The Ultimate Chunin Exam (Mercedes Moné's IWGP Women's Championship Reign)

A professional wrestler that have accomplished a lot will have developed a reputation. It can be in any circumstance like great jobber, great midcarder and a great main eventer. But the one question that will always loop over your head is this... Can You Adapt? 

Credit: NJPW

This is a question that is most prominent for wrestlers who departed from big companies like WWE and AEW. There is almost a test that comes immediately of what they will do next. Whether that being going to Japan, competing on the Indies or just signing to another company, can you adapt to your new environment? Mercedes Moné is one of the examples of this test.

Credit: NJPW

Mercedes Moné is widely known as one of the best wrestlers in the world. After her departure from WWE in 2022, the former Sasha Banks would have a ton of speculation of where her next step is. Some people said AEW at the time which had more fuel since she appeared at the first AEW All In event. The most prominent speculation was WWE when Triple H took over the creative department.

The next step was done on January 4th 2023. That was New Japan Pro-Wrestling's annual biggest event of the year, Wrestle Kingdom 17. She made her first appearance in months after KAIRI defended the IWGP Women's Title against Tam Nakano in a match that sparked up the Gedo Misogynist Agenda. It wasn't the best debut since Moné wasn't really recognised by the crowd at that point and the Money Maker execution made it unfortunate.

From this debut, she made her challenge to KAIRI for the IWGP Women's Championship. Now it's time to go through the entirety of her reign. Let's roll with it.

Mercedes Moné's IWGP Women's Championship Reign:

• KAIRI (c) vs Mercedes Moné (26:47)
• 18/02/2023
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling 
• IWGP Women's Championship Match
• NJPW Battle In The Valley 2023 
• ZERO: ★★★★3/4

KAIRI and Mercedes Moné would tear the house down in her best friend's hometown of San Jose at Battle In The Valley. This was the ultimate test to see if Moné can adapt to the brand new environment after being WWE for nearly decade. She really showed with the Hana Kimura gear and proved why she is one of the best wrestlers.

You have to give credit to KAIRI for being the perfect good guy to rival Moné in this fight. My favourite spot was when she gave her powerbomb through the table as justice for referee Taito Nakabayashi. The best part is that the fight is actually on YouTube, so you can view it for yourself.

• Mercedes Moné (c) vs AZM vs Hazuki (13:53) - V1
• 08/04/2023
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling 
• IWGP Women's Championship Three Way Match
• NJPW Sakura Genesis 2023 
• ZERO: ★★★★1/2

The build up to this match was funny, because its basically being introduced to Joshi wrestling names. Moné kept calling AZM, A Z M instead of pronouncing it as Azumi, which is where AZM comes from by the way. Hazuki found a way to sneak in and it ended up as a three way. This match was a lot better on a rewatch than the first time I did. 

I always like Moné in three ways since it provides a unique situation for her. AZM and Hazuki outpace her by a mile since they are used to this and are former High Speed Champions. Moné did her best to keep up, but AZM and Hazuki would make her doubt that. I love the ending where Moné hit AZM with Money Maker on Hazuki and pinned AZM. 

That is her first V1 and now its time for the next challenger... 

• Mercedes Moné (c) vs Mayu Iwatani (12:56)
• 23/04/2023
• World Wonder Ring Stardom 
• IWGP Women's Championship Match 
• Stardom All Star Grand Queendom 2023
• ZERO: ★★★★

Mercedes Moné would make her in-ring debut for STARDOM defending the title against long time wrestler Mayu Iwatani. The build up was solid with Moné appearing STARDOM to attack Iwatani on the Cinderella Tournament show, which is why I stated in-ring debut. And the result is a massive fucking golf ball on her head.

I loved this fight more since 1, Mayu Iwatani is one of my favourite wrestlers of all time and 2, it was a really good match. Both wrestlers didn't hold back with their offence which led to some of my favourite moments where Iwatani did her zombie like Fuck You Kick. And the suicide dive she did on the outside. The sad part is that its only 13 minutes.

After hitting the Two Step Dragon Suplex, Mayu Iwatani would beat Mercedes Moné to become the brand new IWGP Women's Champion. And Mayu Iwatani would have my favourite title reign of the IWGP Women's Title afterwards. And that is it for Mercedes Moné as IWGP Women's Champion.

POST MONEY TERMINAL:

Well that was a fun title reign to do. I'll admit, in terms of the Four Horsewomen, Moné was always the lowest on my tierlist. Not that she was a bad wrestler which is clearly not the case, but I just liked the other wrestlers more. 

I do rank her higher now as Mercedes Moné since the booking of her Four Horsewomen comrades have been either okay to outright dogshit. She may not be on my favourites list, but the many fans she has cultivated is well deserved. Anyway, I hope you all have a good day and I'll see you next time. MONEY.

Kind Regards, 

ZERO (or Archer)