Last year LWOPW put together a list of the top Joshi wrestlers of 2019, this was our first time doing such an article but to continue our dedication to Joshi wrestling we are bringing it back in 2020. This time around we have got nominations and contributions from a number of people involved in covering Joshi wrestling to provide as deep and diverse a list as is possible.
Contributions from: @BowlingJD (RedLeafRetrocast), @K_to_Z3r0 (Big Egg Joshi Podcast), Robbie Sutter (LWOPW co-manager), Dylan Murray (LWOPW/Deadlock Contributor, Co-host of Stardom Quest & Victory Through Guts), Alex Richards (LWOPW co-manager, Voices Of Wrestling Stardom Reviewer, Co-host of Stardom Quest & Victory Through Guts)
Mayu Iwatani (Nominated By Dylan)
Dylan had this to say regarding Mayu Iwatani: The Undisputed Ace of Stardom has stood her ground as one of the best wrestlers in all of Joshi over the past year. Coming into the year with one successful World of Stardom Championship defense against Kagetsu under her belt, Mayu claimed her V2 in the main event of the 9th Anniversary Show against Momo Watanabe. She would go on to compete in highly memorable non-title bouts, including against Takumi Iroha at Way to the Major League, against Saki Kashima at No People Gate, and against Hana Kimura in the Cinderella Tournament before COVID-19 occurred. As shows returned in the Summer, Mayu successfully defended the Red Belt once again against Jungle Kyona before entering the 5STAR and finishing with a 5-7 record.
Mayu would soon be able to pick up two more successful title defenses against Syuri and Takumi Iroha, both of which were considered MOTYCs for the company. After forming a prolific team with Starlight Kid in the Goddess of Stardom Tag Leauge, Mayu would lose the Red Belt to Utami Hayashishita at Sendai Cinderella. Following a year of having over a dozen of the best matches in the world, Mayu will enter 2021 as the Queen without a crown and will likely continue to be the absolute best Stardom has to offer.
Suzu Suzuki (Nominated By @BowlingJD & @K_to_Z3r0)
@K_to_Z3r0 had this to say about Suzuki: A generational talent who at just 17 years old and with just under 2 years of experience won the top prize in Ice Ribbon the ICExInfinity Championship. She spent the first half of the year chasing dominant champion Maya Yukihi all the while she continued to add to her moveset. She finally beat Yukihi in a match of the year contender at Ice Ribbon’s last ever show in the historic Yokohama Buntai. Now at just 18 she has not only taken the company on her back but has done so with the poise you would expect from a 10-year veteran. She has already put on a number of title matches with the likes of Tsukushi Haruka (another MOTY contender), Haruka Umesaki, and Tae Honma. She’s a prodigy much like Io Shirai once was and she has a very bright future ahead of her.
We covered Suzuki’s quick rise to the Ice Ribbon championship for any wanting to learn more about the prodigious talent.
AZM (Nominated By Dylan)
Dylan had this to say regarding AZM: After experiencing a breakout year in 2019, AZM followed it up with 12-months full of quality matches, tournament wins, and an ever-growing ability to entertain the crowd. Starting with the creation of the High-Speed Grand Prix in January, AZM would become the figurehead of the High-Speed Division in Stardom. Winning the Division’s top honors from Riho in July, AZM has defended the High-Speed Championship three times as the year comes to a close. On top of that, AZM’s performance in the 5STAR Grand Prix and Goddesses of Stardom Tag Leauge were quite remarkable, walking away with the technical award in the former and with the absolute victory alongside Momo Watanabe in the latter. With standout matches such as her and Kagetsu vs. Mayu Iwatani and Starlight Kid, as well as her recent title defense against Mei Hoshizuki, AZM has made good headway on her quest to become the most noteworthy wrestler in all of Stardom.
Chie Koishikawa (Nominated by Robbie Sutter)
Robbie had this to say regarding Chie Koishikawa: “Say Konnichiwaaaaa! Say Hellooooo!” No matter your preferred language, Chie Koishikawa lives up to her moniker of “Too Much Energy.” She provides more of a kick than caffeine and would make any espresso blush with envy. The exuberant fighter in orange debuted in the summer of 2019, but it wasn’t until 2020, when Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling launched ChocoPro, when she started to come into her own. Whether solo or teaming with Mei Suruga, as Warm Caterpillars, Koishikawa has shown that she’s more than just sizzle. Her saber-like chops, no doubt influenced by her experience as a fencer, show that she means business from bell to bell.
2020 was a career-defining year for Koishikawa, too. This past September, she announced that she quit her job to work with Gatoh Move on a full-time basis. Since then, she has been a consistent competitor in Ichigaya Chocolate Square, the trademark venue of ChocoPro and Gatoh Move as a whole. Keep in mind that, at this stage, Koishikawa is still a rookie. She is only in her second year of wrestling but her potential can’t be denied. Expect her to become more of a prominent player in the Japanese wrestling scene, not just in Gatoh Move but any promotion looking to add an extra boost of energy to their shows.
Yoshiko (Nominated by Alex Richards)
Alex had this to say regarding Yoshiko: With Nanae Takahashi set to miss 2020, a gap opened at the top of the SEAdLINNNG card for Yoshiko to become the focus of the company alongside Arisa Nakajima. Yoshiko did not wait long to begin her feud with Nakajima over the Beyond The Sea title and even had a great draw with Sareee early in the year. When COVID-19 shut down wrestling Yoshiko became famous on the app TikTok and currently boasts a social media following larger than most Joshi companies combined.
When shows resumed Yoshiko picked up where she left off becoming a double champion in SEAdLINNNG and kickstarting a rivalry with Nakajima that carried the company in the second half of the year. Alongside Hiroyo Matsumoto she reigned over the tag division and feuded with Nakajima and Tsukasa Fujimoto while also holding things down in the singles scene including two more matches with Sareee. She closed out the year by winning the tag titles again, this time with Sareee in a presumably great match against Fujimoto and Nakajima
Utami Hayashishita (Nominated By Dylan)
Dylan had this to say regarding Utami Hayashishita: Utami Hayashishita has had a highly eventful year despite the impact COVID-19 had on the world of wrestling. Starting the year with three titles around her waist, Utami challenged Arisa Hoshiki for the Wonder of Stardom Title at the 9th Anniversary Show in a stellar match that has grown to be considered a high contender for MOTY. Utami would concede each of her three belts over the following months, losing the SWA Title to Jamie Hayter, the Artists Belts to Donna Del Mondo, and relinquishing the Future Title after outgrowing it as a competitor.
At this point, Utami focused her strength on the Goddesses of Stardom Tag Titles, unsuccessfully challenging the Top Gaijins at No People Gate before alongside Momo Watanabe. After drawing with Maika in the first round of the Cinderella Tournament, Utami would return from the COVID disruption with a bang, creating AphroditE alongside the newest member of Queen’s Quest, Saya Kamitani. Winning the Tag Titles alongside her fellow Kagetsu disciple in July, Utami would see even more summertime success when she won the 5STAR Grand Prix less than two months later in September. Then, after a less than stellar Goddesses of Stardom Tag League performance, Utami would win the Red Belt from Mayu Iwatani in November and has continued to hold it to this day. As the holder of 2/3rds of the most important belts in the company as the year ends, it’s hard to understate just how dominant her year was just over two years into her young career.
Maya Yukihi (Nominated by @BowlingJD)
Maya Yukihi spent the year fending off challengers for the ICExInfinity Championship in stellar matches. These included a hidden gem against Hiragi Kurumi that has received rave reviews from JD. Yukihi’s striking based offense and ice-cold nerves made her a great figurehead for Ice Ribbon as she continued to build up her own reputation as the year went on. When the time came to pass the torch Yukihi delivered an excellent match with Suzu Suzuki where she put over the new champion. While she was overlooked for last year’s edition it is without doubt that Maya Yukihi has earned her spot as one of the top Joshi wrestlers of 2020.
Miyuki Takase (Nominated by @K_to_Z3r0)
@K_to_Z3r0 had this to say about Takase: She’s been severely underrated in my opinion. The current AWG (Actwres girl’Z) Champion she has had some absolutely great title defenses against the likes of Nagisa Nozaki, Maika Ozaki, and Akane Fujita as well as an excellent match with Sareee. She hits hard and is the closest thing to pure strong style in Joshi. She is also part of a fun faction in SEAdLINNNG called Max VOLTAGE where she dances, it’s fantastic. Takase has really put AWG on her back and has done a great job filling the shoes of former AWG ace Saori Anou.
Lulu Pencil (Nominated by Robbie Sutter)
Robbie had this to say regarding Lulu Pencil: Lulu Pencil may go down as the biggest Joshi underdog story in 2020. As a freelance writer, passionate about gaming, she entered the unfamiliar world of professional wrestling late last year. In fact, she joined Gatoh Move in the same class as Koishikawa. Only a few months after her official debut, Lulu Pencil became a viral sensation due to her comedic antics and affable personality. Her fans, which have been collectively known as the Pencil Army, stayed with her into 2020, watching her develop further following the advent of ChocoPro. In 2020, Lulu Pencil’s goal has remained the same: to become strong.
Due to the aforementioned comedic antics, as well as her ever-developing power, Lulu Pencil has only built upon her fan support in 2020. She found a new ally in Emi Sakura, the very woman who brought her in and trained her; together, they became the overalls-wearing duo of Pencil Army. Furthermore, even in defeat in most of her matches, Lulu Pencil showed courage and resolve unlike anyone else. This was especially evident in her feud with Chris Brookes, who became something of a schoolyard bully to the Pencil Army commanding officer. Through the ups and downs – admittedly, mostly downs – Lulu Pencil has kept her head up high. Expect her to become even stronger in 2021.
Tae Honma (Nominated by @K_to_Z3r0)
@K_to_Z3r0 had this to say about Takase: In my opinion, Honma is the best technical submission wrestler in Joshi. She understands how to integrate her submission style into any match without it taking away from the match itself, something others often struggle with. She’s been a constant presence in Ice Ribbon as part of the Joint Army group and is still an important part of AWG being the close 2nd to ace Takase. She was Triangle Ribbon champion and arguably made the title feel important again with how she carried it and herself as champion. She had a fantastic match with Suzuki for the ICExInfinity Championship at an AWGxIceRibbon event.
Yuna Mizumori (Nominated by Robbie Sutter)
Robbie had this to say regarding Yuna Mizumori: “The Pineapple Girl” Yuna Mizumori started 2020 on a rocky note. Alongside SAKI, her teammate in Tropikawild, she entered the year as one-half of the Asia Dream Tag Team Champions. In March, however, Tropikawild would lose the belts to Emi Sakura and Kaori Yoneyama, collectively known as Reset. From there, Mizumori’s struggles seemed to build, due in no small part to Sakura. Yunamon’s mentor constantly pushed her to find who she was. For the first time, the often jovial fighter in green was lost, her frustration often getting the better of her. Mizumori’s trials and tribulations made for a story that viewers could invest in.
This wasn’t to say that Mizumori was a slouch from bell to bell. Over the past couple of years, she developed a reputation as one of the most consistent wrestlers in Gatoh Move; this was no different in 2020. Whether she was brawling with Sakura, playing the powerhouse against long-time rival Mei Suruga, or working as the underdog against more imposing foes, Mizumori’s matches were entertaining in their own ways. The matches in question went a long way in crowning Gatoh Move’s “Pineapple Girl” as the MVP of ChocoPro season one. Now that “Tropical Yahho” herself seems to be back to her upbeat ways, serenading viewers before each match, 2021 may very well be hers for the taking.
Arisa Nakajima (Nominated by Alex Richards)
Alex had this to say regarding Arisa Nakajima: With her long time rival Nanae Takahashi set to miss most of 2020, Nakajima was free to stand atop SEAdLINNNG alone as the Beyond The Sea Champion. She didn’t get to make many defenses before COVID-19 stopped things in their tracks but she did have a great match with Yoshiko in January. When SEAdLINNNG began running again Nakajima hit the ground running having a match of the year contender with ASUKA and another with Yoshiko in which she dropped the title. This kicked off a rivalry with Yoshiko that has seen the two try to maim one another. Their rivalry has carried the second half of the year for both as Nakajima and Tsukasa Fujimoto became a regular team in SEAdLINNNG to challenge Yoshiko and Hiroyo Matsumoto. Be it in SEAdLINNNG, ASSEMBLE, or the rare appearance in Ice Ribbon Nakajima has been one of the most consistent wrestlers on the scene this year and deserved a spot as one of the top Joshi wrestlers of 2020.
Yuka Sakazaki (Nominated by @BowlingJD)
Sakazaki will likely be one of the more recognizable names on this list thanks to her work in AEW. When not wowing fans on TNT Sakazaki is working full time for Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling. She spent the entire calendar year as their top champion making four successful defenses. Sakazaki has been one of the top names of TJPW who have had some strong growth in recent times, despite COVID-19. Sakazaki closed the year with a highly recommended bout with Mizuki that earned the full five stars from a number of TJPW reviewers.
Mei Suruga (Nominated by Robbie Sutter)
Robbie had this to say regarding Mei Suruga: Seemingly sweet on the surface, the mischievous, formidable Mei Suruga has been the top Gatoh Move star in 2020. Not unlike her peers, she embraced the concept of ChocoPro, putting on entertaining shows for fans following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Gatoh Move’s “Apple Girl” has a claim for being the most consistent performer on the show. Not only has she made regular appearances since the beginning, seldom missing an event in Ichigaya Chocolate Square, but her in-ring work has only improved. The latter is due in large part to the wide variety of matches she has worked.
This past February saw Suruga take on Kagetsu during the latter’s retirement four. While Suruga fell to the former leader of Oedo Tai, she put on a solid performance, showing that she could hang with the Joshi veteran. Once ChocoPro began in the spring, Suruga became one of the show’s most prominent competitors. From Ryo Mizunami to ASUKA, Suruga had no shortage of opponents to work with outside of Gatoh Move. Furthermore, Suruga established herself as a tag team specialist of sorts, working with several partners. This was especially true in regard to Baliyan Akki; together, they became known as Best Bros. Add the fact that she debuted for Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling in November and it’s plain to see why Suruga’s star shines bright in 2021.
Takumi Iroha (Nominated by Alex Richards)
Alex had this to say regarding Takumi Iroha: Takumi Iroha has not been active for big chunks of the year due to both COVID and a horrific injury. Despite that, she put on more great matches than almost every other Joshi wrestler on the scene. Her two matches with Mayu Iwatani are easy Match Of The Year contenders and her only other appearance in Stardom was one of Stardom’s best of the year as she led a Marvelous trio against Queen’s Quest. Her work in Marvelous as their ace was excellent as always no matter the opponent and she stole the show at ASSEMBLE volume one as part of an incredible six-woman tag. No matter where she worked Iroha was the star of the show and often had the match of the night, few wrestlers in the world could match her output. That is why Takumi Iroha takes her rightful spot alongside the top Joshi wrestlers of 2020.
Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. Be sure to check out more from each of these Joshi wrestlers by joining Stardom World, Gatoh Move’s YouTube channel, NicoPro, Actwres VOD service, WRESTLEUNIVERSE, Ice Ribbon’s Nico Channel, and anywhere else you can get your hands on Joshi pro wrestling.
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