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Mercedes Mone Retains Title At Sakura Genesis, New Challenger Revealed

By Lyle Kilbane • Published 8th April 2023
Mercedes Mone

Mercedes Mone burst onto the scene in New Japan Pro Wrestling in stunning style when she appeared at Wrestle Kingdom to challenge KAIRI for the IWGP Women’s Championship.

In her first match in the promotion, the former Sasha Banks overcame her fellow ex-WWE Superstar to become champion and at Sakura Genesis in Ryogoku Sumo Hall in Tokyo, Japan, Mone faced her first challengers for the title.

Mercedes Mone faced the twin challenge of Hazuki and STARDOM’s High-Speed Champion AZM in a three-way match with Mone coming out on top.

The celebrations for The CEO did not last long however as she was quickly challenged by Mayu Iwatani. A bout between the two women was quickly set for STARDOM’s All Star Grand Queendom show on April 23rd. Iwatani has a championship pedigree as she is a two-time World of STARDOM champion and previously held the Women of Honor Title in Ring of Honor. Iwatani was also the woman KAIRI defeated in a tournament final to become the inaugural IWGP Women’s Champion.

Despite her title retention, Mercedes Mone’s future in Japan remains uncertain with reports suggesting the 23rd of April is her last confirmed booking in the country at this time. Rumours persist that she could be heading to AEW where she would be a perfect fit for the current storyline featuring The Outcasts.

Unbelievably, despite her dramatic exit from the company, there are also suggestions that the star could return to WWE where she’d presumably revert to her Sasha Banks character and name.