There has been no shortage of speculation regarding the status of Sasha Banks this year, with a very public departure from the WWE, with fans keeping track of where she has popped up for appearances and featuring in pictures with wrestlers around the world. But, recent trademark filings made this week could be the most concrete evidence of a return for the former world champion yet.
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New Trademarks Point Towards A New Name For Sasha Banks
As reported by Fightful, a batch of trademarks filed this week don't take much thinking to link to Four Horsewomen member Sasha Banks, both in the content and the nature of the filings. These trademarks, put together by Michael Dockins, a known pro wrestling trademark attorney, include the terms 'Mercedes Mone', 'Statement Maker', 'Mone Talks' and 'Bank Mone'.
Among the trademarks, as well as for use in a variety of merchandising avenues including fashion, jewelry and action figures, are specific references to an in-ring performer. Within all the legal jargon, the listing cites uses for 'Entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests; Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler...live appearances by a professional wrestler...personal appearances by a professional wrestler...televised appearances by a professional wrestler' and more.
The links are clear, with 'Mercedes Mone' close to Banks' real name, Mercedes Kaestner-Varnado, and the surrounding trademarks continuing the theme of Sasha Banks' character, the 'Statement Maker' a clear reference to her Banks Statement submission. Also of note is the company registering these trademarks, Soulando, Inc., a company formed in August of this year. The Soulnado detail both provides a layer of cover for an individual using their company for some added secrecy, and offers another link through Soulnado's closeness to the Mercedes Kaestner-Varnado name.
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What Could This Mean For A Sasha Banks Return?
If all this speculation comes to fruition, then the name change brings with it some heavy implications. If Banks were to return to the WWE, as has been heavily rumored since the regime change with Triple H heading up creative, surely she would retain the Sasha Banks name, seeing as it is an established part of the WWE machine. So, if she were to appear as Mercedes Mone, it is likely that it won't be in the WWE.
If not WWE, then AEW is certainly a possibility for where Banks might show up next, but it is far from the only option. It wasn't very long ago that Banks teased a match on social media with KAIRI, the former Kairi Sane, now competing for Stardom and in the tournament for NJPW's new IWGP Women's Championship. Banks had even taken time to train in Japan whilst still in the WWE, clearly an admirer of the joshi promotions across the Pacific.
As one of the biggest female superstars the WWE has seen, Banks next move could prove groundbreaking to the wrestling world. All that's left for fans to do now is to wait and see...
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