Peatzilla | MP
By: Lewis Carlan
Seri Yamaoka burst onto the pro-wrestling scene back on Jan. 3rd 2025 at Marigold First Dream and she hasn’t looked back since.
Yamaoka was given the title of “Super Rookie” and she won her first major title only sixteen days into her career. She held the Mariglold Twin Star Titles with her partner and mentor Nanae Takahashi.
During 2025, Yamaoka began a rivalry with another rookie from Marvelous, Senka Akatsuki that gained a lot attention due to the intensity of the feud.
On Aug. 2nd, Yamaoka scored the biggest singles victory of her career when she defeated Mayu Iwatani at the Marigold Dream Star Grand Prix 2025 tournament.
As 2025 comes to a close and we head to 2026, one thing is certain, Seri Yamaoka is the future of Joshi Puroresu and is expected to have a stellar career.
Monthly Puroresu had the pleasure of interviewing Seri Yamaoka as we discussed a variety of topics. Here the the Monthly Puroresu interview with Marigold superstar Seri Yamaoka:
Monthly Puroresu:
At Grand Destiny 2025 you were defeated by Chihiro Hashimoto in a tough match. What did you learn coming out of that bout and would you like to step into the ring with Hashimoto-san again in the future?
Seri Yamaoka:
Hashimoto-san was stronger than I’ve ever felt before! Competing against Hashimoto san made me realize the difference in our levels in physique, wrestling, technique, and practical skills! There were many frustrating moments, but it also encouraged me to want to become more like Hashimoto-san. I want to improve and face Hashimoto-san again.
Photo Credit: Sendai Girls
Monthly Puroresu:
When you debuted back in Jan. 2025, you were given the title of “Super Rookie”. Were you comfortable with that title and do you feel it added pressure to you as a pro-wrestler?
Seri Yamaoka:
I feel a lot of pressure! But I can’t let that pressure crush me or overwhelm me. I want to rise above the pressure and keep leveling up. And, I won’t give in to pressure.
Monthly Puroresu:
Sixteen days into your career, you won your first major title, the Marigold Twin Star Titles with Nanae Takahashi. How important was Takahashi early on in your career and do you miss competing with her?
Seri Yamaoka:
It was because of Nanae Takahashi that I was able to challenge for and win Twin Star. I’m so grateful. I still remember that feeling! I’m where I am today because of Nanae-san. I’m glad I was able to team up with Nanae-san as Passion Family.
Photo Credit: Marigold
Monthly Puroresu:
You have developed a great rivalry with Senka Akatsuki of Marvelous. In your opinion, why has this rivalry become so intense between the two of you?
Seri Yamaoka:
I think Senka and I will always be rivals, now and forever. I think I can do my best because Senka is my rival. Senka isn’t my only rival, but I think having a rival means I can grow.
Monthly Puroresu:
Do you feel you and Akatsuki will still have this rivalry 10-15 years down the road and could she in fact become your greatest rival?
Seri Yamaoka:
I think my rivalry with Senka will continue, and I will keep it going.
Photo Credit: Marigold
Monthly Puroresu:
What can the fans expect when you meet Akatsuki in a singles bout for the first time?
Seri Yamaoka:
My first singles match with Senka is coming up on December 28th. I absolutely won’t lose. And I’ll work hard every day to avoid injuries so that day will come.
Monthly Puroresu:
Was it strange teaming with Akatsuki back on October 24th at Marvelous Kingacha Ep. 3 and would you be open to teaming with her again?
Seri Yamaoka:
Even when we’re standing next to each other, I view Senka as a rival, so I feel like we can both give our all when we team up! I think we’ll team up again in the future, but I’d like to see more matches as opposites!
Photo Credit: Marigold
Monthly Puroresu:
You defeated Mayu Iwatani at the DREAM STAR Grand Prix 2025 tournament. Would you call this the biggest singles win of your career and how disappointed were that you were unsuccessful in winning the Marigold Superfly Title from Iwatani?
Seri Yamaoka:
I’m happy that I beat Mayu-san, but I lost the Superfly title match, so I’m disappointed! I’m not satisfied with just one win! I want to keep winning.
Photo Credit: Marigold
Monthly Puroresu:
What do you remember from your first meeting with Rossy Ogawa and what was the reason you decided to join Marigold?
Seri Yamaoka:
When I first met Ogawa-san, I thought he was a little scary, but now I’m completely different. The reason I joined Marigold is because I wanted to be like Giulia, so I went to a Marigold practice and loved the atmosphere there.
Photo Credit: Marigold/Seri Yamaoka
Monthly Puroresu:
Do you believe that you are deserving of winning the 2025 Tokyo Sports Rookie of the Year award?
Seri Yamaoka:
I will definitely win the 2025 Rookie of the Year award!
Monthly Puroresu:
With 2025 coming to an end, are you satisfied with how this year has gone for you and what are your goals for 2026? Would you like to win your first singles title?
Seri Yamaoka:
I’m still not satisfied with myself in 2025. I’m going to level up even more. And, I want to win a singles belt in 2026.
Monthly Puroresu would like to extend our sincere gratitude to DSF Marigold for facilitating this interview with Seri Yamaoka and providing the English text translation.
Date:
December 7, 2025
