Big Update On Mercedes Moné's Wrestling Future

Latest on Mercedes Mone, NJPW, STARDOM, and more.

by Andy H Murray
Mercedes Mone
NJPW

Mercedes Moné's NJPW/STARDOM run is currently set to conclude after 23 April's Allstar Grand Queendom event, where she'll defend the IWGP Women's Championship against Mayu Iwatani, but the two parties are understood to be in talks regarding an extension.

Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that NJPW/STARDOM's parent company, Bushiroad, is currently negotiating with Moné with the aim of booking her for one more match. There is currently no word on when, exactly, that match would take place, however.

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Having previously reported the Iwatani match as the last on Moné's current deal, Meltzer stated that whether or not the one-bout extension has already been agreed upon is unclear at the moment.

Moné has been under the Bushiroad umbrella since debuting at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 on 4 January. Attacking former WWE cohort KAIRI to set up an 18 February IWGP Women's Title match between the duo, which Mercedes won, Moné has since mounted a second successful defence against AZM and Hazuki in a three-way at NJPW Sakura Genesis 2023 (8 April).

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Iwatani vs. Moné is currently pegged to take place third-from-last at Allstar Grand Queendom. Taking place at the 17,000-seater Yokohama Arena, the STARDOM super-show will be headlined by World of STARDOM Champion Giulia vs. Tam Nakano.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.