Report: NJPW Title Plans Changed Due To Mercedes Moné Injury

An audible had to be called during the main event of New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Resurgence pay-per-view in Long Beach, California on Sunday, May 21.

Mercedes Moné went one-on-one with Willow Nightingale in the final of the NJPW STRONG Women's Title tournament in the main event of Resurgence but the former Sasha Banks suffered an injury in the final minutes when she jumped from the top turnbuckle to the floor and pulled Willow's neck across the top rope. 

Moné landed awkwardly following the move and they went straight to the finish as Willow connected with a Powerbomb. The referee didn't count the 1-2-3 despite Mercedes not getting her shoulder up so Willow repeated the spot to score the victory and be crowned the inaugural NJPW STRONG Women's Champion.

An explanation has since emerged for the referee's confusion as Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reported that Moné was originally booked to win the match but she called an audible to put the belt on Nightingale after suffering the injury. Mike Johnson of PWInsider also reported that plans for the main event were changed on the fly, with it being noted that Moné is believed to have suffered a broken ankle. 

Moné has been a part of NJPW since January 2023. Along with competing for the NJPW STRONG Women's Title, Moné is a former IWGP Women's Champion.