Willow Nightingale Beats Mercedes Moné - Becomes First NJPW Strong Women's Champion

Willow Nightingale's name will go down in history as the first-ever NJPW Strong Women's Champion.

The new championship was announced last month and comes months after New Japan Pro Wrestling crowned its first IWGP Women's Champion in KAIRI. In the announcement for the NJPW Strong Women's Title, it was announced that a one-night tournament featuring representatives from four different promotions would crown the inaugural champion.

At the NJPW Resurgence event, two semi-finals took place ahead of Nightingale's victory. The first saw Moné, representing New Japan, defeat Stephanie Vaquer of CMLL. After a tense back and forth, Moné took advantage with an arm drag and a cross-face, while Vaquer responded with an armbar from the top. When Vaquer attempted a leg drop, Moné was able to avoid the move and would hit the lung blower and Moné maker to advance.

Our second semi-final match saw Nightingale, representing AEW defeat STARDOM'S Momo Khogo. Willow was the clear fan favorite from the start and dominated early on, but Khogo held her own with a pump-kick/suplex combination. Kohgo powered through a lariat but was immediately dropped from the fireman's carry and finished with a powerbomb.

After more matches, allowing both women some time to recover, Nightingale and Moné faced off in the finals for the title. The match opened with an extended ovation for both women, and Nightingale used a handshake to force the former WWE Superstar to the mat. Willow continued to dominate, but Moné was able to fight back with a series of strikes. Moné was able to lock in a cross-face, but Nightingale powered out of the hold.

The finish of the match was awkward, as Willow flattened Moné with a powerbomb. When Nightingale went for the cover, Moné did not kick out, but the referee stopped at two. Nightingale hit a second powerbomb to win the title.