Mercedes Moné Trains in Paris Ahead of First IWGP Women's Championship Defense
Mercedes Moné has landed in Paris, France ahead of her upcoming IWGP Women's Championship defense next month.
The former Sasha Banks debuted for New Japan Pro Wrestling at January's Wrestle Kingdom 17, where she attacked KAIRI.
At NJPW Battle in the Valley last month, Moné dethroned KAIRI to become the second IWGP Women's Champion, in Moné's first post-WWE match.
At the upcoming Sakura Genesis event, Moné will mark her first title defense when she puts the gold on the line against AZM & Hazuki.
With the odds not in her favor (due to the rules of a triple-threat match) Moné has been getting some extra training done in Paris.
The French promotion Vox Catch shared photos of the IWGP Women's Champion at their facility, with a translated tweet reading.
"Mercedes Varnado passing through Paris, training for @APCcatch"
The upcoming triple threat will mark Moné's second match with New Japan as part of a lucrative contract with limited dates.
The highly-anticipated event will take place on April 8, with the IWGP Women's Championship match just one of five title matches.
The event will also see Kazuchika Okada defending his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Sanada.
Sanada won the 2023 New Japan Cup to earn a shot at Okada's championship.
Bishamon will defend their IWGP World Tag Team Titles against Aussie Open, while Hiromu Takahashi will put his IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on the line against Robbie Eagles.
NJPW World Television Champion Zack Sabre Jr. (who became the first champion at Wrestle Kingdom 17) will defend against Shota Umino.
