Mercedes Moné Wins IWGP Women's Title At NJPW Battle In The Valley

While so much of the wrestling world was busy watching Sami Zayn desperately try to defeat Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title at Elimination Chamber last night, NJPW's Battle in the Valley event saw Mercedes Moné beat KAIRI to become the new IWGP Women's Champion.

In her first match since walking out on WWE last May, Mercedes picked up the win with her Moné Maker finishing manoeuvre.

A back and forth 26-minute affair, the former Sasha Banks took on a heel role in this contest, mocking her opponent and at one point even trying to put the Pirate Princess through a table. Unfortunately for Moné, that table attack would be reversed, though that wouldn't be enough to stop the Blueprint from eventually hitting the Moné Maker for the win.

Despite her heelish antics, Moné and KAIRI shared a post-match hug. It's also worth noting that Mercedes paid tribute to the late Hana Kimura with her ring gear and entrance attire.

Mercedes Mone & KAIRI embrace! Congrats to Mercedes. Your new IWGP Womens Champion!pic.twitter.com/DYBn5mBVEM

— Dark Puroresu Flowsion (@PuroresuFlow) February 19, 2023

The full results for Battle in the Valley read as follows:

- Kushida, Volador Jr., Kevin Knight and The DKC defeated Mascara Dorada, Josh Alexander, Adrian Quest and Rocky Romero

- KENTA defeated Fred Rosser to become the new Strong Openweight Champion

- The Motor City Machine Guns defeated West Coast Wrecking Crew to retain the Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships

- Eddie Kingston defeated Jay White in a Loser Leaves NJPW contest

- Tom Lawlor defeated Homicide

- Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Clark Connors to retain the NJPW World Television Championship

- Mercedes Moné defeated KAIRI to become the new IWGP Women's Champion

- Kazuchika Okada defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi to retain the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship