Mayu Iwatani Retains The GHC Women’s Title As She Celebrates Her 15th Pro-Wrestling Anniversary at Korakuen Hall

By: Lewis Carlan

On Jan. 24th, Marigold megastar Mayu Iwatani celebrated 15 years in the world of Joshi Puroresu with a big event at Korakuen Hall. Nearly 1,200 fans packed the famed arena to help Iwatani commemorate the milestone at Marigold’s “MAYU IWATANI DEBUT 15TH ANNIVERSARY ~ ICON FOREVER.

Iwatani competed in the main event as she put her GHC Women’s Title on the line against one of her top rivals Utami Hayashishita.

Image Credit: Marigold

Iwatani was making her first defense of the GHC Women’s Title that she won back Jan. 3rd when she defeated Takumi Iroha for the belt. Her first defense was a successful one as Iwatani pinned Hayashishita following a Two Step Dragon Suplex Hold/Pin combo to end the match at the 14:45 mark.

Photo Credit: Marigold

After the bout, Iwatani offered praise to Hayashishita, calling her along with Takumi Iroha her biggest rival.

From Mayu Iwatani:

“I’m glad Utami was in this Marigold ring with me. Throughout my career, I’ve had many rivals, but my current rivals are Takumi Iroha and Utami Hayashishita. I think these two are my biggest rivals. Today, I won, but next time… well, I’ll win again next time too.”

Before the match began, a ceremony was held to commemorate Iwatani’s 15th year in pro-wrestling.

In attendance to help her celebrate was Yoko Bito, who was part of the first STARDOM graduating class with Iwatani.

Photo Credit: Marigold

Nanae Takahashi, who retired last year, was also on hand for the celebration. Here is what Takahashi had to say to Iwatani while in the ring at the event.

From Nanae Takahashi:

“When Mayu Iwatani debuted, I don’t think anyone thought she would be the one to last the longest. But I think she’s someone who was chosen by the gods of pro wrestling.”

Iwatani took a backstage photo with many who were on hand to honor her and her 15 year milestone.

Photo Credit: Marigold

In other action, Misa Matsui & CHIAKI defended their Marigold Twin Star Championship against Seri Yamaoka & Shinno AKA SPUNKY MONSTER.  It was the fourth defense of the tag titles by the Darkness Revolution duo and the emerged victorious once again.  CHIAKI  ended the match with a diving guillotine drop against Shinno to keep the Twin Star Titles within the Darkness Revolution faction.

Photo Credit: Marigold

Here are the full results for MAYU IWATANI DEBUT 15TH ANNIVERSARY ~ ICON FOREVER courtesy of purolove.com:

• 3 Way Match: Syoko Koshino defeated Hummingbird & Yuuka Yamazaki (8:23) with a diving body press against Yamazaki.
• Nagisa Nozaki & Rea Seto defeated Chika Goto & Nao Ishikawa (11-11) after a Full Nelson Buster by Nozaki against Ishikawa.
• Victoria Yuzuki defeated Komomo Minami – Time Limit Draw (15:00).
  
• 3D Trios Title Tournament – Round 1: Mai Sakurai, Natsumi Showzuki & Erina Yamanaka defeated Miku Aono, Kouki Amarei & Megaton (16:38) after a diving double kneedrop by Showzuki against Megaton.
  
• Marigold Twin Star Title: Misa Matsui & CHIAKI (c) defeated Seri Yamaoka & Shinno (13:35) after a diving guillotine drop by CHIAKI against Shinno (4th defense).
• GHC Women’s Title & Mayu Iwatani 15th Anniversary Match: Mayu Iwatani (c) defeated Utami Hayashishita (14:45) with a Two Step Dragon Suplex Hold (1st defense).