KAIRI is gearing up for her match with Mercedes Mone and has her sights set on another bout.
At NJPW x STARDOM Historic X-Over, KAIRI became the inaugural IWGP Women's Championship by defeating Mayu Iwatani in the finals of a tournament for the title. She defended the gold against Tam Nakano at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17, and Mercedes Mone (previously known as Sasha Banks) confronted her after the match. Mone attacked KAIRI and challenged her to a match at NJPW Battle in the Valley, and NJPW confirmed the bout.
In an interview with Dark Puroresu Flowsion, KAIRI was asked about her upcoming match with Mone.
"I respect her very much. She has always been kind to me in private, and when I returned to Japan from America, she gave me many wonderful gifts. I still cherish them. I believe Mone and I can make a great match that people will remember forever," KAIRI said.
When asked whether she''d like to face AEW Women's World Champion Jamie Hayter, KAIRI expressed her interest in the bout. She noted that she never met Hayter, but she heard the AEW star previously had a prominent run in STARDOM. KAIRI then indirectly introduced herself to Hayter and stated that she hoped she would read the interview.
"Of course! In fact, I never met her. But I often hear that she was very active in the STARDOM ring. Hello Jamie, I'm KAIRI! I hope you read this," she said.
NJPW Battle in the Valley sold out when KAIRI vs. Mercedes Mone was the only match announced. More information is available here.
Mone previously expressed her intent to take the IWGP Women's World Championship everywhere. Check out her comments here.
Mercedes has said she thinks her match with KAIRI will be the best bout in STARDOM history. Click here to see what she had to say.
Shayna Baszler previously commented on a potential crossover between WWE and STARDOM. Click here to see what she had to say.
