AEW Star Eyes Mercedes Mone Rematch

• News
• aew

In an unexpected turn of events at the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) STRONG Resurgence event on May 20, All Elite Wrestling's (AEW) Willow Nightingale triumphed over Mercedes Mone to become the first-ever NJPW STRONG Women's Champion.

According to PWInsider, the surprise victory was a deviation from the original game plan due to an unfortunate ankle injury sustained by Mone during the match. The unforeseen outcome has fueled speculation regarding a potential rematch.

Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Nightingale expressed her enthusiasm for the idea. She extended her hopes for Mone's quick recovery and expressed her readiness for a rematch if she still holds the title upon Mone's return. Nightingale acknowledged that her unexpected victory had catapulted her into the limelight.

She appreciated the support and well-wishes from many fans who believed she deserved this win. Yet, she is not oblivious to the critics who question her capability to embody the spirit of a champion, mainly due to the circumstances under which she won the title.

Nightingale elaborated on her commitment to the title, vowing to dispel doubts about her deserving the championship. She plans to intensify her training regimen at the New Japan Dojo in Los Angeles. She understands that people might view her victory as a fluke due to Mone's injury, but she is determined to prove her worthiness beyond any shadow of a doubt.

Mone's Loss, Nightingale's Spotlight

Mercedes Mone was reportedly the intended inaugural champion, and the NJPW STRONG Women's Championship was even allegedly tailored for her, as per Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Nightingale's surprising win, however, won the approval of many fans, who are pleased to see her shine and get her well-deserved moment in the spotlight. Mone's injury disrupted the original course of the NJPW STRONG promotion and possibly affected Tony Khan's plan for the forthcoming Forbidden Door 2 PP event on June 25.

Nonetheless, Nightingale's victory, albeit unplanned, has stirred a wave of anticipation for what the future might hold for the NJPW STRONG Women's Championship.