NJPW: Mercedes Mone Contract Update, Will Ospreay on Career Future, All Star Junior Festival USA

Apr 18, 2023

Mercedes Mone Reportedly in Contract Extension Talks with NJPW

As noted before, Mercedes Mone’s contract with Bushiroad for New Japan Pro Wrestling and Stardom is currently rumored to expire after Stardom’s All Star Grand Queendom 2023 event this Sunday in Yokohama, Japan.

Dave Meltzer reported in a recent episode of the Wrestling Observer Radio that his sources stated that Mone and NJPW officials have been in recent talks over potentially extending her contract for at least one more match after this Sunday’s Stardom event.

Meltzer reported that it is currently not known if a deal for a contract extension has been made as of Monday nor what event this potential new date would be for.

Will Ospreay Comments on Future of His Wrestling Career

As noted before, Will Ospreay has been out of action for New Japan Pro Wrestling since this past March due to a shoulder injury. One Pro Wrestling (1PW) recently announced that Ospreay was recently medically cleared from his injury and will be able to compete at their upcoming event this weekend.

Ospreay recently reflected on Twitter about his recent shoulder injury and the future of his wrestling career.

“I got cleared two days ago. It’s a weird one. I’ve seen my physio now for about five weeks, and I got range of motion back in my arm. The strength is there, somewhat, but because I was able to complete four strength exercises, apparently, I’m medically cleared. It does feel a lot better, but I feel there is still a lot of weakness in my arm. The sensible answer is to take a little bit more time off, but over the last 48 hours, I’ve been reminiscing and thinking about my 11-year career. It’s been incredible, but the one thing that has been constant, especially the last few years, is that the injuries have stacked up a lot more, recently. It’s because I’m getting older, I’m getting heavier, but because of that, the move set that I started when I was 22 years old has kind of vanished and disappeared. It’s not by choice, it’s because my body can’t do it anymore. I can’t perform a shooting star press safely anymore, so I decided it’s best to cut it out. I’m not going to lie, I feel like my body and me, personally, I’m deteriorating in front of everyone’s eyes. It’s really upsetting and it’s because I chose to do this style. I understand the risks that come with this style, but it’s one that suits me down to a tee and I think everyone enjoys it. I don’t know if this ride is going to be a long one, if everyone understands what I mean. I didn’t think I’d reach this far in my career anyway. I’m just going to enjoy myself, and hope for the best. I’m going to have to change things up a lot, but I’m going to compete, I’m going to come back, and I’m going to do the best of my abilities to do this as much as I physically can. I don’t know how long this ride is going to be, I’m going to be honest. I hope you guys enjoy the ride, that’s all. Much love.”

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— ᵂⁱˡˡ ᴼˢᵖʳᵉᵃʸ • ウィル・オスプレイ (@WillOspreay) April 17, 2023

Transcript h/t: Fightful.com

NJPW Announces All Star Junior Festival USA for This August

This past Sunday’s Collision in Philadelphia 2023 event for New Japan Pro Wrestling on Philadelphia, Pennsylvania featured Rocky Romero announcing that NJPW will be holding a new All Star Junior Festival event this summer in the United States.

Romero stated that this upcoming event will be called All Star Junior Festival USA and will be taking place on August 19th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. Romero also stated that he and Hiromu Takahashi will be the co-producers of this upcoming event.

Official press release:

All Star Junior Festival USA 2023 coming August 19
During Collision in Philadelphia, a special announcement saw the first details revealed for All Star Junior Festival 2023 USA.
After March 1’s ASJF sold out a wildly passionate Korakuen Hall, the best parallel for US venues is a place that has seen many a dynamic junior heavyweight make their name known on a global stage- Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena.
Fans won’t have to wait for tickets for this landmark card, as they go on sale TONIGHT at midnight! With this being an unprecedented gathering of the world’s best junior heavyweights, tickets are sure to sell out, so make sure you get in early!
All Star Junior Festival USA 2023
Saturday August 19, Philadelphia/2300 Arena
Tickets available MIDNIGHT April 17 4/17: https://2300arena.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=215

This will be the second All Star Junior Festival to be held by NJPW, following this past March’s inaugural event in Tokyo, Japan that featured talent from several Japanese promotions.