By: Jeff Brown
Photos: Masahiro Kubota
For much of 2024, Maika was counted on by STARDOM to lead the company during a tumultuous year; her Red Belt reign brought stability as well as outstanding matches. She was turned on by Saya Kamitani and lost the belt to Natsuko Tora, leading to the formation of H.A.T.E.; however, she was as determined as ever and became the 5★Star Grand Prix winner.
Maika’s ability to do whatever is asked of her and stoic perseverance made her an obvious pick for MVP at the Stardom awards this year. With countless classic bouts and big performances, she is the glue of the promotion that always elevates whoever she is in the ring against. While backstage at Nighter In Korakuen, Maika was generous enough to chat with Body Slam about her 2024, her rivals, and future goals.
Question – What are your goals for 2025? Are you looking to recapture the Red Belt or win another championship?
Answer- There’s of course the Red Belt, but I have my sights set on other horizons as well, such as the IWGP Women’s, and the Strong belt Mercedes currently holds. I also want to go overseas, so that can be a chance to have a Strong championship single match with Moné.
Q – What is the inspiration behind your current wrestling outfits and entrance costumes?
A -My costume is always inspired by my vision of being “The Hero” and my color is red so I try to incorporate red into my vision. Also, there’s a lot of patterns in my costume that resemble fire, but recently I’ve been implementing more animal based designs.
Q – How does it feel to receive the MVP award at the STARDOM Awards? Many would say that Maika is someone who lifts up everyone who works with you. You have an aura that instantly earns respect. I felt that this award was well-deserved.
A – Thank you so much! 2024 was a tough year for Stardom, and in those tough times I thought of myself as trying to be the hero that’s pushing everyone to get through these times. I believe what makes me who I am is that ideology. It’s not only me that’s pushing through though, it’s everyone at Stardom giving it their all to put stardom at the top and me continuing to do what I want and make my dreams come true.
Q – How do you feel about your Red Belt title reign? Did you achieve everything you wanted or do you wish it had lasted longer?
A – I wanted to hold onto that belt for longer, and during the summer in Hokkaido, Saya Kamitani betrayed me and went to H.A.T.E. And that same Saya Kamitani now holds that Red Belt, so there’s a lot of resentment in me. I believe I will be the one to strip Saya Kamitani of the Red Belt, along with winning the IWGP and Strong belts to become a triple crown champion and pave the way through my career.
Q – You had a very intense and bloody battle with Tora at Dream Queendom 2024. Would you like to do more matches like that?
A – Maybe one year, one time?, hahaha. I was very excited for that match and it was a day that opened a new door for me. I really want to do it even if it’s for one time a year. I want to have a taste of a match like that again, even if it’s for a little.
Q – Who do you consider to be your biggest rival and why?
A – There’s a lot to be honest. People like Natsuko, Kamitani, Chihiro Hashimoto of Sendai Girls, Moné, and Mayu Iwatani. There’s a lot of people that I don’t want to lose to domestically and overseas. In the end I believe I’m my biggest rival. Losing and winning all comes down to myself. Therefore, my number one rival, it’s me!
Q – How would you describe yourself to new fans? How do you see yourself in the wrestling world?
A – How would I introduce myself to new fans? I’m very bright, energetic, hard hitting, and powerful! Someday I want to be the best in the world!
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