Joshi Informer Newsletter May 30th, 2025: Marigold SHINE FOREVER 2025 Review, Hana Kimura Hanabi Review, Artist of Stardom Championships on the Line
Welcome everyone to the May 30th edition of The Joshi Informer newsletter.
In this week's newsletter:
Stardom: Neo Genesis defend the Artist of Stardom Championships in a three-way elimination match, Hazuki & Koguma announced for Spark show in Texas, Walker Stewart becomes new Stardom Director of Global PR & Communications
Marigold: Nanae Takahashi retires, SHINE FOREVER review, Grand Destiny 2025 in Ryogoku Kokugikan announced
Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling: First match-ups announced for Tokyo Princess Cup 2025, multiple talents confirmed to be missing time through injury
Other Joshi: Hana Kimura tribute show, Kouki Amarei to defend the GHC Women’s Championship, Catch The Wave 2025 continues
👇 🎧There’s a world of joshi podcasts out there: If you take your joshi news and reviews on the move, why not check out our range of podcasts by clicking on the links below and become even more familiarized with some of the world’s best wrestling!
MARIGOLD SHINE FOREVER 2025
RESULTS & REVIEWS
Shinno Debut Match: Mai Sakurai def. Shinno (12:33)
Scott: Did Shinno have the greatest debut of all time? For my money, it very well might be. The 16-year-old daughter of Michiko Omukai kicked off her pro wrestling career in as memorable of a match as possible, taking on the United National Champion and legitimately competing with her from bell to bell. That was what made this match so special, and it was how she started it that will really stick with fans. The two piercing kicks mixed in with an Overhead Uranage, a move taken directly from her mother’s arsenal. She was also hit hard during this match, bleeding from her nose, but not letting that slow her down in any way. When Shinno managed to lock on the Sharpshooter on Mai Sakurai, it was a moment of gutsiness and passion that should stick with her for years to come. She may have ultimately lost and didn’t go beyond the time limit like Seri Yamaoka did, but she had a match you won’t forget. Sakurai did an incredible job of leading this match. Overall, it will be a moment to remember in Marigold’s history as Shinno starts what will hopefully be a long, successful career. (****)
Rob: In a week where we praised the Stardom debuts of Ema Maishima and Kikyo Furusawa, Shinno Omukai blew everything out of the water with an absolutley sparkling debut against Mai Sakurai. No fear, aura and a great job of selling at the back end of the match made the world sit up and take not of a genuine future star. The sixteen-year-old’s debut went far beyond just nailing the basics, and seeing her drop Mai Sakurai on her head with a Urunage just two minutes into the match made it abundantly clear that she is a very special talent. A truly breath-taking performance from the youngster, one we will be talking about for a long time I’m sure. (****)
Darkness Revolution (Nagisa Nozaki, Misa Matsui, Megaton & CHIAKI) def. Chanyota, Erina Yamanaka, Nagisa Tachibana & Ryoko Sakimura (9:27)
Scott: Darkness Revolution is back on track, even if Megaton is on a short leash with the faction. This match was a necessary win for Misa Matsui, who had taken huge back-to-back losses in May through her singles matches with Mai Sakurai and Miku Aono. I still believe that this faction will be the launching point for Matsui despite her tough luck in the win column, and she continues to prove that in performances like this — even if the match itself won’t be one to remember necessarily. It served its purpose, and also furthered the story of Megaton’s near costly mistakes as well as Nagisa Tachibana’s hatred for Ryoko Sakimura. That marks this as a win. (**½)
Rob: Megaton’s time in Marigold’s only faction may indeed be nigh, but it didn’t hinder Darkness Revolution too much as they romped to a fairly standard victory, Matsui was the stand-out as was expected, though Chanyota continues to impress whenever she is given the ball. Where Megaton goes if she is dismissed from the group is certainly an interesting thought, while Nagisa Tachibana continues to be a bright light on the undercard; showcasing a fierce tenacity and desire to get that first pinfall victory. (**3/4)
Kouki Amarei Return Match: Kouki Amarei & Kizuna Tanaka def. Chika Goto & Yuuki Minami (8:58)
Scott: The return of Kouki Amarei was a welcome one, but she won’t be ready to go in just one match. Amarei, who suffered a torn ACL in January, made an impressive return to the ring to face off with her tWin toWer tag team partner Chika Goto — the same person she faced when she was injured. With her was Kizuna Tanaka, while Yuuki Minami joined GoChika on the other side — both of which fit the match well, but weren’t at all the main focus. As I said, this match isn’t the ideal judge of where Amarei will be post-injury, but she was notably rusty in there. Certain moves were off, as was the timing. Goto working Amarei’s leg was smart, and Amarei’s selling as a result could’ve convinced you she was banged up once again — but that’s all to take from the match. As she gets more matches under her, I hope Kouki can make it back to the level she showcased at the end of 2024, which I believe she can and will. (**¼)
Rob: Was this a perfect match - no absolutely not. But then again, to return after only 5 months following an ACL tear is a true feat of grit and determination. Of course there was going to be ring rust, but this was more about giving Kouki the chance to shine once again, to feel the adulation and to walk out in front of a crowd. From the outset we knew we wouldn't be talking about this as a match of the year, but I’m just happy to see Kouki in the environment in which she thrives; the rest will come without doubt. (**1/2)
Marigold (Natsumi Showzuki, Hummingbird, Rea Seto, Komomo Minami & Nao Ishikawa) def. Marvelous (Senka Akatsuki, Maria, Riko Kawahata, Sora Ayame & Ai Houzan) in an Elimination Match (19:26)
Scott: The switch was flipped at SHINE FOREVER when Marigold and Marvelous faced off once again. The difference this time around was that Marigold would send a young core with veteran leader Natsumi Showzuki against the Marvelous team, who had the TwinStar Champions representing in Magenta. It feels like everyone had a moment within this match, but the final minutes between Rea Seto and Ai Houzan were especially great. Houzan and Seto feel in similar spots within their companies. For Houzan, getting the attention ahead of the likes of Senka Akatsuki, Maria, and Riko Kawahata has been tough — while the same can be said for Seto, who is trying to shine with the likes of Seri Yamaoka, Victoria Yuzuki, and Kizuna Tanaka ahead of her. But that’s what made their statement showing against each other all the more special, with Seto ultimately earning the win in the end for Marigold. A very good match, and the turning point of the overall show. (***¾)
Rob: A completely different feel to the previous 5-on-5 match, especially with it being in the middle of the card, but the fact that it had less time made the match more frenetic, which in turn played into the need of Marigold to pick up some sort of victory. With Magenta’s turn to the darkside, Marigold were the more cohesive unit and showcased that when Natsumi and Nao Ishikawa both sacrificed themselves to get rid of the Twinstar Champions. The temptation may have been there to give those four the final stretch, but to entrust that to Rea Seto and Ai Houzan was a brilliant decision as Seto once again showcased exactly why I mention every week just how much she is improving. A pacey and frenzied final minute or so gave the pair the spotlight they’ve earned, and with new entrance gear and anew nickname - The Black Diamond - it feels like Marigold are really beginning to get behind Rea! (***3/4)
Takumi Iroha def. Seri Yamaoka (12:14)
Scott: The toughest test in the career of Seri Yamaoka was just that as she went one-on-one with Marvelous ace Takumi Iroha. Iroha has been on another level since the war between Marigold and Marvelous began. She’s demanded greater opponents while holding Marvelous to a higher standard. This war is all about proving who is the better promotion, what methods are better, and who will ultimately defend their home in the end. Yamaoka treated this match as the start of her next chapter with Nanae Takahashi retiring in the main event, and that’s exactly how she performed. I’d argue this was the most comfortable Yamaoka has looked in a match from bell to bell. Her natural explosiveness and grappling skills have taken her a long way, but nothing will bring her further than testing herself against someone at the caliber of Iroha. And for so much of this match, it felt like Yamaoka was wrestling at a level that was similar to the reigning AAAW Champion. Confidence was building, and the attack on Iroha’s legs was her method to success — until it wasn’t. Iroha eventually said enough is enough, but Yamaoka’s few hope spots in the closing minutes elevated this match to what may very well be her best singles performance thus far. Iroha eventually won with a stunning Pumphandle GTS-style knee, leaving Yamaoka defeated and looking for answers. Marigold was right to call Yamaoka a “super rookie,” with this match being the latest step forward for her in her career. (***¾)
Rob: The best performance of Seri’s career so far. I’ve said before that Yamaoka has the moves themselves down due to her background in amateur wrestling, but it’s the intangibles and subtle nuances that she has been working on. She had started to tie this all together in her excellent match against Nanae in the Passion Countdown, and here we saw her not only enter this match with a gameplan, but also put on an accomplished selling effort in the face of one of joshi’s truest killers. Takumi Iroha is one of the most dangerous strikers in the business, and it’s for this reason that Yamaoka opted to try and keep the early goings of the match on the mat, utilising her extensive grappling resume. When this only got her so far, she adapted and began to target Iroha’s legs - effectively cutting out her offence. Again, this adaptability showcased a new side of Yamaoka which is pleasing to see, even if it was ultimately futile. However, even once the infamous switch flipped in Iroha, Seri’s selling has come on leaps and bounds, and this gave her the opportunity to highlight that fact. Right up until Iroha smashed her into next week with a devastating Modified GTS. All in all though not a surprising result, it’s a great performance from the ‘super rookie’. (****)
Superfly Championship: Mayu Iwatani def. Victoria Yuzuki (c) to become the new champion (9:58)
Scott: Mayu Iwatani has been the peak that so many wrestlers have tried to reach in their careers. Tam Nakano and Starlight Kid are the more notable ones over the last five years, with neither being able to defeat her. So it was only right that now Iwatani’s former protege, Victoria Yuzuki, joins the list of those trying to climb that mountain and potentially become her equal. The only problem for Yuzuki? It’s far too soon, and Iwatani might have just reached the prime of her own career. Yuzuki did everything in her power to try and tackle “The Icon,” but so much of that offense included Iwatani’s moves. So when it came down to it, Iwatani could take it and dish out her own form of punishment, as there are still lessons to teach her student. And the biggest one? Don’t use a finisher that Iwatani can use herself to beat you! “The Joshi Puroresu Icon” hit the Moonsault Trifecta, pinning Yuzuki to become the new Superfly Champion and marking her first title since joining Marigold. Unsurprisingly, this match was great and the first step in a long-term story between the student and her mentor. I believe Yuzuki will be the one chasing Mayu to finally get that win, but we are a ways away. Great match. (****)
Rob: A great match, which we all knew it would be, but the story of mentor vs. mentee is well and truly just beginning. The idea of the pair racing to become the first-ever Marigold Grand Slam champion puts Yuzuki over enormously, whilst the post-match of Mayu singing her praises again puts into sharp relief just how special a talent she truly is. This is a story that has legs however, and echoing what Scott said earlier, it’s far too early to have Yuzuki surpass her inspiration. Starlight Kid and Tam Nakano never managed it, whilst it took Mayu six years to feel like she was on an even footing with Io Shirai. It’s a story that needs to breathe, but this is a fantastic first chapter, playing off of just how much of an inspiration Mayu has been on Yuzuki - to the point where the youngster has inadvertently modelled her arsenal of moves off of her. Mayu then winning with the one move Yuzuki uses that isn’t one of Iwatani’s in the Triple Jump Moonsault was a great finish as well; almost a ‘nice try kid, you’re good but you ain’t me’ sort of finish! Yuzuki will have other title reigns without a doubt, but this gives us Misa Matsui and Mayu Iwatani for the superfly title as confirmed backstage, which I’d argue there isn’t a fan of wrestling anywhere that wouldn’t be excited for that! (****1/4)
Marigold World Championship: Utami Hayashishita (c) def. MIRAI (16:12): After the match, Hayashishita revealed she wanted Marvelous ace Takumi Iroha to challenge for the championship. Iroha accepted the challenge, but made it clear she had something else to do first before officially challenging.
Scott: One day will be MIRAI’s day, but this was not it. Utami Hayashishita felt like the world champion she’s supposed to be, and performed to that level in what I can only call an absolute slugfest between two of Marigold’s top stars. Never did it really feel like in the lead-up that Hayashishita would be dropping the championship here — it was just too early into her reign, one that feels like it needed this match specifically to get going. So when Hayashishita stepped in there with MIRAI, it sure looked as though she was well aware of that and performed to the top level that the world is accustomed to seeing from her. In terms of MIRAI — she made the viewer believe. Despite limited expectations of her having a real shot to exit as the new Marigold World Champion, her effort made you think it was possible. The closing stretch saw her nearly escape with victory not once, but twice, as the Lefty Lariats were turning Hayashishita inside out and bringing out to near fall after near fall. Hayashishita managed to survive each time, however, and ultimately earned her third title defense when she hit the BT Bomb on MIRAI to end it. This was undeniably the best match of Utami’s reign thus far and should serve as the accelerator for her as the world champion moving forward. For MIRAI… she will have her moment, and when it happens, it’ll be one of the best in Marigold’s history. Just not there yet. An excellent world championship match. (****)
Rob: Hell yes. All I wanted from this match was for it to be an extension of the brilliant prelude tags that have populated the recent house shows, and it really delivered. Thunderous Lariats and booming strikes between two of the best in the company made this incredibly compelling viewing - even if the result was something of a foregone conclusion. Utami’s title run hasn’t quite hit its highest peaks yet, but this match gave it the needed jolt of electricity, especially a phenomenal closing stretch that played on the finishes of their prelude tag team matches. A BT Bomb finished the match, but this is not the end of MIRAI’s quest for the World Championship. She is an undeniable star, and her reign when it does eventually come - and it will - will be worth the wait for all fans of hers. For now however, the belt needs to stay on Utami, especially with a potential Takumi Iroha title defence on the horizon! A great match, predictably, and one I am absolutely positive we will run back - perhaps with MIRAI finally gaining the top prize! (****1/2)
Final Passion: Miku Aono def. Nanae Takahashi (22:04)
Scott: The true final match of Nanae Takahashi’s career was simply incredible. It was a match of paying it forward, but also captured the violence and passion that Nanae Takahashi wrestled with throughout her entire career. Miku Aono not only stepped up to the challenge but thrived in doing so. Aono was a star heading into this match, but this felt like a launching point for so much more — a launching point to superstardom for the woman nicknamed “Brilliant Future.” She took everything Takahashi had to offer and more, something that can and has in the past been what makes or breaks a wrestler. This was more than the Passion Injection, but the true Final Passion of Takahashi’s incredible career. Aono managed to hit not one, but two Styles Clashes — neither of which was enough to end the legend’s career. She had to go into Takahashi’s own bag to do just that, hitting the living legend with a One Second EX to win the match once and for all. While this was about the end of Takahashi’s career, it was equally as much about the biggest win of Aono’s career. It’s what made the gauntlet match that happened after this so special, as Aono could stand in her glory first and foremost with this victory before everyone could say farewell to Takahashi once and for all. One of the best matches of the year. (****¾)
Rob: I am a true loss for words when it comes to this match, and as we are covering this match twice this week, that is far from helpful. Everything about it was near enough perfect, from the brutish and - at times - uncomfortably stiff strikes, to Nanae collapsing in the middle of the ring when her legs give out; it did everything I wanted it to - a send off to one of the joshi greats whilst simultanesouly being a passing of the torch moment to Miku Aono. Aono has been one of the most consistent performers since Marigold’s inception, and for her to get the nod here and showcase exactly how good she really is was another reason this match resonated so much. Diminutive in stature compared to Nanae, Miku was able to show-off her incredible strength by not only hitting two Styles Clashes - including her almost deadlifting Takahashi off the ropes for the second one - but also managing to keep her in place for the One-Second EX (a true passing of the torch moment if there ever was one). It’s the perfect way to send Nanae off into the sunset, another incredible chapter to add to the great work she’s done in Marigold. Between this match, the celebration, the gauntlet, the outpouring of emotion, how can I not give this five stars? Not just for the blistering match that has firmly pinned Miku Aono into that main event scene, but also for the ceremony as a whole; perfect! (*****)
Nanae Takahashi vs. Senka Akatsuki, Seri Yamaoka, Kouki Amarei, Yumiko Hotta, and Momoe Nakanishi in a Gauntlet Match (5:23)
Scott: The impromptu retirement gauntlet of Nanae Takahashi is what makes Joshi wrestling so much more special than any other. It didn’t have to happen, but it made the retirement that much more special that it did. Takahashi managed to face the past, present, and future of Joshi in this one match, with the most incredible moments coming with Yamaoka’s pinfall over her pro wrestling mother as they embraced, Takahashi pinning Hotta while they hugged, and Nanamomo getting to share the ring one final time. It was a beautiful end, and I’d say a perfect end to the PASSION-filled career of Nanae Takahashi.
There’s only one Nanae Takahashi, and wrestling is going to miss her so, so much. I know I will. Passion Forever.
Rob: When you still have a little bit of passion left in the tank, there’s always time for a gauntlet. As though we weren’t already emotionally spent from the match itself, we then got Seri Yamaoka pinning her ‘Passion Mother’ with a hug, Senka attempting - and very nearly succeeding - in ‘outpassioning’ Takahashi and Kouki Amarei getting the chance to face Nanae one last time despite it looking like her knee injury may have robbed her of that. Finally, Momoe Nakanishi. Officially Nanae’s last ever in-ring match and the perfect way to bookend career having been her fourth ever match all the way back in 1996. Truly a glorious celebration!
#PassionForever #Nanae_passion #ThankYouNanae
STARDOM
NEWS
New Spark Joshi World Champion Hazuki has been confirmed to be coming to the Lone Star State in June! Having defeated Lena Kross back in Las Vegas to capture the vacant World Title, Hazuki has been officially announced to be coming to Spark Joshi’s Ignite Texas show on June 29th at the Baytown Community Center, with bell time currently advertised as 3pm CT.
After that announcement, the company followed this up by confirming that Koguma would also be on the show! This will be the first time since Fighting Spirit Unleashed in November 2024 that Koguma will have been in the United States, having not been a part of the roster to come to Las Vegas in April.
On Wednesday, the English voice of both New Japan and Stardom, Walker Stewart, announced that he has accepted a position as Stardom’s Director of Global PR & Communications. Despite this, Walker was quick to reiterate that he would remain the lead announcer for both Stardom and New Japan, despite this additional position. We extend the warmest of congratulations to Walker and wish him well in this new venture. You can read the full tweet here.
RESULTS & REVIEWS
Stardom in Osaka 2025 May
Saturday, May 24th 2025
EDION Arena Osaka #2, Osaka
Attendance: 604
Attendance Note: The announced attendance inside EDION Arena Osaka #2 in Osaka was 604. This is the fifth highest attendance Stardom have pulled to the venue in the 54 times they have ran it, with this being only the fifth time Stardom have crossed 600 in the venue. It is a 19.13% increase on the last time Stardom ran EDION Arena Osaka #2 (507 on the 10th April 2025).
STARS (Hanan, Saya Iida & Momo Kohgo) def. Hina, Tomoka Inaba & Kikyo Furusawa) (10:34)
Mei Seira def. Yuria Hime (9:23)
Hazuki, Koguma & Akira Kurogane def. Aya Sakura, Sayaka Kurura & Emi Maishima (11:22)
God’s Eye (Syuri, Saki Kashima, Lady C & Ranna Yagami) def. H.A.T.E (Natsuko Tora, Saya Kamitani, Azusa Inaba & Fukigen Death) (10:27)
Cosmic Angels (Natsupoi, Saori Anou & Yuna Mizumori) def. EXV (HANAKO, Rian & Waka Tsukiyama) (13:39)
Artist of Stardom Championships Three-Way Elimination Match: Neo Genesis (Starlight Kid, AZM & Miyu Amasaki) (c) def. H.A.T.E (Konami, Ruaka & Rina) & Mi Vida Loca (Suzu Suzuki, Rina Yamashita & Itsuki Aoki) (22:11): I must admit I didn’t really know what to expect in terms of a multi-team match for the Artist of Stardom Championships, especially with this also being an elimination match aswell, but each team brought their own flair to what was ultimately a vastly entertaining contest. Mi Vida Loca brought the unpredictability, H.A.T.E the brawling and Neo Genesis the speed and athleticism, but we also had the continuation of story as well, with Rina and Rina Yamashita picking up where they left off in Korakuen Hall and Starlight Kid and Suzu Suzuki building on the latter’s defection from Neo Genesis. Considering the star talent in the match, it was great to see Miyu Amasaki get the pinfall, especially as she is someone who continues to improve every time I see her in the ring. A clean pinfall for Aoki over AZM might set up a NJPW Strong Women’s Championship match down the line, whilst Suzu and Kid’s interactions make for interesting viewing in relation to the Wonder of Stardom picture! (****)
Stardom in Kyoto 2025 May
Sunday, May 25th 2025
KBS Hall, Kyoto
Attendance: 454
Attendance Note: The announced attendance inside KBS Hall in Kyoto was 454. This is the first time Stardom have run the venue this year, though the house is a 10.28% decrease on the last time they ran the venue, which was in August 2024 as a part of the 5Star Grand Prix (506). It is, however, the second-highest attendance at the venue this year. Of the seven shows (six having reported their attendance) only the Fantastica Mania Tour show between NJPW and CMLL has drawn higher than this show (792 on 24th February).
H.A.T.E (Saya Kamitani, Rina & Azusa Inaba) def. Yuna Mizumori, Aya Sakura & Emi Maishima(13:26)
Saki Kashima, Tomoka Inaba & & Waka Tsukiyama def. Hanan, Momo Kohgo & Kikyo Furusawa (8:47)
H.A.T.E (Konami & Ruaka) def. Saya Iida & Yuria Hime (12:00)
Fukuoka Double Crazy (Hazuki & Koguma) def. Mi Vida Loca (Akira Kurogane & Suzu Suzuki) (12:13)
HANAKO def. Rian (10:05)
Neo Genesis (Miyu Amasaki, AZM, Starlight Kid & Mei Seira) def. God’s Eye (Syuri, Lady C, Ranna Yagami & Hina) (15:31)
LOOKING AHEAD…
Saori Anou and Natsupoi will celebrate their 10th anniversary in wrestling on the 31st May when they hold Natsu & Saory Are Here, You’re Here, 10th Anniversary ~Our Footprints~ in Ota-Ward City Gymnasium in Tokyo. The pair confirmed the final match on the already-stacked card, with a ‘We Are Stardom’ tag team match between the Winggori team of Hanan and Saya Iida taking on the Star Bomb team of Starlight Kid and AZM. Already announced for the card is the main event tag team match between Chihiro Hashimoto and Mika Iwata and SaoriPoi as well as singles matches between Aya Sakura and Sareee, Sayaka Kurura and Mayumi Ozaki and Yuna Mizumori will take on SAKI. (FULL CARD)
The card for Stardom’s latest New Blood event – New Blood 22 from TOKYO SQUARE in Itabashi – has now been announced in its entirety. Airing on June 4th, the main event will see New Blood Tag Team Championships on the line when champions Rice or Bread defend for the third time when they take on Diana challenger Himiko and Yuma Makoto. Rian will continue her quest for her first singles victory when she takes on Nanami Hatano, while brand-new rookies Kikyo Furusawa and Ema Maishima will team up to face Cosmic Angels’ Sayaka Kurura and Aya Sakura. (FULL CARD)
UPCOMING SHOWS THIS WEEK
Saturday (May 31st): Natsu & Saory Are Here, You’re Here, 10th Anniversary ~Our Footprints~ - Ota-Ward City Gymnasium, Tokyo (PPV)
Wednesday (June 4th): NEW BLOOD 22 - TOKYO SQUARE in ITABASHI, Tokyo (STARDOM WORLD/YouTube)
MARIGOLD
NEWS
Monday Magic is the home of Marigold! Mayu Iwatani made her Pro Wrestling NOAH debut this past Monday, teaming with GHC Women’s Champion Kouki Amarei to face The Great Sakuya and Sadie Gibbs. Iwatani captured the victory for Marigold when she pinned Amarei following a Dragon Suplex. NOAH revealed that this was the most-watched episode of Monday Magic thus far on WRESTLE UNIVERSE, proving that the tease of Iwatani appearing brought in more eyes than ever.
That’s not all that happened on Monday Magic Prime Time, however, as Kouki Amarei was confronted by Takumi Iroha, who made an official challenge for the GHC Women’s Championship. The match will officially take place next week on the show. Iwatani was also invited back to Monday Magic. Marigold may be doing a full takeover of the NOAH product once again.
At the end of Shine Forever 2025, Marigold revealed their next major show as they will return to Ryogoku Kokugikan for Marigold Grand Destiny 2025 on Sunday, October 26th. This will be their return to the venue after holding Summer Destiny 2024 there last summer.
Marigold also announced that Natsumi Showzuki and Nao Ishikawa (Gigaton) will be out this weekend due to lingering injuries. No timetable has been announced regarding their return to the ring. Stay tuned to Marigold’s social media accounts as they will report when an update is available.
LOOKING AHEAD…
Marigold is back on the road this weekend to kick off the 1st Anniversary tour, Burning Desire 2025. On Friday, they’ll head to Kumamoto before going to Fukuoka on Saturday.
Friday is going to be an important start as Mayu Iwatani will team up with MIRAI and Victoria Yuzuki in the main event to take on the trio of Miku Aono, Chika Goto, and Yuuki Minami. This will be the first time Iwatani and Aono share a ring, but not the last on the weekend alone. “Super rookies” Seri Yamaoka and Shinno will also team up for the first time ever to face off with Kizuna Tanaka and Komomo Minami. (FULL CARD)
Then, in Fukuoka, Komomo Minami’s homecoming match takes place in the main event. Minami will be joined by Mayu Iwatani and MIRAI to take on the trio of Miku Aono, Mai Sakurai, and Rea Seto. Chanyota will be in singles action on the same show, going one-on-one with Kizuna Tanaka in an intriguing matchup. (FULL CARD)
Finally, next Thursday, Marigold will return to Shinjuku FACE for a live show on WRESTLE UNIVERSE. No card has been announced as of yet. Stay tuned to Marigold’s social media channels for more.
UPCOMING SHOWS THIS WEEK
Friday (May 30th): Marigold Burning Desire 2025 ~ Night 1 - Shintoshin Plaza Hall, Kumamoto (WRESTLE UNIVERSE VOD)
Saturday (May 31st): Marigold Burning Desire 2025 ~ Night 2 - ACROS Fukuoka, Fukuoka (WRESTLE UNIVERSE VOD)
Thursday (June 5th): Marigold Burning Desire 2025 ~ Night 3 - Shinjuku FACE, Tokyo (WRESTLE UNIVERSE LIVE)
TOKYO JOSHI PRO-WRESTLING
NEWS
TJPW announced the first round of play-in matchups for the Tokyo Princess Cup, which will kick off this weekend in Saitama. Among the matchups are HIMAWARI vs. Mifu Ashida, Wakana Uehara vs. Kira Summer, and Mahiro Kiryu vs. Moka Miyamoto. Fans can check out the full list of matchups here.
It was also announced by TJPW that Hyper Misao, Kira Summer, and Haruna Neko will all miss time. Misao is dealing with ligament damage in her right elbow and will be out of action until the end of June. Summer will be dealing with a four-week recovery due to a left thigh contusion. If she can’t return in the four weeks, her match with Uehara will be considered a forfeit. Finally, Neko is dealing with a knee injury and will miss this weekend’s shows at least. We wish all three of them the best in their recoveries.
RESULTS
TJPW SPRING TOUR 2025 IN SHIZUOKA
Saturday, May 24th 2025
Shimizu Marine Building, Shizuoka
Attendance: 232
Toga def. Mifu Ashida (5:30)
Raku def. Ivy Steele and Mahiro Kiryu (8:28)
Moka Miyamoto & Yuki Arai def. Chika Nanase & Yoshiko Hasegawa (9:24)
Rika Tatsumi def. Pom Harajuku (11:01)
Daisy Monkey (Arisu Endo & Suzume) def. Maki Itoh & Uta Takami (10:46)
Haruna Neko, Shoko Nakajima & Yuki Aino def. HIMAWARI, Kaya Toribami & Wakana Uehara (11:42)
Haru Kazashiro & Mizuki def. Miu Watanabe & Shino Suzuki (15:25)
LOOKING AHEAD…
TJPW is at it with two days of shows this weekend, beginning Saturday in Nerima and heading to Nagoya on Sunday. Each show features very important matches.
Starting in Nerima, Suzume will put the International Princess Championship on the line against Yoshiko Hasegawa in what will likely be Yoppy’s final title challenge before her retirement. She will look to end things as a champion. The show in Nerima also features a TPC play-in first-round match with Kiryu vs. Miyamoto. (FULL CARD)
Nagoya will be an important show as well, with the next challenger for Mizuki being decided in the main event. The match will be a Last One Standing match, beginning in a 4 vs. 4 elimination match and breaking down from there. If there are two, three, or four wrestlers on the same team, it’ll become a four-way, three-way, or singles bout. The eight competitors taking part in the match are Miu Watanabe, Maki Itoh, Yuki Arai, Yuki Kamifuku, Jade Stone, Yuki Aino, Pom Harajuku, and Arisu Endo. The show will also feature the debut match for Konatsu, who’ll take on Suzume. (FULL CARD)
UPCOMING SHOWS THIS WEEK
Saturday (May 31st): TJPW SPRING TOUR 2025 IN NERIMA - Coconeri Hall, Tokyo (WRESTLE UNIVERSE VOD)
Sunday (June 1st): TJPW SPRING TOUR 2025 IN NAGOYA - Chunichi Hall, Aichi (WRESTLE UNIVERSE LIVE)
SENDAI GIRLS
RESULTS
Sendai Girls
Saturday, May 24th 2025
Sendai PIT, Miyagi
Honoka & Yura Suzuki def. Johnnie Robbie & YUNA (7:25)
Ryo Mizunami def. Miyuki Takase (10:29)
Mika Iwata def. Manami (11:01)
Team 200kg (Chihiro Hashimoto & Yuu) def. Amira & Sadie Gibbs (12:22)
Reiwa Ultima Powers (DASH Chisako & Hiroyo Matsumoto) def. Unagi Sayaka & Yurika Oka (16:48)
MARVELOUS
NEWS
As stated earlier, reigning AAAW Champion and AAAW Tag Team Champion Takumi Iroha will look to add a third championship to her waist as she will challenge Marigold’s Kouki Amarei this Monday at NOAH Monday Magic Prime Time for the GHC Women’s Championship. A title victory would make Iroha the second-ever champion. The show will air live on WRESTLE UNIVERSE.
LOOKING AHEAD…
Marvelous will head to Hokkaido for a double shot of shows on Saturday and Sunday.
The main event on Saturday will see the Reiwa Crush Gals duo of Sora Ayame and Senka Akatsuki team with Yuu to take on Sadie Gibbs, Amira, and Johnnie Robbie. Takumi Iroha will pair up with Ai Houzan to face Magenta. (FULL CARD)
Sunday will have another strong main event as Takumi Iroha teams with Senka Akatsuki to take on the duo of VENY and Johnnie Robbie. Sora Ayame will face off with Yuu in the opener. (FULL CARD)
UPCOMING SHOWS THIS WEEK
Saturday (May 31st): Marvelous - Sapporo E-One Stadium, Hokkaido (WRESTLE UNIVERSE TBD)
Sunday (June 1st): Marvelous - Sapporo E-One Stadium, Hokkaido (WRESTLE UNIVERSE TBD)
HANA KIMURA MEMORIAL SHOW “FIREWORKS”
RESULTS & REVIEW
Hana Kimura Memorial Show “Hanabi”
Friday, May 23rd 2025
Korakuen Hall, Tokyo
Attendance: 545
Tae Honma def. YUNA (6:55)
Death Yama-san won the Battle Royal (17:00)
Aja Kong def. Seigo Tachibana (1:21)
Aja Kong def. Seigo Tachibana (0:37)
Aja Kong def. Seigo Tachibana (1:37)
Jaguar Yokota def. Shin Hana Kimura (Shin Sakura Hirota) and Menso-re Oyaji (8:23)
Red Energy (Mika Iwata & Miyuki Takase) vs. Reiwa Ultima Powers (DASH Chisako & Hiroyo Matsumoto) vs. Natsupoi & Sareee ended in a Time-Limit Draw (15:00)
Konami & Minoru Suzuki def. Chihiro Hashimoto & Shotaro Ashino (18:40)
VENY def. Rina (17:48): Every big match, every big moment, the 18-year-old protege of Hana Kimura steps up — and this was a case of that once again. Rina is in the midst of the biggest year of her career. The Wonder of Stardom Championship match with Starlight Kid earlier this year at Path of Thunder should be remembered for years to come. Now? She has a match where she stepped into the main event of the Hana Kimura Memorial Show and performed like a proven main eventer, yet again. VENY was sensational as she is every year in this match, but it was Rina who continues to be so much of what Hana Kimura was as a wrestler while also paving her own path and style. The moments of Kyoko Kimura, Konami, and the Korakuen Hall crowd rooting for Rina to overcome VENY were what brought this match from great to special. A must-see encounter that follows the string of incredible main events as we celebrate the life of Hana Kimura once again. (****½)
You can purchase the PPV here.
OTHER JOSHI
WAVE: Pro-Wrestling WAVE’s Catch The Wave tournament continues this Sunday in Shinjuku FACE, with Stardom’s Hazuki making her first appearance of the tournament so far when she takes on Nanami Hatano in the Mercury Block. Also on the card, Ranna Yagami looks to bounce back from her opening night loss with a victory over Miyuki Takase in the Saturn Block. (FULL CARD)
JOSHI OUT & ABOUT
WWE: Kairi Sane returned from a disappointing result last week to pick up a victory over Liv Morgan on the 5/26 episode of Monday Night RAW following some miscommunication between Liv and Raquel Rodriguez.
On the 5/23 episode of SmackDown meanwhile, Giulia successfully qualified for the women’s Money in the Bank Ladder match with victory over Charlotte Flair and Zelina Vega, pinning the latter with a Northern Lights Bomb to join Roxanne Perez, Alexa Bliss and Rhea Ripley.
AEW: Mina Shirakawa challenged unsuccessfully for the AEW Women’s World Championship against Toni Storm at AEW Double or Nothing this past Sunday, coming up short once again in her second challenge for the belt.
On the 5/28 episode of Dynamite after weeks of teasing, Thekla made her AEW debut when she attacked Jamie Hayter, flooring her with a forearm.
CONTRIBUTOR’S MATCH OF THE WEEK
Scott: Man, I’m going to miss Nanae Takahashi. I can’t stress it enough. The retirements of the past month of Tam Nakano and Meiko Satomura were a lot, but this felt like the absolute limit for me. Takahashi left every bit of passion she had left in her in this match and the gauntlet match. Nothing was held back, and it was a firm reminder that Takahashi’s retirement road should go down as one of the greatest we have ever seen from any wrestler… ever. So, to look at this match is to give credit to not just the retiree, but the woman who is on her way to being the face of Marigold sometime this year. Miku Aono has been entrusted with more historic moments in this company within this first year than maybe anyone could have expected — closing out the first show Marigold Fields Forever, becoming the inaugural United National Champion, and now being the retirement opponent for Nanae Takahashi. It’s hard to argue that anyone in the company has had that important of a year over her, and it feels like Year 2 of Marigold is setting up to be just as much hers. And it’s not something that has been handed to her — Aono has earned every bit of her push and then some. The series with MIRAI showed that, her impressive DREAM STAR GP did as well. And for anyone who may have questioned her after the United National Championship reign, this had to be the match to get you back on board. She was incredible against Takahashi from start to finish. The violence, the physicality... It's the type of wrestling that Takahashi established within the Marigold roster in her year with the company, and Aono showed that she could not only compete but also match that same level. The strikes… the emotion… everything. When Takahashi kicked out of the second Styles Clash, it was a moment of “this is really it” to me. Because this was the last push, the final kickout she had before Aono said enough was enough and finished her off with her own move. This match was done to accomplish two things: send Takahashi off in incredible fashion and be the launching pad for Miku Aono as Marigold heads into Year 2. Mission accomplished in one of wrestling’s best matches this year and one of the best retirement matches you will ever see. PASSION! (****¾)
Rob: With Meiko Satomura, Arisa Nakajima and now Nanae Takahashi all having entered retirement within a year, and two of those within a month, it feels like there has been a titanic shift in joshi wrestling. For everything Takahashi has given to wrestling, this match needed to be perfect, and by god between this, the closing ceremony and the gauntlet that followed it, I think it was about as close as you are going to get. To get a great retirement match of course, you need the right dance partner, and giving Miku Aono the honour was a stroke of brilliance; someone who has been on the cusp of being a main event star, but needed that last little push. We knew what they could do of course from their underrated Dream Star Grand Prix match from back in 2024, and this was the ideal second course to what was a great match. Scott has summed this up better than I ever could; the emotion, the drama and the offence in this match was excellent, and was built almost solely around showcasing Aono. Two Styles Clashes outlined her underrated core strength, whilst the passing of the torch was embodied perfectly in Miku sending Nanae into retirement with her own move. There’s something consoling about knowing that Takahashi will live on in the likes of the Refrigerator Bomb now being used by Seri Yamaoka and the One-Second EX now being used by Miku. It’s as though Nanae is there in spirit as Marigold prepare for year 2 and a year without someone who has been so incredibly pivotal thus far. However, in giving everything to this company in her last year, she has found it in herself to give one last thing - the nod to Miku Aono. Thank you Nanae, there will never be another! (*****)
CHAMPIONS CORNER
An easy reference guide to the champions in each Joshi company. This will be updated weekly. Statistics are correct as of the morning of May 30th, 2025.
20th World of Stardom Champion: Saya Kamitani, 1st reign, 152 days, 3 successful title defences.
24th Wonder of Stardom Champion: Starlight Kid, 1st reign, 152 days, 4 successful title defences.
4th IWGP Women’s World Champion: Syuri, 1st reign, 33 days, 0 successful title defences.
27th High-Speed Champion: Mei Seira, 1st reign, 306 days, 5 successful title defences.
12th Future of Stardom Champion: Hina, 1st reign, 95 days, 2 successful title defences.
35th Goddesses of Stardom Champions: Winggori (Saya Iida, 1st reign & Hanan, 1st reign), 1st reign, 152 days, 3 successful title defences.
34th Artist of Stardom Champions: Neo Genesis (AZM, 4th reign, Starlight Kid, 2nd reign, & Miyu Amasaki, 1st reign), 1st reign, 117 days, 2 successful title defence.
4th NEW BLOOD Tag Team Champions: Rice or Bread (Waka Tsukiyama, 1st reign & HANAKO, 1st reign), 1st reign, 155 days, 2 successful title defences.
2nd Marigold World Champion: Utami Hayashishita, 1st reign, 147 days, 3 successful title defences.
2nd Marigold United National Champion: Mai Sakurai, 1st reign, 147 days, 5 successful title defences.
3rd Marigold Superfly Champion: Mayu Iwatani, 1st reign, 6 days, 0 successful title defences.
5th Marigold Twinstar Champions: Magenta (Maria, 1st reign & Riko Kawahata, 1st reign), 1st reign, 20 days, 0 successful title defences.
15th Princess of Princess Champion: Mizuki, 2nd reign, 146 days, 2 successful title defences.
13th International Princess Champion: Suzume, 1st reign, 146 days, 4 successful title defences.
18th Princess Tag Team Champions: Kyoraku Kyomei (Shoko Nakajima, 2nd reign & Hyper Misao, 2nd reign), 1st reign, 75 days, 2 successful title defences.
18th Sendai Girls World Champion: Chihiro Hashimoto, 6th reign, 72 days, 1 successful title defence.
10th Sendai Girls Junior Champion: Aya Sakura, 1st reign, 72 days, 0 successful title defences.
23rd Sendai Girls Tag Team Champions: Red Energy (Mika Iwata, 3rd reign & Miyuki Takase, 1st reign), 1st reign, 110 days, 1 successful title defence.
11th SEAdLINNNG Beyond the Sea Champion: VENY, 2nd reign, 133 days, 1 successful title defences.
14th SEAdLINNNG Beyond the Sea Tag Team Champions: Ayame Sasamura (3rd reign) & Itsuki Aoki (1st reign), 1st reign, 280 days, 3 successful title defences.
18th AAAW Champion: Takumi Iroha, 2nd reign, 295 days, 2 successful title defences.
22nd AAAW Tag Team Champions: Takumi Iroha (2nd reign) & Sareee (1st reign), 1st reign, 10 days, 0 successful title defence.
32nd OZ Academy Openweight Champion: Saori Anou, 1st reign, 47 days, 0 successful title defences.
11th OZ Academy Pioneer Champion: Kakeru, 1st reign, 47 days, 0 successful title defences.
41st OZ Academy Tag Team Champions: Phanton Limit (Kohaku, 1st reign & Tsubasa Kuragaki, 3rd reign), 1st reign, 47 days, 0 successful title defence.
40th ICExInfinty Champion: Manami Katsu, 1st reign, 137 days, 2 successful title defences.
3rd FantastICE Champion: Akane Fujita, 1st reign, 1246 days, 2 successful title defences.
53rd Triangle Ribbon Champion: Minoru Fujita, 1st reign, 1 day, 0 successful title defences.
67th International Ribbon Tag Team Champions: Ancham (2nd reign) & Yappy (1st reign), 1st reign, 5 days, 0 successful title defence.
22nd Regina Di WAVE Champion: Saya Kamitani, 1st reign, 207 days, 4 successful title defences.
39th WAVE Tag Team Champions: SPiCEAP (Maika Ozaki, 2nd reign & Tae Honma, 2nd reign), 2nd reign, 59 days, 0 successful title defences.
21st World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana World Champion: Risa Sera, 1st reign, 82 days, 1 successful title defences.
19th World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana Queen Elizabeth Champion: Kyoko Inoue, 3rd reign, 292 days, 3 successful title defences.
2nd World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana Crystal Champion: Honoka, 1st reign, 33 days, 0 successful title defences.
23rd World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana Tag Team Champions: Nanami (3rd reign) & Rina Amikura (1st reign), 1st reign, 54 days, 1 successful title defences.
6th AWG Champion: Marino Saihara, 1st reign, 75 days, 1 successful title defence.
2nd AWG KING Of Ring Entertainment Champion: Sakura Mizushima, 1st reign, 75 days, 1 successful title defence.
6th Super Asia Champion: Mei Suruga, 1st reign, 272 days, 7 successful title defence.
17th Asia Dream Tag Team Champions: Bellflowers (Makoto, 2nd reign & Sayaka, 1st reign), 1st reign, 60 days, 2 successful title defences.
16th PURE-J Openweight Champion: SAKI, 1st reign, 24 days, 0 successful title defence.
33rd Princess of Pro-Wrestling Champion: Honoka, 1st reign, 313 days, 2 successful title defences.
2nd KSR Champion: Flying Penguin, 1st reign, 131 days, 2 successful title defences.
36th Daily Sports Tag Team Champions: Kaori Yoneyama (5th reign) & Leon (6th reign), 1st reign, 24 days, 1 successful title defence.
HOW TO WATCH
AWG - Actwres girl’Z Online - $6.65 a month
ChocoPro - ChocoPro YouTube Channel - Free, donations accepted.
Diana - EveryDiana - $6.58 a month
Dream Star Fighting Marigold - WRESTLE UNIVERSE - $8.66 a month through website/$8.37 a month through the app
Ice Ribbon - YouTube Membership - $9.99 a month (bigger shows not included)
Marvelous - WRESTLE UNIVERSE - $8.66 a month through website/$8.37 a month through the app
OZ Academy - Zaiko - PPV Price Per Show
PURE-J - YouTube Membership - $9.99 a month
SEAdLINNNG - SEAdLINNNG Movie + - $6.66 a month
Sendai Girls - WRESTLE UNIVERSE - $8.66 a month through website/$8.37 a month through the app
Stardom - Stardom World - $6.14 a month
TJPW - WRESTLE UNIVERSE - $8.66 a month through website/$8.67 a month through the app
WAVE - YouTube Membership - $7.99 a month