Mercedes Moné is your new IWGP Women’s Champion.
The co-main event of tonight’s NJPW Battle In The Valley pay-per-view saw Moné make her NJPW in-ring debut with a win over KAIRI to capture the IWGP Women’s Title.
After the lengthy match, the former Sasha Banks and the former Kairi Sane shook hands and embraced in the middle of the ring. They said a few private words and then KAIRI presented Moné as the new champion.
This is Moné’s first title reign in NJPW as this was her in-ring debut. KAIRI became the inaugural champion on November 20, 2022 by winning tournament finals over Mayu Iwatani at NJPW and Stardom’s Historic X-Over event. KAIRI held the strap for 91 recognized days. KAIRI only defended the title once, and that was when she defeated Tam Nakano at Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4, the same show Moné made her NJPW debut to confront KAIRI.
Moné paid tribute to the late Hana Kimura with her attire. The match was fought in and out of the ring by the former WWE Superstars, and included a spot where Moné was powerbombed through a table. Moné also paid tribute to WWE Hall of Famer Eddie Guerrero during the bout, as seen below.
Below are several shots of tonight’s title change from the San Jose Civic Center in San Jose, CA:
MERCEDES MONE PAYING FULL RESPECT TO THE LATE GREAT HANA KIMURA IN HER NJPW DEBUT#njBitV pic.twitter.com/1A6UyQOMLe
— Scott E. Wrestling (@ScottEWrestling) February 19, 2023
https://twitter.com/IssitaMarie/status/1627192884507340802
MERCEDES MONE IS IN SAN JOSE! #njBITV pic.twitter.com/cODv3xSawg
— FITE (@FiteTV) February 19, 2023
Kairi is focused on keeping her IWGP Women's Championship #njBITV pic.twitter.com/QMXP8R1Kyc
— FITE (@FiteTV) February 19, 2023
They meet again… #njBITV pic.twitter.com/jRNkQeJMyo
— FITE (@FiteTV) February 19, 2023
Mercedes was literally THIS CLOSE! #njBITV pic.twitter.com/okHqoX3nUM
— FITE (@FiteTV) February 19, 2023
Mercedes has a new aggression about her! #njBITV pic.twitter.com/g8P4pbVKoN
— FITE (@FiteTV) February 19, 2023
Mercedes attacks when it matters the most #njBITV pic.twitter.com/MBgNpgWSsP
— FITE (@FiteTV) February 19, 2023
Mercedes, meet the steel post. #NjBITV pic.twitter.com/lBL09pA72Z
— FITE (@FiteTV) February 19, 2023
Double stomp onto Mercedes! #njBITV pic.twitter.com/d1xowYwhdE
— FITE (@FiteTV) February 19, 2023
ALMOST A NEW CHAMP! #njBITV pic.twitter.com/iFFxB4m4xc
— FITE (@FiteTV) February 19, 2023
Mercedes was trying to pay homage to her idol, Eddie Guerrero #njBITV pic.twitter.com/uKlowS50yA
— FITE (@FiteTV) February 19, 2023
Kairi tried to take to the skies #njBITV pic.twitter.com/Um2MthM6FS
— FITE (@FiteTV) February 19, 2023
THE CEO GOES THROUGH A TABLE #njBITV pic.twitter.com/xhEHN7iCcS
— FITE (@FiteTV) February 19, 2023
Respect is shown. #njBITV pic.twitter.com/godN39PJEl
— FITE (@FiteTV) February 19, 2023
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