Mercedes Mone has set her sights on a dream match, although she wants to retire her opponent.
Since leaving WWE in May 2022, Mone has gone on to see success in New Japan Pro Wrestling. In her debut match for the company at Battle In The Valley on February 18th, she defeated KAIRI to capture the IWGP Women’s Championship. Following the win, The CEO made it clear that she wanted to defend the title all over the world.
One match she has her eye on is against former WWE star and current IMPACT Knockouts Champion Mickie James.
During an appearance at Planet Comicon 2023, Mone said James was one of the women who inspired her to become a wrestler.
“Is it going to happen? Like I said, I’m waiting for the bag. I’m waiting for Mickie James. But absolutely do I want to wrestle Mickie James.
“Mickie James is legit one of my idols and someone who I grew up and I was just like, ‘Wow. That was such a standard to me.’ Her and Trish Stratus, that storyline inspired me so much that I wanted to be in the WWE even more.
“I’d never seen a women’s storyline like that. It transcended through a whole year of buildup, and Mickie James’ character was just so amazing. When they finally had their WrestleMania match, I was just like a kid. I was like, ‘Oh my… I have to do this, I want to do this’”
Mone and James were part of WWE at the same time between 2017-2020. Despite some tag team bouts, the pair were never able to face each other one-on-one, something Mone regrets.
“When Mickie James came back to WWE, I was praying and hoping that we would actually get to wrestle. We never got to. We had maybe a tag matches on house shows, but we never had a one-on-one, which is my dream.”
However, the star is confident she can make her dream come true in 2023. Not only that, she wants to be the one to retire James.
I definitely believe in 2023 that I can definitely make that dream come true. So I definitely would love to face Mickie James and retire her ass. Send her back to that rodeo and go ride that horse. Bye, Mickie”
Mickie James responded to Mercedes Mone’s comments
After James got wind of the challenge, she took to social media to let Mercedes Mone know she would be “honored” to face her.
“@MercedesVarnado I see you. I hear you. I love you. I respect you. I’d be honored. Try me shugs.”
👋 @MercedesVarnado I see you. I hear you. I love you. I respect you. I’d be honored. Try me shugs. 🤠💋
cc: @njpwglobal@njpwglobal & @IMPACTWRESTLING@ScottDAmore#champvschamp#lfdtpic.twitter.com/L0mm8EJfIG— Mickie James~Aldis (@MickieJames) March 20, 2023
H/T to Fightful for the above transcription.