Sasha Banks' 7 Most Anticipated Matches Outside of WWE

With Sasha Banks (real name Mercedes Varnado) preparing to work her first show for New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 2023, speculation about what else she plans to do is running rampant.

Even if she ends up going back to WWE at some point, The Boss has a chance to give fans some potential dream matches against any number of non-WWE stars in the meantime.

All Elite Wrestling, Impact, Stardom and just about every other promotion with the financial means to meet her asking price would likely jump at the chance to bring her in, even if just for one match. Few free agents are in demand the way Banks is right now.

Let's take a look at some of the best options to face The Boss outside of WWE.

Mayu Iwatani

Mayu Iwatani is widely considered by many fans of Japanese wrestling to be one of the best wrestlers in the world right now, and that makes her an ideal opponent for Banks.

While most of her career has taken place in Japan, Iwatani did spend some time working with Ring of Honor, so she isn't a total stranger to North American fans.

The 29-year-old already has a laundry list of accomplishments to her name that includes titles, tournament wins and high placement on the most notable rankings in pro wrestling.

Putting her in the ring with Banks would be worthy of headlining NJPW's Wrestle Kingdom.

Toni Storm

Toni Storm and Banks' time in WWE did overlap by quite a few years, but the two only ever had one encounter as opponents at Survivor Series 2019 in the Raw vs. SmackDown vs. NXT elimination match.

They also teamed up for a handful of matches on TV and at live events, but their time together was short-lived.

The former AEW women's champion is just as talented as The Boss when it comes to her mat skills, so they would likely mesh together well. If Banks were to go to AEW for even a short run, Storm should be at the top of the list of potential opponents.

Willow Nightingale

Willow Nightingale is one of the most likable characters in all of pro wrestling right now.

Banks' character is all about being a big-time star who can often be a victim of her own ego when she is playing the heel. Nightingale is the exact opposite, so the storyline would practically write itself.

Banks could come into AEW and immediately declare herself as the top star in the women's division. If she did this in an antagonistic way, having somebody like Willow step up to her would make for a great rivalry.

The Boss takes a lot of chances in the ring, and Nightingale is known to be a powerful competitor who can take care of her opponents. They could easily steal the show any night of the week.

Mercedes Martinez

Banks will probably end up using her real name outside of WWE, or she will use a slight variation, but the Mercedes part will likely stay.

It might sound dumb to some people, but having her fight with Mercedes Martinez just to see which one is the superior Mercedes would be genuinely entertaining.

Not only would they put on some fun matches, but the promos with them fighting over their first name would be hilarious. Sometimes wrestling can just be fun for the sake of fun.

However, the real reason Martinez should be considered is that she is a skilled veteran who has a proven track record of being able to work with just about anybody. Put them in the ring together and they will give us a great fight.

Kairi (Sane)

Unlike most of the people on this list, Banks has actually been in the ring with Kairi Sane multiple times, but they have only had one singles match ever.

The first IWGP women's champion simply goes by Kairi now, and she has made even more of a name for herself since leaving WWE.

Both of these women have a lot of the same qualities. They like to take risks but can also work a more grounded style or rely on strikes if necessary. In many ways, they are ideal opponents for one another.

Not only would this match sell out most venues in Japan, but it would be guaranteed to bring in a big international audience, too.

Lady Frost

If you pay attention to NWA or Impact wrestling, then you are probably well aware of who Lady Frost is and why she is a special talent.

The high flyer is one of the most agile performers in the game right now and has created several memorable moments.

She just won a tag team tournament in CMLL and will likely continue to make indie appearances in the U.S. until someone has enough brains to sign her.

A match against Banks would be a lock for one of the most exciting bouts on any card. If these two cross paths, it's going to be a wild night.

Jade Cargill

When it comes to AEW, few people have the kind of star power that Jade Cargill possesses. She exudes charisma and looks like a million bucks. Naturally, she would be a perfect opponent for Banks.

While the TBS champion is not as seasoned as The Boss when it comes to in-ring ability, the story these two could tell would be phenomenal.

With two egos this big, there is no way they would allow themselves to put on a bad performance. In fact, Banks might be able to bring something out of Cargill that even she didn't know was there.

If she ever does end up working for AEW, it's almost a guarantee these two would end up across the ring from each other. Any promoter who has the chance to book this match and doesn't should give the book to someone else.

These seven wrestlers would all be great opponents for Banks, but the landscape in women's wrestling has almost too many good options right now. Who would you like to see step into the ring with The Boss outside of WWE?