A former TJPW wrestler, who has had matches in AEW and GCW in the past, is now officially a part of the world’s biggest women’s wrestling promotion Stardom.
Maki Itoh, the self-proclaimed Cutest in the World, has officially joined Stardom after over a week of speculation and hype videos that hinted at her arrival. Itoh left TJPW in August of last year, and the announcement was made official at today’s New Year Stars 2025 Day One event.
Itoh is famously known as the ‘Fired Idol’ after being fired from the LinQ Idol group. She went on to find great fame as a rebellious character in TJPW, along with Championship success as a former two-time International Princess Champion and two-time Princess Tag team Champion. Itoh also has enjoyed success on numerous tours of the US, and is a former holder of the now retired GCW Extreme Championship. Itoh also competed for AEW in 2021 and 2022.
Itoh’s arrival in Stardom adds more star power to a promotion that has boosted its profile in Japan with the use of former YouTuber and influencer Fuwa-Chan, and off the back of Saya Kamitani winning the prestigious Tokyo Sports MVP Award not just for women’s wrestling, but overall in all of Japan, the first time a woman has even won the accolade.
Itoh’s first match in Stardom has also been confirmed for tomorrow’s Day Two of the New Year Stars event, teaming with Saori Anou to face reigning New Blood Tag Team Champions Aya Sakura and Sayaka Kurara.