Dream Slam Monthly (Vol. 3) Rites of Spring

SAREEE returns to Japan and goes freelance. Last minute card changes & additions for WrestleMania week programing.

March 25, 2023 Karen Peterson NEWS
Photo Courtesy: WWE

SARRAY Returns to Sareee

One of the biggest question marks over the last few months was the location and status of SARRAY. After months of not knowing, we finally have some closure as to what is going on in the Realm of the Sun Deity. Last week, Tokyo Sports reported that upon the expiration of her WWE Contract, she would not be re-signing with the company. Shortly after the news was announced, she announced that she would hold a press conference on Monday, March 13th. While Japanese sports media was in attendance, she also hosted the event on Instagram Live (full Instagram Video) for those unable to attend the event. 

Resuming Activities as Sareee

  • She elected to return to her pre-WWE naming as Sareee, The Sun Goddess (likely due to WWE copyrights on SARRAY: Warrior of the Sun and associated branding).
  • She intends to show the world her brand of wrestling as a freelancer; has not signed any contracts with any other companies within Japan or internationally. She wants the opportunity to wrestle the way she wants freely.
  • She has an interest in wrestling all over the world, so if the offers come her way, she is open to considering them. When asked if she has any desired opponents or promotions she would like to work, she redirected the conversation toward concentrating on her return show in May without naming any names. 
  • She wants to prove that she is more than “pretty” or “cute” (though she appreciates the sentiment and compliments). She intends to show everyone the true scope of her ability as a wrestler. 

With Regard to WWE Experience

  • She has nothing but gratitude for her time at WWE and the opportunities she received during her two years in America. She intends to apply what she learned during her training in NXT to further develop her range as a wrestler. She believes that she’s grown as a wrestler during her time in the US, and hopes that fans around the world will continue to support her. 
  • With regard to who in WWE had an impact on her time, she says that many people helped her, but names Tiffany (Straton) as someone who didn’t have much experience but worked exceptionally hard to prove herself.
  • She admits that there is a difference in culture between Japanese women’s wrestling and the international wrestling scene; largely the gap between wrestling as a sport and as entertainment. 

Return Match in Japan: Saree-ISM ~Chapter One~ (5/16) Shinjuku FACE

  • For her self-produced show on May 16th, ideally, she would like a singles match. She is still in the process of putting the card together, so participants and matches will be announced at a later date. 
  • She was asked about Antonio Inoki & their connection, where she learned of him & wrestling from her father who was a fan. She wants to keep tokon in her heart and show her own fighting spirit. She was also happy that he said red was great as her signature color.
  • She will hold an on-sale event in Kawasaki City on April 1st.

She had only positive remarks about her experience abroad and with regard to WWE. In the press conference, she looked healthy and happy, which is honestly what anyone could hope for in combat sports. Her tone was bright, and optimistic, but also a bit more mature than when she initially departed for the US. 

Upcoming Joshi-related POST Event Reports & Podcasts 

For a complete listing of all my event reports and back numbers of Dream Slam Monthly & Weekly, head over to my POST Wrestling author’s profile.

  • STARDOM Triangle Derby I Finals Event Report (3/4) Yoyogi National Stadium
  • TOMORROW! STARDOM Cinderella Tournament Opener Event Report (3/26) Yokohama Budokan
  • IMPACT x NJPW: Multiverse United: Only The STRONG Survive (3/30) Globe Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
  • TJPW LIVE in Los Angeles! Event Report (3/31) Globe Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
  • NJPW Sakura Genesis Event Report (4/8) Ryogoku Kokugikan
  • STARDOM Cinderella Tournament 2023 Finals Event Report (4/15) Yoyogi National Stadium #2 Gym
  • STARDOM All-Star Grand Queendom Event Report (4/23) Yokohama Arena

2AW (Active Advance Pro-Wrestling)

Ayame Sasamura is the only woman currently wrestling in 2AW, and while she has opportunities to compete against her colleagues in 2AW, she has not held any of the championships in the company. She’s held titles in DIANA, SEAdLiNNNG and Sendai Girls.

  • 2AW ChiBattle 156 (2/26) – 2AW Square – Singles Match: Ayame Sasamura defeated Chibayan (9:25)
  • 2AW ChiBattle 157 (3/5) – 2AW Square – Three Way: Ayato Yoshida defeated Ayame Sasamura and Kunio Toshima (5:05)
  • 2AW ChiBattle 158 (3/12) – 2AW Square – Singles Match: Ayame Sasamura defeated Kunio Toshima (4:20)
  • 2AW ChiBattle 159 (3/19) – 2AW Square – 3-Way Match: Shu Asakawa defeated  Ayame Sasamura and Taishi Takizawa (7:51) – with Asakawa pinning Takizawa with a Gedo Clutch
  • Tomorrow: 2AW Grand Slam in Korakuen (3/26) – Korakuen Hall – Singles Match: Ayame Sasamura vs. Chanyota (PPP Tokyo)

Upcoming Schedule

  • 2AW ChiBattle 160 (4/2) – 2AW Square

All Japan Pro-Wrestling (AJPW)

RESULTS: Dream Power Series (3/14) Shinjuku FACE

  • White Day Special Mixed 6-Person Tag Match: Suwama, Mayumi Ozaki & Maya Yukihi defeated Unagi Sayaka, SAKI (COLOR’S) & YOSHITATSU (17:17)

For those unfamiliar White Day in Japan is on March 14th. It’s the follow-up holiday to Valentine’s Day. In Japan, 2/14 is the day for women to profess their love and/or shower men with chocolates and treats. On March 14th, it’s time for replies and returns in spades. 

Chris Brookes’ BAKA GAIJIN + FRIENDS

In celebration of International Women’s Day, The “Stupid Foreigner” Office uploaded the edited version of the vol. 3 main event: Chris Brookes vs. Maya Yukihi onto their YouTube Channel

BAKA GAIJIN + FRIENDS vol. 4: When Good Dogs Do Bad Things (4/18) Shimokitazawa

  • Special Singles Match: Masashi Takeda vs. Death Worm
  • Special Tag Match: Baliyan Akki & Sayaka vs. MAO & Chie Koishikawa
  • Special Tag Match: Rina Yamashita & Drew Parker vs. Calamari Drunken Kings (Chris Brookes & Daisuke Kiso)

World Woman Pro-Wrestling DIANA

Current Champions – All champions are currently in their third reigns; *Title defense listed below

  • Queen Elizabeth Championship: Jaguar Yokota 
  • Diana Tag Team Championship: LUMINOUS (Haruka Umesaki & Miyuki Takase)*
  • Diana World Championship: Ayako Sato 

Amistad Vol. 27 (2/26) Post Di Amistad

  • Singles Match (1/15): Kyoko Inoue defeated. Miran (0:15) and (4:58)
  • Tag Match (1/20): Jaguar Yokota & Haruka Umesaki defeated.Ayako Sato & Deborah K (12:55)
  • Tag Match (1/20): Madeline & Kaho Kobayashi defeated Himiko & Nanami (15:35)

Amistad Vol. 28 (3/12) Post Di Amistad

  • Singles Match (1/15): Haruka Umesaki defeated Miyako Matsumoto (9:58)
  • 6-Woman Tag Match (1/20): Himiko, Kyoko Inoue & Tae Honma defeated Deborah K, Jaguar Yokota & Madeline (18:59)
  • Tag Match (1/20): Chie Ozora & Hanako Nakamori defeated Ayako Sato & Nanami (16:20)

STARDOM’s Miyu Amasaki announced for Future Sight (3/24) in a singles match against Miyuki Takase. This will be Amasaki’s first match outside of STARDOM since her debut last March.

Osaka (3/19) 176BOX, Osaka

  • Tag Match (1/20): Ayako Sato & Madeline defeated Nanami & Miran (12:56)
  • Tag Match (1/20): Tae Honma & Maika Ozaki defeated Deborah K & Sae (12:50)
  • Tag Match (1/20): Jaguar Yokota & Himiko defeated Momoka Hanazono & Kyusei Ninja Ranmaru (13:40)
  • *WWWD Tag Championship (1/60): Kaori Yoneyama & Kaho Kobayashi defeated Haruka Umesaki & Miyuki Takase © (15:58) 
  • Singles Match (1/30): Kyoko Inoue defeated Drake Morimatsu (13:06)

Future Sight (3/24) Post di Amistad

  • Tag Match (1/20): Rina Amikura & Yuko Sakurai defeated Madeline & Nanami (12:24)
  • Single Match (1/15): Miyuki Takase defeated Himiko (12:37)
  • Tag Match (1/20): Ayako Sato & Cohaku defeated AKARI & Deborah K (14:13)
  • Special Tag Match (1/20): Haruka Umesaki & Miyu Amasaki vs. Ayame Sasamura & Miran (13:28)

TOMORROW! Amistad Vol 29 (3/26)  Post Di Amistad

  • Single Match: Madeline vs. Miran
  • Single Match: Haruka Umesaki vs. Nanami
  • Single Match: Ayako Sato vs. Deborah K
  • 3-Way Match: Jaguar Yokota vs. Kyoko Inoue vs. Himiko

Upcoming Schedule

  • Amistad Vol 30 (4/9)  Post Di Amistad
  • CRYSIS (DIANA) vs. SENJO (4/14) ShinKiba 1st Ring
  • Future Sight (4/21) 
  • Amistad Vol 31 (4/23)  Post Di Amistad
  • DIANA Korakuen (4/29) Korakuen Hall; Full Card TBA
    • Singles Match: Kyoko Inoue vs. Unagi Sayaka
    • WWWD Singles Championship: Ayako Sato (c) vs. Haruka Umesaki

DDT/Ganbare Pro

Neither DDT nor GanbarePro currently has a women’s championship. However, female competitors are able to challenge for the Spirit of Ganbare Openweight Championship or for various championships in DDT. 

  • Ganbare Pro Grindhouse Kingdom (2/23) BASEMENT MONSTAR – Singles Match: Soma Takao & YuuRI defeated Shota & Yoshiko Hasegawa (12:03)
  • Ganbare Pro Moonrise Kingdom (2/23) BASEMENT MONSTAR
    • GanJo Singles Match: Rina Amikura (COLOR’S) defeated YuuRI (11:33)
    • Secret Captain’s Fall Six Man Tag Team Elimination: Mizuki Watase [c], HARUKAZE & Yumehito Imanari defeated Ken Ohka, Moeka Haruhi & Shinichiro Tominaga [c] (14:54)
  • Ganbare Pro Player Association Performance (2/23) BASEMENT MONSTAR
    • Handicap Match: HARUKAZE & Yumehito Imanari defeated Kentaro Hachisu (12:05)
    • Three Way: Hong Kong International Policewoman (YuuRI) & Hong Kong Domestic Policewoman (Yoshiko Hasegawa) defeat Hong Kong International Policeman (Chon Shiryu) (15:17)
  • Ganbare Pro Once Upon a Time in Hollywood 2023 (2/23) Takashimadaira War Community Center – GanJo Tag Match: HARUKAZE & Moeka Haruhi defeated Yoshiko Hasegawa & YuuRI (11:10)
  • Ganbare Pro Shooting In The Cold Rain, A Gun For Promise 2023 (3/5) Takashimadaira War Community Center
    • GanJo Tag Match: Asahi & Moeka Haruhi defeated HARUKAZE & Yoshiko Hasegawa (11:54)
    • GanJo Singles Match: Miyuki Takase defeated YuuRI (12:27)
  • TODAY: Ganbare Pro Heroes Never Die 2023 (3/25) BASEMENT MONSTAR – GanJo Singles Match: Moeka Haruchi vs. YuuRI
  • Mizuki Watase’s Self-Produced Show 2023 (3/25) BASEMENT MONSTAR 
    • Special Singles Match: Hartley Jackson vs. HARUKAZE 
    • Tag Match: Shuichiro Katsumura ＆Moeka Haruhi vs Shinichiro Tominaga＆Munetatsu Nakamura
    • 3-Way Match: Ken Ohka vs. Soma Takao vs. YuuRI
  • GanPro Special Show March 2023 (3/25) BASEMENT MONSTAR; Full card TBA – GanJo Tag  Match: Moeka Haruhi & Yoshiko Hasegawa vs. Rina Amikura & YuuRI 

GanJo Press Conference *

Former Kabuki District #1 Cabaret Queen RAIRA to have an exhibition match vs. Moeka Haruhi on April 1st. She’s been training with the GanJo roster since June last year. She’s excited but terrified at the same time that she may cave under the pressure. In the absence of Yuna Manase, Moeka Haruhi took the “big sister of GanJo” role; offered RAIRA words of encouragement. 

GanJo ReStart ’23 (4/1) Yokohama Radiant Hall

  • Exhibition Match (1/5): RIARA vs. Moeka Haruhi
  • Special Gatoh MoveMatch: Saya Obihiro vs. Chie Koishikawa
  • Special Tag Team Match: Moeka Haruhi & Ami Manase vs. Marika Kobashi & Echika Miyavi
  • Special Singles Match: YuuRI vs. Yoshiko Hasegawa

DDT in the USA! DDT is headed to the United States for Mania Weekend in Los Angeles. They will have one stand alone show and another co-branded event with GCW. Saki Akai will have singles matches on both shows. ASUKA is not listed for either show. 

  • DDT Goes Hollywood (3/30) Ukrainian Cultural Center, Los Angeles, CA – Singles Match: Saki Akai vs. Vert Vixen
  • GCW vs. DDT (3/31) Ukrainian Cultural Center, Los Angeles, CA – Singles Match: Saki Akai vs. Dark Sheik

Upcoming Schedule – All shows at BASEMENT MONSTAR unless noted

  • GanJo ReStart ’23 (4/1) Yokohama Radiant Hall
  • GanPro Bloody Sunday 2023(4/21)
  • Shota’s 15th Anniversary Show (4/22)
  • Borne Ultimatum 2023 (4/22)
  • GanPro Run Lola Run 2023 (4/22)
  • GanJo Fire Emblem ‘23 (5/2) Takashimadaira Ward Municipal Center
  • LOVE PHANTOM 2023 (5/5) Korakuen Hall
  • INHERENT VICE 2023 (5/6) Takashimadaira Ward Municipal Center
  • For You, I’ll Become a Butterfly 2023 (5/27)
  • Yumehito’s Wrestle Factory (5/28)
  • GanPro Special Show May 2023 (5/28)

Gatoh Move/ChocoPro

Feb-March ChocoPro Streams – all held at Ichigaya Chocolate Square unless otherwise noted 

  • Choco Pro #296 (2/25) BestBros vs. Shin Suzuki & Choun Shiryu
  • Choco Pro #297 (2/26) BestBros vs Rekka & Gaia Hox
  • Choco Pro #298 (3/2) Mei & Akki vs Mochi & Obi! Masa vs Obi! Miya & Shin vs Cherry&Yoneyama!
  • Choco Pro #299 (3/4) Akki & CDK vs Hagane & Sayaka & Shin! Miya vs SAKI!
  • Choco Pro #300 Day 1 (3/11) & #300 Day 2 (3/12) – Congratulations on 300 Episodes of ChocoPro!!! *throws confetti*
  • Choco Pro #301 (3/22) Hagane Shinno & Mei Suruga vs. Choun Shiryu & Shin Suzuki

Starlight Kid dropped by Ichigaya Chocolate Square on the hunt for Mei Suruga! Baliyan Akki surprised her with his command of Japanese, and after some judgmental comments about the GMPC home base, Mei Suruga jumped through a window to confront SLK. The offer was a high-speed tag match at STARDOM’s Yokohama show (4/23). SLK will bring her own unnamed tag partner, and Suruga was instructed to do the same. While the names are currently listed as X and XX, El Desperado was a little disappointed his “kid sister” showed up to pick a fight without him, indicating he wanted to be on a ChocoPro Show (and is most likely NOT her partner for All-Star Grand Queendom). 

COLOR’S (Girls’ Pro-Wrestling Unit)

Current COLOR’S Champion: Rina Amikura

RESULTS:Yes, My Way, Vol. 5 (2/25) Takashima Community Hall, Itabashi Ward

  • Singles Match (1/20): Momoka Hanazono defeated Kaori Yoneyama (10:39)
  • 3-Way Tag Match (1/30): Sakuran Bonita & Hikari Shimizu defeated Momo Tani & Tae Honma vs. Miyuki Takase & Itsuki Aoki (11:06)
  • Tag Match (1/30): Kakeru Sekiguchi & Riko Kawahata (T-HEARTS) defeated Yuko Sakurai & Sumika Yanagawa (JTO) (13:38)
  • COLOR’S Championship: Rina Amikura vs. SAKI © (4:50) – No Contest
  • COLOR’S Championship 4-Way: Rina Amikura defeated SAKI ©, Yuko Sakurai & Hikari Shimizu (7:09)

NEW! Yes, My Way, Vol. 6 (5/6) ShinKiba 1st Ring; Tickets on sale Sunday; Participants/Card TBA

GLEAT

GLEAT does not have any women’s championships. However, the match-ups they’ve brought in for Michiko Miyagi, Maya Fukuda, and Yukari Hosoda have been quite interesting. The company also allowed mixed tags. GLEAT offers standard pro-wrestling, LIDET UWF rules wrestling, and has recently launched an MMA brand.

RESULTS

  • LIDET UWF Ver. 3 (3/7) Shinjuku FACE
  • G PRO WRESTLING Ver. 46 ~Origin~ (3/15) Shinjuku FACE
    • Tag Match: Mika Iwata & Manami (Sendai Girls) defeated Yukari Hosokawa & Michiko Miyagi (10:23) 
  • G PRO WRESTLING Ver. 47 ~Origin~ (3/21) Gorilla Hall Osaka
    • Tag Match: Unagi Sayaka & Itsuki Aoki defeated Yukari Hosokawa & Michiko Miyagi (12:17)

Upcoming Women’s Matches

  • G PRO WRESTLING Ver. 49 ~Origin~ (4/2) Naha City Tenbusu Fureai Hall, Okinawa
    • Singles Match: Michiko Miyagi vs. Akane Fujita (PROMINENCE)
  • G PRO WRESTLING Ver. 49 ~Origin~ (4/12) Korakuen Hall; UWF Rules Tournament
    • Singles Match: Michiko Miyagi vs. Unagi Sayaka

2023 Schedule (Calendar)

  • Special 3-Match Show in Okinawa Day 1 (4/1) Michi no Eki Kadena, Okinawa
  • G PRO WRESTLING Ver. 48 ~Origin~ (4/2) Naha City Tenbusu Fureai Hall, Okinawa
  • G PRO WRESTLING Ver. 49 ~Origin~ (4/12) Korakuen Hall; UWF Rules Tournament
  • Black Generation International (4/16) ShinKiba 1st Ring
  • G PRO WRESTLING Ver. 50 ~Origin~ (4/23) Azalea Hall, Osaka
  • G PRO WRESTLING Ver. 51 ~Origin~ (5/6) Korakuen HallShinjuku FACE
  • G PRO WRESTLING Ver. 52 ~Origin~ (5/14) Sapporo E1 Stadium, Hokkaido
  • G PRO WRESTLING Ver. 53 ~Origin~ (5/21) Umeda Sky Building, Osaka
  • GLEAT Ver.Ex: FACE-OFF ACCESS 2 TDCH (6/7) Korakuen Hall
  • GLEAT Ver. 6 Second Anniversary Show (7/1) Tokyo Dome City Hall

Hana Kimura Memorial Show: PINX (5/23/23) #木村花ピンクス

Masao Hanabatake (Seigo Tachibana) requests a “Strongest Aniki (Big Bro)” Match. He asks Kyoko Kimura to decide the format, whether it’s a singles or a tag match. Participants are to be announced.

Press Conference (2/7) featured Kyoko Kimura, Referee Keigo Yoshino, ASUKA, Fuminori Abe, Tsutomu Ohsugi & Kyusei Hana Kimura (Sakura Hirota). Additional announced participants include Miyuki Takase, Seigo Tachibana (see above), Ram Kaicho & Yuko Miyamoto (Triple Six), Hanako Nakamori (PURE-J), Banana Senga, Civilian (Ippanjin) Munenori Sawa, Super Delphin, Chihiro Hashimoto & Mika Iwata (Sendai Girls), Saori Anou and three TBA participants from STARDOM.

  • Location: Korakuen Hall
  • Date: 5/23/2023
  • Time: Doors at 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM START!
  • NOTE: Match card TBA; vocal cheering will be permitted; a Battle Royal is planned

Ice Ribbon

Current Champions *Indicates a recent title defense (see below) 

  • FantastICE Champion: Akane Fujita (PROMINENCE)
  • ICExInfinity Champion: Saori Anou*
  • International Ribbon Tag Team Champions: Hikaru Shira (AEW) & Ibuki Hoshi*
  • Triangle Ribbon Championship: Vacant

Congratulations to Tsukasa Fujimoto & family as she had a beautiful baby girl! Mother & baby are doing well. Details and the baby’s name are being kept private. 

Ice Ribbon New Ice Ribbon #1262 (2/25) Ice Ribbon Dojo

  • Exhibition Match: Tsuki Umino defeated Curry [1:00] (3:00)
  • Three Way: AKARI defeated Nao Ishikawa and Tsuki Umino (5:56)
  • Singles Match: Asahi defeated HisokA (7:23)
  • Singles Match: Totoro Satsuki defeated Yappy (7:24)
  • Tag Match: Chie Ozora & Kaho Matsushita defeated Ibuki Hoshi & Saran (13:15)

Ice Ribbon New Ice Ribbon #1263 (2/25) Ice Ribbon Dojo

  • Exhibition Match: Ibuki Hoshi defeated Curry [1:00] (3:00)
  • Singles Match: Yappy defeated Kiku (7:39)
  • Tag Match: Asahi & Chie Ozora defeated Nao Ishikawa & YuuRI (10:26)
  • Singles Match: Tsuki Umino vs. Yura Suzuki – Time Limit Draw (10:00)
  • Tag Match: Misa Kagura & Sumika Yanagawa defeated Ibuki Hoshi & Kaho Matsushita (12:12)

Ice Ribbon Princess Party #22 (3/8) Ice Ribbon Dojo

  • Tag Match: Asahi & YuuRI defeated Ibuki Hoshi & Tsuki Umino (12:31)
  • Tag Match: Totoro Satsuki & Yappy defeated Kaho Matsushita & Yura Suzuki (10:35)

Ice Ribbon New Ice Ribbon #1264 (3/11) Ice Ribbon Dojo

  • Singles Match: Momo Tani defeated Kaho Matsushita (9:37)
  • Tag Match: Asahi & Chie Ozora defeated Sumika Yanagawa & YuuRI (10:04)
  • Singles Match: Totoro Satsuki defeated Misa Kagura (7:32)
  • Tag Match: Ibuki Hoshi & Saran defeated Nao Ishikawa & Tsuki Umino (14:18)

Fukumen MANIA X Ice Ribbon Fukumen Ribbon (3/12) G-Messe, Gunma

  • Three Way Elimination: Macho Pump defeated ARASHI and HAMATANI (13:21)
  • Tag Match: Sumika Yanagawa & Yappy defeated Saran & Yura Suzuki (8:55)
  • Tag Match: Bison TAGAI, Hamuko Hoshi & Makoto defeated Gunma Cat, Kiku & Kikutaro (13:39)
  • Tag Match: Onryo & PSYCHO defeated Shin Suzuki & Super Chino (11:08)
  • Tag Match: Nao Ishikawa & YuuRI defeated Ancham & Kaho Matsushita (11:27)
  • Tag Match: Asahi & Totoro Satsuki defeated Ibuki Hoshi & Tsuki Umino (13:51)
  • Best Two Out Of Three Falls: Fujin, Nobutaka Moribe & Violento Jack defeated Dragon Libre, Hiroshi Yamato & Mr. Cacao [2:1] (23:41)

Ice Ribbon Princess Party #23 (3/15) Ice Ribbon Dojo

  • Tag Match: Momo Tani & Kaho Matsushita defeated YuuRI (GanJo) & Tsuki Umino (10:10)
  • Tag Match: Totoro Satsuki & Asahi defeated Ibuki Hoshi & Chie Ozora (9:18)

UPDATE: Special Press Conference! On March 16, Nao Ishikawa announced her scheduled departure from Ice Ribbon, electing to turn freelance once her contract concluded on March 31st. At the time, Asahi, announced that she had re-signed, but would also be heading to ActWres GirlZ for a temporary residence for the next three-to-six months. For those unaware, the new fiscal year in Japan typically starts on April 1st, so many employment contracts tend to terminate between January and March. 

Ice Ribbon New Ice Ribbon #1266 (3/18) Ice Ribbon Dojo

  • Three Way: Momo Tani defeated Tsuki Umino and Yura Suzuki (9:32)
  • Tag Match: Totoro Satsuki & YuuRI defeatrf Kaho Matsushita & Kyuri (8:44)
  • Singles Match: Asahi vs. Nao Ishikawa (10:00) – Time Limit Draw
  • Tag Match: Misa Kagura & Sumika Yanagawa (JTO) defeated Ibuki Hoshi & Saran (15:49)
  • Ice Ribbon March 2023 (3/19) Korakuen Hall

Tag Match (1/20): Hikari Shimizu & Kaho Matsushita defeated Nao Ishikawa & Rina Amikura (10:46)

  • Debut Match (1/15): Tsuki Umino defeated Amu Yumesaki* (8:16)
  • Battle Royal Match (1/NTL): Aiger defeated Momo Tani, Yappy, YuuRI (GanJo), Yura Suzuki, Saran, Kiku and HisokA (JTO) (13:59)
  • Tag Match (1/20): Sumika Yanagawa (JTO) & Misa Kagura (JTO) defeated Asahi & Chie Ozora (12:20)  
  • International Ribbon Tag Championship (1/30): Makoto & Hamuko Hoshi defeated Hikaru Shisa (AEW) & Ibuki Hoshi © (19:22)
  • ICExInfinity Championship (1/30): Totoro Satsuki defeated Saori Anou © (20:40) 

UPDATE: Asahi graduates Ice Ribbon!? Several days prior, IR announced that Asahi would be participating in a 3-6 month temporary residence with ActWres GirlZ, while remaining co-contracted with IR. However, after her match at Korakuen Hall, she announced that it was her intention to depart from Ice Ribbon, indicating that she has no unfinished business in an IR ring.

TODAY! Ice Ribbon New Ice Ribbon #1268 (3/25) Ice Ribbon Dojo

  • 6-Woman Tag Match: Totoro Satsuki, Yappy & Kiku vs. Momo Tani, Saran & Tsuki Umino
  • 6-Woman Tag Match: Kyuri, Sumika Yanagawa & Misa Kagura vs. Chie Ozora, Yura Suzuki & Kaho Matsushita
  • Singles Match: Ibuki Hoshi vs. Asahi
  • Tag Match: Nao Ishikawa’s Last Ice Ribbon Match (1/60s per entrant): Nao Ishikawa vs. 14 Competitors

IR Sumida (4/1) Ota Ward Industrial Plaza Pio; Full Card TBA

  • Singles Match: Saori Anou vs. Ibuki Hoshi
  • International Ribbon Tag Championship (1/30): Makoto & Hamu Hoshi © vs. JTO’s Sumika Yanagawa & Misa Kagura – 59th Champion’s first defense

April Schedule (Calendar)

  • Princess Party #24 (4/1) Ice Ribbon Dojo
  • IR 1270 (4/8) Ice Ribbon Dojo
  • IR 1272 (4/16) SKIP City, Saitama
  • IR 1273: Ibuki Hoshi’s Birthday Show (4/22) Ice Ribbon Dojo
  • Osaka Ribbon 2023 (5/8) Ikuno Ward Municipal Center, Osaka

IMPACT Wrestling

UPDATE! Mickie James Injured?! On Thursday (3/23), Mickie James was injured on IMPACT. She addressed the crowd in Ontario, Canada during Sacrifice (3/24) as she was supposed to defend the Knockouts Championship against Jordynne Grace on the show. She went to the ER after the show the night before and was diagnosed with a broken rib. James confirmed that she wouldn’t be cleared to defend at Sacrifice or Multiverse United. So it was announced that since both matches were supposed to be championship defenses, Jordynne Grace and the winner of the Multiverse United match will meet at Rebellion (4/16). Should Mickie James be cleared in time, it will be a three-way championship match. If she is unable to compete, James will pass the championship to the winner at Rebellion.

It was mentioned on commentary afterward, that at IMPACT x NJPW: Multiverse United (3/30), Deonna Purrazzo, Gisele Shaw & TJPW’s Miyu Yamashita will still compete in a four-way format with Masha Slamovich taking James’ place in the match. The winner advances to Rebellion to faced Jordynne Grace (and possibly Mickie James).

It is worth noting that Miyu Yamashita is currently booked for Deadlock Pro-Wrestling on April 16th in Ridgefield, NJ.

TONIGHT: SACRIFICE Fall Out (TV Taping) (3/25) Windsor Ontario – Singles Match: Miyu Yamashita vs. Killer Kelly

Yamashita’s getting a jump start on Mania Week and her 3-month American residence (see the North American section below). This show will be the TV taping show after last night’s SACRIFICE PPV (to be aired Thursday 3/30). It is unclear if Yamashita will have further dates with IMPACT after next week’s Multiverse United PPV. 

JUST TAP OUT

JTO only has one women’s singles championship and no women’s tag championship. Their roster is less than ten participants.

Current Queen of JTO Champion: Tomoka Inaba; next defense 4/9 against GanJo’s YuuRI

JTO Tournament Finals (3/3) Korakuen Hall

  • JTO Girls Singles Match: Yuu Yamagata defeated rhythm (5:22)
  • JTO Girls Tag Match: rhythm, Tomoka Inaba & YuuRI defeated Aoi, HisokA & Unagi Sayaka (7:41)
  • Azusa Inaba’s Debut Match: Tomoka Inaba defeated Azusa Inaba (6:16) – Yes, this was a battle between older and younger sisters.

JTO Girls’ House (3/18) JTO Arena, Chiba Prefecture

  • Singles Match: HisokA vs. Azusa Inaba (10:00) – Time Limit Draw
  • Tag Match: Azusa Inaba & Tomoka Inaba defeated Aoi & HisokA (9:57)

 JTO ShinKiba (4/9) ShinKiba 1st Ring

  • Queen of JTO: Tomoko Inaba © vs. YuuRI (GanJo)
  • Singles Match: rhythm vs. Aoi
  • Singles Match: HisokA vs. Azusa Inaba
  • JTO Girls’ Tag Match: Sumika Yanagawa & Misa Kagura vs. Yuu Yamagata & Yuu (EVE)

MARVELOUS

Current Champions

  • AAAW Championship: Chikayo Nagashima 
  • AAAW Tag Team Championship: Chikayo Nagashima & Takumi Iroha 

Takumi Iroha Finally Returned at ShinKiba (3/10) ShinKiba 1st Ring

  • Singles Match (1/15): Hikari Shimizu (COLOR’S) defeated Ai Houzan (12:51)
  • Singles Match (1/15): Tomoko Watanabe defeated SAKI (COLOR’S) (5:50)
  • Tag Match (1/20): Mio Momono & Itsuki Aoki defeated Unagi Sayaka & Aoi (JTO) (14:16)
  • Singles Match (1/15): Riko Kawahata (T-HEARTS) defeated Maria (10:28)
  • Main Event: Daisuke Sekimoto & Chikayo Nagashima defeated Takumi Iroha & Leo Izaka (21:14)

MARVELOUS ShinKiba (3/15) ShinKiba 1st Ring

  • Singles Match (1/15): Leo Isaka defeated Ganbai Jiichan (8:57)
  • Tag Match (1/20): Ayame Sasamura & Itsuki Aoki defeated Unagi Sayaka & Aoi (JTO) (13:39)
  • Three-Way Match (1/15): Takumi Iroha defeated Maria vs. Riko Kahwahata (T-HEARTS) (10:31)
  • Semi-Main Singles Match (1/20): Chihiro Hashimoto defeated Mio Momono (16:20)
  • Main Event: AAAW Singles Championship (1/30): Chikayo Nagashima © defeated Tomoka Watanabe (20:14)

MARVELOUS Yokohama (3/26) Yokohama Sanbo Hal Marineria

  • Singles Match (1/15): Leo Isaka vs. Takumi Saito
  • Singles Match (1/15): Unagi Sayaka vs. Ai Houzan
  • Semi-Main Tag Match (1/20): COLOR’S (Hikari Shimizu & Rina Amikura) vs. Chikayo Nagashima & Takumi Iroha
  • Main Event: Tag Match(1/20): Tomoko Watanabe & Mio Momono vs. Riko Kawahata (T-HEARTS) & Maria

Upcoming Schedule (Full)

  • MARVELOUS Leo Izaka’s 6th Anniversary (4/9) Oyama Cultural Center, Tochigi
  • MARVELOUS Osaka (4/22) TBA
  • MARVELOUS Kariya (4/23) TBA

Pro-Wrestling NOAH

After a women’s tag showcase at The Great Muta’s Retirement Show in January, NOAH is building upon that momentum with the first women’s singles match in a NOAH ring. Freelancers Natsu Sumire and Maya Yukihi, who tagged together in the Who is The Valkyrie match against Jungle Kyona and Saori Anou, will face one another at NOAH’s GREEN JOURNEY 2023 in SENDAI at Xebio Arena on April 16th. 

UPDATE! NOMADS’ Freelance Summit Volume 3 (4/14) Shinjuku FACE

 

Match Card Announced (3/13) Hosted by Sumire Natsu, Maya Yukihi & Miyuki Takase

  • Opening Tag Match: Kaho Kobayashi & Kakeru Sekiguchi vs. COLOR’S (Rina Amikura & Yuko Sakurai
  • Tag Match: Sumire Natsu & Cherry vs. Momoka Hanazono & Marika Kobashi – This will be Kobashi’s NOMAD’S debut!
  • Singles Match: Miyuki Takase vs. Makoto
  • Semi-Final Three-Way Tag Match: COLOR’S Galaxy Punch (SAKI & Hikari Shimizu) vs. Maya Yukihi & Saori Anou vs. SPiCE UP (Tae Honma & Maika Ozaki)
  • Main Event: Never Surrender 6-Woman Tag: Jungle Kyona, Hiroyo Matsumoto & Yuu vs. Rina Yamashita, Nanae Takahashi, & Ryo Mizunami – This will be Jungle’s last match before her indefinite hiatus. 

Jungle Kyona Aid Crowdfunding Update: On March 1st, Kyona’s campaign went live and surpassed its original goal! Her two million yen (roughly 15,000 USD) goal will help cover the costs of her surgery and the rehabilitation process, as well as her return to in-ring action. Items for sale within Japan include special edition t-shirts, ring-worn costumes, and special edition NOMAD’s ticket packages. For those wishing to support Kyona from outside of Japan, fans are encouraged to purchase shirts from her PWT shop. Her projected schedule is corrective surgery in June 2023 with rehabilitation from July 2023-June 2025.

NJPW

IMPACT x NJPW: Multiverse United: Only The STRONG Survive (3/30) Globe Theatre, Los Angeles, CA – streaming on Fite+ at 8PM US Pacific Time

  • X-Division Scramble Match: Trey Miguel ©  vs. Frankie Kazarian vs. Rich Swann vs. Kevin Knight vs. Clark Connors vs. Rocky Romero 
  • Singles Match: Moose (Impact) vs. Jeff Cobb (NJPW)
  • UPDATE: Singles Match: Speedball Mike Bailey (Impact) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi (NJPW) – Tanahashi replaces Will Ospreay who is out with a shoulder injury.
  • IMPACT Knockouts World Championship Contenders 4-Way: Deonna Purazzo vs. Gisele Shaw vs. Miyu Yamashita (TJPW) vs. Masha Slamovich – The winner advances to face Jordynne Grace (and Mickie James if cleared in time) for the IMPACT Knockouts Championship at Rebellion (4/16)
  • NJPW STRONG Championship Match: KENTA vs. Minoru Suzuki
  • IMPACT Tag Team Championship 4-Way: Bullet Club (Ace Austin & Chris Bey) © vs. Aussie Open (Mark Davis & Kyle Fletcher) vs. TMDK (Shane Haste & Big Dude Tito) vs. MCMG (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley)

UPDATE: IMPACT World Championship Match Rescheduled! Mickie James’ injury isn’t the only one affecting Mania Week plans. Unfortunately IMPACT World Champion, Josh Alexander tore his tricep and has to undergo surgery (with an unknown return timetable). The World Heavyweight Championship has been rescheduled for IMPACT’s Rebellion (4/16) with KUSHIDA and Steve Maclin vying for the vacant title. Alexander’s replacement for KUSHIDA’s match, “will be announced at a later date.”

UPDATE: The CEO Blooms at Sakura Genesis

Just prior to the opening day of STARDOM’s Cinderella Tournament, Mercedes Moné finally gives her long-awaited response to Hazuki’s proposal for a three-way match at Sakura Genesis. Hazuki and AZM will meet one another in the first round of the Cinderella Tournament on Sunday, and with the ten-minute time limit, this match could easily become a high-speed frenzy that goes down to the wire. I have a feeling the champion will be watching this match rather closely and taking notes. 

Sakura Genesis 2023 (4/8) Ryogoku Kokugikan; Full Card & Match Order TBA

  • 6-Man Tag Match: Jeff Cobb, Aaron Henare & Francesco Akira vs. EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi & SHO
  • 6-Man Tag Match: Tama Tonga, Hikuleo & Master Wato vs. KENTA, El Phantasmo & David Finlay
  • 6-Man Tag Match: Tetsuya Naito, BUSHI & Shingo Takagi vs. Taichi, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & DOUKI
    NJPW World TV Championship(1/15): Zack Sabre Jr © vs. Shota Umino
  • IWGP Tag Team Championship (1/60): Bishamon (Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI) © vs. Aussie Open (Mark Davis & Kyle Fletcher)
  • NEW! IWGP Women’s Championship Triple Threat (1/60): Mercedes Moné © vs. AZM vs. Hazuki – winner will face Mayu Iwatani at STARDOM’s All-Star Grand Queendom (4/23) in Yokohama Arena
  • IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship (1/60): Hiromu Takahashi © (LIJ) vs. Robbie Eagles (TMDK)
  • IWGP World Heavyweight Championship (1/60): Kazuchika Okada © vs. SANADA (2023 New Japan Cup Winner) 

The following match for Sakura Genesis is listed as PENDING until further information is released by NJPW. There has been information released, but the official matches have not yet been announced. However, NJPW President Takami Ohbari has noted that entire lineup has not yet been released. The Shinnichi Champion details were outlined in my New Japan Cup 2023 Event Report.

  • PENDING: Shinnichi Champion (NJPW TV) Special Match – produced by Tsumugi Mitani from episode of NJPW TV s3e16; Participants TBA 

OZ Academy

Current Champions

  • OZ Academy Openweight Champion: AKINO
  • OZ Academy Pioneer Championship: Momoka Hanazono
  • OZ Academy Tag Team Championship: TEAM 200KG* (Chihiro Hashimoto & Yuu); results below

OZ Academy ~WHO KNOWS~  (3/12) Shinjuku FACE

  • Tag Match (1/20): Hiroyo Matsumoto & Ram Kaicho defeated Momoka Hanazono & Kaori Yoneyama (12:14)
  • 6-Woman Tag Match (1/30): Mayumi Ozaki, Maya Yukihi & Saori Anou defeated  AKINO, Hikaru Shida & Kakeru Sekiguchi (20:49)
    Semi-Final: OZ Academy Openweight Championship Number One Contender Tournament Finals (1/NTL): Itsuki Aoki defeated Rico Kaiju (16:17)
  • Main Event: OZ Academy Tag Team Championship (1/30): H2D (Sonoko Kato & Ryo Mizunami) defeated TEAM 200KG (Chihiro Hashimoto & Yuu) © (19:05) 

TOMORROW: ~WHO KNOWS~ NAGOYA (3/26) Nagoya Diamond Hall

  • Opening Singles Match (1/20): Yuu vs. Ram Kaicho
  • 3-Way Match (1/30): Kakeru Sekiguchi vs. Momoka Hanazono vs. YAKO
  • Tag Match (1/30): Rina Yamashita & Kaori Yoneyama vs. Itsuki Aoki & Hiroyo Matsumoto
  • Main Event (3/60): AKINO, Sonoko Kato & Ryo Mizunami vs. Mayumi Ozaki, Maya Yukihi & Saori Anou

Upcoming Schedule (Full)

  • (4/23) Korakuen Hall
  • (5/14) ShinKiba 1st Ring 
  • (5/28)176BOX, Osaka

PROMINENCE

Currently, Risa Sera, Suzu Suzuki & Kurumi Hiiragi are the Artists of STARDOM Champions. Akane Fujita is currently Ice Ribbon’s FantastICE Champion. While they produce their own hardcore and death match shows, they do not have a championship title. 

#12 KAGIROI (3/18) ShinKiba 1st Ring

  • Tag Team Match: Hiragi Kurumi & Itsuki Aoki defeated Miyako Matsumoto & Yuu (15:09)
  • Singles Match: Mochi Natsumi defeated Gabai Ji-chan (10:35)
  • Hardcore Tag Team Match: Akane Fujita & Hartley Jackson defeated Risa Sera & Super Hardcore Machine (21:40)
  • Suzu Suzuki’s Deathmatch Trial Series #9: Masashi Takeda defeated Suzu Suzuki (14:16)

#13 PROMINENCE 1st Anniversary Show (4/24) Korakuen Hall – Suzu Suzuki’s Deathmatch Trial Series #10: Jun Kasai vs. Suzu Suzuki; Full Card TBA

PROMINENCE GAIDEN: Akane Fujita’s 10th Anniversary Show (5/21) ShinKiba 1st Ring

PURE-J Women’s Pro-Wrestling

Current Champions

  • Daily Sports Tag Team Champions: Rydeen Hagane & SAKI (COLOR’S)
  • Princess of Pro-Wrestling Champion: Rico Kajiu (SEAdLINNNG)
  • PURE-J Openweight Championship: Hanako Nakamori (5th reign)

PURE-J (2/26) Kame Dojo

  • Singles Match: Momo Tani defeated AKARI (9:42)
  • Singles Match: Rydeen Hagane defeated Crea (11:22)
  • Tag Match: Hanako Nakamori & Kaori Yoneyama defeated Chie Ozora & Leon (13:47)

PURE-J (3/5) Kame Dojo

  • Two-Count Rules: Leon defeated AKARI (8:55)
  • Singles Match: Hanako Nakamori defeated Crea (13:20)
  • Tag Match: Momo Tani & Rydeen Hagane defeated Chie Ozora & Kaho Matsushita (13:45)

Leon’s LION HEART 10 (3/12) Kame Dojo

  • Singles Match(1/15): AKARI  defeated Chie Ozora (8:42)
  • Singles Match(1/15): Crea defeated Momo Tani (10:43)
  • Tag Match(1/20): RED SOUL (Leon & Miyuki Takase) vs. Hanako Nakamori & Rydeen Hagane (20:00) – Time Limit Draw

PURE-J (3/19) Basement Monstar Hachiouji

  • Singles Match (1/15): Chie Ozora defeated Crea (10:35)
  • Singles Match (1/15): Rydeen Hagane defeated Cherry (6:50)
  • Singles Match (1/20): Hanako Nakamori defeated Misa Kagura (JTO) (9:55)
  • Singles Match (1/20): Kaori Yoneyama defeated KAZUKI (8:43)
  • Tag Match (1/30): Leon & AKARI defeated Momo Tani & SAKI (COLOR’S) (14:10)

TOMORROW: PURE-J (3/26) Ota Ward Industrial Plaza Pio

  • Singles Match: AKARI vs. KAZUKI
  • Singles Match: Momo Tani vs. Aiger
  • Singles Match: Rydeen Hagane vs. Makoto
  • Tag Match: Cherry & SAKI (COLOR’S) vs. Leon & Crea
  • Tag Match: Chie Ozora & Hanako Nakamori vs. Ayako Sato & Rico Kaiju (SEAdLINNNG)

SOON: PURE-J (4/16) Korakuen Hall

  • Singles Match: Crea vs. Cherry
  • Singles Match: AKARI vs. Arisa Nakajima (SEAdLINNNG)
  • 8-Woman Tag Match: Jaguar Yokota, KAZUKI, Momo Tani & Rina Amikura (COLOR’S) vs. Kaori Yoneyama, Makoto, Yuu & Kakeru Sekiguchi
  • POP Championship: Rico Kaiju (SEAdLINNNG) © vs. Chie Ozora
  • Tag Match: Rydeen Hagane & SAKI (COLOR’S) vs. Leon & Miyuki Takase
  • PURE-J Openweight Championship: Hanako Nakamori © vs. Ayako Sato

SEAdLINNNG

Current Champions

  • SEAdLINNNG Beyond The Sea Champion: Arisa Nakajima* (3rd reign)
  • SEAdLINNNG Beyond The Sea Tag Champions: Las Fresa de Egoistas (ASUKA & Makoto; 2nd reign)

ShinKiba Series Vol. 2 (3/20) ShinKiba 1st Ring

  • High Speed Singles Match (1/20): La Pidita (Kaho Kobayashi) defeated Kakeru Sekiguchi (5:49)
  • 3-Way Tag Match (1/30): Makoto/ASUKA defeated Hiroyo Matsumoto/Ryo Mizunami vs. Amazon/AKARI (13:59)
  • PURE-J POP Championship (1/30): Rico Kaiju defeated Misa Kagura (JTO) (16:52) – 27th Champion’s second defense
  • SEAdLINNNG Beyond the Sea Singles Championship (1/30): Arisa Nakajima © defeated Ayame Sasamura (2AW) (18:20) – 9th Champion’s second defense

Full 2023 Schedule

  • ~Endeavour 2023~  (4/30) Korakuen Hall
  • TBA (5/25) ShinKiba 1st Ring
  • TBA (6/28) Shinjuku FACE
  • TBA (7/26) ShinKiba 1st Ring
  • SEAdLINNNG’s 8th Anniversary Show (8/25) Korakuen Hall
  • TBA (9/15) ShinKiba 1st Ring
  • TBA (10/10) Shinjuku FACE
  • TBA (11/17) ShinKiba 1st Ring
  • Final Show of 2023 (12/28) Korakuen Hall

SENDAI GIRLS

Current Champions

  • Sendai Girls World Champion: ASUKA (VENY)
  • Sendai Girls Junior Championship: Vacant (previously JTO’s Tomoka Inaba)
  • Sendai Girls World Tag Championships: Vacant (previously Reiwa ULTEMA Powers; Hiroyo Matsumoto & DASH Chisako)

Results (3/11) ShinKiba 1st Ring

  • Singles Match (1/10): Yurika Oka defeated Yura Suzuki (7:19)
  • Singles Match (1/15): Hiroyo Matsumoto defeated Kyusei Sakura Hirota (00:07; 00:14; 5:41)
  • Tag Match (1/15): Team 200kg (Chihiro Hashimoto & Yuu) defeated CREA & Ryo Mizunami (12:42)
  • Singles Match (1/15): ASUKA defeated Manami (9:13)
  • Tag Match (1/15): Maya Yukihi & Saori Anou defeated RED ENERGY (Mika Iwata & Mikuyi Takase) (18:22) – Yukihi & Anou to challenge Team 200KG on 3/17

Results (3/17) Miyagino Ward Cultural Center

  • Singles Match (1/10): Manami vs. Ryo Mizunami (10:00) – Time Limit Draw
  • Tag Match (1/15):RED ENERGY (Mika Iwata & Mikuyi Takase) defeated Hiroyo Matsumoto & CREA (PURE-J) (11:46)
  • Semi-Main Singles Match (1/20): Mio Momono (MARVELOUS) defeated Yurika Oka (13:28)
  • Main Event: SenJo World Tag Team Championship (1/30): Chihiro Hashimoto & Yuu defeated Maya Yukihi & Saori Anou (18:27)

2023 Schedule

  • (4/16) ShinKiba 1st Ring
  • (4/21) Miyagino Ward Cultural Center
  • (5/6) ShinKiba 1st Ring 

STARDOM

They hit the ground running in 2023, with the Triangle Derby I, their new trios tournament. By the time it finishes, we’ll be gearing up for the Cinderella Tournament followed by the Five Star Grand Prix… with a historic All-Star Grand Queendom event at Yokohama Arena in late April!

Current Champions

  • SWA Women’s Champion: Vacant
  • NEO High Speed Champion: AZM (‘Azumi’) 
  • Future of STARDOM Champion: Ami Sohrei
  • Artists of STARDOM Champion: Prominence (Risa Sera, Suzu Suzuki & Kurumi Hiiragi)
  • Goddesses of STARDOM Champion: 7Upp (Nanae Takahashi & Yuu)
  • Wonder of STARDOM Champion: Saya Kamitani
  • World of STARDOM Champion: Giulia 

NEW! EVENT REPORT: Triangle Derby Finals (3/4) Yoyogi National Stadium Second Gym

TODAY! NEW BLOOD Premium (3/25) Yokohama Budokan

  • Opening 3-Way Tag Match: Hanan/Hina vs. Momo Kohgo/Saya Iida vs. Rina/Ruaka
  • Special Tag Match: COSMIC ANGELS (Tam Nakano & Waka Tsukiyama) vs. NANAKAIRI (Nanae Takahashi & KAIRI) – Should Tsukiyama not win the match, she will not only leave CA, but she’s elected to leave STARDOM as well. 
  • Aya Sakurai’s Debut Match: Aya Sakura vs. Giulia
  • HANAKO’s Debut Tag Match: Maika & Himeka vs. Lady C & HANAKO
  • Miyu Amasaki’s Supernova Match 3 of 5 Series: Miyu Amasaki vs. Syuri
  • UPDATE*! Special Singles Match: Super Strong STARDOM Big Machine vs. Sexy Dynamite Princess
  • NEW BLOOD Tag Tournament Semi-Finals 1: Mai Sakurai/Chanyota (PPP Tokyo) vs. Starlight Kid & KARMA (Haruka Umesaki; DIANA)
  • NEW BLOOD Tag Tournament Semi-Finals 2: MIRAI/Tomoka Inaba (JTO) vs. Ami Sohrei & Nanami (DIANA)
  • NEW BLOOD Tag Tournament Finals: Semi-Finalist Team 1 vs. Semi-Finalist Team 2

*Komomo Minami’s Debut Match Canceled?! Minami was scheduled to debut against Hazuki at NEW BLOOD PREMIUM, however she sustained a minor injury during training, so her debut has been pushed back. On the card, her match was replaced by a special singles match.

TOMORROW! Cinderella Tournament 2023 Opening Day (3/26) Yokohama Budokan – largest field to date with 36 participants; all first round matches have 10-minute time limits; Full Event Report will be available

2023 Cinderella Tournament Brackets in English
(c) STARDOM

First Round Matches Match Order TBD

  • Utami Hayashishita vs. Nanae Takahashi
  • Maika vs. Momo Watanabe
  • Giulia vs. Mai Sakurai
  • AZM vs. Hazuki
  • Mariah May vs. Rina
  • Syuri vs. Tomoka Inaba
  • Momo Kohgo vs. Saki Kashima
  • Saya Kamitani vs. Mayu Iwatani
  • Lady C vs. X
  • Starlight Kid vs. Haruka Umesaki (DIANA)
  • Ami Sohrei vs. Yuna Mizumori
  • Tam Nakano vs. Himeka
  • Natsuko Tora vs. Ruaka
  • MIRAI vs. Hanan
  • Saya Iida vs. Miyu Amasaki
  • Natsupoi vs. Mina Shirakawa
  • Koguma vs. Thekla
  • Hina vs. XX

COMING SOON! All-Star Grand Queendom (4/23) Yokohama Arena; Full card TBA; Keep an eye out for my full event report!

  • NEW! High Speed Tag Match: Starlight Kid & X vs. Mei Suruga & XX
  • HIMEKA FINAL: Retirement Match: Himeka vs. Maika
  • Special Singles Match: Syuri vs. Chihiro Hashimoto (Sendai Girls)
  • Goddesses of STARDOM: 7Upp (Nanae Takahashi/Yuu) vs. THE NEW ERAS (MIRAI & Ami Sohrei)
  • NEW! IWGP Women’s Championship: Champion After Sakura Genesis © vs. Mayu Iwatani*
  • Wonder of STARDOM: Saya Kamitani © vs. Mina Shirakawa
  • World of STARDOM: Giulia © vs. Tam Nakano

News & Noteworthy

  • KAIRI at All-Star Grand Queendom! The Pirate Queen announced that she’ll be participating in the special event in April. At Korakuen Hall on April 2, she’ll introduce her mystery associate! Her match may involve Natsupoi, who was also featured in her announcement video. Sareee has vehemently denied rumors of her participation as KAIRI’s partner in a recent Weekly Pro-Wrestling Magazine interview.
  • Fuwa-chan Returns! Back in October, Variety TV Talent and YouTuber, Fuwa-chan completed a short training series with the STARDOM Dojo culminating in her in-ring debut. At Korakuen Hall on March 10th, she returned with STARS as a second and expressed her interest in participating in All-Star Grand Queendom.  
  • *Mayu Iwatani Calls Dibs of IWGP Women’s Champion! At her homecoming show in Yamaguchi, Mayu declared she wanted an IWGP Women’s Championship match against whoever is the Champion at All-Star Grand Queendom (4/23) at Yokohama Arena. On Friday (3/24), New Japan published a response video from the champion, accepting the triple threat stipulation against both AZM and Hazuki for Sakura Genesis. The winner will face Mayu later in April.

2023 Schedule

  • Cinderella Tournament 2023 Second Round (4/1) Tochigi Light Cube
  • Cinderella Tournament 2023 Third Round SemiFinals (4/2) Yokohama Budokan
  • Cinderella Tournament 2023 Finals (4/15) Yoyogi National Stadium Second Gymnasium
  • ALL-STAR GRAND QUEENDOM (4/23)Yokohama Arena
  • Fukuoka Goddess Legend (5/4) – Golden Week 

Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling (TJPW)

Much like STARDOM, TJPW is one of the bigger and busier women’s promotions in Japan, also keeping a packed schedule with fewer big events annually, but plenty of tournaments and shows streamed live. 

Current Champions: All championships were defended last weekend at GRAND PRINCESS ‘23 (3/18/23). To avoid spoilers, any title changes are not reflected here. Read below for results!

  • Princess Tag Team Champions: Wasteland War Party* (Heidi Howitzer & Max The Impaler) 
  • International Princess Champion: Miu Watanabe*
  • Princess of Princess Champion: Yuka Sakazaki*

TJPW CITY CIRCUIT WINTER (2/25) Ota Ward Industrial Gym

  • Singles Match: Arisu Endo defeated HIMAWARI (7:04)
  • Singles Match: Moka Miyamoto defeated Wakana Uehara (6:59)
  • Tag Match: Shoko Nakajima & Hyper Misao defeated Yuki Kamifuku & Pom Harajuku (11:21)
  • Tag Match: Miyu Yamashita & Maki Itoh defeated Hikari Noa & Neko Haruna (11:54)
  • Tag Match: Yuka Sakazaki & Mizuki defeated Nao Kakuta & Kaya Toribami (10:22)
  • 6-Woman Tag: Miu Watanabe, Yuki Aino & Raku defeated Rika Tatsumi, Suzume & Mahiro Kiryu (15:26)

TJPW CITY CIRCUIT WINTER (3/4) Yokohama Radiant Hall

  • Tag Match: Suzume & Arisu Endo defeated Wakana Uehara & HIMAWARI (9:42)
  • 3-Way Match: Yuki Aino vs. Hikari Noa vs. Kaya Toribami (7:50)
  • Singles Match: Mizuki  defeated Pom Harajuku (9:13)
  • Singles Match: Yuka Sakazaki defeated  Raku (10:51)
  • Tag Match: Miyu Yamashita & Moka Moyamoto defeated Shoko Nakajima & Mahiro Kiryu (11:17)
  • 6-Woman Tag Match: Rika Tatsumi, Hyper Misao & Nao Kakuta defeated Miu Watanabe, Yuki Kamifuku & Neko Haruna (12:31)
  • ※Mako Itoh was on an international excursion, so she didn’t participate in the show.

RESULTS: The Night Before GRAND PRINCESS ‘23 (3/6)

  • Tag Match: Shoko Nakajima & Hyper Misao defeated Wakana Uehara & HIMAWARI (9:42)
  • Singles Match: Rika Tatsumi defeated Kaya Toribami (7:50)
  • Shino Suzuki’s Debut Match: Miu Watanabe & Hikari Noa vs. Raku & Shino Suzuki* – an all Up Up Girls’ Match!
  • Tōga’s Debut Match: Miyu Yamashita defeated Tōga (6:28)
  • 6-Woman Tag Match: Yuki Kamifuku, Nao Kakuta & Mahiro Kiryu vs. Yuki Aino, Nako Haruna & Pom Harajuku (10:39)
  • 6-Woman Tag Match: Yuka Sakazaki, Yuki Arai & Suzume defeated Mizuki, Moka Miyamoto & Arisu Endo (15:00)

Results! GRAND PRINCES ‘23 (3/18) Ariake Coliseum, Tokyo

  • Opening Match (1/15): Suzume defeated Arisu Endo (8:48)
  • 8-Woman Debut* Tag Match: Mahiro Kiryu, Wakana Uehara. HIMAWARI & Shino Suzuki defeated Haru Kazashiro*, Runa Ohkubo*, Kaya Toribami & Touga (11:23)
  • 6-Woman Tag Match: Hikari Noa, Nao Kakuta & Ram Kaicho defeated Yuki Aino, Raku & Pom Harajuku (10:23)
  • Special Singles Match (1/15): Ryo Mizunami defeated Moka Miyamoto (11:46)
  • Special Tag Match (1/20): Shoko Nakajima & Hyper Misao defeated Andreza The Giant Panda & Neko Haruna (10:25)
  • Special Tag Match (1/20): Saki-sama & Mei Saint-Michel defeated Yuki Kamifuku & Billie Starkz (13:42)
  • Special Singles Match: Aja Kong defeated Yuki Arai (13:00) 
  • International Princess Championship (1/30): Rika Tatsumi defeated Miu Watanabe © (18:31) – 9th Champion’s fourth defense; with this win, Tastumi is now a TJPW Grand Slam Champion
  • Semi-Main Event: Princess Tag Team Match (1/30): Miyu Yamashita & Maki Itoh defeated Max The Impaler & Heidi Howitzer © (13:42)
  • Main Event: Princess of Princess Championship (1/30): Mizuki  defeated Yuka Sakazaki © (21:02) – 11th Champion’s third defense

UPDATE: 10-Woman Special Tag at WrestleCon Mark Hitchcock Memorial Supershow (3/30)! Participants TBA

TJPW LIVE in Los Angeles! Event Report (3/31) The Globe, California; Live streaming availability on FITE TV– Full Event Report!

  • Singles Match: Yuki Kamifuku vs Janai Kai
  • Tag Match: Hikari Noa/Nao Kakuta vs Suzume/Arisu Endo
  • Tag Match: Hyper Misao/Trish Adora vs Yuki Aino/Raku
  • Tag Match: Shoko Nakajima/Miu Watanabe vs Max The Impaler/Heidi Howitzer
  • International Princess Championship: Rika Tatsumi © vs Billie Starkz
  • Princes Tag Championship Match: Miyu Yamashita/Maki Itoh © vs Yuka Sakazaki/Mizuki

PASSPORT ALERT! Vert Vixen heads to Japan for a series of show dates in April after Mania Week! She’s being advertised for Korakuen Hall (4/15), Edion Arena Gym #2 Osaka (4/22) and Ryogoku KFC Hall (4/23). She previously wrestled Yuka Sakazaki on AEW Dark Elevation #102 (2/8) in El Paso, Texas.

STAND ALONE ‘23 (4/15) Korakuen Hall

  • Tag Match: Shoko Nakajima & Hyper Misao vs. Yuki Arai ＆HIMAWARI
  • Princess of Princess Championship: Mizuki © vs. Nao Kakuta – Champion’s First Defense

April 2023 Calendar

  • TJPW LIVE Spring Tour (4/7) Ryogoku KFC Hall
  • STAND ALONE ‘23 (4/15) Korakuen Hall
  • CLIMB OVER ‘23 (4/14) Osaka Edion Arena, Gym #2
  • Play TJPW 8 (4/23)  Ryogoku KFC Hall – Wrestle Universe Members Only 

WAVE

Current Champions *scheduled title defense; results listed below

  • Regina Di WAVE Championship: Hikaru Shida (AEW)
  • NEW WAVE Tag Team Championship: galaxyPunch! (Hikari Shimizu & SAKI)*

WAVE PHASE 2 Reboot 3rd ~ NAMI 1 ~ (3/1) Shin-Kiba 1st RING 

  • Singles Match: Itsuki Aoki vs. Suzu Suzuki (15:00) – Time Limit Draw
  • Singles Match: Kakeru Sekiguchi defeated Ancham (9:55)
  • Three Way Match: Kyusei Sakura Hirota defeated Haruka Umesaki & Miyuki Takase )13:35) – via Count Out
  • Singles Match: ASUKA defeated COHAKU (9:41)
  • WAVE Tag Team Title: galaxyPunch! (Hikari Shimizu & SAKI) © defeated Rina Amikura & YUuki Miyazaki (17:25)

Brand New WAVE (3/12) Korakuen Hall

  • Tag Match: Kakeru Sekiguchi & Riko Kawahata (T-HEARTS) defeated Suzu Suzuki & Yuko Sakurai (12:14)
  • Singles Match: Miyuki Takase vs. Kyusei Sakura Hirota – Double Count Out
  • Singles Match: COHAKU defeated Manami (Sendai Girls) (10:00)
  • 6-Person Tag: Rina Amikura, Tetsuhiro Kuroda & Yuki MIyazaki defeated ASUKA, Risa Sera & Toru Sugiura (19:16)
  • WAVE Tag Team Title: Ikuto Hidaka & Itsuki Aoki defeated galaxyPunch! (Hikari Shimizu & SAKI) © 
  • Regina Di WAVE Championship: Hikaru Shida defeated Aiger (14:08)

CHIBA WAVE vol. 5 (3/18) 2AW Square

  • Singles Match: Yuki Miyazaki defeated Ricky Fuji (7:09)
  • Singles Match: Kaori Yoneyama defeated Cherry (10:52)
  • Two Counts Fall Singles Match: SAKI defeated Kakeru Sekiguchi (11:49)
  • Singles Match: Sakura Hirota defeated Yuko Sakurai (14:59)
  • Singles Match: Cohaku vs. Rina Amikura (15:00) – Time Limit Draw 

OSAKA Rhapsody vol. 56 (3/19) 176BOX Osaka

  • Tag Match: Cohaku & Rina Amikura defeated Himiko & Itsuki Aoki (12:46)
  • Singles Match: Miyuki Takase defeated Sae (13:22)
  • Singles Match: Haruka Umesaki defeated Yuko Sakurai (9:30)
  • Osaka Comical WAVE Tag Match: Hibiscus Mii & Kyusei Ninja Ranmaru defeated Sakura Hirota & Yuki Miyazaki – Draw (67:45)
  • Osaka Comical WAVE Tag Match: Hibiscus Mii & Kyusei Ninja Ranmaru vs. Sakura Hirota & Yuki Miyazaki – Draw (1:25)
  • Battle Royal: Sae defeated Haruka Umesaki, Himiko, Itsuki Aok, Cohaku, Miyuki Takase, Rina Amikura and Yuko Sakurai (6:41)

Nagoya WAVE vol. 24 (3/21) Nippon Gaishi Sports Plaza Nagoya

  • Tag Match: Hiragi Kurumi & Rina Amikura defeated Cohaku & Risa Sera (14:46)
  • Singles Match: Yuki Miyazaki defeated SAKI (12:38)
  • Singles Match: Aiger defeated Nanami (7:53)
  • Singles Match: Haruka Umesaki defeated Akane Fujita (11:26)
  • Tag Match: Miyuki Takase & Sakura Hirota defeated Cherry & Yuko Sakurai (13:19)

NEW! Jumbo Forever WAVE x BushiFight (4/28) Shinjuku FACE 

At the request of Himeka, Gami at WAVE was contacted prior to  her retirement announcement. Gami thought that it was a social call (like informing her that Himeka was getting married… which she isn’t), but instead Himeka asked if she would be able to have one last match at WAVE. Prior to her joining STARDOM, Having debuted in ActWres GirlZ on December 24, 2017, WAVE was one of the promotions she regularly wrestled in from 2018-2020 under her previous ring name Himeka Arita. 

Himeka did make it clear that her retirement match at All-Star Grand Queendom against Maika (4/23) is her official retirement match in STARDOM. When she arrived in STARDOM, Himeka informed everyone that she would wrestle simply as “Himeka” (in Hiragana), so as to separate her STARDOM career from her previous one as Himeka Arita, so this could be the loophole she is choosing to have a match outside of STARDOM prior to her retirement ceremony in May. She did receive Maika’s blessing to have this match after their scheduled one. 

Since WAVE knew her as Jumbo/Himeka Arita, that could be the name she uses for this show. Participants and the match card will be handled by WAVE and announced at a later date. In attendance was WAVE’s Kyusei Sakura Hirota. Tickets will go on sale via STARDOM’s Ticket Pia, but there are no details on the availability of the show live internationally. 

2023 Schedule (Full Schedule)

  • PHASE2 Reboot 4th NAMI April 23 (4/2) Shinjuku FACE
  • Birth WAVE Debut Match (1/15): Kizu Tanaka vs Honoka* (Check pronunciation) 
  • Happy Birthday WAVE Blooming Cherry Blossoms (4/8) ShinKiba 1st Ring
  • Chiba WAVE (4/16) 2AW Square
  • Mizuki Endo’s Homecoming: Gratitude (4/22) Kose Sports Park, Yamanashi

YMZ

YMZ Gokigen Kawasaki #31 (3/3) Post Di Amistad

  • Singles Match: Daiki Shimomura defeated Raimu Imai (9:59)
  • Singles Match: Cherry defeated Matsuzawa-san (8:14)
  • Singles Match: Takato Nakano vs. Yuu (10:00) – Time Limit Draw
  • Tag Match: Haruka Umesaki & Makoto vs. Kaori Yoneyama & Moeka Haruhi (15:00) – Time Limit Draw 

YMZ Kaori Yoneyama Gokigen Birthday (3/16) Shin-Kiba 1st RING

  • Tag Match: Daiki Shimomura & Daichi Sato defeated Shoki Chicharitto & Best Stretchman (9:57)
  • Fortune Telling Singles Match: ASUKA defeated Cherry (5:27)
  • Singles Match: Haruka Umesaki defeated Kaori Yoneyama (13:15) 
  • Singles Match: Isami Kodaka vs. Yuu (15:00) Time Limit Draw
  • 6-Person Tag Match: Natsu Sumire, Maya Yukihi & Atsushi Ishiguro defeated Hikaru Sato, Makoto & Matsuzawa-san (20:56)

YMZ Spring Festival! (3/29) Shin-Kiba 1st RING

  • Singles Match: Hagane Shinno vs. Daichi Sato – will feature Heat Up Jr. Rules
  • Singles Match (1/34): Rina Yamashita vs. Fuminori Abe – Yamashita’s 34th Birthday Match
  • Announced: Yuu & Chie Ozora; Kaori Yoneyama, Hikaru Sato, Daiki Shimomura, Makoto & Matsuzawa-san, ASUKA & Kakeru Sekuguchi

2023 Schedule (Full Schedule)

  • YMZ Gokigen Kawasaki #32 (4/9) Post Di Amistad
  • YMZ Gokigenna April! (4/28) ShinKiba 1st Ring

ZERO-1

ZERO-1 does feature women’s wrestling and seemingly has a working relationship with Pro-Wrestling DIANA and the joshi freelance community. Notable names involved in ZERO-1 lately: joshi legends Jaguar Yokota, Aja Kongo and Kyoko Inoue. Popular freelancers also cycle through the company.lShinjiro Ohtani is the current acting president of ZERO-1. 

ZERO-1 22nd Anniversary (3/5) Korakuen Hall; Broadcast Date 3/12 on Samurai TV

This was Jungle Kyona’s penultimate match before she goes on indefinite hiatus for surgery. Her final show for the time being will be NOMAD’S on April 14th. 

  • Singles Match: Takumi Baba defeated Yuki Toki (6:01)
  • Tag Team Match: Voodoo Murders (Chris Vice & Yoshikazu Yokoyama) defeated Astro & Rikiya Fudo (8:06)
  • Tag Team Match: Kendo Kashin & Tatsuhito Takaiwa defeated Leo Isaka & Ryo Hoshino (9:52)
  • Tag Team Match: Jaguar Yokota & Jungle Kyona defeated Nanami & Unagi Sayaka (12:24)
  • Tag Team Match: Shuji Kondo & Takuya Sugawara defeated Takafumi & Tsugutaka Sato (15:20)
  • Singles Match: Daisuke Sekimoto defeated Junya Matsunaga (12:38)
  • NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Title Match: Kubota Brothers (Hide Kubota & Yasu Kubota) © defeated Fuminori Abe & Satsuki Nagao (12:31)
  • ZERO1 World Heavyweight Title Match: Masato Tanaka © defeated Shoki Kitamura (21:27)

Shinjiro Ohtani’s Message Prior to the start of the show in Kumamoto, Ohtani sent a recorded video message, thanking everyone in attendance for making their way to the show. He sincerely apologized for being unable to stand in front of the crowd to deliver the message personally.

“I wanted to be able to address you in person, but unfortunately that was unable to happen at this time. I’m doing my best every single day not to give up. I am continuing with my physical therapy and rehabilitation. I don’t know if I’ll be able to be there in person next time or the time after that, but I promise every fire up fan in Kumamoto… I will make it to Kumamoto. On today’s show, many of my beloved colleagues in the pro-wrestling industry are fired up and ready to participate! I am fully confident that everyone on today’s event will give everything they have to give you the best pro-wrestling experience possible.  It’s my hope that everything you feel today through the power of pro-wrestling, will touch your hearts and you will become happier and stronger. From the bottom of my heart, I am looking forward to the day we can meet again. I hope you will continue to support (pro-wrestling) in the future. Please enjoy today’s program to your hearts’ content. Let’s officially start Kumamoto Station Front Plaza Wrestling Spring 2023!” – Shinjiro Ohtani

Stand Up Again & Again (3/17) Kumamoto Mori Toshin Plaza

  • 6-Man Tag Match (1/30): Hide Kubota, Yasu Kubota & Takuya Sugawara defeated Kirinowaka Tarō, Yoshikazu Yokoyama & Chris Vice (11:25)
  • 3-Way Match (1/30): Haruka Umesaki defeated Chie Ozora vs. Deborah K (10:55)
  • Tag Match (1/30): Satsuki Nagao & Junya Matsunaga defeated Syouki Kitamura & Yuki Toki (11:14)
  • Tag Match (1/30): Astroman & Kaji Tomato defeated Takumi Baba & Ryo Hoshino (11:14)
  • Tag Match (1/30): Kyoko Inoue & Takako Inoue defeated Unagi Sayaka & Madeline (13:45)
  • 6-Woman Tag Match (1/30): Jaguar Yokota, Ayako Sato & Ayame Sasamura defeated Aja Kong, Hanako Nakamori & Himiko (13:30)
  • Tag Match (1/30): Masato Tanaka & Yuji Hino vs. Daisuke Sekimoto & Tsugutaka Satō (19:00)

Bringing Energy, Smiles & Courage to Hitoyoshi (3/18) Hitoyoshi City Middle School Gymnasium, Kumamoto

  • 3-Way Match: Kaji Tomato defeated Satsuki Nagao & Yuki Ishida (9:41)
  • Tag Match (1/30): PURE-J (Hanako Nakamori & Chie Ozora) defeated Ayame Sasamura & Himiko (11:58)
  • Tag Team Match: Junya Matsunaga & Shoki Kitamura defeated Ryo Hoshino & Tsugutaka Sato (12:51)
  • Tag Team Match: Kenshiro Yukimura & Takuya Sugawara defeated Astro & Yuki Toki (10:51)
  • Tag Match (1/30): Takako Inoue & Ayako Sato defeated Unagi Sayaka & Deborah K (15:02)
  • Tag Team: Masato Tanaka & Yuji Hino defeated Voodoo Murders (Chris Vice & Yoshikazu Yokoyama) (14:07)

Meanwhile in North America 

UPDATES! Miyu Yamashita’s US Excursion Tour! [TJPW]

After Tokyo Joshi Pro’s WrestleCon show on 3/31, where she will main event tagging with Maki Itoh against Yuka Sakazaki and Mizuki in TJPW’s stand-alone show, Yamashita will begin a three-month tour of the US which will conclude in June. Her goal is to return for TJPW’s Fukuoka show on June 25th. 

Announced Dates 

The Momoiro Striker has regularly been working dates in the US for independent companies as well as AEW in the last year. She’s also currently the EVE Champion.

Maki Itoh’s International Results & Upcoming Dates [TJPW]

Results: GCW (Game Changer Wrestling)

  • Holy Smokes (3/4) The Carousel Room, The Showboat, Atlantic City, NJ – defeated Lufisto (10:44)
  • Ransom (3/5) The Carousel Room, The Showboat, Atlantic City, NJ – Itoh, Rina Yamashita & VENY defeated Billie Starkz, Janai Kai & Sawyer Wreck (18:56)

Upcoming Schedule

Sumie Sakai made her CMLL Debut!

  • CMLL Lunes Arena Puebla (3/13) Arena Puebla en Heróica, Puebla de Zaragoza, Puebla, Mexico – Best Two Out Of Three Falls: La Catalina, Reyna Isis & Zeuxis defeated Marcela, Skadi & Sumie Sakai
  • CMLL Martes De Glamour (3/14) Arena Coliseo Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico – Best Two Out Of Three Falls: La Catalina, Stephanie Vaquer & Zeuxis defeated Reyna Isis, Sumie Sakai & Valkiria
  • CMLL Homenaje A Dos Leyendas 2023 (3/17) Arena Mexico in Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico – Copa Irma Gonzalez: Princesa Sugehit defeated Hera, La Amapola, La Catalina, La Jarochita, Lluvia, Marcela, Metalica, Reyna Isis, Sanely, Stephanie Vaquer, Sumie Sakai, Zeuxis and Valkiria (38:50)

 

CMLL Homenaje A Dos Leyendas 2023 Puebla (3/20) Arena Puebla en Heróica, Puebla de Zaragoza, Puebla, Mexico – Best Two Out Of Three Falls: La Catalina, Reyna Isis & Zeuxis defeated Marcela, Skadi & Sumie Sakai 

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) & Ring of Honor (ROH)

Current Champions

  • AEW Women’s World Champion: Jamie Hayter; most recent defense AEW Revolution (⅗)
  • AEW TBS Championship: Jade Cargill; most recent defense vs. Vert Vixen (1:08; on 2/15)
  • ROH Women’s World Champion: Athena; most recent defense vs. Willow Nightingale (14:44) – loved that they got to main event the show (2/25)

AEW Recap!

AEW Revolution (3/5) came and went with only one women’s match, and it was a women’s triple threat. Jamie Hayter defeated Saraya and Toni Storm to retain the AEW Women’s Championship. Riho’s been having more frequency on Rampage, but the women’s feature on Dynamite seems to keep circulating around Hayter, Storm, Saraya, Baker, & Soho for the time being.

  • AEW Dark: Elevation #104 (2/22) Singles Match: Emi Sakura defeated Rachelle Riveter (2:52)
  • AEW Dynamite #178 (3/1) Singles Match: Riho defeats Toni Storm (10:07)
  • AEW Rampage #84 (3/3) Singles Match: Riho defeats Emi Sakura (9:31)
  • AEW Rampage #85 (3/8) Singles Match: Riho defeats Nyla Rose (12:07)
  • AEW Dark: Elevation #106 (3/8) Singles Match: Emi Sakura defeated Zyra (3:16)
  • AEW Dark: Elevation #107 (3/15) Singles Match: Emi Sakura defeated Zoe Sager (4:03)
  • AEW Dark: Elevation #108 (3/22) Singles Match: Riho defeated Diamante (4:03)

Deadlock Pro-Wrestling (DPW) 

DPW Women’s Worlds Title: Emi Sakura © 

RESULTS! You Already Know (2/25) Kerr Scott Building at NC State Fairgrounds

  • DPW Women’s Worlds Title: Emi Sakura © defeated Sumie Sakai (14:04)
  • TJPW Princess Tag Champions: Max The Impaler and Heidi Howitzer defeated Raychell Rose and Jada Stone (10:30) 

Prestige Wrestling 

Though I am not covering it, I am really excited about Prestige Wrestling’s WrestleCon 2023 programming contribution. This card might be one of the sleeper hits of the entire weekend.

Nervous Breakdown (3/31; 4 PM PST) The Globe Theatre, Los Angeles, CA

  • 6-Man Tag Match: NJPW LA Dojo (Clark Connors, Yuya Uemura & Kevin Knight) vs. C420
  • Tag Match: Team Ambition vs. Midnight Heat
  • Singles Match: Aja Kong vs. Masha Slamovich
  • Singles Match: Taya Valkyrie vs. Miyu Yamashita
  • 6-Man Tag Match: TimeSplitters (KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley) & Ultimo Dragon vs. Team FILTHY (Tom Lawlor, Jorel Nelson & Royce Isaacs)
  • Singles Match: Shigehiro Irie vs. Kevin Blackwood
  • Singles Match: Titus Alexander vs. Michael Oku
  • Singles Match: Calvin Tankmanr vs. Vinnie Massaro
  • Oh… and Timothy Thatcher has a match, too!

Roseland 5 (4/29) Miyu Yamashita vs. Queen Aminata

Triple AAA 

Mayumi Ozaki, Emi Sakura & AKINO participated in the Lucha World Cup representing Japan (3/19) Estadio Panamericano, Guadalajara MX

  • Women’s Lucha Libre World Cup 2023 Semi Final: Team Mexico (Flammer, La Hiedra & Sexy Star) defeated Team Japan (AKINO, Emi Sakura & Mayumi Ozaki)(10:00) – Time Limit Draw 
  • Women’s Lucha Libre World Cup 2023 Semi Final Sudden Death Match: La Hiedra (w/Flammer & Sexy Star) defeated AKINO (w/Emi Sakura & Mayumi Ozaki) (3:40)

 

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) & NXT 

Current Champions

  • NXT Women’s Champion: Vacant; last champion: Roxanne Perez; vacated after match with Meiko Satomura
  • NEW! NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions: Fallen Henley & Kiana James – defeated Katana Chance & Kayden Carter at NXT Vengeance Day (2/4/23)
  • WWE Women’s Champion: Bianca Belair
  • WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion: Charlotte Flair
  • NEW! WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions: Becky Lynch & Lita – defeated Damage CTRL on Monday Night RAW #1553 (2/27/23)

NXT Roadblock (3/7) Women’s Championship: Roxanne Perez defeated Meiko Satomura (13:59) – Main Event! Perez collapses 

WrestleMania 2023 Announced Women’s Matches (4/1-2/23) SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, California

  • SmackDownWomen’s Championship: Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Rhea Ripley (2023 Royal Rumble Winner)
  • RAW Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair (c) vs. Asuka (2023 Elimination Chamber Winner)
  • 6-Woman Tag: Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai & IYO SKY) vs. Becky Lynch, Lita & Trish Stratus

West Coast Pro

WCPro Women’s Champion: Keep Reading!!
Passport Alert! Sandra Moone will pack her bags and head to Japan in a talent exchange between MARVELOUS and WCP! Moone has previously wrestled Jungle Kyona, Maki Itoh, and Yuka Sakazaki in various promotions around the US. 

RESULTS! West Coast Best Coast (3/4) United Irish Cultural Center, San Francisco, CA

  • Inaugural WCPro Women’s Championship: Masha Slamovich defeated Sandra Moone (10:32) to become the Inaugural WCPro Women’s Championship 

While Chris Hero doesn’t fall into the realm of joshi wrestlers, there is no better person to be the official matchmaker at WCPro. His depth of wrestling knowledge and history, including the Japanese scene, is by far one of the most fascinating ones out there. I’m thrilled to see what sort of matches he’s able to throw together to help Save Wrestling. 

  • Home of the Killers (4/7) The State Room, South San Francisco, CA
    • Singles Match: Aja Kong vs. Vert Vixen
    • WCPro’s Women’s Championship: Masha Slamovich © vs. Miyu Yamashita
  • Queen of Indies (5/13) United Irish Cultural Center, San Francisco, CA
    • Announced Talent: Unagi Sayaka, Takumi Iroha, Chigusa Nagayo, Lady Apache, Dulce Tormenta, Brooke Havoc, Billie Starkz, Lady Frost, Hyan

Over in the United Kingdom/Europe

Pro-Wrestling EVE 

Current Champions

  • EVE Tag Team Championship: Laura Di Matteo & Rayne Leverkusen
  • EVE International Champion: Yuu 
  • EVE Champion: Miyu Yamashita (TJPW) 

RESULTS: Women Behaving Badly (3/8/23) 229 The Venue, London, England 

  • 6-WomanTag Match: The Uprising (Nightshade, Rhia O’Reilly & Skye Smitson) defeated Laura Di Matteo, Rayne Leverkusen & Rhio (11:40)
  • Singles Match (1/15): Nina Samuels defeated B3cca (13:53)
  • Singles Match (1/15): Millie McKenzie defeated Kasey (13:09)
  • Tag Match (1/20): Royal Aces (Jetta & Charlie Morgan)defeated Queens of Kanpai (Session Moth Martina & Sumire Natsu) (10:31)
  • Singles Match (1/15): Miyuki Takase defeated Alexxis Falcon [11] (11:09) – Takase’s EVE debut
  • EVE Championship (1/30): Miyu Yamashita (c) defeated Lizzy Evo [5] (14:42)

Riot at the Yard! (3/9) Yard Theatre, London, England 

  • Triple Threat: Lizzy Evo defeated Millie McKenzie & Rayne Leverkusen (6:57)
  • Singles Match: Riho defeated Nightshade (10:34)
  • Singles Match: Skye Smitson defeated Safire Reed (10:17)
  • Tag Match: The Ava White & Nina Samuelsd defeated Queens of Kanpai! (Session Moth Martina & Sumire Natsu) (9:23)
  • Singles Match: Miyu Yamashita © defeated Miyuki Takase (14:46)

That’s No Moonsault (4/7) The Dome London

  • Singles Match (1/15): Safire Reed vs. Kasey [9]
  • Singles Match (1/15): Rhio [2] vs. Sara Leon
  • Tag Match (1/20): Laura Di Matteo & Rayne Leverkusen © vs. The Uprising (Rhia O’Reilly & Skye Smitson)
  • EVE Tag Team Championship (1/20): Royal Aces vs. Alexxis Falcon & Lizzy Evo

Lucky 13 Anniversary Show (5/5) The Dome London; Full Card TBA

  • Singles Match: Billie Starkz vs Safire Reed 
  • Iron Woman Match EVE Championship: Miyu Yamashita © vs Millie McKenzie

Revolution Championship Wrestling (2/18) Casinet D’Hostafrancs, Barcelona, Spain

  • RCW Women’s Championship: Nightshade defeated Takumi Iroha – This was Iroha’s first match back from injury.

Monthly Match Recommendation

What I would give for a US-based promotion to work with Sendai Girls. While Ryo Mizunami is a freelancer and has appeared on AEW in recent years, I would love for some company to bring over Mika Iwata, Chihiro Hashimoto, and once she’s healthy again DASH Chisako. I finally got to experience seeing both Mizunami and Iwata live back in November, and they are two of the most passionate fighters I’ve ever seen. Plus, they’re both surprisingly good at comedy. This match was released by SenJo earlier this week in its entirety and it is from their singles match back in January. If you aren’t already a fan of both of them, I hope this match changes your mind!

  • Promotion: Sendai Girls
  • Event: Sendai Girls Step & Go
  • Special Singles Match: Ryo Mizunami vs. Mika Iwata (result)
  • Date/Location: Shinjuku FACE (1/8/2023)

Thanks for catching up with me this month! See you at the end of April with another monster monthly wrap-up!!

About Karen Peterson 120 Articles
Occasionally drops by wrestling podcasts, but remains rather elusive. Joined the Japanese wrestling fan scene in summer 2017, and continues to work on bridging the language gap between fans. Outside of wrestling, she’s a dog mom, perpetual Japanese learner, and when conditions permit, world traveler. Never skips dessert.
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