Former WWE Superstar Matt Riddle could be poised to make his New Japan Pro Wrestling debut very soon as part of the upcoming New Year Dash event.
In a video shared on social media, Riddle can be seen donned in a gi and training intensely. The video also features clips of Riddle arriving in an expensive car in his signature flip-flops. In a promo at the end of the video, Riddle made his challenge to Hiroshi Tanahashi.
“Konichiwa New Japan! Let me introduce myself. My name is Matthew Riddle, the King of Bros. And I’ve got my sights set on Tanahashi-san, the Ace of New Japan. I’ll see you soon, bro.”
Matt Riddle has issued a huge challenge to Hiroshi Tanahashi at New Year Dash!
In the clip below, you can see Tanahashi’s response to the challenge. The NJPW President said he’s ready to wrestle anytime, but has no idea who Riddle is.
Matt Riddle challenged Hiroshi Tanahashi for the NJPW TV title at New Year Dash.
Riddle was released from WWE in September 2023 as part of the first wave of talent releases following the launch of TKO Group Holdings. Riddle, a former U.S. Champion, Raw Tag Team Champion, and NXT Tag Team Champion, was one of the biggest names cut.
Riddle isn’t the only ex-Superstar coming to NJPW. Nic Nemeth made his debut at Wrestle Kingdom 18. Click here to find out more about the rebrand of the Show-Off.
WWE released a lot of Superstars in September 2023, and Doph Ziggler’s name was arguably the most shocking to make the list. Although Ziggler stayed silent about his next move in pro wrestling, fans found out what he had in store at NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 18 event.
Their entrance before the Winner Take All IWGP & NJPW Strong Tag Team Title Match caught everyone by surprise, not only astonishing the audience but also creating a buzz of excitement backstage among fellow wrestlers.
As the Nemeth brothers took front-row seats to witness the highly anticipated showdown, their unannounced presence backstage brought shock from both fans and the pro wrestling world.
Cassidy Haynes of Bodyslam.net provided an interesting note about Nic Nemeth’s appearance at Wrestle Kingdom. It was said that this was a surprise backstage at the Tokyo Dome as well.
Sources backstage at NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 18 relayed to me that Nic Nemeth’s appearance was just as much a surprise backstage as it was for everyone else. One source stated, “Where the f*ck was he hiding?” Another source added, “Never saw him or anything until he went out.”
The Wrestle Kingdom 18 event marked a new chapter for the Nemeths, leaving an indelible impression with their unexpected and strategic debut in the world of New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Ryan Nemeth in AEW
Ryan Nemeth has appeared for AEW over the past few years, with infrequent appearences in recent months. His most recent match took place on the November 4th episode of ROH on HonorClub, where he, along with Peter Avalon, lost an eight-man tag team match.
Ryan Nemeth was also a regular participant on Being the Elite, a show that concluded late last year. At this time, it appears that his name has a lot more hype in NJPW after Wrestle Kingdom 18.
Tama Tonga is once again the NJPW NEVER Openweight Champion, but it appears that his reign will be a very short one.
At Wrestle Kingdom 18, Tonga dethroned Shingo Takagi to regain the gold. Takagi, a three-time NJPW NEVER Openweight Champion, had held the title since October’s Fighting Spirit Unleashed event, where he beat Tonga. Tama’s victory this week makes him a four-time champion. This also makes Tonga the wrestler to have held the title for the third most amount of reigns, behind Hirooki Goto (five reigns) and Tomohiro Ishii (six reigns.
You can check out some of the highlights from Tonga’s title win below.
While Tonga is once again the champion, it appears that a lengthy title run isn’t in the cards. In a post-match press conference, Tonga announced that January will be his final month with the promotion. In his comments (courtesy of PWI Contributor Issa) Tonga said he wants to find work closer to home. He added that he misses his family and doesn’t want to keep leaving them behind, as this was the case in his childhood.
Tonga made it clear that he loves Japan, NJPW, and every wrestler who works for the promotion. He is also elated at the current state of his career but realizes it is now time for him to go home to his family. Tonga is the nephew and adoptive son of legendary tough-man wrestler Haku.
NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 saw the arrival of a former WWE World Champion. Click here to find out more.
Former WWE Superstar Nic Nemeth caused quite a stir when he made his debut for New Japan Pro Wrestling at Wrestle Kingdom 18.
Nemeth, best known to wrestling fans as Dolph Ziggler, was dressed to impress as he appeared in front of the crowd in the Tokyo Dome. The former Superstar was accompanied by his brother and AEW star Ryan Nemeth.
According to Cassidy Haynes of BodySlam.net, Nemeth’s presence was kept a secret from virtually everybody. Two sources who were backstage at the Tokyo Dome relayed that Nemeth was not in public view before he appeared on the broadcast and most of the wrestlers on the card found out along with the fans watching at home around the world.
Nemeth and Finlay brawled backstage, all but guaranteeing that this was more than just a cameo:
Acknowledging he doesn’t even go here, Nic Nemeth says he has pride for the IWGP Global Title…while he understands using “questionable” tactics to win, what Finley did was disgraceful. If given the opportunity to wrestle for it and win it, he will make it the pinnacle #njwk18pic.twitter.com/uJ1ojAceWE
— Issa ?????? – PWI ? Contributor (@IssitaMarie) January 4, 2024
Nemeth’s arrival in New Japan comes months after his surprising release from WWE in September of 2023. The first wave of releases after the launch of TKOGroup Holdings, Nemeth was cut alongside Mustafa Ali, Shelton Benjamin, Matt Riddle, Emma, Riddick Moss, Aliyah, and other Superstars.
What’s Next?
Nemeth watched on as David Finlay faced Jon Moxley and Will Ospreay to crown the first IWGP Global Champion. After the match, Finlay got in the face of Nemeth, who had some choice words for the new champion. The two would brawl at ringside.
This post-match incident is seemingly setting Nemeth up as a future challenger for the IWGP Global Championship. It’s possible that the match could come as soon as NJPW Battle in the Valley which will take place on January 13.
NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 also saw the crowning of the second-ever NJPW World TV Champion. Click here to find out more.
Hiroshi Tanahashi has ended the historic reign of Zack Sabre Jr. to become the second-ever NJPW World Television Champion.
Tanahashi and Sabre met on the second match of the main card of NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18. The two held nothing back in their efforts to leave the Tokyo Dome with the gold.
Tanahashi won the gold following a series of pinfalls that were countered by both men. The Ace earned a huge response from the crowd in Tokyo.
Holy sh…. The #njpw 's president Hiroshi Tanahashi has just dethroned Zack Sabre Jr to become the new TV Champion at Wrestle Kingdom 18 #njwk18https://t.co/0T5fzH2S8G
Hitoshi Matsumoto (Chief of Business Production for TV Asahi) and Taro Okada (President & CEO of Bushiroad Fight) have been named Directors of the company. Tanahashi has been with New Japan for years and is an eight-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, a record number.
What does Hiroshi Tanahashi have planned now that he is New Japan’s new President? Click here to find out.
New Japan Pro Wrestling has experienced significant changes in recent weeks, all of which were set in motion well in advance. The company has now officially introduced the Global Heavyweight Title and Junior Tag Team Titles ahead of Wrestle Kingdom 18.
NJPW’s New Leadership
The recent shift in leadership was a big one, with Hiroshi Tanahashi appointed as the new President of NJPW. This decision was made during a meeting of NJPW’s board of directors and shareholders on December 23rd, 2023.
Tanahashi’s presidency implies even more changes. They are getting started with some revamped title belt designs.
Jon Moxley, Will Ospreay, and David Finlay are set to compete against each other to determine the first IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion at the Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2024, replacing the now-defunct IWGP United States/United Kingdom Heavyweight Championship.
At the official Wrestle Kingdom 18 press conference, the company unveiled the Global Heavyweight Championship, set to be defended soon.
Then, later on, The Bullet Club War Dogs, Drilla Moloney, and Clark Connors secured the IWGP Junior Tag Team Titles on July 4th at Independence Day against Catch 2/2. Since then, Connors and Moloney have been focused on making a big name for themselves in NJPW, one that they intend on amplifying.
The team introduced new versions of the IWGP Junior Tag Team Titles at a press conference before Wrestle Kingdom. They also took some time to cut a heel promo on the entire Junior Tag Team Division, including anyone who held those old titles.
Appearing at the Wrestle Kingdom 18 press conference, Danielson spoke about his previous showdown with Okada and the effect his broken arm had on his life.
“That led to me not being able to carry my son, it led to a tag match where he broke my orbital bone, led me to not being able to drive my kids to school and now to here. So am I angry, yes. Am I hungry for revenge, yes.”
Danielson then made his threat to Okada ahead of their much-anticipated match tomorrow.
“I’ve said I was going to break Okada’s arm for two reasons. I want revenge. But I also want to see if breaking his arm will break him, or make him better. And after I break his arm, I’ll kick his f**king head in.”
NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 will take place on January 4, from the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. The show will feature talent from NJPW, Pro Wrestling NOAH, and AEW. Wrestle Kingdom 18 will also be the first event to feature Hiroshi Tanahashi as the new president of New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Sasha Banks walked out of WWE in May 2022, along with Naomi, because they were tired of Vince McMahon’s booking. Mercedes Mone arrived in NJPW at the following Wrestle Kingdom, but her time in Japan could be over now. With a rumored WWE return on the horizon, The Boss is filing new trademarks.
Mercedes Mone’s New Trademarks
Mercedes Mone is gearing up for her return to the wrestling scene, leaving fans in suspense about her next destination. Adding an unexpected twist, she has recently secured rights to new trademarks.
According to PW Insider, Mone filed for trademarks like “Mone Wear,” “Time Is Mone,” and “Mone Talks” on December 22nd with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
The filings were facilitated by patent attorney Michael E. Dockins, who has become famous for helping pro wrestlers lock down trademarks. In a day where intellectual property is king, Dockins is the man to call for pro wrestlers.
Those new trademarks for Mercedes Mone encompass entertainment and clothing purposes, hinting at a potential venture into the fashion world for Mone. She may just be locking down those names for safe keeping as well.
Mercedes Mone’s Career After WWE
Post-WWE, Mone’s wrestling journey included a big victory where she captured the IWGP Women’s Championship at NJPW Battle in the Valley in February 2023. She went on to drop that title to Mayu Iwatani in April 2023. However, during a match for the inaugural NJPW Strong Women’s Championship, she injured her ankle, and that put her out of action for months.
That unexpected injury saw Willow Nightingale win that match, even though she wasn’t booked to win.
Mercedes Mone’s Expected WWE Return
Mercedes Mone has teased that she has WWE on her mind. This is no secret, as she is no longer under NJPW contract. Fans are speculating in massive fashion that the 2024 Royal Rumble will see her return.
Sasha Banks left WWE because of Vince McMahon, who is no longer a creative factor anymore. Now that Triple H is running the ship, and Mercedes Mone saw what he did with Damage CTRL, that might give the former Women’s Champion a bigger reason to return.
That being said, Sasha Banks will command a huge pay day upon her return to WWE. The good news is that WWE has a ton of money to spend on top talent right now.
Despite the eye patch, Bryan Danielson is ready for Kazuchika Okada at WrestleKingdom 18 and he thinks there’s a reason for that.
Danielson was apart of the Wrestle Kingdom 18 Interview Series over on the company’s YouTube channel and was asked what does strong-style and fighting spirit mean to him,
“All of what that means to me is continuing to fight despite the adversity and where I think I’m better at that than Okada is is because he hasn’t face the adversity that I’ve faced.”
Danielson says Okada had the physique, look and skill to get catapulted right to the top while Danielson has had to fight his way up the card.
He talked about the struggles about when he first fractured his ortibal bone in 2007 with no insurance or no money and Okada has not had to worry about that. However, Okada previously had to worry about Danielson at Forbidden Door 2 when he submitted Okada in the ring.
“When you want to talk about fighting spirit and you want to talk about strong-style, I don’t know if there’s a better example than breaking your arm and tapping out Okada on the same night, when nobody’s tapped out Okada since 2015.”
The American Dragon says his vision is blurry and therefore he can’t drive his kids to school, stating that a lot of his motivaton stems from his kids. He says he’s going to break Okada’s right arm and take away his best weapon.
“We’re going to see if you’re the next Antonio Inoki or just another wannabe.”
Wrestle Kingdom 18 will go down January 4th.
Please credit NJPW and h/t SEScoops for the transcription.
New Japan’s Hiroshi Tanahashi has always desired a management role with the promotion and now he has the chance to make big things happen as President.
The former IWGP World Champion was announced as NJPW’s new President last week in a move that took many by surprise. The promotion’s longest-tenured talent, Tanahashi made his debut in October 1999 after graduating from the NJPW Dojo. In addition to his new role as NJPW President, Tanahashi is one-third of the current NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions.
President Tanahashi On his Appointment
On their official website, New Japan shared a transcription of a press conference in which Tanahashi discussed his new role. First, he spoke about how happy he is to accept the position of President.
“I always carried a dream and ambition to be President as well as an active wrestler. I’m happy to be able to make that happen, and I’m grateful for all the kind words of support that I’ve gotten since my appointment.”
When asked when the decision was made for him to become the new president, Tanahashi said the matter was discussed during a dinner with Bushiroad president Takaaki Kidani in November.
Hiroshi Tanahashi Has Big Plans
Tanahashi then shared some big goals that he has planned now that he is in a position of considerable influence.
“I have some key goals that I would like to meet in my time as the President. First of all, I want to sell out the Tokyo Dome. This has always been the goal for me. For a wrestler to walk down the ramp in front of a sold-out Tokyo Dome crowd is something to be proud of forever.”
Tanahashi added that having more title matches outside of major cities is a major goal of his to strengthen connections across Japan.
“I want to unite all of Japan’s wrestling fans in their passion and carry that to the Tokyo Dome. I also want to further increase our work with sponsors. Our sponsors are the best tag partners that we have, and as an active wrestler as well as President, I’m in a completely unique position to strengthen that relationship.”
Tanahashi’s first test as New Japan’s President will come next week with Wrestle Kingdom 18. In addition to NJPW talent, the show will feature stars from AEW and Pro Wrestling NOAH.
WWE has signed several notable stars from Japan over the past few years. Their roster now includes Shinsuke Nakamura, Akira Tozawa, IYO Sky, Asuka and Kairi Sane. The company seemingly has a renewed interest in Japan, as evidence by their new partnership with AJPW. That also brings up a big question about who may enter WWE next from the Japanese wrestling scene.
Giulia’s Interest in Leaving Japan
There are expectations for Giulia’s potential arrival in WWE, but she hasn’t even visited the Performance Center yet. Despite expressing an interest in possibly sticking around joshi wrestling, Giulia has shown curiosity about joining an overseas company.
While speaking to Bunshun, Giulia shared her experience working outside Japan. The 29-year-old joshi star emphasized the need to enhance her skills in Joshi professional wrestling as well.
Giulia also acknowledged the unique opportunities available for her outside Japan, which she calls “overseas.” She then hinted at prioritizing improvement in Japan before considering a move to WWE or anywhere outside of Japan.
“From the beginning, I had a desire to compete overseas, but I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be better to raise the profile of women’s pro-wrestling in Japan first? The STRONG Women’s is the belt that changed me. A belt that will change you.”
“Overseas is good too, but I want to do it in Japan. But the world is big, isn’t it? You can have experiences that you cannot get only in Japan. Knowledge too. I learned that by going to America to defend the title.”
“When you’re absorbing new things like now, everything is a learning experience. I want to learn more. I want to level up more. Ultimately, I hope to be able to utilize my overseas experience in order to pass it on to my juniors in women’s pro-wrestling and preserve the history.”
WWE’s Interest in Giulia
WWE has been interested in signing Giulia for a minute, with reports indicating an expected visit to the WWE Performance Center. Despite the initial buzz, Giulia has yet to make the anticipated visit, leaving fans speculating about her potential move.
AEW reportedly backed off of Giulia, as they haven’t shown any interest in signing her since WWE is in the picture. Giulia could have a few lucrative options open for her at this time. The important part is that she also has interest in pursuing them.
Will Ospreay has issued a challenge to Kazuchika Okada for a rematch at Battle At The Valley in a new video promoting NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 18.
Ospreay has a long history with The Rainmaker. He was defeated by the Japanese star at last year’s G1 Climax finals in August. Will turned things around this year and managed to pick up the victory against Okada when the two faced off again in a B block match of the tournament in July.
NJPW has been running an interview series on their YouTube channel to promote the upcoming Tokyo Dome show. The AEW star who will be challenging for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship at the event was the subject to the latest one of these interviews.
Will Ospreay’s Challenge
The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion was asked if the meaning of his upcoming match has changed since he signed with Tony Khan’s promotion.
The leader of the United Empire said that nothing has changed, because he is allowed to do what he was doing with New Japan Pro Wrestling. Ospreay then talked about him and Okada’s “unfinished business” and issued a challenge:
“I am confident going into this match [at Wrestle Kingdom] that I’ll be walking away with this championship,” Ospreay said. “I am that confident in doing it that I am prepared to make a challenge right here for San Jose, I know Okada is on that poster.
And we have so much unfinished business, granted I was able to get that win in G1 and I can finally prove to everybody that I can beat Okada but I’m happy to put this challenge out right here, right now in front of you all. That I wanna face Okada in San Jose.”
Ospreay made it clear that he is still as committed to New Japan Pro Wrestling as ever, and Okada will be the “first perfect defense” after he wins the championship.
“If I’m gonna be moving on to doing some other stuff, I’m still keeping my hands in New Japan. I wanna show everybody that I’m committed, that I’m staying around and that I have aspirations and plans on defending this championship all around the world, and Okada will be the first perfect defense for that.”
Wrestle Kingdom 18 is set for January 4, 2024, at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. You can watch it live on NJPW World.
The main event of the show will see SANADA defending his IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Tetsuya Naito. Bryan Danielson will face Kazuchika Okada, and David Finlay, Jon Moxley, and Ospreay will fight in a triple threat match to crown the inaugural IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion.
AEW afforded Jon Moxley the opportunity to pursue his interests in other pro wrestling companies, and he has made the most of that. During his time on AEW television, Moxley made his way to the ring on many occasions with the IWGP United States Title over his shoulder. It was his title to hold throughout the pandemic, but it’s nobody’s title anymore.
Jon Moxley won the IWGP United States Title from Lance Archer at Wrestle Kingdom 14 on January 4, 2020. Then the pandemic struck, and he held that title until July 21, 2021, when he dropped the title back to Archer at AEW Fyter Fest in a Texas Death Match.
Moxley actually held the IWGP United States Title prior to that. On June 5th, 2019, Jon Moxley won the belt at the Best of the Super Juniors 26, but he dropped it a short time later after failing to make the trip back to defend it due to Typhoon Hagibis.
IWGP United States Title Destruction
The IWGP United States Title was destroyed by David Finlay in a shocking move on December 11th, 2023. In its place, the company will have the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship. Still, to see the US Title go in such a way was hard to watch.
While speaking to NJPW’s website, Jon Moxley opened up a bit about the IWGP United States Title’s abrupt deactivation. He understands the business, but he did put everything he could into representing that title while he held it.
There are a lot of belts in this business. A lot of championships, and a lot of guys walking round with all kinds of gold and silver on their shoulder or their waist. But a championship is what you make it. It’s how you represent yourself. The championship you wear is a representation of who you are. Your guts, your heart, your fighting spirit, and where you draw the line in the sand between you and your opponent. It says that you will give no quarter and no-one will take it from you.
I put a lot of heart and soul and hard work into that IWGP United States Championship, and I do not take kindly to David Finlay smashing it with a big stupid Mario Kart hammer.
Belts hold up your pants, but championships are a much different thing. The gall it took for Finlay to do what he did, I kind of admire it, but it really does piss me off.
What Happened To The IWGP United States Title
David Finlay destroyed the IWGP U.S. and U.K. titles at Power Struggle. NJPW Chairman Naoki Sugabayashi later announced during the Wrestle Kingdom 18 press conference that a replacement title would be introduced.
The jury is still out on how the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship will be represented. Jon Moxley still might have a bone to pick with the Bullet Club leader over how he treated the US Title.
Japanese wrestling great Hiroshi Tanahashi has been named the new President and Representative Director of New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).
Takami Ohbari has been President and Representative Director of NJPW since 2020 and will step down from the role on December 23. Another Director, Michiaki Nishizawa is also set to step down on the same date.
Along with Tanahashi’s appointment, Hitoshi Matsumoto (Chief of Business Production for TV Asahi) and Taro Okada (President & CEO of Bushiroad Fight) have been named Directors of the company. Okada will be a Director on a part time basis.
‘The Ace of the Universe’ has been one of the top stars of the promotion. He had captured the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the first of a record, eight times in 2006 and he has been a four-time pro-wrestling MVP. He has been hailed as the ‘Ace’ of New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Official announcement on Hiroshi Tanahashi’s appointment
On Friday evening, in an announcement on NJPW website, it was announced that the eight-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion has been appointed the new President & Representative Director of New Japan Pro Wrestling. This appointment came following a meeting of NJPW’s board of directors and shareholders.
Tanahashi is set to talk about his new role at Wrestle Kingdom 18 on January 4. The also sent a message for the NJPW fans:
“Thank you for your ongoing support of New Japan Pro-Wrestling. On January 4 at Belc Presents Wrestle Kingdom 18 in the Tokyo Dome, Hiroshi Tanahashi will address the fans directly in his new role as President. NJPW looks forward to your continued support under the new leadership structure.”
Hiroshi Tanahashi took to his Twitter and wrote:
“I have been appointed as the representative director and president of New Japan Pro Wrestling Co., Ltd. We will do our best to help you enjoy New Japan Pro Wrestling even more. You won’t get tired, so don’t worry ???”
WWE star Shinsuke Nakamura also sent out a short Tweet on the same:
A new Japanese wrestling promotion featuring the very best of various existing promotions will be premiering in May of next year.
In a statement, New Japan Pro Wrestling announced ‘United Japan Pro Wrestling’ which will feature nine existing promotions working together. It’s stated that the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that there was a need for companies to work closely together to relay accurate information and best operating practices between promotions. United Japan Pro Wrestling will work with the following mission statement:
“To further the presence of pro-wrestling and its cultural merit in Japanese society at large, allow professional wrestling to contribute further to cultural and sporting sectors, and work toward continued health and prosperity of the industry.”
Who’s In?
New Japan Pro Wrestling is just one of the nine promotions coming together for ‘The Group.’ The full listing of promotions is as follows:
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
All Japan Pro-Wrestling
Pro-Wrestling NOAH
DDT Pro-Wrestling
Ganbare ? Pro-Wrestling
Big Japan Pro-Wrestling
DRAGONGATE
STARDOM
Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling
The Group’s founding chair is Seiji Sakaguchi who after retiring from the ring, currently works with New Japan as an advisor. The Group’s executive office will be with New Japan and NJPW Chairman Naoki Sugabayashi will serve as Executive Chief.
First Show
The nine members of The Group will continue to operate as individual businesses and as competition in the market, but will work to ensure that Japanese wrestling continues to thrive. The formation of the Group will be marked by an event on May 6, 2024, in Nippon Budokan under the banner of United Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Mercedes Mone made her NJPW in-ring debut last Saturday night at the Battle in the Valley pay-per-view event where she defeated KAIRI to capture the IWGP Women’s Championship.
This was after she walked out of WWE last May due to creative differences, negotiated her release from the company, and signed with NJPW at the beginning of January before she made her promotional debut at Wrestle Kingdom 17 where she attacked the fellow former WWE star to set up the BITV match.
In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that Mones winning the title at this show was the plan from the moment she signed with NJPW as the promotion felt having her as the champion would make the title feel important and raise its profile.
Where Thing Stand
Meltzer also shared an update on Mone’s NJPW deal, and how many dates she has left, which is two dates. Mone will work the April 8th Sakura Genesis show at Sumo Hall where she will face STARDOM High Speed Champion AZM. The original plan was a rematch with KAIRI but things changed.
Mone will also work the 23rd STARDOM event at Yokohama Arena where currently, she is scheduled to face Mayu Iwatami at that show. Should she not sign an extension with NJPW for more dates then she is likely to drop the title to Mayu at this event.
IWGP Women’s Champion Mercedes Moné is enjoying much more freedom as part of her contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling than she was afforded in WWE.
The former Sasha Banks made her NJPW debut at Wrestle Kingdom 17 in January, over six months after walking out of WWE Raw in May 2022.
Last weekend, Moné dethroned KAIRI to win the IWGP Women’s Champion, in her first match since parting ways with WWE.
Free Agent
Even while in WWE, Moné was able to stretch her muscles outside of the ring, and appeared as Koska Reeves in Disney+ hit The Mandalorian.
Speaking to TV Insider, Moné spoke about being allowed much more freedom away from WWE and as part of New Japan.
“I’m a free agent. It doesn’t matter with New Japan. I can go anywhere. I can go to New Japan, Impact, Mexico, Germany, Europe. The potential matchups are endless. The same for New Japan. I know they have partnerships with CMLL, Impact, AEW.
“I can go anywhere. I can go to New Japan, Impact, Mexico, Germany, Europe.”
Mercedes Moné.
“To be a fan and watch all these matchups from all parts of the world is amazing. I know there is a little woman in Impact I would love to face one day, Mickie James! We’ll see what is in the stars.”
Support
Moné debuting at Wrestle Kingdom 17 was a huge moment for her, and several friends were in Japan to see it happen.
WWE Raw Superstar Bayley attended NJPW Wrestle Kingdom in person to support her best friend, while Naomi (whose WWE future remains unclear) also attended.
In the interview, Moné shared her appreciation to those who have continued to support her.
“That meant everything to me. Wrestling is such a small, tight-knit circle of friends you would call your friends and family. For those girls and my best friend Manny [Samuray Del Sol] to fly all the way over to Japan from the United States to just cut a little promo. They did that because they knew how much it meant to me.”
Mercedes Mone.
Bayley was also at NJPW Battle in the Valley (though donned a mask for much of the show to avoid detection) to watch her best friend’s title victory.
The women were the first match in a double main event on Saturday night. Moné paid tribute to the late Hana Kimura with her gear. This was KAIRI’s second title defense. Their match went nearly 27 minutes and was the longest match of the night.
Moné pulled out some of her signature moves like the Meteora, Banks Statement, and even paid tribute to her best friend with a “Bayley to Belly”. That led to fans chanting for Bayley.
At the end of the show, she interrupted Kazuchika Okada to join him in the ring. The show ended with both champions at the top of the ramp with their titles held high.
At New Japan’s “New Beginning”show last weekend in Osaka, Jay White was defeated by Hikuleo in a “Loser Leaves Japan” match. On February 18, White was scheduled to face Eddie Kingston.
A few days prior to “Battle in the Valley”, Kingston issued a challenge to his opponent: if Kingston won, White couldn’t compete in any NJPW ring. “The Switchblade” accepted this stipulation and added one of his own. If he defeated Kingston, Kingston could never compete in New Japan or against any New Japan talent again.
After a hard-hitting affair, Kingston hit White with a Northern Lights Driver and pinned him. “The Mad King” left the ring and motioned for his music to be cut (it wasn’t) and tried to get the fans to start a “Thank you Jay” chant. As he was about to address the crowd, White was laid out by David Finlay. Finlay said “Fuck your era!” and said he was coming for everything White had.
As 'Thank you @JayWhiteNZ' chants ring through the San Jose Civic
White started in the NJPW dojo in 2015. After Gedo turned on Kazuchika Okda four years ago, they pushed White to the moon. He is a Grand Slam champion, holding the IWGP United States Championship, IWGP Intercontinental Championship, IWGP Heavyweight Championship, NEVER Openweight Championship, and the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. Of course, he also single-handedly sold out both Madison Square Garden and the United Center.
Where does a wrestler of this caliber go? WWE has interest in “The Last Rock and Roller”. While they are confident that they could land him, “that is hardly guaranteed at this point in time” according to Fightful.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, White stated “So much is possible. Impact, AEW, WWE—we’ll see.”
Should the leader of the Bullet Club head to AEW, he could continue his feud with Kingston. In IMPACT, he could reunite with Bullet Club brethren, Ace Austin and Chris Bey. KENTA is also in the IMPACT Zone from time to time.
Mercedes Mone paid a touching tribute to the late Hana Kimura during tonight’s NJPW Battle In The Valley event from San Jose Civic Center in San Jose, California.
The former Sasha Banks made her in-ring debut for the Japanese promotion during the event. She went up against the IWGP Women’s Champion Kairi.
Mone paid a tribute to Kimura with her unique entrance and ring gear during the co-main event of the night, as seen in the video below:
the entrance. paying homage to hana kimura. the look. the atmosphere. her first wrestling match in 9 months. her and kairi giving us one of the best matches of the year they delivered on so many different levels. we are truly living in the mercedes monè era pic.twitter.com/Dul27icJbQ
Hana Kimura was a young Japanese wrestler who made her debut in 2016. She competed for Stardom and other promotions in Japan.
The 22-year-old was found dead in May 2020. Prior to her passing, Kimura had shared hate comments she received on social media.
Mercedes Mone made her NJPW debut during the Wrestle Kingdom 17 event in January this year. She had confronted Kairi at the show, setting up tonight’s match between the two.
The event tonight saw the former WWE star defeating Kairi to win the IWGP Women’s title using the Moneymaker finishing move.
The show also featured a loser leaves NJPW match between Jey White and Eddie Kingston. White lost this bout, signalling the end of his run with the company.
Speculation has grown that CM Punk’s wrestling future may be with New Japan Pro Wrestling after the former World Champion was spotted at Battle in the Valley this week.
Punk a two-time former AEW World Champion, has been suspended from the promotion since September’s All Out Pay-Per-View over his post-show comments and backstage fight.
CM Punk is now the only person suspended following All Out to remain suspended as his trainer Ace Steel was fired, and everyone else was brought back to TV.
Battle in the Valley
All attempts to get an answer about Punk’s future from Tony Khan have come up fruitless, with the AEW President refusing to provide an update.
On Twitter, a fan shared photos of Punk attending Battle in the Valley, which happened this week in San Jose, California.
No details are currently known as to whether Punk is interested in signing with New Japan Pro Wrestling, or merely attended the event as a fan.
Punk’s Future
We can’t say for sure where Punk will wrestle next (if he wrestles again at all,) but if an AEW return is in the cards, then he shouldn’t expect a warm welcome.
Multiple top stars have said they will refuse to work with Punk if he is brought back, believing his comments at All Out were entirely inappropriate.
Chris Jericho reportedly called Punk a “cancer” after the All Out backstage fight, and the inaugural AEW World Champion is said to be part of a group trying to block a return.
There are some in WWE who have made their views clear that a Punk return would only bring problems as seen with what happened last September.
Mercedes Mone is undoubtedly one of the most famous female wrestlers of the current generation. She is certainly not shy in taking credit for her achievements.
The former WWE star recently spoke to Sports Illustrated. She talked about things such as her NJPW debut during Wrestle Kingdom 17, her love for wrestling and more.
Discussing her hiatus from the wrestling world before the Wrestle Kingdom appearance, Mone mentioned how her fans followed her to the NJPW show despite her long absence before it:
“I have the greatest fans in the entire world, They followed me to Wrestle Kingdom. There was 30% new viewership from the United States, and that’s because of my crew.
To be away from them for nine months has been incredibly hard.” said Mercedes Mone, “Now we get to start a whole new chapter and go on a whole new ride.”
The former Women’s Champion also talked about her love for Japanese wrestling and reiterated that the creation of the IWGP Women’s Championship is the reason she decided to come to Japan.
Mercedes Mone is set to challenge Kairi for the IWGP title at the NJPW Battle In The Valley event on Saturday, February 18 from San Jose, California.
Jay White is ready to embark on the next chapter of his wrestling career. Switchblade is winding down with New Japan Pro Wrestling after a 5+ run that included two reigns as IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
He competes against AEW star Eddie Kingston this Saturday at NJPW Battle in the Valley from San Jose, California. In a new interview for Sports Illustrated, White spoke with Justin Barrasso about this weekend’s event and his desire to wrestle full-time in the United States.
So much is possible. Impact, AEW, WWE—we’ll see.
– Jay White
White has been a standout talent for years, but gained mainstream popularity as the former leader of the Bullet Club. He says he’s at peace putting the Bullet Club and New Japan Pro Wrestling in the rear view mirror. He did everything he wanted to do in Japan and doesn’t feel that he left any boxes unchecked. “Now I’m looking at what’s next,” he says.
White is looking ahead, but he’s not overlooking Eddie Kingston. He says Kingston is “real” and throws some of the hardest chops he’s ever felt. Kingston wants to build his legacy by knocking White out, which makes him a dangerous opponent. White plans to teach Kingston that you can’t always get what you want.
You can order NJPW Battle in the Valley on FITE TV for $19.99. Visit SI.com to read the full interview with Jay White.
NJPW’s annual New Japan Cup is back. 24 participants will compete over 16 days for a shot at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Sakura Genesis on April 8. The tournament begins on March 5.
KENTA, Zack Sabre, Jr., Will Ospreay, Hirooki Goto, Great-O-Khan, Jeff Cobb, Tama Tonga, and Chase Owens all have first round byes.
New Japan Cup participants
There will be two Cup matches to kick off the tournament, beginning with SANADA vs. Taichi and Tetsuya Naito vs. El Phantasmo.
Here’s how the rest of the first round bracket breaks down:
Mark Davis and Kyle Fletcher, also known as the tag team Aussie Open, will be making their New Japan Cup debuts. The most surprising snub is Hikuleo. Having just beat Jay White in a “Loser Leaves Japan” match at New Beginnings, it seems like the perfect way to build on his momentum.
Jay White came up short in the recent Loser Leaves Japan match, and the New Zealand-born wrestler is keeping true to his word.
At NJPW New Beginning in Osaka, White lost to Hikuleo, taking a pinfall defeat to his opponent following a chokeslam.
White had agreed to the stipulation at New Japan’s New Year Sash event the previous month.
Moving Day
According to the latest report from Fightful Select, White is looking to make a “move back” over to the United States.
White joined the NJPW dojo in 2015 and has been with the company ever since, and has held both the IWGP and IWGP World Heavyweight Championships.
While the stipulation said he must leave Japan, there has been speculation that he could remain with New Japan as part of the America-based New Japan Strong.
White will compete for New Japan this weekend at Battle in the Valley, where he will take on AEW’s Eddie Kingston.
WWE Interest
White has proven himself in New Japan for years, so it is hardly surprising that WWE has shown interest in the wrestler.
Fightful’s report adds that WWE felt confident that they could get White to join the company, but now “that hardly is guaranteed at this point” in time.
Different sources in WWE have stated that everything related to the possibility of him coming to WWE is “being kept very quiet.”
Contrary to what some may believe, White’s name was never discussed for the WWE Men’s Royal Rumble match, despite an official WWE tweet teasing his involvement.
NJPW told Fightful that they believe White’s contract will expire sometime between Battle in the Valley (February 18) and WrestleMania 39 (April 1.)
