Report: NJPW's Plans For Mercedes Moné Revealed

After rumours had swirled for weeks, Mercedes Moné made her debut in New Japan Pro-Wrestling at Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4. Moné made her way to the ring after KAIRI's successful IWGP Women's Title defence against Tam Nakano and the former Sasha Banks proceeded to take out KAIRI with a DDT before she proclaimed herself to be the CEO of the women's division. 

New Japan later made Moné's first match official and she will challenge KAIRI for the IWGP Women's Championship at Battle in the Valley. The show will air on pay-per-view from San Jose, California on February 18. 

In an update on Moné's NJPW status, Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that she is expected to work select New Japan shows, as well as a major World Wonder Ring Stardom event from Yokohama Arena on April 23. 

If NJPW plan to put the IWGP Women's Title on Moné is unknown but Meltzer noted that she is expected to have multiple matches with KAIRI, with a second bout being planned for a New Japan show at Sumo Hall.