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🧭 JOSHI PURO EXPLORER 2026 - No.2

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Welcome to the 2nd issue of the Joshi Puro Explorer. A weekly match pack series exploring the world of Joshi Puroresu (Japanese Women's Pro-Wrestling) for everyone. Every week, there will be a match for y'all to watch for each week day with a little write-up about the background. You can also choose to watch all of these in one sitting if you wish. I will also include a bonus match at the end of the week, so stay tuned for that.

Match length is indicated by three different "trail" categories:

Special thanks to Ruki and Orbiit for helping out on the match picks this week.

THIS WEEK'S COURSE

The entire course is available to view on the Archive.

MONDAY (月)

Syuri [朱里] vs. Suzu Suzuki [鈴季すず]
(STARDOM 5★STAR GP 2023 - Day 1)

The first ever singles meeting between the former World Of Stardom champion aiming to regain greatness Syuri, versus a new star chasing everything Suzu Suzuki. Suzu had just left the death match unit Prominence and entered her 2nd 5STAR Grand Prix as a lone wolf, fired up to win it all. But a great challenge confronts her right at the opening night.

TUESDAY (火)

Shoko Nakajima [中島翔子] vs. Emi Sakura [さくらえみ]
(TJPW WRESTLE PRINCESS V)

TJPW original Shoko Nakajima goes against long-time veteran and trainer Emi Sakura whom she has a long personal relationship with for the first time ever.

WEDNESDAY (水)

Mayu Iwatani [岩谷麻優], Mika Iwata [岩田美香], Mio Momono [桃野美桜]
vs.
Takumi Iroha [彩羽匠], Miyuki Takase [高瀬みゆき], Utami Hayashishita [林下詩美]
(NOAH UNIVERSE MAGIC 2026)

A very random all-star trios match with representatives from MARIGOLD, SENDAI GIRLS, and Marvelous on both teams.

THURSDAY (木)

DASH Chisako [DASH・チサコ] vs. Momo Watanabe [渡辺桃]
(SENDAI GIRLS In Korakuen Hall)

Oedo Tai's Momo Watanabe tests her hardcore abilities against the Hardcore Queen herself. While Momo has used weapons in her matches previously (including the hardcore match against Maika during their best of 3), she's not quite as experienced in an hardcore environment as DASH Chisako.

FRIDAY (金)

Mio Momono [桃野美桜] & Starlight Kid [スターライト・キッド]
vs.
Mei Hoshizuki [星月芽依] & AZM [あずみ]
(Marvelous 5th Anniversary)

A mixed high speed tag match that Chigusa Nagayo happily put together in collaboration with STARDOM for the 5th anniversary of Marvelous. Not the 1st time for Mei Hoshizuki (now known as Mei Seira) & AZM teaming up, but it was for SLK & Mio.

BONUS MATCH #1

Mei Suruga [駿河メイ] vs. Rina Yamashita [山下りな]
(ChocoPro #472: Game Changer)

On July 18 2025, Mei Suruga defeated Miya Yotsuba on her 9th successful defense as Super Asia champion. Mei's next defense in her long reign was already decided. It was going to be Rina Yamashita. Rina has always been enamored by this promotion ever since she got her 1st opportunity to wrestle in the Choco Square almost 5 years ago. That same match was also the first time she had fought Mei Suruga. Earlier in May, she had the chance to watch the Mei Suruga's match against Mei Seira and was moved to tears. As a busy freelancer, she didn't get as many opportunities to step in ChocoPro, even chances to make it known that she's next in line. Finally, Rina contacted Emi Sakura that she's facing the winner of Mei vs Miya, both of whom she got an interest. From there, their first ever singles encounter was set for the 5th of September in Shinkiba.

BONUS MATCH #2

Sareee [サリー] & Natsupoi [なつぽい]
vs.
Takumi Iroha [彩羽匠] & AZM [あずみ]
(Sareee-ISM Chapter IV)

Since Sareee returned to Japan after finishing her time in America with the WWE, there were many things she wanted to do, but couldn't for the longest time. One of them was, teaming up with her "soulmate" that she's always supported privately, Natsupoi. Earlier in March 2024, Sareee had the privilege to be in Poi's return match at the opposing team with Chihiro Hashimoto. Poi was away for 5 months after being diagnosed with a herniated cervical disc at the end of the 2023 5STAR Grand Prix. In a way, Poi being chosen and saying yes to fight alongside her friend in this occasion was like paying back for all the support.

In terms of their opponents, Sareee thought Iroha (who is one of her rivals) could bring another good fight in a big tag match after their dream tag bout with KAIRI & Arisa Nakajima from Sareee-ISM II. She's also impressed by AZM who is one of Natsupoi's high speed rivals whom she also has never met in the ring before.

Before I end this, Sareee is having her 10th Sareee-ISM show this Sunday (22nd) in the Yokohama Budokan [横浜武道館] to celebrate the 15th anniversary of her debut as a professional wrestler. It will be livestreamed on her website as a pay-per-view and it costs 4000 JP Yen. The show starts at 4PM JST and the archived replay will be available to view until the midnight of March 29.

As of right now this is what the match card looks like:

Stay tuned for the next issue of the Joshi Puro Explorer on Monday :)

乞うご期待!!!

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