Mercedes Moné Compares Wrestling In Japan To WWE
Mercedes Moné has opened up about how wrestling in Japan feels different compared to all of the years she spent wrestling in WWE.
After becoming a household name in pro wrestling as Sasha Banks in WWE, Mercedes Moné decided to walk away from the company in May 2022.
At January’s NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 event, Mercedes Moné made her highly anticipated NJPW debut by confronting the IWGP Women’s Champion KAIRI.
In her first match for NJPW, Mercedes Moné beat KAIRI for the IWGP Women’s Title and recently successfully defended her title as well.
During a recent appearance at Megacon, Mercedes was part of a Q&A panel for “The Mandalorian” where she was asked about the differences between wrestling in Japan compared to WWE.
“It’s definitely not the same. It’s definitely not the same [holds up IWGP Women’s Title]. It’s so different. Besides being in a whole different country with a completely different language barrier and not understanding anything, but it’s so magical because wrestling is so universal. I don’t have to say any words. I just feel it with my emotions and the movement when I get into the ring.”
“The girls over there are legit. They’ve been training twice a day, five days a week, and this is their livelihood. The Japanese culture, they’re very strict and disciplined. That’s what I really love when I go to Japan. My match with KAIRI was so different. I was so nervous and was like, ‘Are we going to be able to understand each other?’ It’s been so magical. I’m trying to make more history in wrestling and I feel this is my chance to do it and I’m ready for more.”
Mercedes Moné was back in Japan for her debut in a STARDOM ring when she attacked Mayu Iwatani after her six-woman tag team match.
Surprise bitch https://t.co/6GCAZXoR7Y
— Mercedes Moné Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) April 15, 2023