A recent report has revealed the latest update on the status of Mercedes Mone’s NJPW contract following the expiration of her original deal.
Mone’s original contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling expired on April 27 with a previous report stating that she was working on a per-appearance basis.
Dave Meltzer has now provided further details in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (subscription required).
According to Dave Meltzer:
“Mone had agreed to a longer-term deal with New Japan when her original deal expired on 4/27.
“We were told that the New Japan Strong championship and belt were created when she agreed to the longer term deal and both were created for her, after she showed strong drawing power for the San Jose show which sold out the Civic Auditorium.”
Mone recently wrestled at NJPW Resurgence on May 21 and would suffer an injury during her match with Willow Nightingale.
NJPW would confirm that the injury was to her right ankle and that she would be out of action while recovering.
At the time of the injury, it was reported that there were concerns Mone had suffered a broken ankle.
The match with Nightingale was to crown the inaugural NJPW Strong Women’s Champion with the injury leading to AEW and ROH star Willow Nightingale becoming the first holder of the new championship.
Following her injury at NJPW Resurgence, it was revealed that WWE’s Tamina had helped Mone backstage.
On May 23, Mone was one of a number of wrestling stars to appear in a video at the Hana Kimura tribute show.
In a video paying tribute to the fallen star, multiple stars from across the major promotions appeared to honor Kimura.
WRESTLING!!!!
Phewnot how I dreamed for tonight to go.
I’m so sorry and I love you guys so much.
I’m gonna heal and be back better than ever.
Moné@njpwglobal pic.twitter.com/6909ByHdli
— Mercedes Moné Varnado (@MercedesVarnado) May 22, 2023
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Author: Dave Adamson
