As everyone was anticipating, Sasha Banks’s first wrestling appearance since leaving WWE had to be on a grand stage.
So naturally, one of the most celebrated events of the year, Wrestle Kingdom 17, brought back one of the the greatest women’s wrestlers that the industry has ever seen.
Sasha has peeled off the layers of her WWE run and has now made a thing of wanting to introduce, Mercedes Mone, to the world.
Mercedes is a world traveler that wants to take the entire wrestling world by storm and wear some wrestling gold while doing it.
This is good news for the IWGP women’s championship, because this belt will definitely need to be worn by someone that wants to wave the world champion banner across many lands.
Like that of former NWA champions like Mildred Burke or recently Nick Aldis with the ten pounds of gold.
Since KAIRI returned to Stardom, after her very successful stint in WWE in 2022, she has taken the reigns of the promotion and really solidified that she is a veteran that still has so much to give.
With her winning the inaugural IWGP women’s title, at the cross promoted Stardom and NJPW event Historic X-Over, this past November, she understands the gravity of the pressure to build up a new title and is standing up to the challenge.
To have Mercedes, arrogantly come to NJPW, and just assume that she is the most worthy of the championship title , completely excluding, the very accomplished women in Stardom makes her the perfect challenger to put eyes on this title.
To also light a fire under KAIRI that any women from around the world may want to challenge her for that title. At any time.
This pairing of these two powerhouses in the wrestling world will draw a new American fan base to the product. Especially since their match will take place on American soil.
The fans have been talking about Mercedes botching her new finisher during her debut at Wrestle Kingdom 17.
However, we’re talking about a women that has had so many stand out moments in wrestling, that her reputation alone should guarantee that she will have a great match with KAIRI on February 18 for the Battle at the Valley event, In San Jose, California.
I am still excited for this new stage for Mercedes and what else is in store for the this self proclaimed, first stop in her World Tour.
KAIRI deserves to have her title reign be witnessed by the entire world, because she is THAT phenomenal. And a true leader.
Which women will come out as the winner? Who knows. All we know is that this future match up is a top draw on any continent.