Mercedes Moné says she is "finally getting to create the magic" she's always wanted.
The IWGP Women's Champion spoke to Sports Illustrated ahead of Sunday's Stardom All Star Grand Queendom event. Mone noted during the interview that she is enjoying the freedom allotted to her since starting with NJPW and Stardom.
“In the United States, you’re told what to do, what to say and how to say it,” says Moné. “Here, I’m creating every single moment. I feel so free. I’ve never been this confident. And it is significant to me because I’m inspiring people to follow their dreams."
She continued:
“I’m not even in my prime yet. I’m just getting started. I’m finally getting to create the magic I’ve always wanted to create. My ideas aren’t being limited and I’m not constantly hearing no or that matches are being cut short. I’m not going to hold back.”
Mone is set to defend her IWGP Women's title against Mayu Iwatani at Stardom's show on Sunday. Our own Dave Meltzer reported earlier this week that while it's the final match of her current contract with Bushiroad, she is in negotiations regarding an extension. However, Mone told Sports Illustrated she is committed to making Japan her new home.
“This is my new home,” says Moné. “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.”
Sunday's show will be the fourth title match in the history of the IWGP Women's title. KAIRI became the inaugural champion at NJPW/Stardom Historic X after defeating Iwatani in the finals of a tournament. She then defended it against Tam Nakano at WrestleKingdom 19 before dropping it to Mone at NJPW Battle in the Valley. Mone then defended it against AZM and Hazuki at Sakura Genesis.
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Stardom All Star Grand Queendom 4/23 lineup:
World of Stardom Champion Giulia defends against Tam NakanoWonder of Stardom Champion Saya Kamitani defends against Mina ShirakawaIWGP Women's Champion Mercedes Mone defends against Mayu IwataniSyuri vs. Chihiro HashimotoArtist of Stardom Champions Prominence (Hiragi Kurumi, Risa Sera & Suzu Suzuki) defend against ReStart (KAIRI, Natsupoi & Saori Anou)Goddesses of Stardom Champions 7Upp (Yuu & Nanae Takahashi) defend against God's Eye (MIRAI & Sourei)Himeka vs. MaikaStarlight Kid & Mei Seira vs. Mei Saruga & TBAClub Venus (Mariah May, Jessie & Xena) and Thekla vs. Oeda Tai (Momo Watanabe, Natsuko Tora, Saki Kashima & Ruaka)Queen's Quest (Utami Hayashishita & MIyu Amasaki) vs. Fuwa-chan & TBAYokohama Rumble match