“Wasshoi” is a chant used to inspire one another and build strength. This chant is often tied to Japanese festivals, meant as a celebratory exclamation. When shouted to the skies, it’s been said that this chant can inspire and bring people together in harmony. Such a spirited chant calls for a spirited personality, and in the world of Japanese women’s wrestling, few exemplify this to the degree of Ayumi Hayashi. Here’s what to know about the young star who proudly carries “Wasshoi, Wasshoi” as her mantra.
In addition to being an exuberant wrestler, Ayumi Hayashi was an actress as well. According to the official Actwres girl’Z website, she appeared on stage and in various TV commercials. She also took part in baton twirling and sword fighting, both of which complement her energetic, determined disposition as a fighter. In late 2018, Hayashi would begin her professional wrestling training under Actwres girl’Z.
Getting Her Start in Actwres girl’Z
For the uninitiated, Actwres girl’Z, or AWG, is a joshi puroresu promotion that highlights the pageantry and performance of wrestling. Not unlike Hayashi, most of the wrestlers are experienced in other areas of entertainment. Ayumi Hayashi debuted for Actwres girl’Z in November of 2018 at Korakuen Hall. It was in this match where she competed against Yumiko Hotta, the joshi veteran who oversaw the promotion’s training during this time, and Misa Matsui and Yuko Sakurai, both of whom debuted alongside Hayashi on the same show. Hayashi would wrestle two more matches during the year, even picking up her victory alongside company “ace” SAKI against Sakurai and Ayano Irie in a tag team bout. Hayashi officially joined AWG’s Color’s roster, consisting of fellow rookies and veterans alike.
2019 saw Ayumi Hayashi not only become a prominent AWG star but make appearances for other promotions as well. Case and point, in April of that year, she traveled outside of her home promotion for the first time, debuting for PURE-J. In this match, she teamed with fellow AWG newbie Momo Tani in a losing effort against Rydeen Hagane and KAZUKI, collectively known as WANTED. In the months that followed, she appeared for Pro Wrestling WAVE, Marvelous, DDT Pro, and other promotions. She would even wrestle a few matches for Big Japan Pro Wrestling, showcasing finesse in a deathmatch setting.
Into the 2020s
It was in early 2020 when she became a more prominent competitor for WAVE, working with everyone from contemporaries such as Itsuki Aoki to veterans of the game including Kaori Yoneyama. By late March, however, the wrestling world came to a temporary standstill following the COVID-19 pandemic. Hayashi would make her wrestling return later that July for WAVE, as well as appear for AWG, Diana, and other organizations. Later that November, she was involved in a joint show held by AWG and Ice Ribbon. On said show, she competed in a six-on-two handicap match, achieving victory alongside five partners. By December, Hayashi would pick up her first-ever singles victory against Sakurai.
From AWG to WAVE and beyond, Hayashi’s path in wrestling continued to take shape in 2021. In April of that year, she would debut for another promotion: Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling. Her first appearance for the promotion, led by Emi Sakura, took place on ChocoPro #105. It was here where she picked up a singles victory against Chie Koishikawa. She would continue to appear on ChocoPro shows to follow, working names including Sakura, Lulu Pencil, and Mei Suruga. Given the colorful, cheerful nature of Gatoh Move, the spirited Hayashi fit like a glove.
In relatively short order, Ayumi Hayashi has become one of the premier joshi stars on the rise. While her career is still very much young, there’s no denying the potential she possesses. Whether she continues to ply her craft in her home promotion of Actwres girl’Z or explores other opportunities, including potential future ChocoPro shows, the sky is the limit. It’s safe to say that she will push onward, building strength as she exclaims “Wasshoi, Wasshoi” all the while.
Ayumi Hayashi – Recommended Matches
Ayumi Hayashi vs. Maria (Marvelous – September 9, 2019)
This particular match is notable for a few reasons. First, it was one of the early matches that Ayumi Hayashi wrestled outside of Actwres girl’Z. One would have to wonder how she’d fare outside of her home element. Second, despite this match being on the short side, Hayashi showcased her signature fire and resilience, working against fellow wrestling newcomer, Maria. This would prove to be a learning experience for the wrestler who has made “Wasshoi, Wasshoi” her mantra. For a concentrated understanding of who Hayashi is, as a competitor, this is a good example that’s freely available.
Ayumi Hayashi vs. Chie Koishikawa (ChocoPro #105 – April 11, 2021)
This match can best be described as a clash of two big personalities. Ayumi Hayashi made her Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling debut on this episode of ChocoPro and what an opponent she was paired up against. “Too Much Energy,” Chie Koishikawa, is one of the few who can match Hayashi’s exuberant demeanor. This match also proved that Hayashi belonged in the colorful, whimsical world of ChocoPro. She wouldn’t be the only Actwres girl’Z talent to appear on the show this past spring, as Sakurai, Waka Tsukiyama, and Rina Amikura wrestled on multiple episodes.
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