Mercedes Mone Wins NJPW Strong Women's Title, Britt Baker Returns, At AEW X NJPW Forbidden Door
Mone's next challenger appears to have arrived
Mercedes Mone is the new NJPW Strong Women's champion, after defeating Stephanie Vaquer at AEW X NJPW Forbidden Door on Sunday night on Long Island.
Late in the match, Mone and Vaquer exchanged move attempts, culminating in Mone hitting Vaquer with the Mone Maker, then submitting her to a Crossface.
Mone defended her AEW TBS championship in the match.
After the match, while Mone held up both belts, her celebration was interrupted by the theme music of a returning Dr. Britt Baker. Baker stood on the ramp while Mone held up both belts inside the ring, telegraphing a future match between the two.
The appearance marks Baker's AEW return after close to a year. She was last seen in September 2023, losing a match to Kris Statlander on Collision.
The win gives Mone her first NJPW Strong Women's title. She previously competed in the tournament final to crown the belt's first champion in May 2023, after defeating Vaquer in the semi-finals.
Vaquer's reign as NJPW Strong Women's champion ends at 112 days. She won the title from Giulia at night two of Cinderella Tournament on March 10 in Tokyo.
Written by Justin Henry
In addition to writing lists and commentaries for Cultaholic, Justin is also a features writer and interviewer for Fighting Spirit Magazine, and is co-author of the WWE-related book Titan Screwed: Lost Smiles, Stunners, and Screwjobs.