One of the original founders of Japanese Women’s Wrestling promotion Stardom, and the company’s lead booker, has been fired over accusations of ‘talent poaching’.
Bushi Road, the parent company that owns Stardom and New Japan Pro Wrestling, announced today that it had terminated the ‘business consignment agreement’ with Ogawa to serve as the Executive Producer of Stardom. Amongst the tasks to book matches, storylines and Champions (including the IWGP Women’s title and NJPW Strong Women’s title of NJPW) Ogawa and his trademark hats would be a regular fixture at Stardom events and press conferences.
The statement on his firing claims the following: “However, we have recently become aware that Mr. Rossy Ogawa has been poaching a number of Stardom athletes and staff members, and we have decided to terminate this agreement.”
In the aftermath, Ogawa himself commented on his termination with a short message on X (formerly Twitter). Stating: “The truth of the matter may be told someday. I’m worried about the players right now.”
According to WON, the booking of Stardom in the short term will be directly handled by Stardom’s current President Okada and the Bushi Road merchandise manager. Other news sites are speculating that there many be wrestlers and staff who depart from Stardom in and around March when contracts are up for renewal. Adding to speculation that follows top star Giulia, the current NJPW Strong Women’s Champion, who is said to be leaving Stardom.
The news comes just around a day after Stardom’s latest PPV event which served as an unofficial 13th Anniversary event for the company.