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Mercedes Mone, once known as Sasha Banks, has carved an impressive career for herself in professional wrestling. With a long list of achievements in WWE, she has been Smackdown Women's Champion, Raw Women's Champion, and Women's Tag Team Champion.
Mercedes broke barriers as one of the first two Black women to headline Wrestlemania, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the sport. In a bold move that surprised many, Mercedes left WWE and joined NJPW, further expanding her wrestling horizons.
This decision proved fruitful when she captured the prestigious IWGP Women's Championship in her very first match with the promotion, defeating Kairi. As only the second woman to hold this title, Mercedes again made history in professional wrestling.
The transition from WWE to NJPW showcased Mercedes' adaptability and commitment to her craft. By embracing the unique challenges and opportunities presented in Japanese wrestling, she has demonstrated her passion for the sport and her desire to keep pushing boundaries.
This new chapter in her career has already generated excitement among fans and peers alike, as they eagerly await what's next for the talented wrestler.
Mercedes on WWE vs. NJPW
During a recent Q&A session for Star Wars The Mandalorian at Megacon, Mercedes discussed the differences between wrestling in WWE and NJPW.
Despite language barriers and cultural differences, she finds the experience of wrestling in Japan "magical." She emphasized that wrestling transcends language, allowing her to connect with her opponents through emotions and movements in the ring.
Mercedes praised her Japanese counterparts for their dedication and discipline, noting that they train twice daily, five days a week. She admires the strictness and commitment of Japanese culture, which has shaped her matches in the country.
Although she initially worried about communication with Kairi, their match was a powerful experience. With her sights set on making more history in wrestling, Mercedes is eager to continue her journey in Japan. On April 23, Mercedes is scheduled to defend her championship against STARDOM's Mayu Iwatani, a former World of Stardom Champion.
Iwatani poses a significant challenge to Mercedes' quest for global dominance, as she is widely regarded as one of the strongest competitors in women's wrestling. As Mercedes continues to make her mark in the sport, fans eagerly await the outcome of this highly anticipated matchup, eager to witness the ongoing story of Mercedes Mone's wrestling career.