Momo Watanabe Teases Return to Action, Discusses Current State of STARDOM

By Noah Leatherland

Momo Watanabe has been out of action since losing to Saya Kamitani at STARDOM Crimson Nightmare back in November. In a recent interview, Watanabe gave her thoughts on the recent events surrounding her faction, H.A.T.E., and teased a return to the ring.

Aside from a one night appearance for Saki Kashima’s final match in Korakuen Hall in April, Momo Watanabe has not competed in STARDOM since taking time off to recover from injury. But, in an interview posted on STARDOM’s website, it sounds like fans might not need to wait too much longer to see her back in action, saying:

I feel more energized than I did before I went on hiatus. Well, I’d say I’m in top condition. I just can’t wait to get back in the ring.

Since Watanabe has been gone, H.A.T.E.’s stranglehold on STARDOM has fallen away. The red belt, white belt, tag belts and trios belts have all slipped from their grasp. Watanabe shared her thoughts on H.A.T.E.’s recent form:

All things considered, I just can’t bear to watch it right now. I feel like there’s nothing we can do unless I make a comeback.

Watanabe then added:

The H.A.T.E. members are all positive, but I’d say losing all their belts is actually quite a crisis. Watching from the sidelines, I found myself thinking, “Oh no, are H.A.T.E. going to be alright?” And then there’s the fact that the ones who took the belts seem a bit too complacent—or is it just me, or is it all happening a bit too fast? Lately, all we see is nonsense. It’s as if they’re trying to make it funny. But this isn’t a comedy show, you know.

Watanabe spoke specifically about Saya Kamitani losing the World of Stardom title to Sayaka Kurara. Watanabe was briefly in the ring for that match at STARDOM ALL STAR GRAND QUEENDOM, accidentally hitting Kamitani with a strike intended for Kurara. Watanabe shared her reaction to seeing the red belt change hands:

I mean, I was watching it unfold right in front of me—or rather, I was actually taking part—but I never thought that girl would snatch it away from us. I was the one who was supposed to take it from Kamitani, so I never imagined she’d lose so soundly. I’m absolutely shocked.

Watanabe also shared her thoughts on H.A.T.E.’s newest member, Bea Priestley. The two had formerly been in Queen’s Quest together, with Priestley later joining Oedo Tai before leaving STARDOM. Watanabe herself also ended up a member of Oedo Tai, which then became H.A.T.E. in 2024. Now, the two find themselves as stablemates again, with Watanabe being excited to share the ring with her again:

Now Bea’s back, too. She betrayed me quite a while ago, and she left so suddenly. And then she came back out of the blue, acting like nothing happened. We only really celebrated after the 5★STAR tournament victory, so we haven’t had much of a chance to talk yet. I’d quite like to team up with her again soon after making my comeback. Well, I’ll find out everything about her in the ring.

(Quotes translated via DeepL)

Watanabe did not give any exact date of when fans can expect to see her back in the ring. Regardless, Watanabe is sure to be keeping a close eye on STARDOM and her stablemates in the meantime.