Momo Watanabe is the next challenger for Mayu Iwatani’s IWGP Women’s Championship.
A title that hasn’t had many defenses since Iwatani has won it, has been held by her for 553 days and counting. Iwatani defeated Mercedes Moné to become champion. Her last defense was in early October against Toni Storm.
The challenge by Watanabe happened on Oct. 26 during the Goddess of Stardom Tag League. Iwatani and Momo Kohgo successfully defeated AZM and Miyu Amasaki under the Red Goddesses block, earning themselves two points.
During the victory celebration, Watanabe entered the ring to confront the champion. She initially called out Iwatani for defeating her in the recent 5 Star Grand Prix by using her bat. A verbal assault escalated into a vicious attack as she attacked Mayu with that same bat. Watanabe then made her challenge for the IWGP Women’s Championship at the upcoming NJPW x STARDOM Historic X-Over II show in November.