Earlier this year, fans got to see the start of the next chapter in the career of former WWE Superstar Sasha Banks. Taking the ringname Mercedes Mone, she would make her debut in New Japan Pro Wrestling at Wrestle Kingdom 17.
Hitting the ring following KAIRI vs. Tam Nakano for the IWGP Women’s Championship – she would take aim at the newly introduced championship.
Mayu Iwatani Ends Mercedes Mones Reign At 64 Days
Mone would go on to win the belt at NJPW Battle in the Valley, ending KAIRI’s reign at 90 days and one defense. She would follow this up with a successful title defense at NJPW Sakura Genesis, facing both AZM & Hazuki in a Triple Threat match. This was her first match wrestled in Japan – and fans quickly warmed up to her throughout.
However, she would ultimately suffer the same fate as KAIRI. Her second defense came as part of Starom All-Star Grand Queendom, the biggest event in the history of Stardom.
Mayu Iwatani would be her opponent – marking Mayu’s second chance to win the belt, after falling short in the match to crown the inaugural champion.
Known as ‘The Icon of Stardom’ – Mayu had held every singles championship in Stardom atleast once, and is considered one of the best wrestlers in the world.
Mone would put up a great fight in their 12 minute clash, but was unable to keep Mayu down for the pinfall. Mayu would become the third ever IWGP Women’s Champion. Mone’s reign lasted 64 days, and had one successful title defense.
Mone Signed Contract Extension Recently
This is not a sign that Mone is finished with NJPW & Stardom however. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer recently reported that she had signed a contract extension with BushiRoad – the parent company of NJPW & Stardom.
Mone is expected continue with her work in Japan until atleast Wrestle Kingdom 18 – with a Tokyo Dome match likely a personal goal for Mone.
In a recent interview, Mone stated Japan was becoming her second home and that she was “committed to staying here to make history.”
It seems likely that her run could continue for longer than anyone originally imagined, due to being able to make big money outside of WWE – enabling her to work less matches and experience a change of scenery at the same time.
Do you think Mone will ever return to WWE? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get TheOvertimer’s Hottest Stories, Breaking News and Special Features in your email, CLICK HERE!
