In the world of professional wrestling, three-way matches are tough, but three-way battles for championships are even tougher. In such matches, the champion can lose by not being pinned or submitted; the stakes are incredibly high. I knew my odds were stacked against me, but I always stayed ready and was prepared for this challenge. To my surprise, I didn’t get pinned, yet I still lost my NJPW championship—the title that truly launched my global journey as Mercedes Moné.
After leaving WWE, my heart was pulled in many directions. I felt lost, unsure of what my next step should be. But deep down, a voice kept urging me not to look back but to move forward. I prayed and meditated, asking the universe to show me what “forward” looked like, and what emerged was a path leading me back to my dreams.
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. I loved watching all-women’s wrestling shows, like AJW, and seeing those incredible athletes wrestle in the Tokyo Dome. When NJPW created the IWGP championships for women in 2022, I immediately recognized that I wanted to be part of this new era.
Debuting at the Tokyo Dome in 2023 was a dream come true. I challenged the reigning champion, Kairi Sane, in my first match back since my departure from WWE. That match held immense significance for me; it was about proving to myself why I was born to be in this business. Winning the IWGP championship allowed me to immerse myself in Japan for a couple of months, reigniting my dreams and goals.
After losing the IWGP title to Mayu, I felt a calling to help grow the women’s division in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). This led to the introduction of a new title—the NJPW Strong Women’s Title. Now, this prestigious championship is held by some of the best women in the world: Willow Nightingale, Gulia, Stéphanie Vaquer, and the shining star, AZM. Just look at those names; they represent the pinnacle of talent in our industry today.
I’m excited to see where this title takes the next challenger. Dreams do come true if you chase them and take action to make them happen.
