WWE issued a statement shedding further light on the situation surrounding Sasha Banks and Naomi walking out of RAW.
The story gaining traction online that Sasha and Naomi refused to follow through with creative plans is apparently true. WWE says that they relinquished their Women’s Tag Team Titles, said they aren’t respected as a tag team, and claimed they felt unsafe inside the ring with certain opponents before walking out.
You can see the full press release below:
When Sasha Banks and Naomi arrived at the arena this afternoon, they were informed of their participation in the main event of tonight’s Monday Night Raw.
During the broadcast, they walked into WWE Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis’ office with their suitcases in hand, placed their tag team championship belts on his desk, and walked out.
They claimed they weren’t respected enough as tag team champions. And even though they had eight hours to rehearse and construct their match, they claimed they were uncomfortable in the ring with two of their opponents – even though they’d had matches with those individuals in the past with no consequence.
Monday Night Raw is a scripted live TV show, whose characters are expected to perform the requirements of their contract. We regret we were unable to deliver, as advertised, tonight’s main event.
As noted, a six-pack challenge to determine the #1 contender for the RAW Women’s Championship was supposed to see WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Naomi and Sasha Banks, versus Asuka, Becky Lynch, Doudrop, and Nikki A.S.H to decide the new challenger to Bianca Belair. That match got abruptly changed early on in the show when Adam Pearce switched it to a singles match between Becky Lynch and Asuka to determine the #1 contender.
WWE did mention that Banks and Naomi left the building during the broadcast, with Corey Graves even saying, “Sasha and Naomi unprofessionally left the arena,” on commentary.
Fightful also mentioned that the situation is especially peculiar because Naomi was reportedly booked to win the match and be Bianca Belair’s new #1 contender for Hell In A Cell.
Wrestlevotes also added the following:
Source notes the WWE statement regarding the Sasha / Naomi walkout is just the baseline of the details. The tension leading up to the walkout was palpable all day, with both superstars upset at something that transpired. More details will come out in due time on this.
Stay tuned for further updates.
WWE Issues Statement On Sasha Banks And Naomi Walking Out Of RAW
