APPROVED

🧭 JOSHI PURO EXPLORER 2026 - No.4

By LaserPH

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Welcome to the 4th 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:

THIS WEEK'S COURSE

The entire course is available to view on the Archive.

MONDAY (月)

Nanae Takahashi [高橋奈七永]
vs.
Mayu Iwatani [岩谷麻優]
(MARIGOLD Rising Spirit 2026)

The final Korakuen Hall match for Nanae Takahashi's "Passion Countdown" retirement tour.

Her opponent was a mystery for weeks and many speculations were spread online as the day came closer. The answer was finally confirmed Mayu Iwatani had suddenly left STARDOM the morning after she had lost the IWGP Women's championship to Syuri. The last original member from STARDOM's launch roster over 14 years ago to leave. It was then that MARIGOLD held a press conference days later, revealing that Mayu had joined the promotion, reuniting with STARDOM founder Rossy Ogawa, and the match with Nanae was set.

They've faced each other one-on-one 13 years ago when Mayu was still a rookie whose future was quite unsure. Skipping Nanae's training and was on the verge of giving up. Since then, Mayu has now crafted a strong legacy, becoming a successful and established veteran. It was time to put it to the test for the final time.

TUESDAY (火)

Tam Nakano [中野たむ], Natsupoi [なつぽい], Saori Anou [安納サオリ]
vs.
Yuna Mizumori [水森由菜], Aya Sakura [さくらあや], Sayaka Kurara [玖麗さやか]
(STARDOM NEW YEAR STARS 2025 in KORAKUEN)

COSMIC ANGELS seniors versus juniors match for the Artist Of Stardom trios belts. The trio of Yuna Mizumori (Yunamon), Sayaka Kurara, Aya Sakura have earned their shot by winning the small tournament for the belts at the start of the year. Previous time this same matchup occurred was back in April 2024 when Aya & Kurara were being tested to decide whether if they get accepted by leader Tam Nakano into COSMIC ANGELS. The seniors now get to experience directly how far they've developed.

WEDNESDAY (水)

Haruka Umesaki [梅咲遥]
vs.
Momo Watanabe [渡辺桃]
(DIANA in Korakuen Hall)

The center of DIANA Haruka Umesaki for the first time goes up against one of STARDOM's tough kickers Momo Watanabe. STARDOM's heel faction H.A.T.E. were somewhat touring different independent promotions during this time in order to dominate the space.

THURSDAY (木)

Cohaku [狐伯] & Saya Iida [飯田沙耶]
vs.
Honori Hana [花穂ノ利] & Yurika Oka [岡優里佳]
(Unagi Sayaka's 殿はご乱心 宴だ。緑の大地よ、ブリーフだけは喰うな。)

Random fun tag match booked for Unagi Sayaka's independent produce show between the team of Saya Iida (STARDOM) & Cohaku (WAVE) versus Honori Hana (SEAdLINNNG) Yurika Oka (SENDAI GIRLS).

FRIDAY (金)

Saya Kamitani [上谷沙弥]
vs.
Honoka [炎華]
(WAVE PHASE2 Reboot 6th／NAMI☆1～Apr.～'25)

Near her 2nd debut anniversary, WAVE's Honoka gets her 2nd Regina Di Wave title shot against STARDOM's Saya Kamitani. Kamitani is currently on a roll as the World Of Stardom champion, but also on a potential retirement road as her loser ends career match with Tam Nakano was going to happen soon later this same month. She had won WAVE's annual Catch The Wave tournament and successfully took down Yuki Miyazaki to claim the Regina Di Wave belt back in November 2024.

BONUS MATCH

Syuri [朱里]
vs.
Takumi Iroha [彩羽匠]
(STARDOM 5★STAR GP 2021 - Final Day)

First ever singles encounter between Donna Del Mondo's Syuri & Marvelous' ace Takumi Iroha happened on the final day of the STARDOM's 2021 5STAR Grand Prix. Both were top contenders in the Blue Stars block leading in points. The outcome of this match is a significant decider for the finals later that evening.

I will be taking a week off again. This week leading into Mania Weekend will be very busy for many wrestling fans, so just enjoy the many shows running.

See you again for the next course :)

またね。

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