Mercedes Moné Has Something GIGANTIC Planned
Major update on the injured Mercedes Moné amidst AEW links.
Mercedes Moné is being lined up for a dream match with Stardom standout Giulia upon returning from injury.
Dave Meltzer reports as much in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, noting that current plans call for the two to face off once Moné is healthy.
Giulia is the current NJPW STRONG Women's Champion, having defeated AEW star Willow Nightingale for the belt on 5 July. Nightingale's reign was originally intended for Moné. Willow and Mercedes faced off to determine the inaugural champion on 21 May, though Moné was injured, leading to her calling the match on the fly. Realising that it'd be better for NJPW (and business as a whole) to put Nightingale over, the injured Mercedes made the professional decision.
Given that Moné was originally set to defeat Nightingale, Giulia, the current STRONG Champion, makes a logical comeback opponent for the former Sasha Banks.
Moné had worked five matches in 2023 prior to her injury. Debuting for NJPW at 4 January's Wrestle Kingdom 17, she was IWGP Women's Champion from 18 February (defeating former WWE roster-mate KAIRI) until 23 April, when Stardom's Mayu Iwatani dethroned her.
Speculation linking Moné to AEW will likely continue until she returns, particularly in the wake of her appearance in the crowd at August's All In pay-per-view.