Mercedes Moné (FKA Sasha Banks) Makes NJPW Debut At Wrestle Kingdom 17

After much anticipation, former WWE star Sasha Banks made her debut in New Japan Pro-Wrestling at Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4 inside the Tokyo Dome.

Now billed as Mercedes Moné, The Boss made her way to the ring following KAIRI's successful IWGP Women's Championship defence against Tam Nakano. After the match, the lights inside the Tokyo Dome went out before a brief video package. Moné then headed to the squared circle with new fiery hair and she and KAIRI initially shook hands before Mercedes took out her fellow-former WWE star with a DDT.

Moné then stood over KAIRI and announced she was the CEO of the women's division before she revealed they will face off for the IWGP Women's Championship at NJPW Battle in the Valley on February 18 in San Jose, California. Moné then signed off by telling KAIRI that she will leave her bankrupt at Battle in the Valley, and you can bank on that.

Moné had been a part of WWE since 2012 but she reportedly exited the company in the summer of 2022 after she and WWE reached an agreement for her release. This came after Banks and tag team partner Naomi walked out of WWE over a creative dispute with Vince McMahon. As part of her reported WWE release, Moné was unable to take wrestling-related bookings until 2023.