Since leaving WWE in 2022, Sasha Banks has kicked off the next stage of her career with a bang. She would debut for New Japan Pro Wrestling at Wrestle Kingdom 17, attacking KAIRI following her defence of the IWGP Women’s Championship.
Taking the ringname Mercedes Mone, she would defeat KAIRI at Battle in The Valley to win the belt. During her debut for NJPW’s sister company Stardom – Mone would lose the belt to Mayu Iwatani, and there was some doubt she would fit in with the Stardom locker room. However, there’s been nothing but good news as Mone strives to fit in.
Mercedes Mone Well Received Backstage In Stardom
On the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer would give some information on how Mercedes Mone has been fitting in backstage in Stardom – stating the following.
“She was very well received backstage. I heard nothing, but good things, she’s really trying to fit in. No complaints about doing the job. No big league or whatever, she did not act like ‘I’m a big star’…a lot of times when American stars come to Japan, they act like they’re big stars. Less now, but in the old days, it was pretty prevalent. And she had none of that. She’s worldwide more famous than any of these women, but she did not come across like that at all. Very well received.”
Mone Is Not Done With NJPW Yet – Her World Tour Is Just Getting Started
Mone recently signed a contract extension to remain part of the New Japan Pro Wrestling roster, with it unclear how many matches were added to her original three match deal.
Her next appearance is set for NJPW Resurgence on May 21st – with a match against Stardom’s Giulia expected. During a post match interview following her match at Allstar Grand Queendom, Mone had the following to say.
“I am so disappointed. I feel broken. I feel bankrupt. But I just called my CPA…and she just told me I’m still really, really rich, so I’ll be okay. But look what Mayu did to my beautiful face. Do you not know who I am? I am a living legend. I am a star…I am a star in Star Wars! Mayu-san…you are not The Undertaker. And I promise you, the next time I am here in Stardom you will be a dead b***h. Because I want one more chance, one more opportunity to get back my IWGP Women’s Championship. But…I am NOT done with New Japan…and I am NOT done with Stardom. Because I am still on my world tour. And my next stop, is May 21st at Resurgence. So get ready to roll up a nice big one, because we’re going to my cousin’s house…Long Beach, baby!”
It is suspected that Mone is simply signing short extensions with NJPW while she explores options in Hollywood following her success as part of the hit Star Wars series – The Mandalorian.
Mone will likely stick around until Wrestle Kingdom 18, likely wanting to wrestle in the historic Tokyo Dome – where she initially made her debut.
Have you enjoyed Mercedes Mone in NJPW? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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