Mai Sakurai to Depart Marigold, Her Final Match With Promotion is Set For Oct. 24th

By: Lewis Carlan

Another top star is set leave Marigold as Mai Sakurai revealed today that she will be departing the promotion.

Sakurai made the surprise announcement at the Oct. 3rd Marigold BATTLE HEARTS 2026 event at Osaka 176Box.

As per Marigold’s X account, she will be leaving Marigold to deal with injuries in hopes of healing them. Sakurai stated her final match with the promotion will be Oct. 24 at Marigold Grand Destiny.

During her backstage post-match comments, Sakurai made this statement:

From Mai Sakurai:

“I’m truly sorry for surprising everyone with this sudden announcement. But since this is something I’ve been struggling with for a long time, my resolve is unwavering. I want to repay all the wrestlers, staff, and everyone involved for taking care of me over the past two and a half years right there in the ring, and I hope to face my final match with a smile. Please continue to support Marigold.”

Sakurai did not offer any information as to what her future plans will be once she departs Marigold.

Mai Sakurai was part of the initial exodus of STARDOM pro-wrestlers that followed Rossy Ogawa to form Marigold back in 2024. The only wrestler left from that exodus is Victoria Yuzuki as all the others including Utami Hayashishita and MIRAI have left Marigold.

Sakurai is a former Marigold United National Champion, Twin Star Champion and 3D Trios Champion. Her departure is yet another big blow to the Marigold roster which will be very difficult to recover from.