New Japan Pro-Wrestling made a big splash at the beginning of the year by signing Mercedes Mone (Sasha Banks in WWE) to a contract after her WWE deal expired.
Signing Mone not only showed a commitment to the women's division, but a commitment to expansion in the United States as well.
Speaking on Comedy Store Wrestling, Rocky Romero discussed Mercedes' impact and how the door is open for any other unhappy talent in WWE.
"New Japan is in a weird spot because the pandemic hurt them. They're a live event business more than anything. The pandemic happened, touring went out the window. It was important for the company to take care of their own, so nobody got fired or released. Everyone was taken care of and survived. Now, they're just starting to get back on their feet. Mercedes was a big investment, obviously, going forward and testing the waters of where they were in the States and worldwide when you take a big talent on like that. Now, we're starting to feel comfortable again. Long story is, basically, if because Vince is back and there are people who are unhappy in WWE, there very well could be a possibility of somebody coming over, being fed up with it and just walking away. New Japan's door will be open if that happens, for sure," Romero said.
Mercedes has competed at NJPW events in America and Japan since signing with the promotion.
Romero has been the liaison in helping partnerships between NJPW and other promotions, including WWE when the Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows) returned to WWE despite Karl Anderson being NEVER Openweight Champion.
Mercedes will be in action at NJPW Resurgence when she competes in the STRONG Women's Title tournament.
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