WWE releases statement following Sasha Banks and Naomi walk-out

The WWE has released a statement regarding the apparent walk out of two of their biggest women’s wrestling stars, Sasha Banks and Naomi. The pair were scheduled to have a marquee match on Monday Night Raw, but due to reported creative differences with management they turned in their Tag Team Champion belts and left the facilities.

Sasha Banks and Naomi walk out on Monday Night Raw

“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,” read the WWE’s official statement.

“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.”

Details were still unclear as of when the WWE released their statement regarding the situation, but reports indicated that the issues arose from the planned main event. Sasha Banks and Naomi were scheduled to participate in a “Six Pack Challenge” event — a six-way wrestling match — with the winner earning a shot at the RAW Women’s Championship against Bianca Belair.

Sasha Banks and Naomi, the current Women’s Tag Team Champions, are reportedly unhappy with the match and their booking in it. The WWE’s statement seems to reflect that their issues stemmed with the choice of participants, appearing to reflect their standing with the WWE overall.

The WWE adjusted on the fly as they normally do, quickly re-framing the final match of the evening as a Becky Lynch vs. Asuka singles match.

One report indicated that the word backstage was that Sasha Banks met with Vince McMahon over the creative differences, and McMahon refused to adjust the night’s program. Banks allegedly made the decision to walk out on the live show, with Naomi deciding to join her in her protest.