Mercedes Mone now has even more gold.
At AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, NJPW STRONG Women's Champion Stephanie Vaquer faced AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Mone in a Title For Title match. Vaquer controlled the action for stretches and showcased a number of submission holds.
Vaquer fired up with a rally of offense late in the match, and she evaded multiple Mone Maker attempts. Ultimately, Mone clinched the win with two backstabbers, a Mone Maker, and a crossface that forced Vaquer to tap out.
MERCEDES MONÉ HAS WON THE NJPW STRONG WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP!! #ForbiddenDoor
— ------------ (@WrestlingCovers) July 1, 2024
pic.twitter.com/meaRElFapz
Mone did not have long to celebrate her victory. Shortly after the bell, former AEW Women's World Champion Britt Baker made her return.
Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. is BACK!
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) July 1, 2024
Order #ForbiddenDoor on PPV right now!
-- https://t.co/MpmTCyHt8n
https://t.co/0Pr7ogLjEw
-- https://t.co/JlBXZPLNGj@MercedesVarnado @RealBrittBaker pic.twitter.com/YqPwUw6afT
Vaquer previously won the NJPW STRONG Women's Title by beating Giulia at STARDOM's Cinderella Tournament Night Two event on March 10, 2024. She held the title for 112 days and defended it for times.
With the win, Mone won the NJPW STRONG Women's Championship for the first time. She competed in the tournament to crown the inaugural champion at NJPW Strong Resurgence 2023 and lost to Willow Nightingale in the finals.
Click here to catch up on our coverage of AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door. For a full review, check out the post-show podcast on our YouTube channel.