The Boss is back: Sasha Banks returned to WWE, now what?

Sasha Banks made a splashy return to Monday Night Raw. Now, what happens next?

After months of speculation and being noticeably absent, Sasha Banks made her first WWE appearance since dropping the women’s tag titles at WrestleMania 35. The Scotiabank Arena in Toronto roared when her music hit and ultimately cheered when Banks went full-blown heel on Canada’s own Natalya before turning her attentions, and a steel chair, on Becky Lynch.

Sasha Banks is a dynamite heel but the question looms: Why did her heel turn have to be booked this way? Nattie was essentially a scapegoat to get Banks booed and it backfired. The obvious goal is to set up a showdown between Banks and Lynch at the Clash of Champions.

There is one major problem for WWE creative to consider, however. Fans may have been divided on Banks’ absence, but missing her on programming was never in question. Meanwhile, there is some truth to Sami Zayn’s promo citing Lynch’s’ character seeming “manufactured.” Lynch absolutely changed the game this past year but the motivation seems stale now that she’s not opposing the machine.

Banks is always open about her desire to be the best, while Becky is claiming she is out to take down everyone who has done her wrong. The issue here is that Lynch has been the bully on social media for months. She has called out Banks numerous times and questioned her heart. This should naturally make Banks the babyface.

The Boss versus The Man will be a great change of pace from seeing months of Lynch battling with Lacey Evans. The feud just needs direction. Booking Banks as a heel could work if she has some backup. Enter “Team BAD.”

When Banks joined the main roster she aligned herself with Naomi and Tamina, forming a faction they called “Beautiful and Dangerous.” They had a solid run as a trio and hilarious backstage moments with The New Day. Since the move to Raw, Naomi has been used sparingly, with her last Raw appearance happened in July. Tamina could return from injury in a non-physical role until completely healthy. This would thus give Banks the muscle to fully play the heel versus Lynch.

Lynch is in dangerous territory, in that keeping fans engaged is challenging when you’re on top of the world. Banks is the type of challenger fans would cheer taking down The Man. That may be the exact type of boost the women’s division needs. The motivation for Banks is clear; she’s simply answering The Man’s call.