The recent announcement from Stardom has set the wrestling world abuzz with speculation and excitement! The anticipation surrounding their newest signing has captured the attention of fans both in the AEW (All Elite Wrestling) community and among indie wrestling aficionados.
Sean Rueter, a dedicated wrestling enthusiast and blogger since at least WrestleMania I, has been sharing insights about the sport for platforms like SBNation and Cageside Seats since WrestleMania 28. With years of observing the evolution of wrestling, his opinions often bring fresh perspectives to the table.
Stardom, a notable promotion in the realm of joshi (Japanese women’s wrestling), has been hinting at a significant new addition during their recent events. Initially, many speculated that this mystery signing could be Dakota Kai, a well-known wrestler who has enjoyed a successful run as a gamer and streamer. Kai, who has been a free agent since last year, previously wrestled for Stardom under the ring name Evie before joining WWE.
But here’s where it gets interesting! While I personally entertained the idea that Mercedes Martinez might be bringing back her RETRIBUTION character to Japan, the clues provided by Stardom pointed towards a different direction. The teasers included scenes of an energetic individual downing energy drinks, which led many to think of Maki Itoh, a colorful figure in the wrestling scene known for her vibrant personality. Itoh, who had a stint with Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling until last summer, is recognized for her dynamic presence and engaging style. She also had a memorable, albeit sporadic, run in AEW from 2021 to 2023 and continues to make waves with her appearances in Game Changer Wrestling (GCW).
Today, on January 10th, Stardom confirmed the speculation by unveiling Maki Itoh during their show at Korakuen Hall, much to the delight of fans. Itoh was seen in a fresh tracksuit, alongside Stardom president Taro Okada, and expressed her enthusiasm about joining the organization. "After nine years in professional wrestling, this marks my first time as part of this esteemed promotion. I am thrilled to officially join Stardom. It’s great to meet everyone!"
Before stepping into the wrestling ring, Itoh was a member of LinQ, an idol group known for their polished and curated image—something that resonates deeply within the pop culture landscape of Japan and South Korea. After her departure from the group in 2017, Itoh creatively fashioned her wrestling persona, which features her signature 'Cutest in the World' character that pairs an adorable appearance with a fierce knack for colorful language. This unique blend has quickly won over fans, particularly in the online community.
In her tenure with Tokyo Joshi Pro, Itoh twice claimed their secondary championship, the International Princess title, and once held the Tag Team titles alongside Miyu Yamashita.
Tomorrow marks a significant milestone for Itoh as she makes her debut match for Stardom at Korakuen, joining forces with Saori Anou to take on opponents Aya Sakura and Sayaka Kurara.
Are you as excited as I am to see how this new chapter unfolds? What are your thoughts on Itoh's transition to Stardom, and how do you think her unique background will influence her performance? Drop your opinions in the comments!
