Mercedes Mone Loses IWGP Title, Delivers Emotional Speech, Eyes NJPW Resurgence



by NOMAN RASOOL

Mercedes Mone Loses IWGP Title, Delivers Emotional Speech, Eyes NJPW Resurgence
Mercedes Mone Loses IWGP Title, Delivers Emotional Speech, Eyes NJPW Resurgence

At Stardom All Star Grand Queendom's co-main event, Mayu Iwatani triumphed over Mercedes Moné, capturing the IWGP Women's Title. Throughout the match, Moné frequently taunted Iwatani, who ultimately secured the win with a Dragon suplex.

Following the match, an emotional Mercedes Moné addressed the audience. As the CEO of Stardom, she expressed her love for the organization and acknowledged Iwatani as the true icon of Stardom. Moné asked Iwatani to cherish the title and demonstrate why she deserves such recognition to girls worldwide.

In a touching display of respect, Moné bowed to Iwatani and spoke in Japanese before they shared an embrace, as captured in various social media clips.

Moné's Song Sparks Rematch Desire

Earlier in the pre-show press conference, Iwatani had responded to Moné's provocative "Mayu Sucks!" song by taking her down.

Moné's performance, which included a guitar, quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the event. At the post-show press conference, Moné expressed her disappointment, feeling broken and bankrupt, but was relieved to confirm her continued wealth after consulting her CPA.

She declared that Iwatani would face a fierce opponent the next time they met in Stardom, as Moné seeks a rematch for the IWGP Women's Title. Mercedes Moné also revealed that her journey with NJPW and Stardom is far from over.

She announced her next stop would be NJPW Resurgence on May 21 and encouraged fans to "roll up a big one," referencing her cousin and WWE Hall of Famer Snoop Dogg's residence in Long Beach. This marks Iwatani's first reign as the IWGP Women's Champion, following Moné and inaugural champion KAIRI.

Moné had won the title from KAIRI on February 18 at NJPW Battle In The Valley and held it for 64 days. Moné's title loss occurred just hours after reports surfaced that she had signed a contract extension with NJPW/Stardom parent company Bushiroad.

According to the report, Moné's next match is expected to occur in the United States, aligning with her post-show comments. NJPW's upcoming event in the US, Resurgence, is scheduled for Sunday, May 21 in Long Beach, California, at the Long Beach Walter Pyramid.

Another event, AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door II, is set for Sunday, June 25 in Toronto, Canada, but no confirmation is yet on whether Moné will participate.

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