Utami Hayashishita Warns Mayu Iwatani: “I Will Remain The Ace Of Marigold”

By: Lewis Carlan

Since May 1st, there has been a huge amount of attention set on Rossy Ogawa’s Marigold when it was announced that the “Icon” Mayu Iwatani had officially joined the promotion.

During the press conference of the announcement, Iwatani indicated that she has set a goal for herself to become a Marigold Grand Slam Champion. To accomplish her goal, Iwatani would have to win every title within Marigold.

The current Marigold World Champion Utami Hayashishita appeared to take exception to Iwatani’s Marigold Grand Slam aspirations and shot back with comments on her own.

Hayashishita let it be known that, despite Iwatani joining the roster, she will remain the ace of Marigold.

From Utami Hayashishita:

“She talked about a Grand Slam soon after joining the company, but even with Mayu Iwatani joining, I will remain the ace of Marigold. I have no intention of changing the view that I see now as the champion.

So even if she challenges me for this belt, I have no intention of losing to Mayu Iwatani. Besides, I have pride in having supported Marigold since its inception, so I won’t let her achieve a Grand Slam so easily, and I will prevent her from doing so forever.”

Iwatani was successful in her debut match for Marigold as she defeated Nanae Takahashi. Hayashishita revealed that she became frustrated while watching the match and gave an explanation as to why:

“Watching the main event on the monitor, and it had been a while since I had seen Mayu Iwatani get back up no matter how many times she was beaten, and while I thought it was amazing, I also felt frustrated. I was really, really frustrated. I will defend my title against MIRAI, and then at the Yoyogi show, I will put on a match that will make people say that I was the best, even better than Iwatani.”

On May 24th at Marigold Shine Forever, Hayashishita will defend her red belt against MIRAI.

Also at the event, Iwatani will attempt to win her first Marigold championship as she faces Marigold Super Fly Champion Victoria Yuzuki.

(H/T goes to meraWRESTLING for all the above English quote translations)