On April 23rd at Stardom’s historic All Star Grand Queendom show at the Yokohama Arena, Mercedes Moné lost her IWGP Women’s Championship to Mayu Iwatani in a bout many had labelled a dream match in the build-up. Many had been wondering about her future with NJPW/Stardom following the end of her reign, with recent news emerging regarding an extension being agreed upon.
Fightful Select have now provided an update on the former Sasha Banks’ status with the two Bushiroad-owned promotions, revealing that as of writing, she has no more dates with Stardom, although both sides would be willing to negotiate further on the condition that her price would rise owing to the success of her stint in Japan thus far.
“Mercedes Mone has no more dates left with Stardom as of this moment, according to members of her team. The two sides are open to doing more business in the future, and Stardom was said to have been happy with the deal, and the business she conjured up. We’re told that both sides have been open to doing business again in the future, but that it would likely require a bigger renegotiation after the business she drew there.”
-Fightful
Regarding the extension reported last week by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Fightful were told by members of Moné’s team that said extension only covers the Resurgence show set for May 21st in Long Beach, California.
Sources within NJPW were unable to clarify the length of her deal at this time, however, they did reveal that Moné isn’t scheduled to compete in Japan for “at least a while.”
Mercedes is set to be busy on May 21st, as alongside the NJPW Resurgence show, she has a signing at Atomic Crush Events that afternoon until 3 PM local time, just two hours before Resurgence’s start time. Additionally, the ‘Mandalorian’ star has been working on more film and television projects.
Those within NJPW and Stardom that spoke to Fightful have had nothing but positive things to say about Mercedes backstage, noting that it appears as though she’s enjoyed her experience there.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates regarding Mercedes Moné’s status in Japan and her future plans in general as soon as we hear more.
