) is set to appear at the show on January 4. In doing so, she would make her return to wrestling following a relatively lengthy absence; she hasn’t been seen on WWE TV since she and Naomi walked out of May 16 episode of WWE RAW. Banks and Naomi were suspended by the company, and their statuses have been unclear ever since. But multiple outlets have reported that Banks is expected to be at Wrestle Kingdom, with one noting that her NJPW deal includes a STARDOM show.
According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, Bayley will be in Tokyo on January 4. She will reportedly join Naomi, who confirmed her own presence in Tokyo on social media.
Omg Naomi actually in Japan pic.twitter.com/0WPwRsNs8Y
— STFU? (@stfudoja) January 3, 2023
Johnson noted that he could not confirm whether WWE sent Bayley to the show; instead, given her friendship with Banks, it’s possible that she decided to go in order to be there for Banks. Given her status as a member of the WWE roster, she likely won’t appear on NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17.
Bayley and Banks have been close friends for a number of years, dating back to their time in NXT. In WWE, they have teamed up together; they were the first duo to hold the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. They have also feuded a few times, and the two stars have delivered several unforgettable matches, both in NXT and on the main roster.
WrestleZone will provide more information as they become available.
