Mercedes Mone’s debut match in New Japan Pro Wrestling couldn’t have gone any better as she has become the new IWGP Women’s Champion at Battle in the Valley.
Mone walked out of WWE alongside Naomi during the May 16th, 2022, taping of Raw. She resurfaced in the wrestling world eight months later, making her much-anticipated New Japan debut at Wrestle Kingdom 17 where she laid down a challenge to KAIRI for the IWGP Women’s title. The Pirate Princess accepted the bout, setting the pair on a collision course for San Jose on February 18th.
The pair went back and forth before the action spilled outside the ring. On the stage, Mone attempted to Suplex KAIRI through a table, but the champion escaped and Powerbombed The CEO through the furniture instead.
The end came after KAIRI was able to block a Frog Splash, but Mone came back to hit the Mone Maker for the pinfall victory.
Afterwards, the pair hugged and the former champion attached the title to Mone’s waist.
Later in the night, Mone posed with Kazuchika Okada after he successfully saw off his old rival Tanahashi to retain the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
Always bank on yourself! #Monè#CEO#IWGPWomensChampionpic.twitter.com/jTwq4MLA6y
— Mercedes Moné Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) February 19, 2023
Mercedes Mone puts New Japan on notice
Following the match, Mone praised her opponent before declaring that she was about to take her newly won title global.
“Tonight I beat the best. KAIRI gave me the fight of my life. I mean she almost snatched me bald. You about smashed my face off, but I never gave up.
“I am not a quitter, I am a money maker. I am Mercedes Mone and I’m about to put the IWGP Women’s Championship on the map. I’m about to take this title global.
“New Japan Pro Wrestling, this is only the beginning, because Mone changes everything.”
Battle in the Valley also saw the end of the Switchblade Era, as Eddie Kingston defeated Jay White in a ‘Lose Leaves NJPW’ bout.
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