“It Was Supposed to Be Sasha”: Vince McMahon Robbed Sasha Banks of Her Moment to Instead Put Over the Rock’s Cousin

Published 04/17/2023, 4:30 PM EDT

Former WWE superstar Sasha Banks last wrestled in WWE on May 2022. A day later, she and her tag team partner, Naomi, walked out on the Stamford-based company citing creative differences. Vince McMahon was yet to step down and hand over WWE creative to son-in-law Triple H. So, the creative differences that the then reigning WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions had were likely with McMahon. Interestingly, this wasn’t the only time McMahon disrupted Sasha Banks’ momentum with his creative inputs.

Nia Jax reveals Vince McMahon’s last-minute input that stole Sasha Banks’ thunder

In his 40-year-career, Vince McMahon has done what’s best for business and that includes taking some tough decisions. While WWE matches are partially choreographed with fixed outcomes, some of them tend to affect fans and superstars alike.

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In 2018, Vince McMahon refused to let Sasha Banks go over at the Survivor Series. While the result of the match was shocking, the way it was formulated takes the cake!

According to the winner, Nia Jax, McMahon made one of his infamous last-minute changes, resulting in the scales tipping in favor of Jax.

“There was some change in this match. Let me tell you, I was not supposed to be the sole survivor in this one. I believe it was supposed to be Sasha,” the 2x WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion revealed during her recent chat with Ring the Belle.

Jax, who is WWE legend Dwayne Johnson’s cousin from her mother’s side, said Sasha was booked as the sole survivor, but the producer walked in at the last moment and relayed McMahon’s decision.

“Because it was the moment, I was still trending, and that crowd hated me. Oh, they went nuts when I came out, so Vince was like no, Nia over,” the 38-year-old shared. “It was a cool thing but it was one of those moments where I’m like s**t,” she added.

While Nia Jax remained the sole survivor, Sasha Banks was the eighth wrestler to be eliminated after surviving a little over 18 minutes. Asuka eliminated the current IWGP Women’s Champion.

Amidst Major Concerns Over Vince McMahon’s Return to Creative, WWE CEO Provides an Update on Triple H’s Future in the Company

Meanwhile, Banks took a subtle jab at WWE during a press conference recently.

Sasha Banks points at differences between wrestling in WWE and Japan

After walking out of the WWE, Sasha Banks appeared at this NJPW Wrestling Kingdom under the ring name Mercedes Mone. She has since gone on to win the IWGP Women’s Championship by defeating KAIRI.

Recently, the former WWE star took a subtle dig at WWE by stating differences in wrestling with her old and new promotions.

Speaking at a Q&A panel for The Mandalorian at Megacon, Banks said, “It’s definitely not the same. It’s definitely not the same. It’s so different. Besides being in a whole different country with a completely different language barrier and not understanding anything, but it’s so magical because wrestling is so universal. I don’t have to say any words. The girls over there are legit.”

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While the 31-year-old didn’t explicitly point out anyone in particular, her “legit” sentiment seems to be aimed at WWE and its female roster.

It wouldn’t be too farfetched to deem that Sasha Banks might still hold a grudge against her old company, especially after how she walked out on them while still being a reigning champion.

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Watch This Story: Here’s Why Endeavor And Ari Emanuel Will Never Fire Vince McMahon Despite Fan Backlash

Meanwhile, do you think Vince McMahon made the right choice with his last-minute decision at the 2018 Survivor Series? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Sudipto is a WWE writer at Essentially Sports. He holds a PG degree in Mass Communication. Being an experienced journalist, Sudipto has interviewed WWE Superstars Alberto Del Rio and Sheamus and hopes to add some more names to that list.

Edited by:

Debmallya Chakraborty

“It Was Supposed to Be Sasha”: Vince McMahon Robbed Sasha Banks of Her Moment to Instead Put Over the Rock’s Cousin

Nia Jax reveals Vince McMahon’s last-minute input that stole Sasha Banks’ thunder

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Sasha Banks points at differences between wrestling in WWE and Japan