Mayu Iwatani Leaves STARDOM, Comments On Departure

By Lewis Carlan

When one thinks of STARDOM, they automatically think of one megastar who has become synonymous with the promotion. That megastar is Mayu Iwatani. After 14 years, Iwatani is saying goodbye to the company that introduced her to the world of pro-wrestling.

STARDOM held a press conference today in which Iwatani announced her shocking departure from the company. She indicated that she has competed in STARDOM for the last time.

From Mayu Iwatani:

“As the icon of STARDOM, I have won the 5 STAR, Cinderella, and various other festivals, and achieved the Grand Slam belt, and I felt like I had nothing left to do. I thought I had done everything I could do in STARDOM, and then I lost the IWGP yesterday. I was really committed to IWGP, so when I lost this belt, I thought that it would be the end of Mayu Iwatani as a member of STARDOM, so I formally spoke to Okada-san and decided to hold a press conference.”

 

“Mayu Iwatani’s 14 years and three months as a STARDOM wrestler is over. I haven’t thought about what to do next yet, but for now this is the end of my time as the Icon of STARDOM. From now on I will be the icon for women’s wrestling.”

 

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me until now, the STARDOM wrestlers, and everyone involved. I look forward to your continued support in the future. Thank you.”

Iwatani also took to X and had these comments:

“I have left STARDOM. 14 years and 3 months. Thank you so much! I wanted to leave with a smile on my face, but I was surprised to find myself crying. I’m also surprised at myself for making this decision.I will be an icon not just of STARDOM, but of women’s wrestling. I hope you will continue to follow me. I’m going to run away.”

Iwatani lost the IWGP Women’s Title on April 27th to Syuri after holding it for 735 days. That was the longest IWGP title reign of all time.

It will be interesting to see what comes next for Iwatani. It is very likely that she will work as a freelancer, competing for various different promotions much like Sareee is currently doing.

Wherever Iwatani ends up, she will continue to be a shining light in the world of pro-wrestling.