Momo Watanabe’s Hopeful Scenario – Defend The NJPW STRONG Women’s Title Against Mercedes Mone

By: Lewis Carlan 

Back on Aug. 23rd, Momo Watanabe defeated AZM to win the STARDOM 5 Star Grand Prix 2025 tournament. The tournament win earned her a shot at the current World of STARDOM and NJPW STRONG Women’s Champion Saya Kamitani.

Watanabe will get her opportunity on Nov. 3rd at STARDOM CRIMSON NIGHTMARE 2025, as she will challenge Kamitani with both titles on the line at the Ota City General Gymnasium.

Image Credit: STARDOM

Watababe spoke with Tokyo Sports recently and indicated that she took exception to Kamitani seemingly looking past her by saying she wants to defend the World of STARDOM title at NJPW WRESTLE KINGDOM 20.

From Momo Watanabe:

“I didn’t like that. I thought, ‘She’s supposed to be facing me, so what is she talking about?’ Hearing that made me want to have a Red Belt match at the Dome myself. I’ll have Kamitani compete in another match.”

Watanabe touched upon the lack of preliminary matches between herself and Kamitani ahead of the Nov. 3rd showdown.

From Momo Watanabe:

“It’s the company’s fault for not setting up any preliminary matches. But in the time we haven’t fought, Kamitani’s gotten stronger too. But it’s obvious that I’m stronger, since I won the 5★STAR, a tournament the company’s top champion couldn’t win.”

Photo Credit: STARDOM

Watanabe also took aim at Mercedes Mone, who currently holds 10 championships, and is a former NJPW STRONG Women’s champion who held that title for nearly a year.

Watanabe stated she would like to defeat Mone with the NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship on the line.

From Momo Watanabe:

“Kamitani says the STRONG belt is just for decoration, but that purple belt is cute. I will defend both belts all over the world. Also, the belt still has a strong association with Mercedes Moné, you know? I want to defeat that belt collector with the title on the line. I don’t mind getting busy.”

STARDOM CRIMSON NIGHTMARE 2025 Will be available on PPV. You can find all ordering info for the event on the STARDOM official website.

(H/T goes to meraWRESTLING for all English quote translations)