Sasha Banks is the ‘closer’ WWE calls on for big moments

The professional wrestling industry was on fire this week heading into a big showdown between WWE SmackDown and AEW Rampage. Both promotions made some adjustments to their shows in the spirit of “competition,” and it was enjoyable for all the fans at home. When WWE needed to lean on a big name to close out SmackDown, they did so by going to their version of a World Series closer, Sasha Banks.

Banks and Becky Lynch were the final match of SmackDown, ending the regular timeslot and going nearly 15 minutes into the 30-minute overrun. This was an excellent match, with amazing back-and-forth action between the two women. Banks picked up the win, which was a pleasant surprise heading into the Triple Threat between her, Lynch, and Bianca Belair at WWE Crown Jewel. They delivered in what was the “main event” of the evening and that should have been expected when you look at Banks’s record.

Sasha Banks is 29-years old with 11 years of professional wrestling experience under her belt. In her time in WWE, she has a catalog of major moments that would be relatable to a big-time professional athlete putting their team over the top. Her match against Bayley at NXT TakeOver, winning the title from Charlotte Flair on Monday Night Raw, being a part of the Hell in the Cell with Flair, and her main event at WrestleMania with Belair are just a few moments. Just like a big-time musical act, Banks has hits upon hits.

But what is even more interesting is that she, along with Bayley, was a key component in WWE NXT defeating AEW Dynamite for a moment in the weekly ratings during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Bayley and Banks were a major focal point throughout 2020 into 2021 and their segments consistently were among some of the highest-rated not only for the WWE but throughout all of wrestling.

It says a lot that WWE consistently goes to Banks in moments such as these, but what is more important is that she continues to deliver. She may be one of the biggest lightning rods in professional wrestling at times, but there’s no denying the work that Banks puts out when she’s on her game. Friday’s match against Becky Lynch was yet another example of such and it’s hard to argue against that point.

This is an exciting time to be a fan of professional wrestling. There are so many stars across all promotions to enjoy. Sasha Banks should be near the top of any list and her performances in big moments continue to prove that she doesn’t disappoint when the lights shine the brightest.