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INTRODUCING KAISEI TAKECHI

DDT’s Star Rookie Is A Triple-Threat: Dancer, Actor, And Now … A Pro Wrestler!

FEW WRESTLERS CAN SAY they’ve headlined the Tokyo Dome; even fewer can say they’ve done so ahead of their professional wrestling debut. But for Kaisei Takechi, who debuted in the main event of DDT Pro-Wrestling’s “Into The Fight 2024,” headlining arenas across Japan is nothing new. Indeed, it’s just part of his regular job as a performer in the 16-member J-pop group, THE RAMPAGE from EXILE TRIBE

That group, composed of three vocalists and 13 performers, debuted in January 2017 as part of LDH JAPAN’s male artist collective, EXILE TRIBE. Its debut single “Lightning” peaked at #2 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and earned a “Best New Artist” award at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards Japan.

Takechi began dancing at a young age thanks to his mother, a dance instructor who currently runs T’s-Box, a dance school in Hyogo Prefecture’s Takarazuka City, and an avid supporter of Takechi’s endeavors as both an idol and pro wrestler. The would-be grappler’s accolades in jazz and contemporary dance gained the attention of LDH Japan’s EXPG dance school, who offered Takechi, then a teenager, a scholarship to its school in Osaka. 

In 2014, Takechi participated in the EXILE PERFORMER BATTLE AUDITION, a tryout for new performers hoping to join LDH Japan’s flagship group, EXILE. Though Takechi was unsuccessful in joining EXILE, he, along with other unsuccessful finalists, was selected to form a new group: THE RAMPAGE.

Takechi’s professional wrestling debut isn’t as unlikely as it might seem. A lifelong athlete, he spent much of his youth as a competitive swimmer and has since challenged himself in such physical pursuits as bodybuilding and judo. The DDT rookie’s physical conditioning—developed over his years as a dancer—has undoubtedly given him an advantage as a wrestler. The height he achieves leaping into the air is just as impressive on the stage as it is in the ring.

Takechi’s first foray into the world of professional wrestling came when he starred in the 2022 ABEMA drama, Fukumen D, alongside GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE member Mandy Sekiguchi and BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE member Riki Matsui (who joined the DDT commentary team for Takechi’s debut).

Fukumen D spotlights the wrestling promotion Brave Battle Truth, the fictional counterpart of DDT Pro-Wrestling (formerly Dramatic Dream Team). DDT participated in the production on screen and behind the scenes. Its talent appeared in the drama while helping to train Takechi and Sekiguchi, who chose to perform the drama’s wrestling action rather than rely on stunt doubles.  

Recognizing Takechi’s star potential, DDT approached the pop idol with the idea of appearing for the promotion. Takechi’s wrestling debut was later announced on December 2, at the final stop of THE RAMPAGE’s 2023 tour, “16” NEXT ROUND.

The art of fanfare was not lost on DDT, which embraced the inevitable viewership that would come from the idol’s fanbase. Takechi was catapulted to the main event in a six-man tag team match, where he teamed with DDT Extreme champion Shunma Katsumata and KO-D openweight champion Yuki Ueno (with whom he previously worked on Fukumen D) against Tetsuya Endo, Hideki Okatani, and Takeshi Masada.

People were raving about the pro wrestling debut of Kaisei Takechi, part of the Rampage from Exile Tribe, a subgroup of Exile Tribe, a J-Pop song and dance group. He worked the DDT show at Korakuen Hall and drew the company’s biggest Korakuen Hall crowd in years. I haven’t seen it but was told this was among the best celebrity debuts ever in wrestling. Takechi has a great physique, a good look and is a great athlete, noted for great looking dropkicks and hurricanranas.

—Dave Meltzer, The Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline

Fans showed their support with merchandise, including an official collaboration t-shirt with THE RAMPAGE and a special “Takechi Camera” following the idol during his debut. Takechi’s highly anticipated debut trended on social media platforms, with official videos from the match pulling in thousands of views. The cheers and applause of his supporters, packed into a capacity crowd at Korakuen Hall, were readily apparent in video footage of the match.

With THE RAMPAGE’s busy schedule—including its upcoming jaunt, THE RAMPAGE LIVE TOUR 2024 “CyberHelix” RX-16, which begins April 2024 and is scheduled to end July 2024,—it’s uncertain when Takechi will re-enter the squared circle. But according to the crossover star himself, his wrestling ambitions haven’t ended with the well-received debut performance. 

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PROGRESS Philadelphia: Simon Miller Set For Multi-Man Match

The Popular YouTube Host, Wrestler, & Actor Will Face Multiple Opponents At PROGRESS Wrestling’s FREEDOM WALKS AGAIN event.

Pro Wrestling Illustrated can confirm, exclusively, that Simon Miller is the first announced participant for the Multi-Man bout taking place at PROGRESS Wrestling’s upcoming FREEDOM WALKS AGAIN show in Philadelphia, PA, on Friday, April 5, 2024.

Known to many for his work as a host for outlets such as Whatculture, along with his emceeing for PROGRESS itself, the charismatic Miller is still fighting tirelessly to prove his mettle as an in-ring performer. To that end, he is ready to take on all comers at the BritWres institution’s first U.S. event since 2019.

“I’m super excited about PROGRESS returning to the US for what will be the first of many shows Stateside and feel privileged to be part of it all,” Miller told PWI. “As for FREEDOM WALKS AGAIN, the way I see it is simple. I’m part of the multi-man scramble match, which just means there’s more than one person for me to beat.”

Of course, the calamitous environs of a multi-person contest won’t make things easy for Miller. “It also means there’s more people who can try and beat me,” he admitted. “But I’ve decided to ignore that part … Positive mental attitude!”

PROGRESS co-owner Martyn Best, who, along with Lee McAteer, took charge of the PROGRESS brand in late-2021, further elaborated on the distinct uphill that Miller faces in the Multi-Man Match. “Your great President Theodore Roosevelt wrote stirring words about the difference between a critic and the man who is in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood,” Best wrote. “Simon Miller has been the PROGRESS main ring host for two years, and was so much more than a critic, but his ever-improving transition to one who strives valiantly will be seen to great effect in Philadelphia. I am sure he will take the great Rocky tradition, and in his intriguing Multi-Man Match, if he fails, at least he will fail while daring greatly.”

With the rest of the Multi-Man Match participants yet to be announced, fans will soon know the steepness of the hill (or Art Museum steps) Miller must climb. The card, which takes place in South Philadelphia as part of GCW’s Collective series, is set to include defenses of the PROGRESS Women’s and tag team championships, currently held by Rhio and the Cheeky Little Buggers (Alexxis Falcon & Charles Crowley), respectively.

More information on the event can be found here.

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Sting’s Retirement: “It’s Bittersweet, But I’m Looking Forward To It”

STING SPEAKS
A Career Remembered Through PWI’s Pages

Forty years. Two-dozen championships.
Countless words about him in wrestling magazines.
“The Icon” reflects on a career well-spent.

TEXT BY COLETTE ARRAND

AS ONE OF THE MOST widely respected wrestlers of the “PWI Years”—1979 to the present—Sting has earned every bit of coverage in this publication and others like it. Leading up to his announced retirement at All Elite Wrestling’s Revolution 2024, it made perfect sense to revisit some of the highlights of his legendary career by way of coverage in this very magazine. And so, we are pleased to present this conversation with the 2023 Stanley Weston Award winner, the 12-time world heavyweight champion, “The Icon” himself … Sting.

ARRAND: Your first appearance on the cover of Pro Wrestling Illustrated was the “Supercards ’88” issue, after winning the third annual Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup tournament with Lex Luger. You’re known as a singles wrestler, but especially now that your career is concluding with a stellar run as Darby Allin’s partner, it feels as if tag wrestling serves as a bookend to the story of your life in professional wrestling.

STING: Until this last stint with AEW, tag wrestling was pretty much a part-time thing for me. I did have the Crockett Cup and matches like the one Lex and I had against the Steiner Brothers at the first SuperBrawl, which was tag match of the year. I started out with Jim Hellwig, who later became The Ultimate Warrior, and we were a tag team, with Eddie Gilbert as our manager. I thought I was going to be a tag team wrestler throughout my whole career. It wasn’t until I finally ended up in the NWA, where Dusty Rhodes wanted to put me with Ric Flair, that I really started out as a singles wrestler. I’m grateful for those teams, but I never thought that I’d be here all these years later finishing as a tag team wrestler—it’s a very cool thing.


ARRAND: When it comes to Allin, how do you think your association with him will mark both of your legacies? Would you classify your relationship as a kind of mentorship, or as being something of kindred spirits?

STING: I hope, for Darby, that he’ll be remembered for being in a tag team with Sting, one of the veterans who pretty much did everything under the sun in wrestling for so many different wrestling organizations. And that was the goal, to try to elevate him, but I’m telling you, he elevated me. It went both ways. And I want to be remembered for this time as Darby’s tag team partner, for sure. I don’t know if we’re kindred spirits, per se, but we have a lot in common in the wrestling world, with how our careers started. We didn’t have a way to get into wrestling. We didn’t have an uncle or a father or a friend; we both slept in our cars, and that was our address. We both know what it’s like to get the tiny little payoffs and pretty much starve out there while making a name for yourself. And then there’s what we have in common, like the painted face and the willingness to take risks. Darby blows me out of the water, but I was one of the first guys my size to take running dives over the top rope and to the floor.

ARRAND: You’re in what is perhaps the most fascinating stage of a career that’s been characterized by change, from Surfer Sting to Crow Sting to TNA and WWE, and now AEW, with the later half of your career in particular marked by your ability to figure out how the legend of Sting fits into the current wrestling landscape. Relatively little of that has relied on straight-up playing to nostalgia, like reappearing in Surfer Sting regalia. Has that been a conscious decision?

STING: Oh, I could never pull that off again. There’s just no way. I did an appearance for somebody a few years ago and they really wanted me to do the surfer paint, you know? “Do you still have the jacket you wore against Flair? The 1980s blue tights?” I tried to say no, but he kept at it until I said alright and tried it. But it felt ridiculous. Fans love it, but I can’t do it justice, and I wouldn’t want fans to remember me trying and failing to be a version of myself from 35 years ago.

ARRAND: The April 1992 cover of PWI predicted that you’d end Lex Luger’s reign as WCW World heavyweight champion, saying that your forecast was “bright and sunny.” They were right about the title, but those years also featured some of your most famous feuds outside of your long-running one against Flair—against the likes of Cactus Jack, Vader, and the Dangerous Alliance, when you were the franchise star of the company, right up until Hulk Hogan’s arrival in 1994. What from that period are you particularly fond of?

STING: The matches against Vader always come up at autograph sessions and when people recognize me in public, more than almost anyone. I loved working with Rick Rude at that time, too, and The Great Muta. It was really the beginning stages of me coming into my own, doing the main events after I had my run with Flair, seeing if I could draw money and TV ratings with other people. To be the figurehead back then was rough, but the work ethic it required is one of the reasons for my longevity.

Sting admires his 1990 PWI Wrestler of the Year trophy.

ARRAND: Speaking of Hogan, your 1996- 1997 feud against him culminated in the Starrcade 1997 match PWI billed as “The Match Of The Century.” It was something of a singular moment in pop culture. In retrospect, a lot of the shine of that era goes to the Steve Austin/ Vince McMahon feud happening in the WWF, but Sting chasing Hulk Hogan was a ratings juggernaut for a reason. What was it like being at the center of one of wrestling’s hottest angles of all-time while it was happening?

STING: It was amazing then and it’s amazing to think about now, because we were the second-class citizens of wrestling. I’ve always talked about that, and how much it sucked, but then we had Monday Nitro launch with Lex Luger showing up. Then, we had (Scott) Hall and (Kevin) Nash show up, then Hulk’s character changed and my character changed, and all of the sudden we’re #1, almost putting WWE out of business. It’s amazing to think that I was an integral part of that. Kudos to what Steve Austin did over there, but what WCW did was just as big—it took two different companies with entirely different approaches to do that.

ARRAND: Over the course of your career, you consistently took on a leadership role for promotions perceived as the underdog against the WWE juggernaut: WCW, TNA, and AEW. Who do you see carrying that torch into the future?

STING: I’ve been saying it for three years, since I started with AEW, but, to me, it’s Darby Allin. He has a mind for this business, not just for himself. So much of what we’ve done together started as Darby’s idea—he pitches and produces the videos we do, for example. He has the work ethic and the creative mind, and he cares about what wrestling fans think. He never goes out there and dogs it, he’s the kind of guy who would go balls to the wall even if the house wasn’t that good. And I’m not just saying that as his partner. He has great leadership ability, no fear, and a lot of compassion.

ARRAND: I think a lot of wrestling fans expected that you’d maybe wrestle Allin one-on-one, but that never panned out. If you were to have had a singles match during your AEW run, who would you have wanted to wrestle against?

STING: A lot of wrestling fans thought for sure that Darby was going to turn on me, or that I was going to turn on him! But you know, I would have loved to have had a match against Kenny Omega. Kenny is legitimate world champ material. Obviously, he’s been AEW World champion, but, to me, sometimes how good he is goes underappreciated because he’s never been with WWE; some people think he doesn’t deserve his accolades. But he is one of the best all-around world heavyweight champions I’ve ever seen, one of the best in the wrestling industry. And then there are some of the new guys coming up, the big guys—thinking about my matches with Vader—what a talent a guy like Big Bill is. He’s got the goods. He’s got the fire. Satnam (Singh) is another one. He moves really, really good, but you’ve got to utilize guys like him ASAP because big men don’t last as long, unfortunately. Let’s try to get as much as we can out of him while he’s young.

ARRAND: Why end your career now?

STING: It’s funny, because I was the guy who did not want to get into pro wrestling. I didn’t even know what pro wrestling was when I got started. But I ended up being a pro wrestler, and at the beginning, I was an introvert, the last guy that you’d want to get up there and entertain in front of hordes of people. But it blossomed into what it blossomed into. I’ve had a lot of fun. I’ve enjoyed the fans and cannot thank them enough. But after all of these years, having walked through the curtain thousands of times, I’m still a nervous wreck when I go out there, and it gets pretty overwhelming to try to perform at a high level at my age, even in a short match, even if it’s a six- or eight-man tag. Tony (Khan) was actually trying to get me to stay longer, maybe retire at Wembley. But it gets tougher and tougher every time you go out there, and you have all of these young guys who are ready to play—there’s only so far you can push it. It’s kind of sad, of course, but, at some point, you just have to do it. There’s a part of me that’s sad, but there’s another part of me that’s relieved. It’s bittersweet, but I’m looking forward to it.

This interview was first published in the May 2024 issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated magazine, available in stores beginning Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Individual print and digital copies can also be purchased here.

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Mariah May Reflects On Japan, Club Venus, Her Goals

Rose Gold (Mina Shirakawa & Mariah May) celebrate with their signature hands-making-a-heart pose, the Goddesses of Stardom title belts, and the corresponding championship trophy

The following is taken from the March 2024 edition of Pro Wrestling Illustrated magazine, which hits newsstands in the U.S. and Canada on December 12, 2023. Before it was officially announced that Mariah May was “All Elite,” the latest addition to the AEW Women’s division took some time out of her schedule to chat with PWI.


A QUICK WORD WITH …
MARIAH MAY

TEXT BY KEVIN McELVANEY
PHOTOS BY OCTOPUS STRETCH PHOTOGRAPHY

ON DECEMBER 29, 2022, at Stardom Dream Queendom 2, Cosmic Angels expat Mina Shirakawa introduced the world to Club Venus. Originally consisting of Shirakawa, Xia Brookside, and Mariah May, the glamorous group made its debut in the inaugural Triangle Derby trios tournament. With a membership that swelled to include Australian grappler Xena, former NXT talent Jessie (Elaban/Kamea), and another ex-Cosmic Angel in Waka Tsukiyama, Club Venus quickly became a favorite of international Stardom fans. And that was due in no small part to the efforts of one of its charter members.

Fashionable, charismatic, and athletic, Mariah May had all the makings of a top star. May put in the hard work from the very start of her Japanese excursion, developing a notable chemistry with partners and opponents alike. Stardom’s competitive touring environs compelled the Tottenham, England-born wrestler to develop in-ring skills to rival those of her peers. And, in a massive vote of confidence, May was given the name “Foreign Ace” by no less than Stardom Executive Producer Rossy Ogawa.

Mariah May makes her way to the ring wearing a flowing pink gown and the Goddesses of Stardom tag team championship belt
“FOREIGN ACE” MARIAH MAY

With Shirakawa, May formed the impressive tag team Rose Gold, which reigned as Goddesses of Stardom champions for six weeks last summer. Her performances with the Club Venus unit and in the 5STAR Grand Prix round robin tourney grabbed the attention of promoters worldwide. Indeed, after her Stardom contract expired in the fall, rumors circulated that May had inked a contract with All Elite Wrestling in the U.S. [a rumor that was later confirmed by her appearance on the November 8, 2023 edition of AEW Dynamite]

In mid-October, during a well-earned period of downtime, Mariah May checked in from her home country to chat with PWI Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney about what she’s learned from her nine-month stint in Japan, the current U.K. grappling scene, and what she might be up to in the future.

McELVANEY: Your Stardom run has put you in the brightest spotlight of your career and earned you the moniker “Foreign Ace.” Why do you think you connected so well with the fans of that promotion?

MAY: I believe the reason I connected so well with the fans is because I love Stardom as much as they do. I’ve always held the belief the best training and performance for women’s wrestling is found in Japan. I think my passion, improvement, and dedication in moving across the world gave me their respect (and Ogawa-san’s when he named me the “Foreign Ace”). I know a lot of fans were happy to see how much fun I was having, too. I want my work to tell stories and make people feel something, and Stardom afforded me so many chances to do that.

Rose Gold (Mina Shirakawa & Mariah May) celebrate with their signature hands-making-a-heart pose, the Goddesses of Stardom title belts, and the corresponding championship trophy
Mariah May holds out hope for a reunion with Rose Gold partner Mina Shirakawa, with whom she held the Goddesses of Stardom championship.

McELVANEY: What did your 2023 excursion to Japan teach you? How did your craft improve?

MAY: My excursion in Japan taught me how important it is to take risks. Within a few days of being in Japan, I was offered to extend my tour, and I said I would stay there as long as they would have me. That chance and sacrifice allowed me nine months of dojo training, training at the Snakepit, touring a beautiful country, and more matches than any other woman up until I left! The repetition and grind helped me perfect my moveset, build chemistry—especially an amazing feeling when you don’t speak the same language. And being with Mina meant I had a mentor by my side who could give me advice. This is a chance for us girls to make our mark on history and prove ourselves.

McELVANEY: Speaking of Mina Shirakawa, Rose Gold was quite the successful duo. Do you think we could see the team get back together sometime in the future?

MAY: Mina Shirakawa and I have such a special bond. She’s the reason I finally got to wrestle in Japan. We said we wanted to wrestle teams all over the world. I’m hopeful we can reunite and do just that!

A close-up photo of Risa Sera, who is all smiles despite her face and white ring gear being caked in blood
A more surprising item on May’s wishlist: facing Prominence’s Risa Sera (pictured, bleeding profusely) in a deathmatch.

McELVANEY: I’d imagine one of the reasons you returned to England was to spend time with your loved ones. Do you have your eye on the current scene there? It seems to have evolved, with new stars in the making, even in the short time you’ve been away.

MAY: It’s definitely been nice to be home and spend some time with my family. I have my sights set on wrestling internationally. I have so many places I want to wrestle. I won four championships in the U.K. I feel for the moment my time here is done and the next girls should come through! I’d love to wrestle on a big stage in front of my family in the U.K., though. Maybe one day!

A smiling Mariah May celebrates her win holding the Goddesses of Stardom title belt and trophy
With some reports suggesting she is headed for AEW [later confirmed], the “Foreign Ace” tells PWI she is still considering her options. Look for her to do quite a bit of travel in the future (and compete against some of the planet’s top talent).

McELVANEY: You’ve been accumulating more and more fans in North America, particularly here in the States. Anybody in particular you’d like to get in the ring with on this side of the pond?

MAY: It’s been incredible and humbling to have so much support worldwide, particularly North America has always been very vocal for me. There’s such a deep pool of talent in America. And I’ve only toured there once, so I have a pretty long list. I want to do intergender (matches) … there’s an open challenge!

McELVANEY: What’s next for Mariah May?

MAY: I am still deciding my next move. I love Japan, and I want to have a deathmatch there. (Risa Sera, if you’re reading this …) I also have a strong desire to travel more, as before Japan I had visited 5 countries in one year! There’s lots of opportunity and it’s really exciting.

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Long Live Alex Kane!

Alex Kane addresses the people alongside his Bomaye Fight Club, MLW @ 2300 Arena, July 2023

A look back at July 8, 2023, when Alex Kane defeated Alexander Hammerstone to win the MLW World heavyweight championship (as told by one of his top allies in the Bomaye Fight Club).

TEXT BY O’SHAY EDWARDS

You had to be there.

To feel the 2300 building and bubbling over just ready for the moment where it all could just erupt.

You had to be there.

Alex Kane has been working his ass off for this moment for the better part of 20 years, before BOMAYE was even a catchphrase or a chant. And to be able to not only see it, but experience it first-hand, is one of the rare moments in wrestling that I will never forget. Because seeing it on TV is one thing, but seeing and feeling it live?

Man, you had to be there.

Alex Kane, the new MLW World heavyweight champion, is looked upon with pride by O'Shay Edwards

But as much as it’s what you saw, there were moments that you didn’t.

I had a chance to pull Alex away from everyone and just speak to him man to man. Explaining how we both came from Georgia Wrestling in a time where guys like us weren’t really going to get a ‘fair shake.’ Because in wrestling, well, people like who they like, and because we didn’t look like those people, we were going to have to work two and sometimes three times as hard to get where we are. But when we get there, they’ll never be able to take it from us.

Alex Kane applies a waistlock to Alexander Hammerstone, who attempts a rope break

I told him I was proud of him, I told him that I love him, I told him I was OVER THE MOOON happy for him, and I never been more ecstatic to call him my friend.

Long Live Alex Kane. Long Live the MLW World heavyweight champion.

Alex Kane celebrates, 2300 Arena, MLW July 2023
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SUMMERSLAM 2023: IN REVIEW

With numerous major championships on the line and scores to settle (The Bloodline, Seth Rollins & Finn Balor, and more), SummerSlam 2023 was sure to be an eventful return to Detroit, Michigan for WWE.

TEXT BY JASON McVEIGH / PHOTOS BY JERRY VILLAGRANA

At SummerSlam 2023, Jey Uso is attacked by Solo Sikoa while attempting to lay out Roman Reigns in the stands.

THE LAST TIME WWE held a SummerSlam in the greater Detroit, Michigan, area was 1993, when Lex Luger rolled into town hoping to thwart the seemingly unstoppable World Wrestling Federation champion, Yokozuna. Luger had spent the summer trekking across the United States in a tour bus nicknamed “The Lex Express” in an attempt to drum up support for his championship collision against the supposed sumo superstar. The road to that year’s SummerSlam main event had started onboard the decommissioned warship, the USS Intrepid, where, on July 4, Luger had shocked the world by doing the seemingly unthinkable: bodyslamming the mammoth Yokozuna.

The main event of the 2023 iteration of SummerSlam came about thanks to a similarly shocking July scene—that of Jey Uso pinning the seemingly unpinnable WWE Undisputed champion, Roman Reigns, in a tag team match at Money in the Bank. With the main event of Reigns vs. Uso set for SummerSlam, fans packed Ford Field in Detroit to see if “Main Event Jey” could succeed where Luger had failed, by taking the title from a dominant champ.

Ricochet drops Logan Paul from the top rope with a swinging neckbreaker

Of course, that would be the night’s main event. SummerSlam 2023 opened with a fast-paced contest between veteran high-flyer, Ricochet, and social media maven-turned-WWE wrestler, Logan Paul. Given the natural athleticism of both competitors, it was no surprise that this contest quickly escalated into a dangerous game of high-risk one-upmanship.

After a series from Paul that included a flapjack and a frog splash for a near-fall—and Ricochet gaining the upper hand again, only to miss his patented 630 senton—a mysterious, hooded figure at ringside slipped Paul a set of brass knuckles with which to clobber Ricochet. To the chagrin of ring announcer (and Ricochet’s fiancee) Samantha Irvin, it was Paul who was announced victorious.

Brock Lesnar raises the hand of Cody Rhodes after their match at SummerSlam 2023

Next, the trilogy of matches between Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar offered up its final chapter, with Rhodes picking up the hard-fought win in the rubber match between the pair. In a rare post-match show of respect, Lesnar proved that “The Beast” might not be all bad, as he shook the hand of “The American Nightmare.” Though Lesnar’s gesture was a nice one, Rhodes had to earn it by surviving a barrage of suplexes, F5s, and Kimura Locks along the way.

Professional wrestling and Slim Jims go together like Randy Savage and, well, Slim Jims. These days, it appears that LA Knight is the new wrestling face of the brand—thanks to winning the meat sticks’ namesake battle royal at SummerSlam.

LA Knight competes in the Slim Jim battle royal at SummerSlam

Knight outlasted a field that included the Miz, Omos, Austin Theory, Santos Escobar, and others in order to have his hand raised at the end. The crowd in Detroit exploded with joy after seeing the increasingly popular Knight get the win.

Ronda Rousey had what, for now at least, seems to be her last hurrah in WWE. This was an MMA Rules match against former partner, Shayna Baszler. The hard-hitting affair between the two mixed martial arts veterans produced plenty of bruises. And, for Rousey, it offered an unsatisfactory ending to her WWE run, as she passed out while in Baszler’s Kirifuda Clutch submission hold. Still, for former NXT Women’s champ Baszler, this win should serve as a potential springboard to bigger things on the main roster.

Shayna Baszler takes Ronda Rousey down with the Kirifuda Clutch

The lengthy Intercontinental championship reign of Gunther continued next, as the Austrian brawler disposed of Drew McIntyre. Although McIntyre undoubtedly tested his opponent in the early going of the match—thanks to his arguable strength advantage—the Imperium general kept himself going. And, in the end, Gunther put the Scotsman away with a powerbomb. Gunther now stands on the edge of making history, as his title reign approaches that of the historic 454-day run of The Honky Tonk Man.

Both Seth Rollins and Finn Balor came Into their WWE World heavyweight championship bout with differing motivations. For incumbent champ, Rollins, it was about beating Balor for a second time on consecutive pay-per-view events and solidifying his status as champion. For Balor, it was about exorcising the demons (pardon the expression) of seven years earlier, when an injury sustained in a Universal championship tussle with Rollins ended Balor’s reign before it could properly start.

Finn Balor has Seth Rollins on the ropes, literally speaking

Despite how talented Balor is as a wrestler, he has continually leaned on his Judgment Day colleagues’ interference as of late. But, on this occasion, it proved to be his undoing. After Damian Priest slipped his Money in the Bank briefcase into the ring, seemingly so Balor could use it against Rollins, some miscommunication saw the plan backfire. In the end, Balor’s face collided with steel, as he was curb-stomped into the briefcase by Rollins (who picked up the win and remained champion).

Charlotte Flair with mist in her eyes

A choice triple-threat match for the WWE Women’s championship saw Asuka, Charlotte Flair, and Bianca Belair do battle for the belt … only for none of them to leave Detroit with the gold. After twenty minutes of action, Flair locked Belair in the “Figure-Eight” leglock to try and force a submission. Before that could happen, Asuka sprayed mist into the eyes of Flair.

Hoping this would be her opening to retain her title, Asuka tried to go for a pin on Belair, but found herself quickly rolled up by “The EST” for the three-count.

Any celebratory plans Belair may have had were quickly out on ice, as Iyo Sky marched to ringside and cashed in her Money in the Bank briefcase for the title shot and, eight seconds later, the victory. While it’s another SummerSlam heartbreak for Belair, anyone who has followed Sky’s career couldn’t help but be happy for her as she celebrated her success with Damage CTRL teammates Bayley and Dakota Kai.

Iyo Sky smacks Bianca Belair in the face with the Money in the Bank briefcase

And what of Jey Uso? Could one of the most decorated tag team wrestlers of all-time do what Lex Luger couldn’t do all those years previously? Could he dethrone the champion in the main event?

As it turned out, no.

Jey Uso leaps over Roman Reigns during their main-event match at SummerSlam

Uso put up a tremendous fight and even stood up to the interference of Bloodline enforcer Solo Sikoa. Yet, what Jey couldn’t have planned for was the interference of another one of his brothers … his twin brother, Jimmy.

Just as it appeared that Jey had Reigns put away thanks to a spear and Uso Splash combination, a masked man pulled him from the ring before the referee could count to three. In a shocking turn of events, the masked man revealed himself to be Jimmy Uso, who proceeded to lay his twin out with a superkick and help Roman Reigns to victory.

Maybe if Jey had procured his own tour bus, things would have been different.

BELOW, FIND OUR GALLERY OF ADDITIONAL SUMMERSLAM 2023 PHOTOS (ALL SHOT FOR PWI BY JERRY VILLAGRANA)

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Sareee-ISM Chapter 2: A Pro Wrestling Dream Team

Saree sits on the ring apron and smiles at the camera

From on the ground in Japan, here’s a special preview of the second produce show promoted by Sareee, complete with words from the joshi superstar herself.

TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHY BY ISSA MARIE
[except for official show graphics]


Following the success of Sareee-ISM Chapter 1, a complete sellout with a high streaming rate, Sareee is ready to do it again. This time, at Sareee-ISM Chapter 2, she is giving fans the best of the Western and Japanese styles by forming a pro wrestling dream team with the former IWGP Women’s Champion, KAIRI

While in Japan, I had the opportunity to speak with Sareee about Sareee-ISM Chapter I and choosing KAIRI as her partner for this latest round.  


“It had been a while since I last wrestled in Japan … wrestled Chihiro Hashimoto,” Sareee reflects. “Unfortunately, I was not victorious in my triumphant return match, but not being able to win fueled me.  I have now made it my personal goal to defeat Hashimoto in our next encounter.”

Sareee is speaking of the main event of her first produce show. Aside from the headline match not ending in her favor, the card was a resounding success on all counts. “That night, I was able to use all of the knowledge I gained here in Japan and overseas,” she tells me. “And I am very happy with the results and success of Sareee-ISM Chapter I.” 

Loss aside, the overall experience of the first Sareee-ISM show was all the encouragement she needed to want to do it again. But why only a four-match card?

“I believe that in pro wrestling, quality outweighs the quantity of the matches ,” said Sareee. “Fans pay to watch the best pro wrestling.”  And ain’t that the truth!

A higher number of matches doesn’t necessarily translate to selling more tickets. However, I would say that teaming with KAIRI will certainly help. Smiling, Sareee explained that “for the second show, I wanted to show the fans the best of both worlds [Western and Japanese styles of pro wrestling] and I can only do that with KAIRI; we are the only ones that can do it!”  While their respective experiences were very different, both Sareee and KAIRI worked tirelessly to incorporate their deep-rooted joshi training into their sports entertainment wrestling while under the WWE umbrella.

Headlined by the tag team match featuring Sareee and KAIRI, Sareee-ISM Chapter 2 will stream live worldwide via sareeelive.com: Friday August 4, 2023, 7:00 p.m. JST/6:00 a.m. EST/3:00 a.m. PST. 


The match card is one you will not want to miss:

Opening Match
Chi Chi vs Ibuki Hoshi

Second Match
Kaoru Ito & Kohaku vs Jaguar Yokota & Kizuna

Semi-Main Event
Miyuki Takase vs Mio Momono 

Main Event
Sareee & Kairi vs Arisa Nakajima & Takumi Iroha

I didn’t need much convincing to watch this show But, if you’re still unsure, Sareee has a message for you:

“I hope that all fans around the world stream this second chapter, where the beauty of Strong Style is showcased by the wrestlers that came before me, and the future of Joshi. This match card is a dream come true, from America to Japan, WWE/NXT to Sareee-ISM, KAIRI and I want to show you the best of pro wrestling of both worlds.  Thank you for your continued support! I look forward to the day we can meet again!”

And stay tuned for Part II of this interview, where Sareee and I talk about her typical day … and I share what it was like to watch her train with her mentor, Kauro Ito!

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MIYUKI TAKASE IS ONE TO WATCH

Beyond the pages of Pro Wrestling Illustrated, here is the extended version of our written conversation with freelance joshi standout Miyuki Takase, which formed the basis of our “One To Watch” feature in the October 2023 edition of PWI magazine. Our special thanks to Mr. Haku for his assistance with conducting and translating the interview.

Miyuke Takase: PWI One To Watch

PWI: What are some of your earliest memories of wrestling? Who were the performers that drew you to the sport?

Takase: I actually began wrestling with zero knowledge; I didn’t know the rules, the history, or wrestlers. The first wrestler that caught my attention as being cool, after I debuted, was Rina Yamashita. I wanted to become a cool wrestler like her. Years removed, I think I can safely say that I had an eye for talent from the outset!

PWI: Who trained you? Where and when was your debut?

Takase: My debut match was on January 15, 2017, at Shinkiba 1st Ring. The wrestler that taught me how to bump was Leon, from JWP (currently PURE-J). Initially, we only trained a few times a month at a Judo dojo that didn’t even have a ring. Eventually, we were allowed to train at dojos of other promotions, and Leon as well as the other JPW wrestlers taught us everything from scratch, including bumps, basic throws, dropkicks, etc. From there on, a lot of wrestlers taught me a lot of things, and I am grateful to all of them.

PWI: Share a bit about your signature moves, move set, and finisher.

Takase: I’ve used the Kamikaze ever since my debut; it’s a move that Ricky Fuji gave me permission to use. I also use the Rolling Stone (spinning brainbuster), which Ricky Fuji named for me, too. Other than that, the fans might associate me with the backhand chop and lariat.

PWI: What are some of your biggest accomplishments and bouts to date?

Takase: Winning the “Catch The Wave” singles league (round-robin tournament), which featured a lot of participants with much longer careers than mine.

PWI: You’ve had some great runs as a tag team wrestler; what does tag team competition offer to you that is different from your work as a singles competitor?

Takase: I am attracted to the fact that you can accomplish things in a tag team that you cannot do alone. 1 + 1 can be more than 2, even 10 or 20. I also learn a lot from my partners; not just moves and techniques, but also about looks, presentation, etc. I also attempt to, and enjoy,  making my partner shine.

PWI: You show incredible ability to withstand pain and to come back against your opponent stronger and stronger as the match goes on. How do you explain this?

Takase: During my matches, I listen a lot to the seconds [wrestlers in Takase’s corner] and fans. I start my matches by depending on my momentum and willpower, but when the going gets tough, the fans cheering for me is what gives me infinite power; it gives me the will to get back up, telling myself that it’s not like me to give up just yet. The cheering sinks in deeper when my situation is particularly dire. The fans are my greatest strength and my treasure, so I am really happy that vocal cheering is back at shows.

PWI:  What are your goals for the future?

Takase: I want to have more matches overseas, meet wrestlers I haven’t met yet, and want many more people to get exposed to Japanese pro wrestling. I want to enjoy pro wrestling together with all of those people. One day, I want to bring together all of my favorite wrestlers and run a show outside of Japan!


Learn about freelance wrestling promotions in Japan, including NOMADS (cofounded by Miyuki Takase, Rina Yamashita, and others) via the video below from Karen Watches Wrestling:

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What’s Old #AndNEW Again

Mystery Pack #1: Classics

Introducing: Vintage Wrestling Magazine Packs

THREE YEARS INTO my tenure as PWI Editor-in-Chief, I continue to be amazed by the depth and breadth of the archives around Pro Wrestling Illustrated magazine and its sister publications.

The former London Publishing empire once adorned newsstands with numerous wrestling titles. Well before the 1979 debut of PWI, Stanley Weston’s team of journalists and photographers was responsible for numerous other titles. Most notably, these included Inside Wrestling and The Wrestler, which survived until about a decade ago as a two-in-one publication. Other former mags included the somewhat-sensationalist Sports Review Wrestling, the bold Wrestling Superstars, and the patriotic Wrestle America.

Over the last three years, I’ve frequently been asked whether any of these titles might ever be resurrected. My answer has always been this: If the demand is there, we will do our best to rise to meet it.

Wrestling Superstars, 1990s Turnbuckle Turkey Awards

For those among the PWI readership in search of the nostalgic rush of those fallen sister publications, I have some very exciting news: We’re now able to offer vintage mystery bundle packs from our archives!

Just recently, our fulfillment center uncovered a treasure trove of back issues from the London Publishing archives, with boxes full of well-preserved, unread magazines from the late-1970s through the early-2000s. Most of these publications fall under those aforementioned former titles, which we would call “sister publications” to PWI. Among them are Inside Wrestling, The Wrestler, and Sports Review Wrestling … there are even some immaculately kept PWI Almanac editions in the mix! In all cases, these are long, long out-of-print issues, many of which have been widely coveted by collectors on internet auction sites.

Inside Wrestling copies inside storage box
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!

Of course, the last thing I wanted was for these books and magazines to sit in storage for any longer. Once the most recent issue of PWI was sent off to our printing plant, I canceled all my other plans and made the drive to our fulfillment center to take stock (literally and figuratively) of what was unearthed.

Carefully, I packed my car full of various titles of vintage pro wrestling magazines, and returned to the PWI offices, where I promptly organized and cataloged these precious tomes. Some will be added to our magazine archives for posterity and safekeeping. And yes, it is likely that many of these magazines will be digitized in the not-so-distant future. But the rest? Well …

Rather than start a bidding war over these classic wrestling mags, we figured the most democratic thing to do would be to offer them as part of the aforementioned mystery bundles. Yes, we are selling these for a bit more $$ than some of our more contemporary magazine bundle packs. However, we feel the contents more than justify the slightly higher price. Each mystery pack will be lovingly crafted, packed, and mailed out from the PWI offices, shipped by USPS Priority Mail to those who order them (tracking info available upon request). Dare we say … this is a wrestling mag collector’s dream?!

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to own some amazing artifacts of yesteryear, presented in their original (sometimes wild and controversial) glory. Click on any of the bundles below to claim your piece(s) of wrestling history.

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AWG RESTRUCTURED AND REVITALIZED

ACT Yasukawa wrestles

How Actwres girl’Z Continues To Shape Joshi Pro Wrestling

TEXT & PHOTOS* BY ISSA MARIE

(*except where noted)

IN PRO WRESTLING, the desire for viewing alternatives may be at an all-time high. Fans and analysts consistently speak on the need for promoters and wrestlers to provide something truly different. And yet, in Japan, you will notice that most companies share a similar structure in their training and business models … and that is why Actwres girl’Z stands apart.

Sixteen years ago, AWG President Keiji Sakaguchi created one of the most innovative concepts in the industry: a school and promotion that specialized entirely in training actresses and idols in the art of pro wrestling. His vision was to appeal to a fan base not traditionally drawn to the world of wrestling. And he wanted to create an alternative that would open opportunities for women in the field. To his credit, President Sakaguchi has succeeded on both counts!

Actwres girl'z training ring

While in Japan, I was invited to attend an Actwres girl’Z training session, to get a better perspective of who these folks are and what they do. Immediately, what stood out to me was the shared work ethic and how welcoming the trainers were to prospective talent. That day, three new recruits participated in their first training session, and the rest of the team ensured they were properly integrated and included.

And that is what makes Actwres girl’Z so special: a group of women working together, building a space where everyone is welcomed regardless of their level of training; where the only requirement is to be willing to work hard and give it your best.

Act Yasukawa poses

Understanding that most of the newer recruits have actual jobs, the promotion is very flexible with its schedule, to ensure every member is able to meet their training commitments.  I believe ACT (Yasukawa) said it best during her interview: “All of us are professional actresses. Every expression, every move, we put our soul and heart to entertain the audience. The organization is still very new when compared to the other promotions, but there is so much potential and talent in every member; everyone has what it takes to become a superstar. And, when we do come out to the states as a group, I want the U.S. fans already looking forward to Actwres girl’Z.”

ACT Yasukawa wrestles

What distinctly separates Actwres girl’Z from all other Japanese joshi organizations is its ability to recruit and maintain new talent throughout the year. The strength of Actwres girl’Z lies in the system of building these budding performers into diverse professionals who wrestle and perform across various media. Aside from in-ring action, the talent make TV appearances, host radio programs. They participate in magazine and online interviews, modeling, live talk shows, and other individualized events. 

Since 2007, Keiji Sakaguchi has created opportunities: training, managing, producing, and transforming actresses, idols, models, and athletes. And, in doing so, he markedly changed the landscape of women’s wrestling in Japan, founding the platforms that launched some of the most recognized names in joshi, allowing them to thrive and even reshape the wrestling industry: Kairi Hojo (KAIRI), Saori Anou, Natsumi Maki (Natsupoi), Himeka, Tam Nakano, Miyuki Takase, SAKI, Rico Kawabata, Act Yasukawa, Yuna Manase, and Fuuka. Mr. Sakaguchi is responsible for the exchange program that allowed many of his young talent to wrestle in various organizations, where they established themselves as superstars.

AWG behind the scenes

In 2015, Actwres girl’Z’ event promotion and talent management saw the creation of its first branded group, called “Beginning.” Through TV and media exposure, many prospects applied and joined from all over Japan. By demand, Actwres girl’Z added another brand, “COLOR’S,” in 2019. [Editor’s note: Representatives of this group notably went on to compete in Stardom throughout 2022, as AWG alum SAKI continued the brand as a traveling unit of wrestling freelancers.]

Before long, both brands grew to their maximum capacity. And, in December 2021, Actwres girl’Z retired both brands, with a plan to renew and reinvent its system into more broadly appealing and acceptable style.  

In 2022, Actwres girl’Z relaunched and reorganized, splitting the company into “ACTRING” and “ACTwrestling”—distinct brands where the wrestlers are able to portray different roles and styles, showcasing their diverse abilities.

“ACTRING” is a theatrical experience, using the ring as a performance stage where plots and anime storyboards play a big role. Pro wrestling (moves & bouts) are incorporated into the scripted battle-act scenes. Actwres girl’Z performers play characters specific to ACTRING, with new shows premiering monthly.

In contrast, “ACTwrestling” is focused on solid pro wrestling shows with minimum staging and no elaborate setups. The stars perform as themselves (read: their joshi selves), and their goal is to connect with the fans while gaining Actwres girl’Z “points.”

Actwres girl'Z training

A promotion that runs under its own rules and regulations, ACTWrestling is creating a new and true form of sports entertainment … and a brand-new vibe.  At times, match cards are decided by fan votes and through the Actwres girl’Z point system. The Actwres girl’Z stars collect credit points by fan votes, individual ticket reservation sales, merchandise sales, participation in wrestling practices, number of media exposures, luck, etc. And their rankings help determine future show bookings.

AWG in the ring

Presently, the current Actresgirlz roster is made up mostly of newer and younger stars: Misa Matsui, Kouki, Sumikawa, Marino Saihara, Chika Gotoh, Natsuki, Naru, Chiaki, Iwai Kyoka, Marina Hamada, with many more to debut, under the mentoring and guidance of veterans Miku Aono, Act Yasukawa, Mari Sakamoto, Mii, and Yumi Agawa.

Now, international fans can experience the show across the promotion’s multiple outlets:

Streaming Service: Actwres girl’Z.net

YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@ACTWRES GIRL’Z

Official Website: Actwres girl’Z.com

But that’s not all! Follow along with me on this website, as I take you through a journey of discovery—or, if you have been following AWG for a while, rediscovery—in a series of upcoming blog posts.  Stay tuned for individual spotlights on the roster members and so much more!


RESTRUCTURED AND REVITALIZED: How Actwres girl’Z Continues To Shape Joshi Pro Wrestling

TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHY BY ISSA MARIE

Actwres girl'z training

プロレスでは、色んな選択肢を求める声がかつてないほど高まっている。ファンや業界関係者からは、団体やレスラーが常に違うなにかを提供する必要性があります。日本では、ほとんどの団体のトレーニングやビジネスモデルにおいては同じような構造を持っていることに気づかされます。だからこそ、アクトレスガールズの存在感は際立っているのです。

16年前、AWGの社長である坂口敬二は、女優やアイドルをプロレスで育てることを目標とした学校と団体、業界初なコンセプトを立ち上げた。彼のビジョンは、従来のプロレスファンではないファン層にアピールすることだった。そして、プロレス界で活躍する女性の活躍の場を広げる選択肢を作りたかった。幸いなことにどっちも成功したようです!

Actwres girl'z exercise

日本滞在中、運よくアクトレスガールズのトレーニングに招待され、彼女らがどんな人たちで、どんな仕事をしているのかを理解するためにきました。一番目立ったのは、トレーニングに対する姿勢と、トレーナー達が新人たちへの温かさ・歓迎していることでした。その日、3人の新入生が初めてのトレーニングに参加しましたが、先輩たちは問題なく新入生たちにトレーニングに含まれていることを確認しました。

これこそがアクトレスガールズの魅力。彼女らが協力し合い、練習のレベルに関係なく誰もが歓迎される空間を作り上げる。唯一必要な条件は一生懸命に頑張る気持ちを持つこと。

新入生の多くが仕事をしていることを考慮し、団体側ではメンバー全員が練習に参加できるようスケジュールを柔軟に設定しています。 惡斗さん昔こう言った:「私たちは全員プロの女優です。表情も動きも、お客さまを楽しませるために魂を込めて演じています。この団体は、他の団体と比較するとまだ新しいのですが、メンバー全員に才能があり誰もがスーパースターになるために必要なものを持っています。そして、私たちが団体として全米に進出する時には、米国のファンの皆さんには、すでにアクトレスガールズを楽しみにしていてほしい」とのことです。

Actwres girl'z training ring

アクトレスガールズと他の女子団体と違って、年間を通して新入生を募集し維持し続けることです。アクトレスガールズの強みは、新入生を様々なメディアで活躍するプロフェッショナルに育てる。リング上だけでなく、テレビ出演やラジオ番組の司会もこなします。雑誌やネットのインタビュー、モデル、トークライブなど、個性なイベントにも参加しています。

坂口社長は2007年以来、女優、アイドル、モデル、アスリートなどの育成、マネージメント、プロデュースなどの機会を作ってきました。安納サオリ、万喜なつみ(なつぽい)、ヒメカ、中野たむ、高瀬みゆき、SAKI、川畑りこ、安川惡斗、まなせゆうな、風香など、女子プロレス界で最も有名な選手を育て上げ、彼女たちを成長させ、プロレス業界を再構築させるプラットフォームを設立し、日本における女子プロレスの状況を著しく変化させる。坂口社長は、多くの若い選手を各団体のプロレスに参加させ、スーパースターとしての地位を確立させた責任者である。

2015年、Actwres girl’Zは初のブランドグループ 「Beginning 」の誕生を見ました。テレビやメディアへの露出により、日本全国からたくさんの応募が来ました。ご要望にお応えして、Actwres girl’Zは2019年にもう一つのブランド「COLOR’S」を追加しました。

[編集部注:このグループの代表は、AWG出身のSAKIがフリーランサーとしてユニットを継続し、2022年を通じてスターダムに出場したことが注目されている]

2021年12月をもってアクトレスガールズはプロレス団体としての活動終了を発表しました。プロレスを用いたよりエンターテインメント性の高い公演へと移行するために

大幅な方針転換となりました。

2022年では、アクトレスガールズはリニューアルし、「アクトリング」と「アクトレスリング」に分かれて再編集されました。

「アクトリング」はストーリーやアニメがメインでリングを舞台にして独特な世界観であります。プロレスのアクションシーンが含まれます。アクトレスガールズの選手たちが「アクトリング」で別のキャラクターを演じ、毎月新しいイベントが開催されます。

一方、「アクトレスリング」は演出を最小限に抑え、従来のプロレスに近い大会を中心にします。選手たちが実名で戦って、ポイントを取得しながらファンとつながることを目標としています。

「アクトレスリング」は独白のルールで運営される団体で新しく「真」のスポーツエンターテイメントを創造しています。たまに試合のカードはファン投票やポイントシステムで決められています。アクトレスガールズの選手たちがファン投票、個人チケット予約枚数、グッズ販売の売り上げ、練習への参加、メディア露出の回数、運などでポイントを集められる。そのランキングは今後のブッキングの判断材料になります。

現在の所属メンバーは若手が多く含まれています:松井珠紗、皇希、澄川菜摘、才原茉莉乃、後藤智香、夏葵、なる、CHIAKI、岩井杏加など。練習生の方はベテランの指導のもとデビューを目指しています。そのベテランたちは:青野未来、惡斗、坂本 茉莉、未依と阿川 祐未となります。

是非配信サービスやYouTube、公式もチェックして下さい:

配信サービス:Actwres girl’Z.net

YouTube チャンネル: youtube.com/@ACTWRES GIRL’Z

公式ホームページ: Actwres girl’Z.com

しかし、それだけではありません!このシリーズでは、今後のブログ記事を通してみなさんを発見の旅にお連れします。 このブログでは、アクトレスのメンバーそれぞれの魅力に迫ります!