Hyper Misao Says Texas Tour Gave Her “Brand New Dream” after TJPW Wraps Historic U.S. Run

Wrestling star’s emotional response highlights cultural impact of record-setting weekend in Dallas-Fort Worth area

By: Thom Fain

Hyper Misao, one of Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling’s most recognizable performers, delivered an emotional tribute to Texas fans following the promotion’s record-breaking U.S. tour, saying the experience fundamentally changed her perspective on the company’s future.

“This trip gave me a brand new dream, and everyone’s energy made us grow even more,” Misao stated on Instagram this week. “I love TJPW with all my heart, so I want to work even harder for TJPW.”

The wrestler’s heartfelt comments cap what TJPW officials are calling their most successful American venture to date, with the promotion achieving what they claim are the highest attendance figures for a Japanese women’s wrestling event on U.S. soil.

Misao, known for her comedic wrestling style and superhero-inspired character, expressed particular gratitude for the Texas audience reception. “I’m so proud of TJPW and truly grateful to everyone who supported this tour. We will definitely be back! Thank you, TEXAS!”

In our 2023 exclusive interview with Hyper Misao, the enigmatic wrestler talked at length about how she weaves artistic interpretation into each wrestling performance.

In art, vanitas is a still-life painting that represents “an allegory of the emptiness of life.” It was intended to evoke the transience of vanity to the viewer by placing skulls, a metaphor for man’s mortality, or clocks, pipes, and rotting fruit, among various still-life objects that signify abundance and so on. I gave this name to this finisher because the lifted form before striking the opponent seems to express the emptiness of life, just as in that still life painting.

Produced by Tokyo Story USA, the Texas tour’s success appears to have exceeded internal expectations, with wrestlers and staff noting the enthusiastic crowd response at both Houston and Dallas-area venues. The positive reception marks a significant milestone for the 12-year-old promotion, which has been gradually expanding its international presence since 2022.

TJPW’s Texas debut represented the company’s most ambitious U.S. production, featuring international talent alongside local performers at The OC venue in Forney. The shows took place during AEW All In Texas weekend, capitalizing on the influx of wrestling fans to the region.

The tour’s impact extends beyond attendance figures, with performers like Misao indicating the experience has influenced their long-term career goals within the company. Her pledge to “work even harder for TJPW” suggests the Texas crowds’ enthusiasm has motivated talent to deepen their commitment to the promotion’s growth.

Industry observers note the contrast between TJPW’s Texas reception and previous Japanese women’s wrestling events in the U.S., which have sometimes struggled with attendance in major markets. The success of the Texas tour may influence future booking strategies for Japanese promotions seeking American expansion.

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