Mayu Iwatani To Defend the GHC Women’s Title Against Utami Hayashishita On Jan. 24th

By: Lewis Carlan

Mayu Iwatani’s first defense of her GHC Women’s Championship is now official.

On Jan 24th, Iwatani will defend her title against Utami Hayashishita at her 15th anniversary event which will take place inside Korakuen Hall.

Hayashishita confronted Iwatani at today’s Pro Wrestling NOAH Monday Magic episode.

At the event, Iwatani teamed with Miku Aono as they defeated Chi Chi & ZONES. Hayashishita, who was watching the match from the crowd, entered the ring to issue her second challenge in two weeks to Iwatani for the GHC Women’s Title.

Photo Credit: Pro Wrestling NOAH

The two superstars engaged in a verbal exchange about the GHC Women’s Title.

From Utami Hayashishita:

“As expected, I want to challenge for that GHC title. I challenged for it when Takumi Iroha held it, but it ended in a draw and I couldn’t capture it. Now, Mayu Iwatani holds that belt. The belt that I have such strong feelings for is being held by Mayu Iwatani, who is special to me. I absolutely want to challenge for it!”

From Mayu Iwatani:

“Good eveni… wait? To everyone who came to the Shinjuku event, good evening! Utami, you are persistent. You are persistent, but your feelings toward this belt and your thoughts toward Mayu really come across. …Where is the executive committee?”

From Utami Hayashishita:

“The executive committee and all that, doesn’t it just not matter anymore? I want to challenge Mayu Iwatani. That is all.”

From Mayu Iwatani:

“That’s seriously cool. Next week… no, it is this week. The 24th, the Mayu Iwatani 15th Anniversary Show. Understood. Let’s do it with this belt on the line! Fair and square. Next time, let’s truly meet at Korakuen. I will take on whatever you’ve got. Please take on whatever I’ve got in return. On top of that, with all my might, I want to make it known that Mayu Iwatani is a high wall to climb. Everyone, I would be happy if you could come and support us. Thank you!”

Hayashishita pinned Iwatani on Jan. 12th during a tag team bout at the Marigold New Years Golden Garden 2026 event. She issued her first challenge to Iwatani for the GHC Women’s Championship after the victory.

Iwatani won the GHC Women’s Championship on Jan. 3rd when she defeated Takumi Iroha for the title. Her defense on Jan. 24th against Hayashishita will be her first one since becoming champion.

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