Mercedes Mone’s Future Unclear With No NJPW Return Set

Confusion continues to surround the in-ring future of Mercedes Mone.

The former WWE star hasn’t wrestled since squaring off against Willow Nightingale at NJPW STRONG back in May. During the match, Mone suffered a broken ankle, and Nightingale walked away with the NJPW STRONG Women’s Title.

With Mone out of the picture, Giulia has gone on to win the gold, and it was believed a showdown between the pair was penciled in for early 2024. However, it’s been announced that Giulia will be taking on Trish Adora instead.

Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer revealed there are actually no plans for Mone to return to NJPW or Stardom.

“The Giulia vs. Adora match for the New Japan Strong title will be on 1/13 in San Jose. I know there was hope for Giulia vs. Mercedes Mone around that time but while this can change, right now there are no dates scheduled for Mone with New Japan or Stardom or for the singles match with Giulia for the title that was created for Mone and planned for when she was ready to return.

Evidently when she’s ready to return they have to decide on costs and dates.”

Is Mercedes Mone Going To AEW?

The news comes as Mercedes Mone continues to be linked with a move to AEW. Speaking back in August, Tony Khan explained how important it was to have to have the star appear at All In, even if she couldn’t wrestle.

There had been hopes the star could wrestle at Blood and Guts, but the event came and went without involvement from Mone.