Earlier today, Mercedes Mone time as IWGP Women’s Championship came to an end. During her debut match for World Wonder Ring Stardom, the sister company of New Japan Pro Wrestling – Mone would lose the belt to Mayu Iwatani.
However, this comes at a time when Mone just signed a contract extension, keeping her in Japan for a currently unknown amount of time.
Given the depth of the Stardom roster and NJPW’s links to AEW – here are 5 matches to potentially look out for from Mone, especially with the Stardom 5 Star Grand Prix tournament and AEW/NJPW Forbidden Door looming.
Two Major Opponents Left For Mercedes Mone In Stardom
One match that fans have been clamouring for is Mercedes Mone vs. Starlight Kid. SLK is one of the fastest rising stars in Japan, at just 21 years old – and already having 7 years of in-ring experience.
Known for her fast paced style, SLK would be a perfect fit for a match with Mone. Mone has faced one of the SLK’s biggest rivals in AZM, and proved she can work that high speed style.
Perhaps the biggest match that Mone could work in Stardom right now would see her match up with the now former World Of Stardom Champion, Giulia.
Having proved her skills by holding Stardom’s top championship for 115 days, and being fresh off a major defeat – Guila finds herself in a position that mirrors Mone. This is a perfect big time match for both names, and potentially could be on the card for NJPW STRONG Resurgence 2023 next month.
An AEW Debut At Forbidden Door II Is Likely For Mone
When Mone would first leave WWE, many assumed she would land in All Elite Wrestling. This was not the case, with Mone instead heading to Japan.
However, AEW is a close partner to NJPW – and they will be coming together for a cross promotion PPV in Forbidden Door later this year. Given Mone’s insane popularity in North America, Mone is likely to be involved with this show.
One fresh match that could be booked for this event would see Mone match up against Jamie Hayter. Hayter is the current AEW Women’s World Champion, and shows no signs of losing that belt anytime soon. Putting Mone in the ring against Hayter would almost ensure they steal the show – and this is a match that has never happened before.
A match that we have oddly never seen from Mone during her time in WWE is her going against Toni Storm. It happened at a few live events in a Triple Threat format, but never as a singles match.
Since leaving WWE, Storm has become a main event player in AEW – and would be a natural match up for Mone at Forbidden Door II, if Hayter is set to face someone else on that night.
Add in potential rematches with KAIRI, Mayu and AZM – and there is a lot of room for Mone to prove her skills in 2023. What matches do you want to see from Mercedes Mone? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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