Mayu Iwatani wants to challenge for NOAH’s GHC Women’s Championship

By: Pep S. Caro

Dream Star Fighting Marigold shocked the women’s wrestling world on May 1, 2025, by announcing the signing of Mayu Iwatani, considered one of the best wrestlers today. Now going be the moto of “Women’s Wrestling (Joshi Puroresu) Icon”, Mayu promised to win every Championship of Marigold.

During the press conference, Mayu confirmed her intention to become Marigold’s first Grand Slam Champion and win all four championships: World, United National, Superfly, and Twin Star.

However, she made no mention of the NOAH Pro Wrestling GHC Women’s Championship, currently held by Kouki Amarei, also a member of Marigold. It’s worth mentioning that while NOAH is a primarily male organization, with the creation of the women’s championship, they also seek to boost the presence of female wrestlers on their show cards.

On the morning of May 2, Tokyo Sports published an interview with Mayu after the press conference, where, among other things, she confirmed her intention to challenge for the NOAH GHC Women’s Championship. She stated that she wants to be the first woman to hold both the IWGP and GHC Women’s Championships:

“No one has ever held both titles. I think I’ve achieved many historic milestones and great accomplishments so far. I think it would be a waste not to pursue it, so I’m going to set my sights on it and also aim for a Grand Slam.”

“The Icon” wants to be the first to hold both major women’s titles in NJPW and NOAH. The top men organizations in Japan.

Is Kouki Amarei, current GHC Women’s Champion, ready to face Mayu?

For now, Mayu will make her Marigold debut on May 4 at Korakuen Hall against Nanae Takahashi. The event is currently sold out, as tickets sold out a few hours after Mayu’s debut was announced.

Later this month, the new season of Wrestle Universe’s MONDAY MAGIC starts and it’s expected that the IWGP Women’s Championship will be on the line at one of the shows.