This Sunday at Stardom’s All Star Grand Queendom event at Yokohama Arena, IWGP Women’s Champion Mercedes Moné is set to defend her title against former World of Stardom Champion Mayu Iwatani in what many have long heralded as a dream match.
Numerous reports in recent weeks have indicated that this bout is set to be the former Sasha Banks’ final date for NJPW/Stardom, with negotiations said to be ongoing for another date. Speaking to Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Moné revealed that these rumours are far from the truth, labelling Japan her new home for the foreseeable future.
“The rumors are so far from the truth. If it’s not coming from me or my voice, then how does anyone else know my business? None of it is true unless it is coming from me. It’s just a reminder that I’m a conversation starter. This is my new home. I’m embracing the way of life. I’m riding the train, I’m eating the food. I’m not here for a quick second. I have a kitchen in my apartment, but when I go out, I’m eating yakiniku. It’s this amazing barbecue. I’ve been enjoying everything. The pancakes are amazing, too. This has become my second home. And I’m committed to staying here to make history.”
-Mercedes Moné
Furthermore, Moné recently shared a post on Instagram stating she’s “definitely” moving to Japan full-time, with a further post seemingly hinting at the self-proclaimed CEO of NJPW and Stardom taking Japanese lessons.
Moné captured the IWGP Women’s Championship in her first match away from WWE against KAIRI at NJPW’s Battle in the Valley in February earlier this year, with her first successful defence coming on April 8th against both AZM and Hazuki at Sakura Genesis.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates regarding Mercedes Moné’s status in NJPW/Stardom as soon as we hear more.
