The WWE continues their process of removing Sasha Banks from their recent memory as they’ve now replaced her on their “Then, Now, Forever” show opening with Cody Rhodes.
It’s not a surprise given how they removed Banks and Naomi’s merchandise from their online store, then removed their social media pages, and now this.
Cody Rhodes Replaces Sasha Banks on WWE Then, Now, Forever Opening
And when the announcers and talent talk about them walking out and call them unprofessional, it’s not a full Steve Austin burial attempt but it’s up there.
All that’s really left is a “Self Destruction of Sasha Banks” or “Sasha screwed Sasha and Naomi” bit on either Raw or Smackdown.
We don’t think it’ll go that far, but if there’s a way for the WWE to spin this to their favor, they’ll find a way. Plus, it’ll give the fans convinced this is a work more reason to defend the position.
The truth is we won’t know for a while, so it’ll remain a source of interest and entertainment for many of us.
Then…Now…
Sasha Banks replaced by Cody Rhodes on signature intro from #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/GehzRWkXHV— Promo Joe (@PromoJoeYT) May 21, 2022
The face of WWE
In many ways, Cody Rhodes is the perfect option to replace Banks in the opening segment given he’s the current poster boy for the WWE as he’s undefeated and is getting a big push.
He’s also a former EVP of AEW, and that probably plays a significant role in his current push.
The WWE is in a state of flux and Cody is that face of that as well, for better or worse.
There’s bound to be some backlash over this move as there are many fans that feel Banks and Naomi were forced out due to their race, and right or wrong, having a blond haired white man replace Banks in this segment will ignite some more of that conversation.
Mercedes / Sasha Banks just vibing at a Steve Aoki concert pic.twitter.com/ecKV2SaEG9
— frank.🤞🏽 (@THENEXTBlGTHlNG) May 21, 2022
Not phased
Banks and Naomi have remained mostly silent on these actions and their own since they walked out, but Banks doesn’t appear to be too bothered by the WWE’s actions as she was recorded at a concert and seemed to be having a good time.
For all intents and purposes, it looks like the WWE is trying to push the pair into AEW’s arms, though there’s a chance that Naomi will remain as it’s been reported there’s not as much heat on her backstage in WWE.
Plus, her husband, Jimmy Uso, is now co-Undisputed Tag Team Champions and Vince’s MO is to punish remaining friends or family for any transgression like with Triple H following the Curtain Call incident.
But like everything else concerning this situation, it’s all speculation until all parties have shared their side of the story.
What is clear is the WWW is punishing them nearly every way they can, so it makes their return to the WWE in the near future appear unlikely.
What do you think? Are Sasha Banks and Naomi done in WWE or will the two sides come together and work past this? Let us know in the comments below.
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