10 Hidden Meanings Behind Epic Wrestling Title Reigns
9. Willow Nightingale Only Won The NJPW STRONG Women's Title Due To A Mercedes Mone Injury
Seeing the undeniable source of light, positivity, and power that is Willow Nightingale finally lift some gold earlier this year was long overdue.
But the AEW rising star didn't actually become the inaugural NJPW Strong Women's Champion because she was the most exciting and bold choice on the night of Resurgence. The original plan was to have former IWGP Women's Champion Mercedes Moné walk out of the event as NJPW Strong's new Women's Champ - the company even reportedly created the belt specifically for the one-time Sasha Banks! (via WrestlingInc)
However, Moné suddenly went down injured during the tournament final against Nightingale, hurting her ankle as the call was made to instead put the strap on Willow.
The fact the fiery babyface wasn't supposed to walk out of California as the first champ didn't stop Nightingale from establishing herself as a star deserving of that gold, though.
After that surreal victory, impressive and hard-hitting title defences against Emi Sakura and Rachel Ellering would follow, with Nightingale also challenging for Toni Storm's AEW Women's World Championship in a losing effort at Forbidden Door.
Her time as the champ may have been cut short by Giulia at NJPW Independence Day, but it was a joyful, completely unanticipated ride while it lasted.