Originally Sasha Banks and Naomi were set to compete in a six pack challenge on Monday Night Raw in the main event, but it was reported that the team walked out due a disagreement over creative, and during the broadcast Corey Graves noted that they “unprofessionally left the arena.”
WWE has since issued a statement saying that the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions claimed they weren’t respected as champions, and that they felt uncomfortable in the ring with two of their opponents. It was also noted that the champions placed their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship belts on the desk of John Laurinaitis before leaving. The statement reads as follows:
“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.”
Originally Sasha and Naomi were supposed to face Asuka, Becky Lynch, Doudrop, and Nikki A.S.H. in a six pack challenge to determine the number one contender for the Raw Women’s Championship. The match was later changed to Asuka vs. Becky Lynch and it was Asuka who picked up the win in the main event. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.
