Dream Slam Monthly (Vol. 15) Women's History Mania

Miu Watanabe defeats Miyu Yamashita to become Princess of Princess Champion at TJPW's Grand Princess '24. (c) TJPW

Happy Women’s History Month, Everyone!

With the Road to Mania Week finally here, March has been a stellar month for happenings around the world in the women’s wrestling scene. WWE started out strong by announcing Bull Nakano joining the WWE 2024 HOF Class on a weekend that has a heavy influx of Japanese wrestling, including matches at WrestleMania featuring IYO SKY, Kairi Sane and Asuka.

STARDOM will finally confirm the list of company departures at the end of March, with Utami Hayashishita, MIRAI, Mai Sakurai, and Yuzuki joining Giulia in completing their contracts with the company. Over the weekend, the competitors had their final matches with the company, making for emotional send-offs for each. With April starting the new fiscal year, STARDOM will start to redefine who they are without key talents like Giulia and Utami, but the mass exodus that raised concern seemed to not be as bad as many had expected. With Mayu Iwatani, Syuri, Tam Nakano, Saya Kamitani, Maika, Mina Shirakawa, Momo Watanabe, and Starlight Kid being among the names remaining with the company, the transition moving forward will be a stable one. Earlier in the month Mayu discussed Syuri & IWGP Women’s Defense, and the match is definitely worth a watch if you haven’t yet seen it.

Finally, after months and months of speculation, Mercedes Moné is #ALLELITE. Although I had been hoping for a WWE return, I am excited to see where her AEW journey takes her, especially with the variety of talent in their women’s division. Of course, the rematch between her and Willow Nightingale is at the top of my list, but I am also interested to see who else will step forward like Serena Deeb, Toni Storm, Britt Baker, and maybe an old familiar face in Athena. The AEW/ROH section this month includes the extensive coverage of Moné’s big return at BO$$Town as the CEO.

Over the last few months, John Pollock, Brandon Thurston, and the team at POST have done extensive coverage of the continually developing situation in WWE concerning the allegations surrounding Vince McMahon. I cannot stress enough how thoughtful and respectful they have been in handling the situation. I would recommend making the time to review all their work on the topic and all the guests they’ve also invited to their programming to provide the most complete picture of the scope at the present time. One of the most recent developments is WWE’s Consensual Relationship Policy Established in 2023.

Alongside Women’s History Month, women’s health issues is one I hold near to my heart. While I do not think Maryse has had any hours wrestling in the joshi realm, a bit of good news was recently revealed as she discussed life-saving surgery Announced Medical Status Update. Women’s health issues, like Women’s History Month, should be a year-round discussion, so personal accounts like these are crucial reminders to check yourself or check on and in with your loved ones.

During WrestleMania Week, there are many fantastic shows featuring women and women’s wrestling around Philadelphia, but just across the river in New Jersey, ThrashElvania benefitting the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation will be held the morning of April 6th. As some may know, I do contribute to Pro-Wrestling Illustrated as a writer, and this event is organized by PWI’s Editor-in-Chief, Kevin McElvany, in honor of his late wife, Megan, who lost her fight to bile duct cancer last year. While it is a rare type of cancer, recently WWE’s Shozi confided that her sister is currently fighting the very same battle.

One of the precursors to the Mae Young Classic and the influx of Women’s Revolution and Evolution was the big moves that SHIMMER Women’s Athletes made. On a recent episode of REWIND-A-WAI #153 SHIMMER Women Athletes, John, and Wai talk about one of the pillars of modern women’s wrestling that doesn’t nearly get enough shine. The list of talent on the show is a Who’s Who of current-day WWE and AEW as well as international scenes of the UK, Japan, and Australia/NZ.

Tokyo Joshi Pro closed out the month with their biggest show of the year, GRAND PRINCESS ‘24, featuring Miyu Yamashita and Tokyo Princess Cup 2023 Winner Miu Yamashita, Maki Itoh taking on Minoru Suzuki, Yuka Sakazaki returning to team with Mizuki against Emi Sakura and DDT’s Chris Brookes. GP is always a fantastic showcase of all the talents in TJPW, so make the time to check it out, especially if you’re experiencing TJPW live for the first time during Mania week because they have two shows on the docket for next week!

There was a lot of noteworthy news coverage at POST, so while I highlight some here, you’re going to need to venture on into the individual sections below to get the full scope of all the great things that happened.

JoshiMania Week Shows to Watch!

With so many independent shows featuring Japanese talent and even STARDOM and TJPW descending upon Philadelphia with stand-alone shows, here’s a quick guide to everything that is going on next week. Times are listed in Eastern (Philadelphia, PA local time).

April 4th

TJPW Live in Philly (11AM ET) – available via TrillerTV; subscription required

After last year, it’s great to see TJPW return for Mania Week as part of The Collective.

Singles Match: Shoko Nakajima vs. RHIO
Singles Match: Hyper Misao vs. Billie Starkz (AEW)
Tag Match: Miyu Yamashita & Maki Itoh vs. Rika Tatsumi & Miyu Watanabe
Tag Match: Mizuki & Vert Vixen vs. Max The Impaler & Harajuku Pom
Tag Match: Suzume & Arisu Endo vs. Nao Kakuta & Zara Zakher
Tag Match: Yuki Aino & Raku vs. Yuki Kamifuku & VIVA VAN

STARDOM American Dream 2 in The Keystone State (3PM ET) – available via TrillerTV ($24.99)

This will be the first STARDOM show minus their recent departures, but much like NJPW of America, the match card is a fusion of STARDOM core talents and a variety of talents from around the independent scene. It’s a great way to introduce everyone to everything STARDOM has to offer and hopefully lead to more talent being showcased on NJPW international tours if STARDOM cannot run solo shows given their heavy touring schedule.

World of STARDOM Championship: Maika (c) vs. Megan Bayne
High Speed Championship 3-Way Battle: Mei Seira (c) vs. Ram Kaichow vs. Saki Kashima
6-Woman Tag: AZM, Saya Kamitani & Camron Branae vs. Starlight Kid, Momo Watanabe & Stephanie Vaquer (CMLL)
Tag Match: Syuri & Konami vs. Willow Nightingale (AEW) & SAKI
6-Woman Tag: Mayu Iwatani, Tam Nakano & Momo Kohgo vs. Mina Shirakawa, Mariah May (AEW) & Xia Brookside

Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport X (4PM) Penns Landing Caterers available via Triller TV (subscription required)

Personally, Bloodsport is one of my favorite Mania Week traditions, more so seeing Shayna Baszler featured against Masha Slamovich. That’s the price of admission (or viewing ticket) alone.

Singles Match: Shayna Baszler vs. Masha Slamovich at JB Bloodsport X
4-Woman Tournament featuring Lindsay Snow, Marina Shafir, Janai Kai & Lady Frost

GCW vs. The World (11:59PM*) – available via TrillerTV; subscription required

It looks like I will be trying to stay up way past my bedtime for Masha vs. Syuri because this isn’t a match that floats across our screens often! Given their hard-hitting style, I would high recommend this be part of your weekend plans.

JCW World Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs. Syuri (STARDOM)

April 5th

GCW vs. TJPW (11A) Penns Landing Caterers – available via TrillerTV

Again, GCW & TJPW are making magic happen. I love seeing partnerships like this because everyone gets the opportunity to see rare match-ups and learn more about Japanese wrestling.

6-Woman Tag Match: Maki Itoh, Rina Yamashita & Masha Slamovich vs. Yuko Aino, Shoko Nakajima & Miyu Yamashita
Tag Match: Billie Starkz (AEW) & Janai Kai vs. Rika Tatsumi & Miu Watanabe
Tag Match: Sawyer Wreck* & Allie Katch vs. Mizuki & Nao Kakuta – Wreck announced required surgery for a broken hand. This match is likely to change.
Singles Match: Shazza McKenzie vs. Arisu Endo
Singles Match: Steph De Lander vs. Hyper Misao
Singles Match: Dark Shiek vs. Yuki Kamifuku
Singles Match: Session Moth Martina vs. Raku
Singles Match: Suzume vs. Pom Harajuku

Joey Janela’s Spring Break 8 (7PM) – available via TrillerTV

Yes, there are more than two matches on this card! Much like Bloodsport Janela’s Spring Break is a Mania Week staple. Yamashita and Itoh have been regulars at GCW and these matches are ones I am excited to watch!

Tag Match: Rina Yamashita & Masha Slamovich vs. Minoru Suzuki & Masato Tanaka
Tag Match: MAKI DEATH KILL (Maki Itoh & Nick Gage) vs. Danhausen & Ram Kaichow

ROH Supercard of Honor (7PM) The Liacouras Center, Philadelphia – available via ROH HonorClub

I am excited that there are three women’s matches on this card as ROH tends to be the brand within AEW where I feel more women’s matches get featured, even if they tend to be fairly short. With Athena’s monster run with the ROH Women’s World Championship against AEW mainstay Hikaru Shida and Billie Starkz and Queen Aminata fighting to become the inaugural Women’s TV Champion, I hope that moving forward there will be a clearer separation between the two brands so the women on each get the chance to shine more. Plus, STARDOM is gliding through the Forbidden Door with a 6-woman tag showcase.

ROH Women’s World TV Championship Finals: Billie Starkz vs. Queen Aminata – decides inaugural champion
STARDOM 6-Woman Showcase: Maika, Mina Shirakawa & Mei Seira vs. Saya Kamitani, Tam Nakano & AZM – possible championship defense (see below)
ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena (c) vs. Hikaru Shida

April 6th

ThrashElvania (12P) H20 Wrestling Center, Williamston, New Jersey – Charity Event benefiting the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation; availability on IWTV (IWTV subscription exclusive)

Tag Match: Viva Van & Ava Everett w/ Leon St. Giovanni vs. Kaia McKenna & Ram Kaichow
Singles Match: Shazza McKenzie vs. Delmi Exo
Singles Match: RHIO vs. Hyan
Singles Match: Shun Skywalker vs. Kota Minoura
The Kirks’ Couples Invitational: Brandon Kirk & Kasey Catal vs. Laynie Luck & GPA
Matt Brock Scramble: Gabby Ortiz vs. Alec Price vs. Robb Radke vs. Lucas DiSangro vs. Man Like Dereiss vs. J Boujii
Action Wrestling Championship: Alex Kane (c) vs. Brian Johnson
IWTV World Tag Championships #1 Contender 4-Tag: Irving West & Ash Bennett vs. Dan Champion & Harlee Lopez vs. The Outfielders vs. Good Hand

April 7th

Spark Joshi (2PM) Monster Factory, Philadelphia, PA

In addition to their show on April 7th the team at Spark Joshi are holding a tryout featuring a panel of judges which includes Sumie Sakai, Mayu Iwatani, Konami, SAKI and Ram Kaichow. Oh, and a Japanese Legends seminar featuring Kyoko Inoue and Aja Kong!! Many talk about Rocky Romero being the key to the North American Forbidden Door, but you can’t tell me that Sumie Sakai isn’t that for the Japanese wrestling scene.

Spark Joshi Atlantic Championship: SAKI (c) vs. Vert Vixen
Spark Joshi Pacific Championship: Ram Kaichow (c) vs. X (Mystery Opponent)
3-Way Match: Kyoko Inoue vs. AZM vs. Dani Mo
Tag Match: Aja Kong & Tam Nakano vs. Mina Shinkawa & Janai Kai
Spark Joshi Tryout Tag: Team Mayu Iwatani vs. Tam Konami
Announced: Masha Slamovich, Rina Yamashita, Brittany Blake, Hyan, Starlight Kid, Sumie Sakai, & Billie Starkz

WWE WrestleMania XL (4/6-7 7PM) – streaming on Peacock & other platforms; finalized match card placement is still TBD

One of my biggest frustrations with the booking of women in WWE is how things like the Women’s Royal Rumble are hyped as equal, but then aren’t given the same platform and pomp and circumstance as the men. Bayley’s story arc with DAMAGE CTRL has been one of their consistently best women’s stories over the last year and it deserves a main event slot on one of the nights. Her challenging IYO SKY for the WWE Women’s Championship after being kicked out of her own group deserves the same gravity as Roman/Cody. Let her finish the story on the biggest stage possible. There is no mention of a battle royal or any women’s pre-show matches, but there is still the Before Mania shows this week.

WWE Women’s Championship: IYO SKY vs. Bayley
WWE Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley vs. Becky Lynch
6-Woman Tag: Asuka, Kairi Sane & Dakota Kai vs. Bianca Belair, Naomi & Jade Cardgill

Around Japan

DIANA

Current Champions

Diana Crystal Championship: Nanami
Queen Elizabeth Championship: Leon
Diana Tag Team Championship: Double Inoue (Kyoko Inoue & Takako Inoue)*
Diana World Championship: Haruka Umesaki

DIANA (3/10) Post Di Amistad

Tag Match: Nanami & Yuma Makoto defeated Miran & Mizuki Kato (10:55)
Singles Match: Miyako Matsumoto defeated Deborah K (8:19)
Singles Match: Haruka Umesaki defeated Kohaku (11:43)
World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana Tag Championship: Ayako Sato & Hanako Nakamori defeated Double Inoue (Kyoko Inoue & Takako Inoue) (c) (15:25)

Diana Unite Prominence (3/3) Seranishi Town Center, Hiroshima, Japan

Singles Match: Hiragi Kurumi defeated COHAKU (11:30)
Tag Match: Miyako Matsumoto & Mochi Natsumi defeated Ayako Sato & Deborah K (10:59)
Tag Match: Haruka Umesaki & Nao Ishikawa defeated Mizuki Kato & Yuma Makoto (16:58)
Tag Match: Jaguar Yokota, Miran & Risa Sera defeated Akane Fujita, Kyoko Inoue & Nanami (18:41)

Evolution Joshi Pro-Wrestling

EvoJo is a small women’s promotion run by Shuji Ishikawa. ZONES and Chi Chi are the two core talents. SUNNY was their third, but has taken a referee/backstage role. They typically have one show a month, but dispatch their talent to various promotions.

Evolution Vol. 12 (3/27) ShinKiba 1stRING

Singles Match: Shuji Ishikawa defeated Towa Iwasaki (13:53)
Tag Match: Dan Tamura & Hikaru Sato defeated SUSHI & Suwama (16:29)
Singles Match: Kaori Yoneyama defeated Soy (7:19)
Singles Match: ZONES defeated Chi Chi (21:14)

Ganbare Pro Wrestling

In March 2024, GPW declared their intention to leave the CyberFight group and become an independent promotion. Ganbare Joshi (GanJo) is their women’s division, but the talents also wrestle in the Openweight category and in mixed tag matches. They do not have a GanJo/Women’s championship. Led by Yuna Manase, Yoshiko Hasegawa, HARUKAZE, RAIRA, and YuuRI make for their core roster, with Moeka Haruhi and many freelancers rotating into the women’s division.

GanJo Super Darius ‘24 (3/9) Takashimadaira Kumin Center, Tokyo

Singles Match: Kaho Kobayashi defeats Banny Oikawa (9:53)
Tag Match: Alex Lee & Tyson Maeguchi defeat Riara & Shota (16:40)
Singles Match: Natsu Sumire defeats Yoshiko Hasegawa (12:54)
Tag Match: Mio Momono & Takumi Iroha defeat Yuna Manase & YuuRI (19:48)

GanPro Sportiva Vol. 1 (3/16) Sportiva Arena, Nagoya

Tag Match: Yoshiko Hasegawa & YuuRI defeat edMadeline & Mari Manji (16:18)
Singles Match: Yuna Manase defeated Sae (10:30)

GanPro 2024 True Blue (3/20) Takashimadaira Kumin Center, Tokyo

Singles Match: Yoshiko Hasegawa defeated Riara (9:34)
Tag Match: HARUKAZE & Yuna Manase defeated Bunny Oikawa & YuuRI (10:24)

TJPW x Ganbare Joshi Shuffle Date 2024 (3/22) Ueno Park Outdoor Stage, Tokyo

Tag Match: Haru Kazashiro & Mahiro Kiryu defeated Chika Nanase & Toga (9:21)
Tag Match: Rika Tatsumi, Runa Okubo & Uta Takami defeated Kira Summer, Moka Miyamoto & Wakana Uehara (12:43)
Tag Match: HARUKAZE & Kaya Toribami defeated Raku & Shino Suzuki (10:10)
Tag Match: Yuki Kamifuku & YuuRI defeated HIMAWARI & Riara (10:45)
Tag Match: Nao Kakuta & Yuna Manase defeated Shoko Nakajima & Yoshiko Hasegawa (13:33)

GanPro 2024 True Blue (3/20) Takashimadaira Kumin Center, Tokyo

Tag Match: Banny Oikawa & Yuna Manase defeated Riara & Yoshiko Hasegawa (9:10)
Tag Match: Hartley Jackson & HARUKAZE defeat Hong Kong International Police Man & Hong Kong International Police Woman (16:28)

Girls’ Pro Wrestling Unit COLOR’S

PROMINENCE is a four-woman troupe with SAKI, Rina Amikura, Yuko Sakurai & Hikari Shimizu.

Prominence X COLOR’S (3/17/24) 176BOX Osaka

Tag Match: Hiragi Kurumi & Tsubasa Kuragaki defeated Miyako Matsumoto & Momoka Hanazono (11:32)
Three Way: Akane Fujita defeated Kizuna Tanaka and Sakuran Bonita (10:06)
Tag Match: Itsuki Aoki, Kohaku & Yuki Miyazaki defeated Honoka, Kaori Yoneyama & Yuko Sakurai (11:26)
Falls Count Anywhere Hardcore: Sakura Hirota defeated Mochi Natsumi (9:16)
WAVE Tag Team Title: Risa Sera & SAKI defeated Hibiscus Mii & Ranmaru (c) (8:29)

Gatoh Move/ChocoPro

GMCP is owned by Emi Sakura. ChocoPro shows are usually streamed on their YouTube channel for free and taped in Ichigaya Chocolate Square and are usually hosted by Mei Suruga, Chie Koshikawa or Baliyan Akki. The company celebrated their fourth anniversary recently.

Gatoh Move Road To Korakuen – Sakura Days (3/13) ShinKiba 1st RING

Tag Match: Emi Sakura & Makoto defeated Erii Kanae & Sayaka (11:41)
Tag Match: Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi defeated Gaia Hox & Rekka (10:31)
Singles Match: MAO (DDT) defeated Antonio Honda (13:52)
Singles Match: Mizuki (TJPW) defeated Miya Yotsuba (12:57)
Asia Dream Tag Team Championships: BestBros (Baliyan Akki & Mei Suruga) (c) defeated Chon Shiryu & Lee Yoneyamakao and Minoru Fujita & Sayaka Obihiro and Shuichiro Katsumura & Tokiko Kirihara (17:07)

GLEAT

GLEAT has several regular roster members including MICHIKO and Maya Fukuda. Often the women compete with men in mixed tag matches in both G-PRO WRESTLING and the LIDET UWF Rules matches. They do not have a women’s championship, and many notable women’s freelancers join their shows for showcase matches.

G-PRO RESTLING VER. 71 (4/4) Shinjuku FACE

6-Person Tag: Michiko, Jun Tonsho & Yu Iizuka vs. Kaito Ishida, Kotaro Suzuki & Hartley Jackson

LIDET UWF Ver. 4 (4/17) Shinjuku FACE

Singles Match: Maya Fukuda vs. Yura Suzuki

Ice Ribbon

ICExInfinity Champion: Ibuki Hoshi*
International Ribbon Tag Team Champions: Kyuri & Mifu Ashida*
Triangle Ribbon Championship: Vacant*

Key News Points

Yuki Mashiro returns from retirement to defend the Triangle Ribbon Championship on April 6th against JTO’s Misa Kagura and Nanae Furukawa. She previously retired from in-ring competition, but did so as the Triangle Champion, and the belt had been vacant until March 23rd, shen Mashiro returned to defeat Makoto and Kaho Matsushita to regain it.
Referee Mio Shirai returns to the ring to wrestle against an elementary school trainee, Suika! She even borrowed gear from YuuRI in honor of the event.

New Ice Ribbon #1337 (3/23) Korakuen Hall

Triangle Ribbon Championship: Yuuki Mashiro defeated Kaho Matsushita and Makoto (13:20) – for vacant championship
International Ribbon Tag Team Championship: BIG DEKAI (T otoro Satsuki & Yuna Manase) defeated Kyuri & Mifu Ashida (c) (15:16)
ICExInfinity Championship: Ibuki Hoshi (c) defeats Hamuko Hoshi (2024 RIBBON-1 Tournament Winner) (23:02)

JUST TAP OUT

Their roster is less than ten participants.

JTO Girls Champion: Unagi Sayaka
Queen of JTO Champion: Tomoko Inaba – 3rd Reign

JTO (3/1) Korakuen Hall

Tag Match: HisokA, Misa Kagura & Sumika Yanagawa defeated Mizuna, Nanase & rhythm (6:53)
JTO Girls Championship: Unagi Sayaka (c) defeated Aoi (14:26)
Queen Of JTO Championship & JTO Girls Tournament 2024 Final: Tomoka Inaba defeated Azusa Inaba (19:29)

MARVELOUS

Current Champions

AAAW Championship: Mayumi Ozaki (OZ Academy)
AAAW Tag Team Championship: Magenta (Maria & Riko Kawahata)

MARVELOUS’ results are often delayed. Previously, they were holding their AAAW Tag League, and the next round of matches will be April 6th in Aichi.

AAAW Tag Contenders’ Next Round: Chikayo Nagashima & Takumi Iroha vs. Tomoko Watanabe & Mio Momono
AAAW Tag Contenders’ Next Round: Sonoko Kato & Ryo Mizunami vs. Chi Chi & ZONES (EvoJo)

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW)

Current IWGP Women’s Champion: Mayu Iwatani – next defense against Sareee (4/27) at STARDOM Grand Queendom
NJPW STRONG Women’s Champion: Stephanie Vacquer – announced for NJPW Windy City Riot (4/12) Chicago, IL

Additional News

HANAKO vs. Starlight Kid added to Wrestling World 2024 (4/14) Zepp New Taipei, Taiwan

OZ Academy

Current Champions

OZ Academy Openweight Champion: Mio Momono
OZ Academy Pioneer Championship: AKINO
OZ Academy Tag Team Championship: AGE 115 (Jaguar Yokota & Mayumi Ozaki)

OZ Academy (4/28) Shinjuku FACE

OZA Openweight & AAAW Singles Double Championship Match: Mayumi Ozaki (c; AAAW) vs. Mio Momono (c; OZA)
OZA Tag Championship #1 Contenders 3-Way: Kaori Yonyama & Momoka Hanazono vs. Sonoko Kato & Ryo Mizunami vs. Maria & Riko Kawahata (MARVELOUS
8-Woman Tag: Tsubasa Kuragaki, Rina Yamashita, Itsuko Aoki & ZONES vs. Unagi Sayaka, Maya Yukihi, Saori Anou & Kakeru
Tag Match: Jaguar Yokota & Ram Kaichow vs. Chichi & COHAKU
OZA Pioneer Championship Three Way: AKINO vs. Leon (PJ) vs. Masked Hanahana

Upcoming Schedule (Full Schedule)

PROMINENCE

PROMINENCE is a four-woman troupe with Risa Sera, Kurumi Hiiragi, Akane Fujita & Mochi Natsumi.

Volume 22: Kurenai no Koubou (3/18) ShinKiba 1st Ring, Tokyo

Three Way: Kakeru Sekiguchi and Tae Honma defeated Miyako Matsumoto (10:46)
Tag Match: Hartley Jackson & Maika Ozaki defeated Hiragi Kurumi & Takahiro Katori (12:45)
Hardcore Tag Team: Takayuki Ueki & Toshiyuki Sakuda defeated Akane Fujita & Yuki Miyazaki (12:54)
Hardcore: Mochi Natsumi vs. Violento Jack (11:41) – No Contest
Death: Chris Brookes defeated Risa Sera (19:53)

Volume 23: PROMINENCE’s 2nd Anniversary Show (4/23) ShinKiba 1st Ring, Tokyo

Singles Match: Kaho Matsushita vs. Nao Ishikawa
Hardcore 6-Person Match: Violento Jack, Hartley Jackson & Kaori Yoneyama vs. Mochi Natsumi, Takayuki Ueki& Toshiyuki Sakuda
Lighttube DeathMatch: Takashi Sasaki vs. Risa Sera

PURE-J

PURE-J uploads lots of free matches on their YouTube page.

Current Champions

Daily Sports Tag Team Champions: Momo Tani & Rydeen Hagane*
Princess of Pro-Wrestling Champion: Sumika Yanagawa
PURE-J Openweight Championship: Hanako Nakamori (5th reign)

On April 7th they are holding a tournament for the inaugural Kansai Survival Revolution Championship (KSR) with talent participating from 2Point5 in Osaka.

KSR First Round Match: Blanca Maho (2.5) vs. Crea (PJ)
KSR First Round Match: Chie Ozora (PJ) vs. Super W (2.5)
KSR First Round Match: AKARI (PJ) vs. Flying Penguin (2.5)
KSR First Round Match: Miyuki Takase vs. Momo Tani (PJ)

SEAdLINNNG

SEAdLINNNG tends to have one show monthly, but talents often work with other promotions.

Current Champions

SEAdLINNNG Beyond the Sea Championship: Sareee
SEAdLINNNG Beyond the Sea Tag Championships: Vacant*

Shin-Kiba Series 2024 Vol. 2 (3/15) ShinKiba 1stRING

Singles Match: Natsu Sumire defeats Ka Kedita (10:04)
High Speed Three Way: La Pidita defeats Ayame Sasamura and Sya (8:16)
Tag Match: Crea, Hiroyo Matsumoto & Itsuki Aoki defeat Misa Kagura, Miyuki Takase & Sareee (17:06)
SEAdLINNNG Beyond The Sea Tag Team Championship: Makoto & Nagisa Nozaki defeated Maya Yukihi & VENY (22:18)

Upcoming 2024 Schedule (Full Schedule)

SEAdLINNNG (4/21/24) Korakuen Hall
SEAdLINNNG (5/17/24) ShinKiba 1st Ring
SEAdLINNNG (6/12/24) Shinjuku FACE
SEAdLINNNG 9th Anniversary Show (8/23/24) Korakuen Hall
SEAdLINNNG (9/10/24) ShinKiba 1st Ring
SEAdLINNNG (10/2/24) Shinjuku FACE
SEAdLINNNG (11/20/24) ShinKiba 1st Ring
SEAdLINNNG Final Show of 2024 (12/27/24) Korakuen Hall

SENDAI GIRLS

Founded by Meiko Satomura, SenJo is located in north central Japan in Miyagi Prefecture. Recently, Sendai Girls has been added to the Wrestle Universe platform for streaming some of their events. They also upload lots of free matches on their YouTube channel.

Current Champions

Sendai Girls World Champion: Mika Iwata
Sendai Girls World Tag Championships: Reiwa Ultima Powers (DASH Chisako & Hiroyo Matsumoto)*
Sendai Girls Junior Championship: Vacant

Sendai Girls (3/17) ShinKiba 1st RING

Sendai Girls Tag Team Title: Manami & Ryo Mizunami defeated Reiwa Ultima Powers (DASH Chisako & Hiroyo Matsumoto) (c) (21:16)

STARDOM

Current Champions

High-Speed Champion: Mei Seira
Future of STARDOM Champion: Rina
Artists of STARDOM Champion: God’s Eye (Syuri, MIRAI & Ami Sohrei)*
New Blood Tag Team Champions: Saya Iida & Hanan
Goddesses of STARDOM Champion: AphroditE (Utami Hayashishita & Saya Kamitani)*
Wonder of STARDOM Champion: Saori Anou
World of STARDOM Champion: Maika

When recording the NJPW New Japan Cup finals review with Bruce Lord, confirmation of who was slated to leave STARDOM finally came out, so we talked about it as well as the 19-year-old Young Lioness Hanan, winning the 2024 Cinderella Tournament.

This past weekend, STARDOM allowed the departing talents to have their last requests honored and send off matches.

STARDOM PPV (3/30) Sendai PIT, Miyagi

On their way out, MIRAI and Utami would take the losses for their teams in their championship matches. The show featured both days livestream via PPV.

Rian Debut Match: Starlight Kid defeated Rian (9:30) – moonsault press/pin
Yuzuki – STARS 60-second Match Gauntlet Match [0:5:1] (5:58)
- Mayu Iwatani, Momo Kohgo, Koguma, Hazuki & Hanan – TLD (1:00) each
- Saya Iida – Loss (0:58)
Artists of STARDOM Championships: Empress Nexus Venus (Maika, Mina Shirakawa & Xena) defeated God’s Eye (Ami Sourei, MIRAI & Syuri) (c) (17:35) – Xena pinned MIRAI after Thunder Strike
Goddesses of STARDOM Championships: Crazy Star (Mei Seira & Suzu Suzuki) defeated Queen’s Quest (Saya Kamitani & Utami Hayashishita) (c) (18:53) – Suzuki pinned Hayashishita with a German Suplex

STARDOM PPV (3/31) Yamagata

Giulia’s Last Match: Giulia vs. Suzu Suzuki (15:00) – Time Limit Draw
Mai Sakurai’s Last Match: Tam Nakano defeated Mai Sakurai
MIRAI’s Last Match: God’s Eye (5-Minute Matches) Gauntlet vs/
- Ranna Yagami – Win (MIRAMARE Shock/Pin)
- Ami Sohrei – (5:00) Time Limit Draw
- Saki Kashima – Loss (Kishikaisei in 0:12) & Loss (2:59 using the Reversed Kishikaisei)
- Syuri – (5:00) Time Limit Draw
Utami’s Last Match: OedoTai (Natsuko Tora, Starlight Kid, Momo Watanabe, Ruaka & Rina) defeated Queen’s Quest (Utami Hayashishita, AZM, Saya Kamitani, Lady C & Miyu Amasaki) (22:25) – Watanabe pinned Hayashishita with Peach Sunrise

Key News from March 2024

After their American Dream Show on April 4th, the focus will be ALL STAR GRAND QUEENDOM 2024 (4/27) at Yokohama BUNTAI. The show card will likely be announced after their US dates in April.

Upcoming BIG Tournaments & Events

STARDOM American Dream in The Keystone State (4/4) 2300 Arena
ALL STAR GRAND QUEENDOM 2024 (4/27) Yokohama BUNTAI

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

International Princess Champion: Yuki Arai*
Princess of Princess Champion: Miyu Yamashita (4th Reign)*
Princess Tag Team Champions: Ryo Mizunami & Yuki Aino*

News for March 2024

Saki Akai on Wrestling & Retirement Timing
Juria Nagano retiring April 13th – post-Mania Week
Nao Kakuta to retire in July

TJPW Grand Princess ’24 (3/31) Ryogoku Kokugikan

Tag Match: Haru Kazashiro, Runa Okubo & Uta Takami defeated Chika Nanase, Kira Summer & Shino Suzuki (7:43)
Ami Yumoto & Nao Kakuta defeated HIMAWARI & Mahiro Kiryu (8:52)
Tag Match: Pom Harajuku & Raku defeated Andreza Giant Panda & Kaya Toribami (w/Haruna Neko) (8:38)
Tag Match: Juria Nagano & Moka Miyamoto defeated Toga & Wakana Uehara (11:11)
Singles Match: Masha Slamovich defeated Rika Tatsumi (10:35)
Tag Match: Aja Kong & Max The Impaler defeated Kyoraku Kyomei (Hyper Misao & Shoko Nakajima) (12:39)
Singles Match: Minoru Suzuki defeated Maki Itoh(18:01)
Tag Match: Magical Sugar Rabbits (Mizuki & Yuka Sakazaki) defeat Chris Brookes & Emi Sakura (15:43)
International Princess Championship: Yuki Arai (c) defeated Yuki Kamifuku (11:28) – V2
Princess Tag Championship: Daisy Monkey (Arisu Endo & Suzume) defeated Ryo Mizunami & Yuki Aino (c) (15:57)
Princess Of Princess Championship: Miu Watanabe (2023 Tokyo Princess Cup Winner) defeated Miyu Yamashita (c) (20:07)

Earlier in March, Miyu Yamashita announced that like last summer, she would be taking two months to go to the United States once more starting in April. Expect her to be all over the country if her schedule last summer was any indication.

WAVE

Current Champions

Regina Di WAVE Championship: Yuki Miyazaki*
WAVE Tag Team Championship: SAKI & Risa Sera*

WAVE NAMI 1 (3/1) Shinjuku FACE

World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana Queen Elizabeth Title Three Way: Sakura Hirota defeated Kyoko Inoue (c) and Yuki Miyazaki (13:41)

WAVE Osaka Rhapsody Vol. 60 (3/17) 176BOX Osaka

Tag Match: Itsuki Aoki & Kohaku defeated Hiragi Kurumi & Mochi Natsumi (14:04)
Singles Match: Tsubasa Kuragaki defeated Kizuna Tanaka (10:08)
Singles Match: Momoka Hanazono defeated Honoka (10:19)
WAVE Tag Team Title: Risa Sera & SAKI (c) defeated Hibiscus Mii & Ranmaru (0:07)
WAVE Tag Team Title: Hibiscus Mii & Ranmaru defeated Risa Sera & SAKI (c) (0:09) – TITLE CHANGE !!!
WAVE Tag Team Title: Hibiscus Mii & Ranmaru (c) defeated Risa Sera & SAKI (8:09)
World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana Queen Elizabeth Championship: Kaori Yoneyama defeated Cherry and Sakura Hirota (c) (10:02)
Regina Di WAVE Title: Yuki Miyazaki (c) defeated Yuko Sakurai (16:06)

Closing

With the abundance of women’s wrestling available in the coming week, this month’s match recommendation homework is simply supporting women’s wrestling, especially the smaller, independent shows. Please tell me which matches you liked!

MARCH 2024 Coverage at POST

Podcast: POST PURORESU (2/29) w/ WH Park
Written: NJPW Anniversary Show (3/6)
Podcast: NJPW New Japan Cup 2024 Final & STARDOM Cinderella Tournament (2/11) w/ Bruce Lord

APRIL 2024 Coverage at POST

Written: STARDOM American Dream 2 in the Keystone State (4/4)
Written: NJPW Sakura Genesis (4/6)
Podcast: POST PURORESU (4/11) w/ WH Park
Podcast: NJPW Windy City Riot (4/13) w/ Bruce Lord
Written: STARDOM All-Star Grand Queendom (4/27)
Written: Dream Slam Monthly April 2024 (4/28)

Arrivederci! Mata, na!