Mercedes Moné wants to make a mark on women’s wrestling that will be remembered for decades to come.
IWGP Women’s Champion Mercedes Moné recently sat down with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated to discuss a wide variety of subjects. When asked about her run in New Japan Pro-Wrestling so far in 2023, Moné said while the ultimate goal for many wrestlers is to make it to WWE, she wants to make a new history in Japan instead.
“The ultimate goal for a lot of professional wrestlers is to make it to WWE,” Mercedes Moné said. “That’s what I thought was the big time. But I did that. I wanted to make new history, and the place to do it is here in Japan. Japan has the highest standards for women’s wrestling, and I want to set the standard in New Japan.
“This isn’t just for me. This is for the future. It’s for every girl that has a dream. I’m showing the world you can achieve feats that no one else has done before. I want to set the same example. There are so many places where you can wrestle and make your voice heard.”
Women’s wrestling has often felt restrictive and North America and Mercedes Moné is loving the freedom that she’s feeling wrestling in Japan instead.
“In the United States, you’re told what to do, what to say and how to say it,” Mercedes Moné said. “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.
“I don’t take that responsibility. 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.”
When asked about wanting to be the greatest women’s wrestler in the world, Mercedes Moné said she wants to go beyond gender and wants to be in the same conversation as John Cena, The Rock, and Kenny Omega.
“I’m not the greatest women’s wrestler—I am the greatest wrestler,” Mercedes Moné said. “When you think of John Cena, The Rock or Kenny Omega, I won’t stop until people are thinking of Mercedes Moné in that same light.”
READ MORE: Mercedes Moné Shoots Down NJPW Contract Reports: The Rumors Are So Far From The Truth
What do you make of Mercedes Moné’s comments? Do you think Moné could eventually be in the discussion for one of the greatest wrestlers of all time? Let us know your thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below.
