Rocky Romero speaks highly of Mercedes Mone.
Mercedes Mone became one of the top stars in NJPW's women's division upon her arrival at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17. She then defeated KAIRI to win the IWGP Women's Championship at NJPW Battle in the Valley. Mone lost the title but had a chance to win another when she competed in a one-night tournament for the NJPW STRONG Women's Championship at NJPW Resurgence on May 21.
However, Mone suffered an ankle injury during her match against Willow Nightingale, and she has been sidelined ever since. In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer recently reported that there were no plans for Mone to return to either New Japan or STARDOM. Romero subsequently stated that he did not have an update on Mone, but NJPW would love to continue to work with her.
In an interview with Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp, Romero was asked about Mercedes Mone's status. He stated that they would see when she's cleared to compete. Romero noted that he is hoping to have a conversation with her and her agent soon, and it feels like there is some interest in her part in working with NJPW and STARDOM.
"At this point, it’s all we’ll see when she’s back and 100% and she can fully go the way that she wants to go. We’ll see. I’m hoping to have a conversation with her and her agent pretty soon. I don’t know. Obviously, I would love to see her back in New Japan and Stardom. Both. Doing New Japan US, doing a major New Japan show in Japan, also doing more Stardom things in Stardom in Japan. She’s one of the best wrestlers I’ve ever seen, truthfully. Having her be associated with both companies was really cool and there is still a lot of stuff we can still do. I think there is some interest on her part. It feels that way. When she’s healthy, we’ll see where we go with it. I’m definitely all open to it. It was obviously an amazing experience having her and working with her. She is such a pro. A pro’s pro, she really is. She has great ideas. Working with her overall was a pleasure. I’d love to have her back. I hope she can come back and work with us again, with both companies, as well as New Japan Strong," Romero said.
As of this writing, there is no word on when Mone will return to the ring. Fightful will provide more information about her status as it becomes available.
In the same interview, Romero commented on CM Punk potentially coming to NJPW. Check out his comments here.
Check out the card for NJPW Lonestar Shootout on November 10 here. Tickets can be found at this link.The show will air live on FITE TV. Fightful will have live coverage of the event as it airs beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
