Mercedes Mone Discusses The Differences Between Wrestling In Japan And WWE

Mercedes Mone signed with NJPW in January after becoming a free agent and officially departing WWE.

Mone (formerly Sasha Banks in WWE) is one of the most decorated females in WWE history, winning multiple championships across all brands and headlining WrestleMania. She immediately made history in NJPW by winning the IWGP Women's Championship in the United States at NJPW Battle in the Valley.

Kevin Nash: It's The Paul Levesque Era

Appearing during a Q&A panel for "The Mandalorian" at Megacon, Mercedes was asked about the differences between Japan and WWE.

"It's definitely not the same. It's definitely not the same [holds up IWGP Women's Title]. It's so different. Besides being in a whole different country with a completely different language barrier and not understanding anything, but it's so magical because wrestling is so universal. I don't have to say any words. I just feel it with my emotions and the movement when I get into the ring. The girls over there are legit. They've been training twice a day, five days a week, and this is their livelihood. The Japanese culture, they're very strict and disciplined. That's what I really love when I go to Japan. My match with KAIRI was so different. I was so nervous and was like, 'Are we going to be able to understand each other?' It's been so magical. I'm trying to make more history in wrestling and I feel this is my chance to do it and I'm ready for more," she said.

Mone successfully defended her title against AZM and Hazuki in a triple threat match at NJPW Sakura Genesis.

Her next opponent will be Mayu Iwatani on April 23.

If you use any of the quotes above, please credit the original source with a h/t and link back to Fightful for the transcription.

Get exclusive pro wrestling content on Fightful Select, our premium news service! Click here to learn more.