Bushiroad owner Takaaki Kidani highlights Mercedes Moné‘s run in Japan.
Moné, formerly known as Sasha Banks in WWE, won the IWGP Women’s Championship at NJPW Battle in the Valley on February 18. She successfully defended the title at NJPW Sakura Genesis, and she made her first appearance for STARDOM at the finals of the Cinderella tournament, where she attacked Mayu Iwatani.
At STARDOM All Star Grand Queendom, Moné made her in-ring debut when she defended the IWGP Women’s Championship against Iwatani. Though she lost the title, Moné has raised the profile of STARDOM, given her star power.
Speaking to Kakutolog, Bushiroad owner Takaaki Kidani was asked about Moné’s time in Japan and the way she elevated STARDOM.
“Yes, I am very grateful to her,” Kidani said. “She is very easy to talk to. I hope that she will continue to be involved in whatever she does. She seems to be very fond of Japan. She stayed in Japan for quite a long period of time this time as well. I think the IWGP women’s division has become more “prestigious” (due in part to Mone’s involvement).
NJPW has confirmed that Moné will appear at NJPW Resurgence on May 21.
Will Ospreay recently called Moné a huge asset for Joshi. Check out his comments here.
