Sasha Banks is one of the most popular and successful female wrestlers in the world. She has won multiple championships in WWE, including the Raw Women’s Championship, the SmackDown Women’s Championship, and the Women’s Tag Team Championship. She is also known for her charismatic persona, flashy outfits, and signature purple hair.
But did you know that Sasha Banks is not only a star in the wrestling ring, but also a member of a famous family? In fact, she is related to some of the biggest names in the music industry. Here are some surprising facts about Sasha Banks’ family and how they influenced her career.
Sasha Banks’ Real Name and Background
Sasha Banks was born as Mercedes Justine Kaestner-Varnado on January 26, 1992, in Fairfield, California. She is the daughter of Reo and Judith Varnado. She has a brother named Joshua and a sister named Saraya.
Sasha Banks grew up in various places, including Minnesota, Iowa, and Massachusetts. She faced many challenges as a child, such as being bullied at school, living in poverty, and dealing with her mother’s disability. She found solace in watching wrestling on TV and idolizing wrestlers like Eddie Guerrero, Trish Stratus, and Rey Mysterio.
Sasha Banks’ Cousins: Snoop Dogg, Brandy, and Ray J
Sasha Banks is first cousins with rapper Snoop Dogg. They share the same grandfather, Vernell Varnado, who was a singer and songwriter. Snoop Dogg was one of Sasha Banks’ biggest inspirations and supporters when she decided to pursue a career in wrestling. He even helped her develop her “Boss” character and introduced her to WWE officials.
Snoop Dogg is not the only famous cousin of Sasha Banks. She is also related to singers Brandy Norwood and Ray J. They are Snoop Dogg’s cousins from his mother’s side of the family. Brandy and Ray J are both successful artists who have sold millions of records and starred in various TV shows and movies.
Sasha Banks has expressed her admiration for her cousins on social media and in interviews. She has also collaborated with them on some occasions. For example, she appeared in Snoop Dogg’s music video for “So Many Pros” in 2015. She also performed with him at WrestleMania 32 in 2016, where he rapped her entrance theme song.
Sasha Banks’ Husband: Sarath Ton
Sasha Banks is married to Sarath Ton, who is also a professional wrestler. He goes by the ring name Mikaze and works as a costume designer for WWE. He has created many of Sasha Banks’ iconic outfits, such as her Wonder Woman-inspired gear and her tribute to Eddie Guerrero.
Sasha Banks and Sarath Ton met in 2011 when they were both working for Chaotic Wrestling, an independent promotion based in Massachusetts. They got married in 2016 in a private ceremony. They are very private about their relationship and rarely post pictures of each other on social media.
Sasha Banks’ Other Relatives: Daz Dillinger and Koska Reeves
Sasha Banks has another cousin who is a rapper: Daz Dillinger. He is Snoop Dogg’s cousin from his father’s side of the family. He is best known for being part of the hip hop duo Tha Dogg Pound with Kurupt. He has also produced songs for artists like Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, and Nate Dogg.
Sasha Banks has also ventured into acting recently. She plays the role of Koska Reeves, a Mandalorian warrior, in the second and third seasons of The Mandalorian, a Disney+ space Western series set in the Star Wars universe. She was cast for the role after being recommended by Snoop Dogg to Jon Favreau, the creator of the show.
Conclusion
Sasha Banks is not only a talented wrestler but also a proud member of a talented family. She is related to some of the most influential figures in the music industry, such as Snoop Dogg, Brandy, and Ray J. She is also married to a fellow wrestler and costume designer, Sarath Ton. She has also expanded her horizons by acting in The Mandalorian alongside another cousin, Daz Dillinger.
Sasha Banks has proven that she is more than just a wrestler. She is a boss in every sense of the word.
