IWGP Women’s Champion Mercedes Mone is set to defend the title against Mayu Iwatani this weekend at STARDOM All Star Grand Queendom.
It was originally reported that her deal with NJPW would expire after the match, but it was later revealed that she had been in talks to do one more match.
While speaking to Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Mone talked about her contract status. She said,
“The rumors are so far from the truth. If it’s not coming from me or my voice, then how does anyone else know my business? None of it is true unless it is coming from me. It’s just a reminder that I’m a conversation starter. This is my new home. I’m embracing the way of life. I’m riding the train, I’m eating the food. I’m not here for a quick second. I have a kitchen in my apartment, but when I go out, I’m eating yakiniku. It’s this amazing barbecue. I’ve been enjoying everything. The pancakes are amazing, too. This has become my second home. And I’m committed to staying here to make history.”
Mone added, “The ultimate goal for a lot of professional wrestlers is to make it to WWE. That’s what I thought was the big time. But I did that. I wanted to make new history, and the place to do it is here in Japan. Japan has the highest standards for women’s wrestling, and I want to set the standard in New Japan. In the United States, you’re told what to do, what to say and how to say it. Here, I’m creating every single moment. I feel so free. I’ve never been this confident. And it is significant to me because I’m inspiring people to follow their dreams. I don’t take that responsibility. I’m not even in my prime yet. I’m just getting started. I’m finally getting to create the magic I’ve always wanted to create. My ideas aren’t being limited and I’m not constantly hearing no or that matches are being cut short. I’m not going to hold back.”
