Mercedes Mone Loses IWGP Women’s Championship

Written by Craig Ballantyne • Published 23rd April 2023
Mercedes Mone

Mercedes Mone has suffered her first defeat since leaving WWE.

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.

Immediately after her victory, Mone was challenged by Mayu Iwatani and the match was set for STARDOM All Star Grand Queendom on April 23rd.

Mercedes Mone loses IWGP Women’s Championship

When the event came around, Mayu quickly took control of the match, attacking Mone and knocking her to the floor.

Back in the ring, The CEO was able to regain momentum with knee strikes and seemed to be about to his the Mone Maker but STARDOM’s Icon reversed it into a Crucifix Bomb.

The pair continued to go back and forth until the champion was able to lock in the Mone Maker only for Iwatani to reach the ropes. Mayu was then able to take control, despite Mone’s best efforts, she hit a Tombstone Piledriver and a two-step Dragon Suplex for the pin, ending Mone’s reign at 64 days.

Following the match, Mone acknowledged Iwatani as the true Icon of STARDOM and thanked her for the match before the pair hugged in the ring.