News

Mercedes Moné Loses IWGP Women’s Title

By John Canton • Published 23rd April 2023
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The IWGP Women’s Championship reign of Mercedes Moné has come to an end.

At the NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 event in January, former WWE superstar Sasha Banks made her NJPW debut using the name Mercedes Moné. In her first NJPW match at Battle in the Valley, Mercedes beat KAIRI to become the new IWGP Women’s Champion.

From there, Mercedes Moné would go on to retain her title at NJPW Sakura Genesis on April 8th in a triple threat match against AZM and Hazuki that was fast-paced and full of exciting moments. After that title defense, Mercedes Moné was challenged to a match by Mayu Iwatani.

In just her second title defense, Mercedes Moné has lost the IWGP Women’s Championship to Mayu Iwatani at today’s STARDOM All Star Grand Queendom event in Tokyo, Japan.

It was a competitive match between Mercedes and Mayu with Mercedes nearly getting the win with the Mone Maker, but Mayu was able to get to the ropes. Shortly after that, Mayu hit a Tombstone Piledriver and a two-step Dragon Suplex for the pinfall win. That meant that Mone’s IWGP Women’s Title reign ended after 64 days.

After the match, Mercedes Mone did a promo saying she loved being the CEO of STARDOM. Mercedes said that Mayu showed Mercedes that she is the true icon of STARDOM pro wrestling. Mercedes told Mayu to take care of that championship. They also bowed and hugged after the match.

As for what’s next for Mercedes Mone, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reported that Mercedes and Bushiroad have agreed to an extension on her current NJPW/STARDOM contract. Meanwhile, it is believed that Mone’s next match will be at an event in the US, but no date has been announced yet. There’s no word on the length of the extension of Mone’s new deal with NJPW/STARDOM.

On Twitter, Mercedes Mone also commented on how Eddie Guerrero will always keep inspiring her by wearing some Black Tiger-like inspired gear during her entrance.

In an update on the NJPW/Stardom future of Mercedes Mone, the company tweeted that she will be appearing at the May 21st event in Long Beach, California.