The IWGP Women's Championship has changed hands!
At NJPW Battle in the Valley, KAIRI put her title on the line against Mercedes Mone (formerly Sasha Banks in WWE). The bout was set up when at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17, Mone made her NJPW debut, confronting KAIRI following her match against Tam Nakano. Mone laid out KAIRI, held up the IWGP Women's Title, and issued the challenge.
Both women had impressive outings at Battle in the Valley, with KAIRI hitting some impressive aerial moves, as well as powerbombing Mercedes through a table. Mercedes' highlights included a Three Amigos, Bayley-to-Belly, and, finally, a Mone Maker, which would win her the match. With her victory, Mercedes becomes just the second-ever IWGP Women's Champion.
KAIRI just put Mercedes Mone through a TABLE!pic.twitter.com/DJkN0eUXpW
— Dark Puroresu Flowsion (@PuroresuFlow) February 19, 2023
KAIRI just DDT the SOUL out of Mercedes Mone!pic.twitter.com/iemzkjUjmt
— Dark Puroresu Flowsion (@PuroresuFlow) February 19, 2023
Mercedes Mone is the IWGP Women's Champion!!! pic.twitter.com/kTwjDGTprG
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) February 19, 2023
This was Mercedes' first match since May 15, 2022, when she competed in a Tag Team Match at a WWE Sunday Stunner house show. She and Naomi walked out of WWE on Monday, May 16, though has yet to address her exit.
KAIRI was the inaugural IWGP Women's Champion, holding the title for 91 days. She defeated Mayu Iwatani at the November 20 NJPW/Stardom Historic X-Over event to win the belt.
You can watch NJPW Battle in the Valley along with the Fightful crew by clicking here. Keep track of everything happening on the show by checking out Fightful's live coverage.
