Historic MLW Women’s Championship Defense Set for Japan

Major League Wrestling (MLW) announced on Sunday, May 18, that the MLW Women’s World Featherweight Championship will be defended in Japan for the first time in history. The reigning champion “Big Kaiju” Shoko Nakajima puts the title on the line against rising star Kaya Toribami at the upcoming Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling (TJPW) event on June 7 at Kitazawa Town Hall.

This landmark championship bout marks the first time the promotion’s women’s title will be contested in Japan and underscores Major League Wrestling’s growing global alliance with top organizations such as TJPW.

First MLW Women’s World Title Defense in Japan

“History will be made in Japan… and it will be glorious,” said Major League Wrestling President Cesar Duran. “The first-ever MLW Women’s World Title defense on Japanese soil. Thank you, TJPW… I am most intrigued by how this unfolds. Shoko Nakajima, make them remember you.”

AND NEW ‼️ Join us in congratulating Shoko Nakajima, who just captured the MLW Women’s World Featherweight Championship at #MLWRiot!

Watch LIVE 🎉 https://t.co/wN1Nj1llQl pic.twitter.com/ZHE2rfzKGT

— MLW (@MLW) April 6, 2025

A celebrated figure in both Japan and MLW, Shoko Nakajima captured the MLW Women’s World Featherweight Title at MLW Battle Riot VII on April 5 in Los Angeles. She now returns to her home turf with the honor of bringing the belt into a new era of international prestige. Standing in her way is the high-flying and unpredictable Kaya Toribami, one of TJPW’s most dynamic young athletes.

This defense represents a milestone for Major League Wrestling and shines a spotlight on TJPW’s role in elevating women’s wrestling worldwide. For more on this historic match, visit TJPW.jp.

品川大会 試合後コメント🎙

中島「彼女のマスクの裏を知っているので、もっといろいろすごいことができるのになあ、全然リング上だと強くないなあって思っているんですけど、でも今、そのマスクの中の自我をたぶんプロレスでも出せるようになっている。だから全部見せてって感じです」#tjpw pic.twitter.com/U5gTPpuj1F

— TJPW 東京女子プロレス (@tjpw2013) May 17, 2025