WB’s Weekly Roundup (Dec 18th, 2022): Sasha is finished with WWE, Mandy Rose released, Vince McMahon wants a WWE return? & more

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1. Sasha Banks NJPW & done with WWE

Fightful Select has been told that the end of Sasha Banks' WWE deal was orchestrated this Summer, as @TheRajGiri had reported.

We've learned a lot more on the NJPW deal, when it came together, and other places that have tried to book her.https://t.co/yx41xoLhXR for subscribers pic.twitter.com/1qkTcZxsAz
— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) December 15, 2022

A report by Fightful Select has verified that Sasha Banks finished with WWE months ago. The former WWE star who’s name is Mercedes Varnado, arranged for this exit. Wrestling Inc. columnist Raj Giri first reported concerning Bank’s departure in June. Let’s catch everyone up on the developing circumstances which led to Sasha wanting out of her contract. Back in May, both Banks & Naomi had walked out due to a creative dispute regarding WWE. They were the Women’s Tag Team Champions at that time. So WWE vacated the titles & suspended them.

Fightful also communicated via their reports that Banks’ outside (WWE) booking availability officially starts on January 1st. Many noteworthy fan conventions made attempts to have Sasha. WrestleCade and additionally The Big Event too. These venues tried rebranding themselves. That was also according to Fightful.

WON: Sasha Banks' deal is with New Japan but would include one date for Stardom. That would be for a show that is expected in April 2023.

They are hoping that her crossover appeal to WWE/Star Wars fans can help them with one major show. pic.twitter.com/IBKrSpATpj
— Drainmaker 🌧️ 💵 (@DrainBamager) December 16, 2022

This esteemed publication confirmed the rumored news about Sasha and New Japan Pro Wrestling reaching a respective agreement in November. Varnado appears at Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4th, 2023. Those hoping for Sasha to AEW will need to wait & see like us all. It still could be a possibility, however.

2. WWE releases Mandy Rose

Further Details On Situation Surrounding Mandy Rose’s WWE Exit https://t.co/y3OcR9YV4M
— Inside The Ropes (@Inside_TheRopes) December 15, 2022

WWE shocked their fans by announcing the release of former NXT Women’s Champion Mandy Rose on Wednesday, Dec. 14. She held that belt for a record -413 days. She defended the title by opposing Roxanne Perez from this Tuesday’s NXT episode. Roxanne would defeat her to become the new Champion! Rose began her superstar career circa 2015. WWE did reveal why Mandy was released. She posted risqué photos & videos on her page titled Fan Time & which is similar to an OnlyFans page. Sources stated it was not within the parameters of her contract.

Inside The Ropes published the news.

Mandy Rose’s on her website after her WWE release:

“Hey guys, thank you for all the messages. I am overwhelmed with all the love and support from you guys. And don’t worry the page is still up!;).” pic.twitter.com/Bn9L4t8Fyz
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) December 15, 2022

Rose took to social media to thank fans for their support & the page is still up and running. Recently, Rose shared personal pics featuring herself in the shower with her fiancé Tito Sabbatelli. Rose also posted a skinny-dipping video! Such content costs subscribers 40 dollars every month. The ratings are specifically R-& X-rated.

3. Brock versus Gunther at Mania

Xero News states fans will likely see “ The Beast against “ The Ring General “ Gunther at WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles!!! Internal sources within WWE are talking about Brock Lesnar defeating Gunther for the Intercontinental Title come Mania next year.

There has been atleast some small talk of having Brock Lesnar win the Intercontinental Championship from Gunther at WrestleMania.

Whilst this cannot be confirmed to be 100% happening, some feel it is fresh and adds to what they are doing with the mid card titles.
— Xero News (@NewsXero) December 13, 2022

While it’s not 100 percent confirmed yet. Others agree the idea presents a fresher method & they feel it adds to the mid-card title scenarios. Since WrestleMania is WWE’s biggest yearly show. A match spotlighting Brock against Gunther helps stack the headlining card for Mania. Do you want a dream match? There you go.

4. Vince McMahon attempts to return to WWE

Breaking: Vince wants to RETURN to WWE.

Vince McMahon has told people that he intends to make a comeback at WWE, & that he received bad advice from people close to him to step down & that he now believes the allegations & investigations would have blown over

– WSJ pic.twitter.com/4P9ae3vysX
— Wrestlebuddy (@Wrestle_buddy) December 13, 2022

Vince McMahon has always been a fighter. Let’s face it He thrives in controversy. Breaking news-The former WWE Chairman is reportedly looking to make his WWE return. Professional Wrestling, or as McMahon viewed it, We’re Sports Entertainment Pal, had been forced to resign from a company that his grandfather & Father helped him establish. In July, McMahon’s retirement sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling & entertainment industry. Nobody ever expected that Vince would indeed retire. A sexual misconduct scandal assisted the experienced visionary in stepping down from his longtime position.

Sources close to McMahon say he’s refusing to pay settlements concerning these two ladies. He plans on coming back after leaving in June.

Former WWE chief Vince McMahon faces new legal demands from two women who allege he sexually assaulted them, documents show https://t.co/IJ6j7LXw2s
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) December 13, 2022

Here’s a quote paraphrased a little: “ He has said that he received bad advice from people close to him to step down and believes the allegations and investigations would have blown over had he stayed, these individuals said in a statement to WSJ.

Two other women have alleged sexual misconduct against McMahon regarding new reports from the Wall Street Journal! They examined documents that disclosed Mr. McMahon had received a letter from an ex-wrestling referee named Rita Chatterton on November 3rd. She is demanding $11.75 million worth of damages. This detailed a thirty-year-old allegation that said McMahon raped her inside a limousine. Her letter claimed bouts of depression, substance abuse, an eating disorder & lost income. Overall her life quality was decreased.

The Wall Street Journal learned about a separate request that someone sent via email to McMahon’s attorneys. The News distributer had accused the ex-Chairman of assault to a former spa manager at a California hotel in 2011.

Many wrestlers & fans are not exactly thrilled by the news of a Vince McMahon return. Others certainly will if Vince chooses to come back into the fold. Currently, his daughter Stephanie is a co-CEO with WWE President Nick Khan. His son-in-law Triple H leads talent relations, creative & content for the company.

5. Asuka teases a Kana return & leaves for Japan

Could @WWEAsuka's cryptic social media posts signal a return to her pre-WWE killer clown gimmick? 🤡 https://t.co/xGkOKOb5DB #WWE
— USA Network (@USANetwork) December 15, 2022

Fans can’t seem to get enough of Asuka utilizing her social media to tease a returning character gimmick that became famous for her in Japan before joining the WWE.

This past week’s edition of Raw saw Asuka transforming due to “ The Empress of Tomorrow “ not sporting her usual painted face. She wound up losing the match on Monday Night. The commentators said that she isn’t as feared as she once was. The wrestling community has become enamored with the former champion showing a darker/ yet brutal side of her character.

It’s compelling that Asuka shared a video as it concerned her YouTube channel, & she flies from Chicago back to Japan following this week’s Monday Night Raw. The title read, “ I’m going to Japan to look for something I forgot. “ What’s intriguing is Asuka said nothing in this video. Fans assume it meant her older gimmick, Kana! Maybe we get the presentation here in the United States! Kana’s description is as a murderous clown.

SB Nation Cageside Seats broke the story.

Pro wrestling fans, stay informed and follow Wrestle Buddy for more news updates. We want to credit Fightful Select, Inside the Ropes, Xero News, & The Wall Street Journal & SB Nation Cageside seats!