AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Mone got up close and personal with NJPW Strong Women's Champion Stephanie Vaquer, ahead of their match this month.
At CMLL's Fantisticamania event in Arena Mexico, Mone arrived with her title and confronted Vaquer who was already in the ring. Mone gave credit to Vaquer, saying "You are not the same Stephanie I faced one year ago at New Japan Resurgence." Vaquer had some choice words for Mone, which resulted in the TBS Champion slapping her opponent and the pair having a brief brawl that was broken up.
Amid the chaos, Mone posed with both championship titles before retreating to the entranceway. Vaquer posed with her title in the ring and earned a loud ovation from the crowd. She was also seen clutching her jaw, a sign of the impact of Mone's slap.
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What's Next?
Mone and Vaquer will collide at AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door on June 30 from the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. The match will see both the TBS Championship and the NJPW Strong Women's Championship on the line in an exciting 'Winner Takes All' match. This will be the first Forbidden Door match for either woman.
Many are predicting that Mone will leave the event with both titles. Not only is the consensus that it is too soon for her to lose the TBS Championship, but the NJPW Strong Women's Title was reportedly made with her in mind. Mone was set to become the inaugural champion until an injury mid-match led to an audible being called and Willow Nightingale winning the gold instead.
Related: AEW TBS Champ Mercedes Mone Shines As Boston Celtics Win NBA Playoffs Finals