Report: Sasha Banks And Naomi Walk Out Of 5/16 WWE RAW

According to a report from Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, both Sasha Banks and Naomi walked out of the May 16, 2022 episode of WWE Raw due to creative differences.

With both superstars set to appear at the show, the pair instead left due to what Fightful reports as not being satisfied with WWE creative’s decisions for their plans for the night. According to the report, Banks was set to appear in a six-pack challenge with Naomi, Asuka, Doudrop, and Nikki A.S.H. that was officially announced during the live broadcast.

However, the match was later changed to Asuka vs. Becky Lynch, with the broadcast of WWE Raw noting that both Banks and Naomi had “left the building.” Sapp’s report mentions that Banks and WWE’s Vince McMahon held a meeting that saw Banks voice her displeasure with the plans, and with both people unwilling to budge, Banks left. The report mentions that it’s unclear if Naomi was also involved in any discussions, but the pair did leave together towards the start of WWE RAW. An update from Ross Sapp noted that Naomi had been scheduled to win the match before the walk-out.

WWE subsequently released a statement about the situation on its official website:

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.

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.

RELATED: WWE RAW Results (5/16/22)