I ended up staying in BO$$TON for a couple of extra days to hang out with my brother, Joshua, and because NJPW had a show coming up in Lowell. And, of course, you can’t have such an incredible lineup without the NJPW Strong Women’s Champion, Mercedes Moné!
Truth be told, Lowell has a special place in my heart. It’s where my wrestling journey really kicked off. This town was home to Chaotic Wrestling, the organization that helped shape me into the wrestler I am today. Ironically, it was the very same ring I wrestled in! The amount of gratitude I have for the city, that time and those people can’t even be described. When you are the highest-paid female in our sport, you never forget where you came from or who helped get you there – or at least you shouldn’t. So, you know damn well that if I can make my schedule work to help support those who helped me get where I am today, I always and forever will. I asked Rocky if I could make a surprise appearance, and luckily, he was thrilled to have me join!
As I got ready to make my entrance, I couldn’t help but think back to my younger self—the girl with dreams of becoming the best wrestler in the world. Fast forward 14 years, and here I am at NJPW with the TBS Women’s Championship in my hands. I took a moment to let it all sink in. When I finally stepped out, the crowd went wild, cheering for their CEO. The energy was just incredible.
