Sasha Banks is one of the most popular and successful WWE superstars in the world. She has won multiple championships, headlined major events, and inspired millions of fans with her charisma and skill. But did you know that she also has a famous cousin in the music industry? Yes, Sasha Banks is related to none other than Snoop Dogg, the rap legend and cultural icon. How are they related, and how did their relationship influence their careers? Here’s everything you need to know.
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Sasha Banks and Snoop Dogg are First Cousins
According to various sources, Sasha Banks, whose real name is Mercedes Justine Kaestner-Varnado, is the first cousin of Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. They are related through Banks’ father, who is Snoop Dogg’s uncle. However, Banks did not grow up knowing her famous cousin personally, as she lived in different states with her single mother and brother.
Sasha Banks Met Snoop Dogg at a WrestleMania Event
Banks revealed in an interview with The Athletic that she met Snoop Dogg for the first time when she was 16 years old. She was a huge wrestling fan since childhood, and she begged her parents to let her attend WrestleMania 24 in Orlando, Florida. Snoop Dogg, who was also a wrestling fan and a celebrity guest at the event, helped her get tickets and backstage access. He also encouraged her to pursue her dream of becoming a wrestler.
“He got me out there and I told him my dreams of wanting to be a wrestler and he told me ‘if this is your dream then go get it’. That was at 16. Then at 23 or 24 he’s walking me down at WrestleMania,” Banks said.
Snoop Dogg Supported Sasha Banks’ Wrestling Career
Snoop Dogg has been very supportive of Banks’ wrestling career throughout the years. He has congratulated her on social media for her achievements, such as winning the Raw Women’s Championship and the Women’s Tag Team Championship. He has also accompanied her to the ring on several occasions, most notably at WrestleMania 32 in 2016, where he performed a custom version of her entrance theme song and rapped for her as she walked down the aisle. That same year, he was inducted into the celebrity wing of the WWE Hall of Fame for his contributions to the company.
Snoop Dogg has also helped Banks develop her in-ring persona of “The Legit Boss”, a confident and flashy character who wears sunglasses, jewelry, and colorful outfits. He gave her some of his own accessories and advised her on how to present herself as a star.
“He’s my biggest fan. He’s always been there for me since day one,” Banks said.
Sasha Banks and Snoop Dogg Had a Brief Fallout Over AEW
Despite their close bond, Banks and Snoop Dogg had a brief fallout in early 2021 over his appearance on AEW Dynamite, a rival wrestling promotion. Snoop Dogg performed a splash from the top rope on an AEW wrestler, which angered some WWE officials who felt he was disloyal to them. Banks, who is loyal to WWE, also expressed her disappointment on Twitter by posting a sad emoji.
However, the fallout did not last long, as Snoop Dogg explained in an interview with Yahoo Sports that he apologized to Banks and smoothed things over with WWE. He also revealed that he used his AEW appearance as leverage to negotiate a higher pay for his involvement in WWE’s upcoming video game.
“I had to call Sasha and apologize because I didn’t want to put her in that position,” he said.
Sasha Banks and Snoop Dogg Remain Family and Friends
Despite their brief misunderstanding, Sasha Banks and Snoop Dogg remain family and friends who support each other’s endeavors. They have appeared together on various shows, such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Drop The Mic. They have also collaborated on music projects, such as Snoop Dogg’s album “Coolaid” and Banks’ remix of his song “Gin and Juice”.
Sasha Banks and Snoop Dogg are two superstars who share a passion for entertainment and a bond of blood. They have influenced each other’s careers and lives in positive ways, and they continue to make their fans proud with their achievements.
