Mercedes Mone isn’t finished with NJPW and STARDOM yet.
Mone made her debut in Japan at New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4th, where she laid down a challenge to the inaugural IWGP Women’s Champion, KAIRI – formerly WWE’s Kairi Sane.
The pair clashed weeks later at Battle in the Valley in San Jose, California and The CEO walked out as the champ after a bout that was widely praised by fans and critics alike.
Mone then had her first title defence back in Japan at Sakura Genesis in April, successfully seeing off top STARDOM stars, AZM and Hazuki in another classic.
However, on April 23rd, Mone suffered her first major defeat since leaving WWE when STARDOM’s Icon, Mayu Iwatani defeated her for the IWGP Women’s Championship at All Star Grand Queendom.
Mayu Iwatani has just defeated Mercedes Mone to become the IWGP Women’s Champion at today’s STARDOM All Star Grand Queendom (04.23.2023)pic.twitter.com/ogM8GSmFia
— Dark Puroresu Flowsion (@PuroresuFlow) April 23, 2023
It seems the loss isn’t the last we’ll see of Mone in NJPW or STARDOM, though.
While the title match was said to be the end of Mone’s current contract with Bushiroad – the parent company of New Japan and STARDOM – according to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, the two parties have reached an agreement on an extension. While the full details aren’t known, it is expected Mone will next be seen wrestling for the company in the US.
Mercedes Mone hit back about speculation on her future
The news comes on the heels of an interview with Sports Illustrated which saw Mone claim rumours of her finishing up in Japan were “so far from the truth”. Instead, she insisted the country is her “new home”.
“I’m embracing the way of life. I’m riding the train, I’m eating the food. I’m not here for a quick second. I have a kitchen in my apartment, but when I go out, I’m eating yakiniku. It’s this amazing barbecue. I’ve been enjoying everything. The pancakes are amazing, too. This has become my second home. And I’m committed to staying here to make history.”
Since leaving WWE, the star has been continually linked with a move to AEW. In fact, Mone herself recently hinted that an appearance at AEW x NJPW could be a possibility, while Saraya named her as a dream opponent for All In at Wembley Stadium.