At a press conference at CyberFIght headquarters earlier today, Tokyo Joshi Pro wrestler Yoshiko Hasegawa announced she will leave the promotion and retire in July, specifically at the 7/8 event at Shinjuku Face in Tokyo. It’s been about a year since Hasegawa left Ganbare Pro and joined TJPW after a short time as a freelancer. No hints dropped as to a potential retirement match but Hasegawa did say she wanted to challenge Suzume for the International Princess Championship before then. That depends on what happens in the US next month.
Hasegawa is the oldest member of TJPW at 38, having not debuted until she was 32 in November 2019 and then was forced to retire in early 2021 due to a major injury. She returned in 2022 with Ganbare and stayed with them until about a year ago when she became a freelancer before joining TJPW.
Category: Uncategorized
Injury Report: Nono Momo
Stardom has tended to be really vague about injuries lately, and they’re at it again with the latest headed to the sidelines-Momo Watanabe. Unspecified injury. Out indefinitely but at least the next event which is, not counting tomorrow’s NEW BLOOD event, Saturday. Updates to follow.
DDT 3/26/25 Results
/DDT ran the first half of a midweek doubleheader in Tokyo today.
Today’s event was held at Ueno Park Outdoor Stage in Tokyo and will be available on demand on WRESTLE UNIVERSE Saturday. There was no live broadcast.
The paid attendance was not announced.
There were several changes to the card due to the last-second removal of Kazuma Sumi. The always-vague poor health.
Match 1: Shishamo Power beat Yuni.
Match 2: MJ Paul & Illusion beat Takeshi Masada & JJ Fano. Paul pinned Fano after a reverse splash.
Match 3: Kazuki Hirata won a Falls Count Anywhere Blindfold Bunkhouse Scramble Elimination Match, last eliminating Antonio Honda. Order of elimination: HARASHIMA DQ’d, Chris Brookes DQ’d, Danshoku Dieno DQ’d, Honda by Hirata.
Match 4: Jun Akiyama & Yuya Koroku beat Takuya Nomura & Tomomitsu Matsubaga. Koroku pinned Matsunaga after Transformed Triangle Lancer.
Match 5: In a Cherry Blossom Viewing King Of Drunk Qualifying Battle Royal, the “winners” as the last 2 left were Daisuke Sasaki & MAO. Order of elimination: Kazusada Hoguchi DQ’d, Takao Soma DQ’d, Yukio Naya DQ’d, Shunma Katsumata by Sasaki, Yuki Ueno by Sasaki, Yuki Ishida by Sasaki.
Main Event: Fuminori Abe beat Keigo Nakamura.
The next event is tomorrow. There will be no live broadcast. On demand scheduled for Sunday.
BREAKING: Another Stardom Star Possibly Leaving Promotion (Updated x3)
Stardom might be on the verge of another talent exodus. With Tam Nakano now gone and being a freelancer and possibly Saya Kamitani at the end of next month (depending what happens on 4/27), Tokyo Sports Mina Shirakawa is now leaving after next weekend. Her contract is reportedly expiring and she gave notice at the end of 2024 that she would move on even though she was announced already for Stardom’s April US events. The rumors suggest she’ll head back to the US and possibly All Elite Wrestling. No official word from Stardom on this yet.
UPDATE: Stardom has a press conference scheduled for tomorrow at 2 AM PT/5 AM ET so we may find our more then. It will be streamed live FOR FREE on YouTube.
UPDATE 2: The press conference confirmed it. Shirakawa was there and announced she is leaving Stardom for AEW.
UPDATE 3: Tokyo Sports reports Shirakawa’s final Stardom match will be on 4/6. Stardom has also confirmed the above news.
Ganbare Pro 3/16/25 Results
Ganbare Pro held their latest event last week in Tokyo.
The event was held at Takashimadaira Community Center in Tokyo and can be watched on demand on WRESTLE UNIVERSE.
The announced paid attendance was 138.
Match 1: Shodai Kawakami beat Shota Oto. This was Kawakami’s first career win. It was also announced he would face Shota (different one) in his 1st Anniversary natch on 5/5.
Match 2: Yuna Manase, YuuRI & Bunny Oikawa beat Hanako Nakamori, Moeka Haruhi & HARUKAZE. YuuRI pinned Harukaze after a swanton bomb. Afterwards, HARUKAZE announced she will be going on an indefinite hiatus after the 5/5 event. The promotion reported she recently began working for her father outside the ring and thus it’s too much to balance that and wrestling. She will still appear as a staff member when circumstances permit.
Match 3: Shinichiro Tominaga & Rekka beat Takuya Wada & PSYCHO. Tominaga pinned Wada after JK.
Match 4: Ken Ohka beat Tyson Maeguchi.
Match 5: Shuichiro Katsumura, Yuki Kanzaki & Munetatsu Nakamura beat Keisuke Ishii, Shinnaba (?) & Zhao Yunzulong (?). Nakamura pinned Zhao with a German suplex hold.
Main Event: Spirit Of Ganbare World Openweight Cganpion Yumehito Imanari beat Fuminori Abe to retain the title. V3 for Imanari. Next up: Tominaga. That match will happen at the next event on 4/11.
The next event is the promotion’s 12th Anniversary event on 4/11 at Korakuen Hall. Broadcast plans TBA. At this time there is no live broadcast scheduled
Dragon Gate 3/24/25 Results (Updated)
Dragon Gate held a Shun Skywalker Produced event in Tokyo today separate from the current tour, which also featured some New Japan participation.
Today’s event was held at Shinjuku Face in Tokyo and can be watched on demand on DRAGONGATE NETWORK (includes Japanese commentary).
The paid attendance has not yet been announced. (UPDATE: The announced paid attendance was 546, a super full house/very near sellout)
Pre-show match: YAMATO, JACKY KAMEI & Dragon Dia vs. Kzy, Hyo & Madoka Kikuta went to a no contest. Z-Brats interference.
Match 1: Diamante (Luis Mante, who was masked until losing his mask in 2023) & TBA, revealed at match time to be the returning from injury Dragon Kid, beat ISHIN & Yoshiki Kato. Mante pinned ISHIN after Pertigre.
Match 2: Masked Z beat Riiita by DQ. Unmasked.
Match 3: Gianni Valetta beat Shuji Ishikawa by countout. But it looked like a double countout. Apparently Shun Skywalker changed the rules. (UPDATE: That was the case. Countout was only allowed for Valetta)
Intermission.
Match 4: Taiji Ishimori & TBA (New Japan), revealed at match time to be SANADA, beat KAI & Jason Lee by DQ. KAI DQ’d. Guitar use fake out.
Main Event: BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi (New Japan) beat Shun Skywalker, Kota Minoura & Homare. BUSHI pinned Skywalker. Z-Brats attempted foreign object use on Takagi backfired.
The next event is Saturday at Kirameki Minatokan in Fukui with the final Rey De Parejas prelims. There will be no live or on demand broadcast, but the Rey De Parejas matches will be made available on demand FOR FREE on YouTube at some point after the event.
Stardom News: 4/27 Title Matches Announced, More
After this weekend’s events in Okinawa, Stardom has announced additional title matches for their 4/27 event at Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, likely their biggest event of the year:
After successfully defending the Goddesses Of Stardom Championship, Hanan & Saya Iida didn’t wait for a challenger to emerge. Instead Hanan chose the next challengers-Hazuki & Koguma, who will look to become 3-time champions.
Also announced is IWGP Women’s Champion Mayu Iwatani vs. Syuri for the title. Unless something unexpected happens before then, it means Iwatani’s reign will pass 2 years (she won the title on 4/23/2023) as she goes for a 10th successful defense.
Also, effective immediately I will no longer be doing live results for Stardom events going forward. Based on persistent technical issues with Stardom World and an overabundance of overpriced PPVs (FIVE just this month), I have cancelled my monthly paid subscription. However, if schedules allow I may do live results for their April US events as those likely will be available on Triller/FITE (it depends on my work schedule-if they are on a Monday, Friday or weekend I can watch live). Also not affected are NEW BLOOD events as these are available only on YouTube.
Injury Report: The To-y Is Still Broken
Injuries are piling up again for DDT despite some pending returns (Kazusada Higuchi is back after an extended absence and Naomi Yoshimura returns in April after being out over 2 1/2 years), an update came out today not for the serious injury to Masa Takanashi (a big focus among the roster at yesterday’s event as many post-match promos/comments focused on him) but to the also-injured To-y. Unspecified injury which kept him out last week, still don’t know what it is but he is now out at least another week, That means he is now off Wednesday & Thursday. Several changes have been made to both events.
Sumo-March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament Day 15 Results (Final Day) (3/23/2025)
Here are the quick results from today’s Day 15-the Final Day-of the March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita, Sd-Sandanme, Jd-Jonidan, Jk-Jonokuchi
Makuuchi (top tier):
Onokatsu (M12) beat Shirokuma (M17)
Midorifuji (M11) beat Mitakeumi (M17)
Kotoshoho (M16) beat Endo (M9)
Hakuoho (M9) beat Asakoryu (M16)
Ryuden (M14) beat Oshoma (M8)
Sadanoumi (M15) beat Atamifuji (M8)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Shishi (M13)
Shodai (M7) beat Nishikigi (M10)
Kinbozan (M5) beat Shonannoumi (M10)
Ichiyamamoto (M4) beat Takarafuji (M12)
Ura (M5) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Meisei (M11) beat Chiyoshoma (M2)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Takanosho (M3)
Wakamotoharu (M1) beat Takerufuji (M6)
Wakatakakage (M1) beat Hiradoumi (M6)
Takayasu (M4) beat Abi (K)
Kirishima (K) beat Tokihayate (M18)
Aonishiki (M15) beat Oho (S)
Churanoumi (M14) beat Daieisho (S)
Onosato (O) beat Kotozakura (O). PLAYOFF!!!
Playoff: Onosato beat Takayasu. ONOSATO YUSHO!!! The 3rd career Emperor’s Cup for Onosato!
CHAMPION: Onosato (12-3)
Of note: He did his part first despite a HENKA! by Abi, but…once again, SO CLOSE! And yet so painfully far away…NINTH runner-up finish in the top tier for Takayasu and still no championship for the former Ozeki. Happy for Onosato because now he’s on Yokozuna Watch in May but again gutted for Takayasu. But he made it through all 15 days healthy and when he’s in that state, he does very well at 35 and he’ll be back. He could be back in Sanyaku but it depends on space because while Abi & Oho will be demoted (the latter possibly to M1) Kirishima and both the Wakas clinched promotion so Kirishima will at least stay Komusubi while Wakamotoharu & Wakatakakage should move up again and Daieisho will stay Sekiwake. I think Takayasu gets back to Komusubi. As for Onosato, if he can repeat or improve on this in May we could be looking at two Yokozuna active for the first time in quite some time. With regards to Daieisho, his loss means his unofficial magic number for Ozeki Watch in May is 13, which would get him to the supposed win threshold for consideration for promotion. But his chances are better if he can win the championship. Another big question mark is are we maybe seeing the end of Mitakeumi? He could complete a dramatic fall from Ozeki to Juryo as he is in danger of demotion below the top tier for the first time in nearly 10 years-the last time he was below the top tier was September 2015. No double-digit finishes since Ozeki promotion either.
Elsewhere, it was a very happy birthday for Aonishiki, as the birthday boy finished his top tier rookie effort with a showcase win to end with 11, a runner-up finish AND his first Special Prize. Churanoumi also became the first rikishi from Okinawa to win a Special Prize as he earned FIghting Spirit with his win.
SPECIAL PRIZES:
Outstanding Performance (best record with most wins vs. Yokozuna & Ozeki): None. Largely because both Abi & Ichiyamamoto didn’t meet criteria
Fighting Spirit (most wins and best display of fighting spirit): Aonishiki, Churanoumi. Tokihayate would have won this with a victory
Technique (best display of technique): Takayasu
Juryo:
Mita (Ms4) beat Otsuji (J14)
Tsurugisho (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J9)
Daiamami (Ms2) beat Hokutofuji (J8) by default/withdrawal
Kazekeno (J13) beat Kotoeiho (J7)
Mitoryu (J6) beat Hatsuyama (J13)
Kusano (J14) beat Fujiseiun (J5)
Tomokaze (J7) beat Nabatame (J5)
Hidenoumi (J6) beat Oshoumi (J4)
Shiden (J4) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Tochitaikai (J3) beat Shimanoumi (J10)
Roga (J3) beat Wakaikari (J9)
Daiseizen (J10) beat Kayo (J2)
Wakanosho (J11) beat Kagayaki (J1)
Hakuyozan (J8) beat Tamashoho (J1)
CHAMPION: Kusano (14-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Hokutofuji (J8). Knee. Injured during Day 14 match. Rumors are he will be demoted to Makushita after a 3-12 finish for the first time in about a decade so this could be career-threatening. Daiamami got the fusen as a result, plus a potential promotion back to Juryo.
Of note: After his absolute domination and winning by 3 wins over the field, the only question now for Kusano is whether or not he makes the top tier in May. Based on numbers, it’s a definite toss-up. At least 3 from the top tier will or may be demoted and Roga will be promoted back up (11-4 at J3), Tamashoho is going up (8-7 at J1), Kayo is a maybe (9-6 at J2). So at best he does, at worst he’s J1. Here’s how close it would have been without Kusano-Roga’s 11-4 would have won it and only one other wrestler-Hidenoumi-even managed 10 wins. Elsewhere, the only sure thing is Otsuji and Kiryuko (mid-tournament withdrawal, finished essentially 2-13 at J12) will be demoted while Hokutofuji is a possibility-that would be the first time in 9 years should it happen.
Miyagi will be promoted to Juryo from Makushita while Mita has a chance as does champion Oshoryu (but it’s a big jump from Ms28 so it will come down to a spot being available as Daiamami has a return chance along with Mudoho, although both were only 4-3. Akua also has a chance after 6-1 at Ms6).
TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:
Makuuchi: Onosato (O). 3rd career top tier championship
Juryo: Kusano (J14). 1st career championship
Makushita: Oshoryu (Ms28). 4th career championship, 1st Makushita
Sandanme: Asanoyama (Sd21). 5th career championship, 2nd Sandanme
Jonidan: Daikisho (Jd4). 2nd career championship, 1st Jonidan, 2nd consecutive
Jonokuchi: Chiyotenfu (Jk7). 1st career championship
The next tournament is 5/11-5/25 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. The Banzuke will be announced on 4/28. We’ll get early ranking news/hints and more later this week.
Tokyo Joshi Pro 3/23/25 Results & News (Updated x2)
Tokyo Joshi Pro kicked off the spring 2025 house show tour today in Yokohama, the first event after GRAND PRINCESS ’25, with lots of news coming out of it.
Today’s event was held at Yokohama Radiant Hall in Yokohama and can be watched on demand on WRESTLE UNIVERSE.
The announced paid attendance was 258, a super full house/very near sellout.
Match 1: Mahiro Kiryu beat Ivy Steele.
Match 2: Rika Tatsumi beat HIMAWARI & Neko Haruna in a 3-way by pinning both together.
Match 3: Raku & Pom Harajuku beat Yoshiko Hasegawa & Chika nanase. Raku pinned Nanase after Doctor Yellow.
Match 4: Yuki Kamifuku & Wakana Uehara beat Haru Kazashiro & Toga. Uehara beat Toga with Banana Pillow.
Match 5: Suzume & Arisu Endo beat Maki Itoh & Mifu Ashida. Suzume pinned Ashida after Ring A Bell.
Match 6: Shoko Nakajima & Hyper Misao beat Miu Watanabe & Uta Takami. Nakajima pinned Takami with a Northern Lights suplex hold.
Main Event: Mizuki, Miyu Yamashita & Kaya Toribami beat Yuki Aino, Moka Miyamoto & Shino Suzuki. Yamashita pinned Suzuki after Skull Kick.
During the event, the promotion announced that all 3 titles will be defended at their upcoming USA event on 4/18 in Las Vegas, NV as part of The Collective 2025. First up, the Princess Of Princess Championship and, much to my delight, Mizuki’s second reign might be ending soon because next up is Yamashita, going for an unprecedented 5th reign. There also will be an International Princess Championship match as Suzume will defend against Jada Stone, one of the many top prospects who came to Japan in the last couple years and made an immediate massive impact. Finally, the Princess Tag Team Championship match will be Shoko Nakajima & Hyper Misao defending the titles against Yuki Kamifuku & Wakana Uehara, and Uehara revealed they have come up with quite the name for their pairing-Ober Eats. Yeah, a play on Uber Eats and Uehara’s love of good food. The rest of the card is TBA with one exception-already announced before was Miu Watanabe vs. Masha Slamovich. Most of the roster is already set for this event-not participating are Haru Kazashiro, Chika Nanase, Kira Summer, Toga and Neko Haruna. More outside/international participation is also TBA but Max The Impaler and WWE ID prospect Zara Zakher are also confirmed.
The next event is “Yuki Arai’s Last Two-Sword Style-Go For The Victory!” Saturday at Chunichi Hall in Nagoya, the first half of a doubleheader coinciding with Arai’s final performances with SKE48. In addition to being in a 10-woman tag match, Arai will be part of a mini-live performance with Up Up Girls. Live streaming on WRESTLE UNIVERSE will begin Friday at 8 PM PT/11 PM ET.
In other news, it was announced that the final Yuki Arai SKE48 performance on 3/30 will be available live and on demand as a PPV on WRESTLE UNIVERSE. The event, to be held at Chunichi Hall, is scheduled to have 3 TJPW matches (TBA) and Arai’s final performance with her SKE48 teammates, which is scheduled to run 90 minutes. The PPV is available for pre-order for 3000 Japanese yen (around $20 US), but if you are a monthly paid WRESTLE UNIVERSE member you only pay 2500 yen (around $17 US). The event will be available to watch on demand until 4/6 at 10 PM PT/4/7 at 1 AM ET and can be purchased until 24 hours prior. Start time (scheduled to include a pre-show) is Saturday at 11:20 PM PT/2:20 AM ET. After this performance Arai will be joining TJPW full-time going forward but will be taking a break for most of April, however she will be part of the USA event.
Elsewhere, you may remember the plan for the SETUP All-Asia Championship after GRAND PRINCESS ’25 was for the champion coming out to next defend against the winner of a match in Thailand between Matcha & Alexis Lee in the near-future. No longer the case. TJPW announced that NEW Champion Raku will instead defend first against Nor Phoenix Diana, a wrestler from Malaysia. That match will happen on 5/5 at Osaka Prefectural Gym 2 in Osaka. Diana competes in Malaysia promotion APAC Wrestling and is said to be among the top women wrestlers in Southeast Asia along with Lee & Matcha, She is 25 and has 9 years experience. Diana will also compete on the 5/3 event in Saitama.
UPDATE: In non-event news, the promotion now has its own unique website separate from DDT’s website as the former website is being shut down in favor of unique websites for both. Effective immediately, the new TJPW website URL is https://www.tjpw.jp/
UPDATE 2: You will also be able to watch Friday’s event FOR FREE on YouTube, but only the live broadcast (no on demand).
