Since losing the IWGP Women’s Championship speculation has been rife surrounding Mercedes Mone’s future in NJPW and STARDOM.
Mone recently appeared for both promotions in Japan. At Sakura Genesis on April 8th, she successfully defended the IWGP Women’s Championship against AZM and Hazuki in a Three-Way match. On April 23rd she took on Mayu Iwatani in the co-main event at STARDOM’s supershow – All Star Grand Queendom at the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
Mone was unable to overcome Iwatani and lost her first match since leaving WWE and the championship in the process.
Is Mercedes Mone Done With NJPW & STARDOM?
Following the loss it was assumed it was her last appearance in Japan as her contract with Bushiroad – the parent company of New Japan and the Joshi promotion was up. However, in the post-match press conference, Mone stated she was far done with both companies.
I am NOT done with New Japan…and I am NOT done with Stardom. Because I am still on my world tour. And my next stop, is May 21st at Resurgence.
After Mone confirmed her appearance at Resurgence in Long Beach, California on May 21st, Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported she had signed a contract extension with New Japan, and now Fightful Select have provided further details.
The outlet reported the contract extension “as of now” only pertains to the Resurgence event and there aren’t matches scheduled in Japan for “at least a while”. Therefore, Mone is on the verge of becoming a free agent.
The report continues to state that while there are no further dates with the Joshi promotion “as of this moment” the promotion and Mone are “open to doing more business in the future”.
The Joshi promotion is reportedly “happy” with the numbers Mone’s appearance drew, and will “likely” have to broker a bigger deal to secure her services again.
Regarding the May 21st Long Beach show, while Mone is yet to get a confirmed opponent there will be the second match in the mini-tournament to determine Kenny Omega’s next challenger for the IWGP United States Champion. The match will see former US Champions Hiroshi Tanahashi and Will Ospreay go head-to-head.