NJPW Battle in the Valley saw a surprise face in the crowd as CM Punk was seated in the media section to take in all the action at the stacked event.
However, he wasn’t the only non-New Japan wrestler in attendance as one of WWE’s top stars, Bayley, was also spotted at the event cheering on her friend and former colleague Mercedes Mone.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful shared a photo on social media showing the multi-time Women’s Champion at the back of the fans applauding the star while wearing an appropriately money-themed suit.
Bayley was also at the NJPW show to watch Mercedes. pic.twitter.com/nmKzWdhcIk
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) February 19, 2023
Mercedes Mone captured gold in her NJPW debut
Mone was in the semi-Main Event of the night facing off against the IWGP Women’s Champion – and another former WWE Superstar – KAIRI.
The pair went back and forth before the action spilled outside the ring. On the stage, Mone attempted to Suplex KAIRI through a table, but the champion escaped and Powerbombed The CEO through the furniture instead.
The end came after KAIRI was able to block a Frog Splash, but Mone came back to hit the Mone Maker for the pinfall victory.
Afterwards, the pair hugged and the former champion attached the title to Mone’s waist.
Later in the night, Mone posed with Kazuchika Okada after he successfully saw off his old rival Tanahashi to retain the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
Following the match, Mone praised her opponent before declaring that she was about to take her newly won title global.
“I am Mercedes Mone and I’m about to put the IWGP Women’s Championship on the map. I’m about to take this title global.
“New Japan Pro Wrestling, this is only the beginning, because Mone changes everything.”
Battle in the Valley also saw the end of the Switchblade Era, as Eddie Kingston defeated Jay White in a ‘Lose Leaves NJPW’ bout.
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