After KAIRI defeated Tam Nakano to retain the IWGP Women’s Championship, she was approached and confronted by Mercedes Moné f.k.a. Sasha Banks. They are scheduled to go one-on-one at NJPW Battle in the Valley on February 18th. Below are reactions to Mercedes’ appearance:
Mercedes new look goes crazy #WK17
— TAIGASTYLE (@theleemoriarty) January 4, 2023
MONÉ
— Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) January 4, 2023
Make that Monè, legend
— Ricky Starks (@starkmanjones) January 4, 2023
🥹
— Tamina Snuka (@TaminaSnuka) January 4, 2023
HOLY SHIT#njwk17 #wk17 pic.twitter.com/izP5Eo3vfS
— Kyle Fletcher カイル・フレッチャー (@kylefletcherpro) January 4, 2023
FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) got an updated picture with Mercedes and Bayley:
What a life. pic.twitter.com/PPHHxmmnrr
— Uncle Dax FTR (@DaxFTR) January 4, 2023
In the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship match, Francesco Akira and TJP retained over Lio Rush and YOH. Lio was busted open during the bout after being planted on the entrance ramp. Rush shared a photo of his injury:
Just a scratch……
Ok maybe more than a scratch 🤕. Either way, I’ve never felt more alive. Thanks for watching. #Wk17 #LioRush @njpwworld pic.twitter.com/DYpBJRhsG6
— The Bad Child (@IamLioRush) January 4, 2023
In Keiji Muto’s last match in NJPW, Shota Umino got the pin for their team. Umino, Muto and Hiroshi Tanahashi bested SANADA, BUSHI and Tetsuya Naito.
On the Kickoff show, Oleg Boltin made his debut against Ryohei Oiwa. Their match went to a time limit draw.
