The Bugg Report had the opportunity to sit down and speak to Sasha Banks during her latest trip to Melbourne this past July. Banks was here in Australia to promote the upcoming WWE LIVE Tour in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane this September which will follow on from last year’s sell out tour to the land down-under.
Banks knew from a young age that she wanted to be a WWE Superstar so she started her journey as an independent wrestler out of Boston with the ultimate goal of getting a contract with the WWE. Since being signed by the WWE, Banks’ career has been highlighted by her becoming the RAW Women’s Champion on three separate occasions and the NXT Women’s Champion.
In addition to being a smash-hit success inside the ring, Banks has become a huge driver for the WWE and especially female fans of the WWE with her “Sasha Banks” character and “Legit Boss” persona. This has translated so well for the company in terms of merchandise and the consumer products side of the business. Banks credits her inspiration to Eddie Guerrero and she has been influenced so much by Eddie that at her first WrestleMania in Dallas she dedicated her in-ring gear to Guerrero. Interestingly, at her first WrestleMania in Dallas, Banks’ highlight was having Snoop Dog walk her out to the ring to an ovation that she says she can only fully appreciate by watching it back on video to hear how loud the crowd actually were.
Although the WWE requires a hectic travel schedule for it’s Superstars, Banks says that to be able to get in the ring and wrestle for 20 minutes makes it all worth while. Meeting new fans from all over the world and hearing the enthusiasm of the crowd are some of her favourite parts of the job, and travel is a small price to pay. Banks maintains that her number one favourite part of the job is seeing little girls dressed up like “Sasha Banks” by wearing her rings, glasses and shirts. She remembers when she would do the same as a young WWE fan by dressing up as her main inspiration, Eddie Guerrero.
Banks experienced her first WWE LIVE Tour in Australia last year and she can remember how incredible the fans were and is looking forward to the same again at this year’s tour. Banks also likes the fact that in Australia, the arena shows allow for a more intimate live event and the crowd are able to really engage with the Superstars, much like she has experienced in NXT. This year’s WWE LIVE Tour will feature a RAW Women’s Championship Six Pack Challenge including Bayley, Sasha Banks, Mickie James, Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax and Emma, something the fans can really look forward to seeing live in full colour.
With the WWE LIVE Tour in Australia this September, the consumer products division of the WWE will also be in high demand and none more so than the yet to be released “Sasha Banks” Ooshie, by HeadStart. Banks had the chance to introduce her very own Ooshie during Kids’ WB during her time in Melbourne this past July. The Bugg Report has some exclusive prototype photos of the all-new Sasha Banks Ooshie below;
In addition to the Ooshies, Banks is involved in the development of her merchandise range and she developed the “Legit Boss” persona which is now used throughout her merchandise range. Banks also has over 50 items that fans can buy on shop.wwe.com.
Banks is definitely ready to put on a show this September and you can expect to see many other of your favourite WWE Superstars as well.
WWE LIVE Tour Australia Tickets
www.ticketek.com.au
Tour Dates
Thursday 14th September
Rod Laver Arena | Melbourne
Friday 15th September
Qudos Bank Arena | Sydney
Saturday 16th September
Brisbane Entertainment Centre | Queensland
Touring Superstars
Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman, The Miz, Rhyno, Heath Slater, Cesaro, Sheamus, Bayley, Sasha Banks, Mickie James, Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax, Emma, Finn Balor, Bray Wyatt, Big Show, Big Cass, Akira Tozawa, Neville, Samoa Joe, Jason Jordan, Dean Ambrose, Apollo Crews, Titus O’Neil, R-Truth, Enzo Amore, Goldust, Bo Dallas, Curtis Axel and Elias Samson.
