Opening and Overview by Stardom President Taro Okada:
“Thank you to everyone watching the livestream. We now begin Stardom’s post-event press conference. I’m Katsuya Ichikawa, Stardom’s live event commentator, and I’ll be your host today.
First, let’s hear from Stardom’s President, Taro Okada, for an overview of yesterday’s event at Yokohama Arena.”
Taro Okada:
“Thank you to everyone who attended yesterday’s event in person and to those who watched via pay-per-view. This was Stardom’s second show at Yokohama Arena since our first in 2023. We exceeded the attendance from the previous event, achieving a record-breaking 7,503—Stardom’s highest ever. Pay-per-view views are also close to the previous record, and with the archive available until May 4, we expect it to break that as well.
Thank you again to all fans, supporters, and partners. Most of all, thank you to the fans who gave their voices in the arena, and to the wrestlers who delivered incredible performances.
Regarding yesterday’s World of Stardom title defense—Saya Kamitani was scheduled to appear today, but due to the toll from her match, she will not be attending.
As for Tam Nakano, who lost yesterday and is now retiring—after speaking with her, she expressed a wish to retire immediately, with no farewell ceremony or retirement match. So, as of today, Nakano is officially retired. It’s not a contract termination but a full retirement. Please understand this is at her request, and she will not be present today.
The match between her and her opponent was a historic and emotional fight. Both gave everything, and though the result is unfortunate, we respect their decision.
Some may feel disappointed or upset about her retiring, but this was the choice she made. I want to clearly state: this was not a storyline, not a company decision, and nobody was forced. It was her decision. We take responsibility as a company, but this was her resolve. We ask everyone to respect her wishes.
This Yokohama Arena stage became their conclusion. Please rewatch the match and show them your respect.
Other Event Notes:
- We had four title matches: World, Wonder, IWGP, and Future of Stardom, as well as singles and tag matches—all showcasing the unique traits of our roster.
- Hanako won the pre-show Rumble and now holds a title challenge right.
- Tekla has been officially released from her contract due to repeated misconduct, including failing to pay fines and continuing to act out despite prior suspensions.
Apology and Note About the Wonder Belt:
- Starlight Kid will appear today, but the Wonder of Stardom title belt is not present. Due to a packing error by our staff, the belt was already loaded onto transport for tomorrow’s show in Fukuyama. This is our mistake, not hers. We sincerely apologize to her and all of you.
Conclusion:
Tomorrow marks the start of a new series. Today, we’ll hear from wrestlers who competed yesterday—Saya Kurasa, Starlight Kid (Wonder title defense), Hanako (Wonder challenge declaration), Maika, and Mayu Iwatani.”
Host:
Now we will begin bringing in the wrestlers. First up, please welcome Sayaka Kurara, who defeated Tekla in a special singles match yesterday. After the match, she commented backstage about her wish to challenge for the Cinderella Tournament crown.
Also, it’s been decided that on May 11 at Korakuen Hall, Sayaka Kurara will challenge Saya Kamitani for the World of Stardom Championship. Champion Kamitani is absent today due to her condition post-match.
Kurara, please take a seat. First, let’s have you sign the official match contract for the red belt title match. Kamitani will sign later.
Kurara has now signed the contract. Once Kamitani signs and I also add mine, the match will be officially finalized.
Now, Kurara, could you share your thoughts?
Sayaka Kurara:
“To begin with, I made my wish for winning the Cinderella Tournament to be a challenge for the World of Stardom title.
At first, I had a completely different wish in mind. But I realized that wish would trample on the feelings and resolve of many people. So, I reconsidered and changed it to this one.
I really wanted to announce my wish on the Yokohama Arena stage after my match. But after my win, Mr. Okada interrupted, and then Tekla caused a scene and got fired. It wasn’t the right atmosphere to express my wish.
So, before the dust could even settle between us, I decided to say it backstage.
Tam-san and Kamitani-san are both incredibly special to me. That’s why fighting them holds real meaning.
But Tam-san vanished—like a dream—just yesterday. I cried so much. I thought so much.
And I decided this:
I will gather the pieces of the Stardom Dream that Tam left behind in this ring, and I will fulfill that dream.
This challenge for the World of Stardom title represents everything I’ve resolved to do.
Even though Kamitani-san isn’t here today, I want her to know my determination.
And to Tam-san, I want to build a future for Stardom that I can be proud of—something worthy of her legacy.
That’s all. Thank you very much.”
President Okada (via Yamamoto):
“First, I sincerely apologize for interrupting your moment yesterday.
But I was truly moved by your sincerity and determination.
When I heard your wish, I knew we had to make it happen.
We will get Kamitani’s signature on the contract and deliver this match to the fans.
Thank you again for watching.”
Host:
“Thank you, Sayaka Kurara. You may now step down. Thank you very much.”
Host:
A powerful declaration from Kurara just now. Next, let’s welcome the reigning Wonder of Stardom Champion, Starlight Kid, who successfully defended her title for the third time by defeating Azumi. Please step forward.
This was Starlight Kid’s first win over her eternal rival Azumi in quite some time.
Starlight Kid:
“With my third successful defense, I’ve also become the leader of Neo Genesis. I am the 24th Wonder of Stardom Champion—the Sky Tiger who dances in the night sky, Starlight Kid.
I apologize for not having the belt with me today—I really wanted to show up with it after defending it successfully.
First, thank you to all 7,503 fans who came to Yokohama Arena—the largest crowd in Stardom history.
Getting to defend my title against Azumi in the semi-main event on such a stage meant the world to me. It’s been about five years since I last beat Azumi, and it took me that long to get here.
How did you all view our match?
Was it the ultimate battle? Did you enjoy it?
Facing one of the best in the world like her reminded me how fun these kinds of fights are. She’s someone I always want to fight again and again.
But now… I also want her by my side.
She accepted the rose I gave her, we shook hands, we hugged—she’ll continue with me.
Even though we’re side by side now, as long as we’re eternal rivals, we’ll clash again—maybe for this belt, or maybe that one. Who knows?
Our battle will go on forever. So please, keep watching SLK vs. AZM.
A lot happened at yesterday’s Yokohama Arena event, but no matter what, if we keep fighting like that, Stardom will be okay. That’s what I most wanted to communicate.
As the new leader of Neo Genesis, I’ll lead the group with everything I’ve got—though I’ll rely on them too.
But most of all, I’ll keep delivering results.”
Starlight Kid (on Tam Nakano):
“May I say a few words about Tam-chan?
Tam-chan… even though it’s just through this screen—thank you and good job.
We teamed together in a few preview matches lately—probably three times. You whispered something to me, but didn’t keep that promise… I’m not forgetting that.
Still, because it was you, Tam-chan, with such deep Stardom love—I know you’ll keep watching over Stardom.
We’ve been in this company together since the STARS era… it’s been so long.
So yeah, I feel a bit lonely.
Thank you—for everything since the STARS days.”
Host:
Thank you, Kid. Please remain seated.
Now, let’s bring out the winner of the Stardom Rumble from the pre-show yesterday, who has declared a challenge for the Wonder of Stardom title—Hanako, please come forward.
Contract Signing:
Starlight Kid’s fourth title defense has already been set. Hanako steps up to sign the contract, followed by Kid and President Taro Okada. The match is officially scheduled for May 11 at Korakuen Hall.
Hanako:
“I’m Hanako of E neXus V.
I won the Rumble yesterday and earned the right to challenge for a title. I chose the white belt.
As I said in my backstage comments, the reason is simple—because everyone in our unit has worn it.
Now that the ‘V’ in e neXus V is gone, it’s not Xena, not Tsukiyama, not Rian—but me who has to rise to the top. I will become the one to carry both e neXus and Stardom forward.
Starlight Kid—we last fought in a singles match about a year ago at NJPW’s Taiwan show.
But I’m not the same person I was back then.
This time—I will beat you. That’s all. Thank you.”
Starlight Kid (final comments):
“Again, I am the 24th Wonder of Stardom Champion—the Sky Tiger dancing in the night sky, Starlight Kid.
Honestly, I haven’t fully shifted my focus from yesterday yet, but the next match is with Hanako, May 11 at Korakuen Hall.
Seems like you finally figured out what position you want to reach, huh?
I’ve always thought this—you’ve got the tallest frame in Stardom, your biggest weapon, but it always felt like you weren’t using it right.
Now, my impression of you is just ‘that tall girl speaking thick Kansai dialect, trying her best.’
You may have a size advantage—but fresh off yesterday, I don’t feel the slightest bit like I’ll lose to you.
Hanako… can you handle the Wonder of Stardom?
Of course, you’ll have to.
I’m not expecting “trying her best” Hanako—I’m expecting an explosive Hanako.
You said you’ve changed from our match in Taiwan a year ago?
Well, I’ve changed too. I’m the Wonder Champion now.
Looking forward to the preview matches. Thank you.”
Host:
Let us now welcome the next wrestler—Maika.
Last night, she had a fierce battle against Sendai Girls’ Chihiro Hashimoto.
Please take your seat.
Maika, we’d like to hear your thoughts as you reflect on that match and your current situation.
Maika:
“I’m Maika of e neXus v
This is a personal announcement, but I will be taking a long-term absence.
The reason is due to reconstructive surgery I’ll undergo for my inner elbow ligament, which I’ve had issues with for about 3–4 years.
I never thought it would get this bad. Even though doctors told me to rest, I kept going. I never really found the right timing to stop, so I pushed through—fooling myself, really—and now it’s reached this point.
I thought I was okay.
I really believed there was no need for me to take time off. I used to think missing a show? Not me. That’s how I felt.
But in my match yesterday against Chihiro Hashimoto, I realized—true strength is not just physical, it’s mental too.
I think the truth is… I was terrified of taking time off.
I was afraid that if I stepped away, I’d lose my place here.
But my fight with Hashimoto pushed me—really, really pushed me forward.
She showed me, through her strength, what real power is.
So I’ve decided:
Though it’s a long-term absence, I will step away starting May 6 at the Fukuoka event.
The doctors say I’ll be out six months to a year, but I believe with my healing ability, I can come back even sooner.
And make no mistake—this isn’t a negative thing.
I’m going to come back stronger and better as the new Maika.
Also—I’ve told the company: keep the work coming!
So don’t worry, it’s not like you won’t see me at all.
I’ll be at various venues and events. I’ve already got some jobs lined up.
So, to all the big shots at the company watching this—please, give me work!
Yes, I’m serious. Please give me work.
I want to keep living as my authentic self—positively, not negatively—even during this time off.
Though I’ll be absent from matches, I ask for your continued warm support. Thank you so much.”
Host (closing):
Thank you, Maika. Please step down.
We can think of this as a temporary charge-up on her journey in pursuit of true strength.
To all the media and staff—please keep supporting Maika.
Host:
Now for the final wrestler of today’s post-event press conference: Mayu Iwatani.
Please come to the center.
Last night, she competed against Syuri for the IWGP Women’s Championship.
Please take a seat.
We’ll begin with a statement from President Taro Okada.
President Taro Okada:
“Thank you for attending today’s press conference.
I’d like to begin by announcing that as of today, April 28, Mayu Iwatani has officially left Stardom.
We’ve had ongoing discussions for some time. Mayu’s current motivation as a wrestler has been centered entirely around the IWGP Women’s Championship. She gave everything to that title.
From our conversations, it was clear she had resolved that if she lost the IWGP belt, she would step away—not just from the title, but from Stardom itself.
And now, after yesterday’s match, we’ve confirmed her decision.
To all the fans, I’m sorry for the suddenness of this announcement and any confusion about future shows. As a company, we deeply apologize.
However, this is Mayu’s decision, and we fully respect it and want to see her off with the honor she deserves.
Now, I’d like her to speak directly.”
Mayu Iwatani:
“Good evening, everyone.
I am Mayu Iwatani, Stardom’s Icon.
As Mr. Okada just said, I will be leaving Stardom as of today.
…I told myself I wouldn’t cry, and I didn’t plan to, but… the tears are coming anyway.
I know this decision is sad for the fans. It’s frustrating for them, and honestly, it’s frustrating and sad for me, too.
I’ve had these talks with the company for years—especially since Mr. Okada became president.
We even joked about trying to keep this press conference upbeat. Just a little while ago, we were eating Pocky and talking about how to lighten the mood…
But now that I’m saying it aloud, it’s harder than I thought.
These talks really started around two years ago. Back then, I stayed in Stardom because I felt like I had to protect it.
I truly believed Stardom wouldn’t be Stardom without me, and that I had to be here to preserve it.
And I was glad I stayed.
I put everything into the IWGP title.
But each time I defended it, I thought: If I lose, that’s it—I’m done.
I fought with that mindset over and over.
It’s hard to put this all into words… but I’ll try.
Until now, I’ve leaned on Stardom a lot. They supported me. I had so many amazing experiences.
I love Stardom.
I’m proud to have been a Stardom wrestler.
And that love won’t change—even after this.
As Stardom’s Icon, I’ve won the 5★STAR GP, Cinderella, all the big tournaments. I completed the Grand Slam.
There’s nothing left for me to accomplish here.
When I lost the IWGP title, I knew… this was the end.
Without that belt, my journey in Stardom ends.
That’s why I went to Mr. Okada and made this decision official.
But please don’t misunderstand me—this isn’t some dramatic “I hate Stardom” thing.
It’s not “I’m done with this place” or anything like that.
Whenever we had these talks, we joked about me being a runaway wrestler.
So in a way, this is me leaving the house, starting a new chapter.
Mr. Okada and I have had many serious talks—but they always ended with laughter. That’s the kind of relationship we’ve had.
So yes…
After 14 years and 3 months, I’m bringing my time in Stardom to a close.
I haven’t fully decided what’s next, but for now, my time as Stardom’s Icon is over.
From here on, I’ll aim to become an icon of all women’s wrestling.
To everyone who supported me—fans, wrestlers, staff—thank you from the bottom of my heart.
And please continue to support me from here on as well.”
President Okada (final words):
“Mayu Iwatani, thank you very much.
Take care on your journey.
Goodbye—and see you again someday.”
Mayu:
“I’m off on my runaway.
Bye-bye!”
Taro Okada (Closing Statement):
“Thank you to our moderator.
Today’s press conference included difficult announcements—Maika’s upcoming long-term absence following the Kyushu series, and Mayu Iwatani’s departure from Stardom.
To all Stardom fans, I sincerely apologize for the sadness and disappointment these announcements may bring. As a company, we take full responsibility and offer our deepest apologies.
That said, we fully respect each wrestler’s individual decision, and even so—Stardom will continue to grow and rise.
Regarding the Kyushu Series, we will share updates later this evening, including details on absences due to pre-planned medical treatment and injuries. As a sports organization, these situations are inevitable at times. However, we are committed to honoring the wrestlers’ choices and maintaining responsible management.
We will also ensure that our fans continue to receive thrills, excitement, and reasons to look forward.
More than just the company itself, I ask that you place your trust in the name Stardom and the wrestlers who bring it to life.
I know fans will experience a wide range of emotions, but we are ready to accept them all and move forward with everything we’ve got.
Please continue supporting Stardom going forward.
Thank you again for everything.”
Final Event Announcement:
“Yesterday’s epic Yokohama Arena show may be over—but the battle continues!
The next stage shifts to Kyushu, beginning tomorrow, April 29 in Fukuyama, through to May 6 in Fukuoka—a total of five events as part of the Stardom Golden Week Fight Tour 2025.
Please enjoy it at the venues or on Stardom World.
Regarding Maika, she will participate through May 6 (Fukuoka). After that, she will be officially taking time off. Thank you for your understanding.
To everyone who tuned into today’s live stream:
Thank you very much for watching Stardom’s post-event press conference.
We look forward to seeing you next time—online or at the venue.
Goodbye for now.”
