In January 2011, Serena made her first excursion to Japan. While working for Yoshihiro Tajiri's promotion Smash, she wrestled Syuri at "Smash.12" and won the match. She remained undefeated by beating Makoto on "Smash.13", Kana on "Smash.17", Tomoka Nakagawa on "Smash.19" in the first round and Syuri on "Smash.20" in the semifinals of a tournament for the Smash Diva Championship. On September 8, Serena suffered her first loss in Smash, when she was defeated by Kana in the finals of a tournament to crown the first ever Smash Diva Champion.