Saya Kamitani Explains How Tam Nakano Played A Factor In Her Accepting Syuri’s Double Title Challenge For WRESTLE KINGDOM 20

By: Lewis Carlan

On Nov. 3rd, Saya Kamitani retained her World of STARDOM and NJPW STRONG Women’s Championships after she defeated Momo Watanabe in a thrilling bout at STARDOM CRIMSON NIGHTMARE 2025.

Following her victory, the IWGP Women’s Champion Syuri appeared and challenged Kamitani to match at WRESTLE KINGDOM 20. The bout will be a double title match with Syuri’s IWGP Women’s Title and Kamitani’s NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship both on the line.

Image Credit: NJPW/STARDOM

While speaking with Tokyo Sports, Kamitani explained why she accepted the double title match against Syuri and revealed that Tam Nakano played a factor in her decision.

From Saya Kamitani:

“There is the fact that both the IWGP and STRONG titles are belts that symbolize New Japan, but whenever I see that purple, rotten belt (STRONG Women’s Championship), it reminds me of Tam Nakano. She lost in five minutes at the Dome, so I feel like Tam Nakano’s grudge is saying, ‘Take me to the Dome too.’ Since I’ve taken on the burden of Tam Nakano, I guess I have no choice but to take Tam to the Dome this time.”

Nakano, who was retired by Kamitani earlier n the year, faced Kairi for the IWGP Women’s Title at WRESTLE KINGDOM 17 at the Tokyo Dome. Kairi defeated Nakano in less than six minutes.

Kamitani’s goal is to bring more attention to Joshi Puroresu and she will have that opportunity at WRESTLE KINGDOM 20 at the Tokyo Dome in front of, what is expected to be, the largest crowd she ever competed in front of.

(H/T goes to meraWRESTLING for all English quote translations)