Photo Credit: DSF Marigold
By: Lewis Carlan
Mayu Iwatani is the definition of the word megastar. For fifteen years, Iwatani has enjoyed tremendous success as a pro-wrestler. She has been arguably the best Joshi pro-wrestler in the world for many years.
One year ago today, Iwatani surprised the pro-wrestling world when she signed on with Rossy Ogawa’s Marigold promotion after departing STARDOM. She has been with STARDOM for fourteen years prior to her departure.
In less than a month of being with Marigold, Iwatani won the Superfly Title when she defeated Victoria Yuzuki on May 24th 2025. In addition, Iwatani won the GHC Women’s Title back in Jan. 2026. She still holds both titles as of this writing.
Her fifteen years of competing a high level appears to be catching up with Iwatani. She has been plagued with injuries in April 2026 that has kept her out of in-ring action. On April 1st she was forced to miss three events due to an ankle injury. In her first match back from the ankle injury on April 11th, Iwatani suffered two fractures in her big toe which has rendered her out of action for the foreseeable future.
Rossy Ogawa spoke with BBM-Japan, recently and was asked about the string of injuries suffered by Iwatani. Ogawa stated that the damage from her wrestling for 15 years is starting to show and he feels the countdown for Iwatani’s retirement has begun.
From Rossy Ogawa:
“She has accumulated damage from 15 years of pro wrestling, I think that’s starting to show recently, In that sense, I think the countdown (for retirement) has begun for her, It’s not a job you can do forever”.
While it will be a sad day for the world of pro-wrestling when Mayu Iwatani decides to walk away from in-ring competition, fans can be rest assured that her retirement is most likely a long time away as she still can compete at a high level. Iwatani will know when its time hang it up and that day won’t be arriving anytime soon.
(H/T goes to ERD Wrestling for the English quote translation)
Date:
May 2, 2026
Category:
Latest News
