Mercedes Moné made her NJPW debut at Wrestle Kingdom 17 in January after granting her WWE release last June. Moné won the IWGP Women’s Title by defeating Kairi at NJPW Battle in the Valley in February. The CEO successfully defended her IWGP Women’s Title against AZM and Hazuki in a Three-Way match at Sakura Genesis. She is set to defend her title against Mayu Iwatani at the Stardom All Star Grand Queendom this Sunday.
Recently, Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer reported that Mone’s current Bushiroad (NJPW & Stardom parent company) contract expires this Sunday. Meltzer also noted that she’s negotiating with the management for a new deal.
The former WWE star recently posted an Instagram story and indicated that she has an idea to move to Japan full-time.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, the IWGP Women’s Champion explained why she joined NJPW. Moné said that she did everything while in WWE and she wants to make history in Japan.
“The ultimate goal for a lot of professional wrestlers is to make it to WWE. That’s what I thought was the big time. But I did that. I wanted to make new history, and the place to do it is here in Japan. Japan has the highest standards for women’s wrestling, and I want to set the standard in New Japan.”
Mercedes Moné also discussed the rumors of her contract expiration after this Sunday’s match.
“The rumors are so far from the truth. If it’s not coming from me or my voice, then how does anyone else know my business? None of it is true unless it is coming from me. It’s just a reminder that I’m a conversation starter.”
Stay tuned with The Spotlight for more news.
