Is Sasha Banks WWE bound? Treat this story as a wild rumor but following CM Punk's recent return to the WWE, some members of the WWE Universe are treating this one as a possibility.

Banks (aka Mercedes Varnado) left the WWE in 2022 along with Naomi, reportedly over a dispute with creative. She later surfaced in New Japan Pro Wrestling, competing as Mercedes Mone. Mone began working for the company, winning its IWGP Women's Championship from Kairi (aka current WWE Superstar Kairi Sane).

Rumor had it that Mone might work at AEW's Forbidden Door pay-per-view. Unfortunately, Mercedes broke her ankle and was sidelined. Since then, she was spotted as a guest at AEW's All In pay-per-view and there was speculation she would wrestle for AEW once she was cleared to compete.

Now, it appears there could be a change of plans. Wrestling Purists' Ibou tweeted:

Ibou made it clear this isn't an official report.

Interestingly, this follows a post on Instagram where Bayley posted a photo of herself, Mercedes Mone, Asuka, and Kairi Sane with the caption "I always have a plan." This led to speculation Bayley might be planning on bringing her frenemy Sasha back if she finds herself kicked out of Damage-CTRL.

Is Mercedes Mone Under Contract?

One obstacle to Mercedes returning to the WWE would be a contract with another wrestling company. Rumor has it that Mercedes did not want to go to AEW because she didn't want to sign a long-term deal (although that wouldn't keep her from appearing on a limited basis if both sides could work out a deal). However, it's believed she is under contract. Andrew Ravens of Wrestling News is reporting:

Mone is expected to make a return from injury soon and is still under contract with NJPW. She’s also expected to make her AEW debut when she’s back.

H/T Wrestling News

Do you think Mercedes Mone is headed back to the WWE at some point? Would you like to see her go back there?

Photo Credit: WWE