The recent buzz surrounding Stardom's imminent signing has captured the attention of wrestling fans everywhere, and it’s not just any signing—it’s one that bridges the gap between independent wrestling and the mainstream wrestling scene.
Sean Rueter, a passionate wrestling enthusiast who has been immersed in the world of professional wrestling since at least WrestleMania I, has been sharing his insights through blogs for SBNation and Cageside Seats since around WrestleMania 28. His deep dive into wrestling culture makes him a trusted voice in this community.
In their latest events, the renowned joshi (Japanese women’s wrestling) promotion, Stardom, has been dropping hints about an exciting new addition to their roster. Speculation ran rampant, with many fans speculating that the newcomer could be the former Dakota Kai. This talented performer is known not only for her skills in the ring but also for her vibrant presence as a gamer and streamer. Since parting ways with WWE last year, she has been a free agent, and her previous stint with Stardom as Evie a decade ago fueled this theory.
However, my personal guess leaned toward Mercedes Martinez possibly reviving the RETRIBUTION gimmick she previously turned down, but the longer teasers showcased someone slamming energy drinks—a clue pointing towards a certain outspoken former pop idol. This individual had a stint with Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling until last summer, enjoyed an on-again, off-again run in AEW from 2021-2023, and continues to make regular appearances for Game Changer Wrestling (GCW). Today, Stardom officially confirmed the speculation by introducing Maki Itoh during their event at Korakuen Hall.
At the event, Itoh was on her best behavior as she stood in the ring with Stardom president Taro Okada, proudly presenting her contract and sporting a new tracksuit. She expressed her excitement, saying, "After nine years in the wrestling industry, this is the first time I’ll be doing it as part of this organization. I will be joining Stardom. Nice to meet you!"
Before entering the wrestling ring, Itoh was a bona fide member of LinQ, an idol group that many in the Western world might refer to as a girl group—a genre well-known for its meticulously crafted public personas, particularly in Japan and South Korea where such groups are a significant aspect of pop culture. After her departure from LinQ in 2017, Itoh ingeniously integrated her experiences into her wrestling persona. Her character, dubbed "Cutest in the World," has a playful yet foul-mouthed edge that quickly resonated with fans, particularly online. In her home promotion, TJPW, she secured the International Princess title twice and once held the Tag belts alongside Miyu Yamashita.
Fans can look forward to seeing Maki Itoh in action for her debut match with Stardom tomorrow at Korakuen, where she will team up with Saori Anou to face opponents Aya Sakura and Sayaka Kurara.
Are you as excited as I am to see how Itoh will shake things up in Stardom? Let’s discuss in the comments—what are your thoughts on her signing and potential impact on the promotion?
