WWE wrestler Sasha Banks, real name, Mercedes Justine Kaestner-Varnado, is a professional American wrestler, and a pioneer for female wrestling in Saudi Arabia. She began training at the age of 16 at Chaotic Wrestling in the US, winning the championship, and then signed with WWE in 2012.
During Riyadh Season we saw WWE Crown Jewel return, and we saw her in action against Becky Lynch and Bianca Blair in a match (yes, between two women) at Mohammed Abdo Arena on October 21. Post slam down, she caught up with us to chat Saudi, sport and sexism in wrestling.
How does wrestling in Saudi Arabia differ from anywhere else in the world?
Hearing from the women that have come here before – Natalia Neidhart, Lacey Evans, Bayley and Naomi – they told me about the feelings they had when they went out into the arena here in Saudi Arabia. They said it was something just so powerful and impactful and truly empowering. They told me that the fans are really passionate about WWE here.
Wrestling isn’t exactly a conventional 9-5 job. Why did you want to be a wrestler?
It’s something I fell in love with when I was a child, I instantly knew that was what I was supposed to be doing. It’s definitely not your typical 9-5, it’s a 24-hour non-stop rollercoaster of a beautiful ride that gets me to amazing places like here in Saudi Arabia. I get to make history here and be part of a cultural change, and just seeing this growth of female empowerment across the world is so beautiful to see. Tonight there will be not just one but two women’s matches and I’m proud to be a part of that.
How do you feel about being a pioneer as a female wrestler in Saudi Arabia?
Honestly, it just feels so crazy! It feels like such a huge responsibility, but I get to live my dreams every single day and I want to let people know they can do the same. I hope people can be inspired just watching me. They don’t have to be a wrestler of course, but I hope they can see me and be inspired to think they can achieve their dreams and what they set their mind to. Being a part of history in Riyadh is something I’m really proud of and I’m sure the fans will love it.
What are some of the reactions you receive when you tell people you’re a wrestler?
It is always a mix of surprise and shock honestly. People will say “you’re a wrestler, so can you body-slam me or show me a move?” I don’t want to get sued so definitely can’t do that. Due to my blue hair, I stand out and I do get asked what I do a lot. People are usually surprised when I tell them, but I love being able to say I’m a wrestler. I love shocking the world and I love proving I can do it.
What are some of the big differences between being a male and female wrestler?
I mean aside from the obvious. Men have no idea what it’s like to be a female wrestler. From the hair and the nails to the looks and the costumes, it is quite different just to get ready for a match. To be fair, I have no idea what it takes to be a male superstar either. I just know what it takes to be Sasha Banks, to be beautiful and to do the best I can when I compete, so I’d say those are the big differences.
Is wrestling for WWE more of a performance or a sport?
It is both for sure, we are the pinnacle of sports entertainment. We do everything, from the athleticism to the acting – it’s like a big action movie you can watch on TV every single week. It’s so dynamic, with superhero-like fighting. It’s really awesome to be a part of it all.
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