AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Mone recently reflected on her 2023 debut in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, calling the experience a “dream come true.” In her Mone Mag Newsletter, she discussed her lifelong passion for Japanese wrestling and what the move meant for her career after departing from WWE.
“Since I was 13, I’ve had a deep love for Japanese wrestling. I was inspired by how the women performed and competed in Japan, and I knew that one day, I wanted to be a part of that world,” Mone stated. “When NJPW created the IWGP championships for women in 2022, I immediately recognized that I wanted to be part of this new era.”
Her first match was a high-profile challenge against Kairi Sane for the IWGP Women’s Championship at the Tokyo Dome, which Mone won. She said the match was about proving to herself that she was born to be in the business.
“Winning the IWGP championship allowed me to immerse myself in Japan for a couple of months, reigniting my dreams and goals,” she added.
