Mercedes Moné Provides Update On Her NJPW/STARDOM Future

Mercedes Moné has quashed the rumours about her New Japan Pro-Wrestling future.

It had been reported that Moné's deal with NJPW/STARDOM was set to expire following her match with Mayu Iwatani for the IWGP Women's Championship at All Star Grand Queendom on April 23. It emerged this week that Moné was in talks to extend her run in NJPW/STARDOM and the former Sasha Banks appears to have committed her future to the promotions.

Moné told Sports Illustrated: "The rumours are so far from the truth. If it's not coming from me or my voice, then how does anyone else know my business? None of it is true unless it is coming from me. It's just a reminder that I'm a conversation starter."

She then added about Japan: "This is my new home. I'm embracing the way of life. I'm riding the train, I'm eating the food. I'm not here for a quick second. I have a kitchen in my apartment, but when I go out, I'm eating yakiniku. It's this amazing barbecue. I've been enjoying everything. The pancakes are amazing, too. This has become my second home. And I'm committed to staying here to make history."

Moné made her New Japan debut at Wrestle Kingdom 17 in January and she defeated KAIRI for the IWGP Women's Championship one month later at Battle in the Valley. Moné has successfully defended the title once so far, defeating AZM and Hazuki in a Three-Way at Sakura Genesis on April 8.