Mercedes Moné Vs. KAIRI Official For NJPW Battle In The Valley

Mercedes Moné's first match since her WWE exit is now official.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling announced today that KAIRI will defend the IWGP Women's Championship against Moné at their Battle in the Valley show from San Jose, California on Saturday, February 18. The event will take place at the San Jose Civic Center and air on pay-per-view.

The match being made official comes after Moné made her NJPW debut at Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4. Moné made her way to the ring following KAIRI's successful title defence against Tam Nakano. The two competitors initially shook hands as KAIRI held up the IWGP Women's Championship but Moné suddenly took her out with a DDT. The former WWE SmackDown Women's Champion then declared that she was the CEO of the women's division and she would face KAIRI at Battle in the Valley before heading to the back.

Moné has reportedly inked a deal for limited dates that will see her work shows for NJPW and World Wonder Ring Stardom. This comes after she was reportedly granted her WWE release. As part of that agreement, she was unable to take wrestling-related bookings until 2023.

Moné might also make her AEW debut on the January 11 episode of Dynamite, although there have been conflicting reports on her status with Tony Khan's promotion.