As the Japanese women’s wrestling product continues to expand globally, here are three Joshi wrestlers fans should watch out for this 2024.
1. Maika (STARDOM)
The newly crowned World of Stardom Champion Maika promised to usher in a new era for STARDOM following her Dream Queendom 2023 main event victory. The company is currently recovering from a severe series of injuries with some of its top talent, so Maika vowed to be the face of a revamped STARDOM moving forward. This ongoing run features her first taste of singles world championship success as she mostly competed as a tag team wrestler with her former Donna Del Mondo faction members and Megan Bayne.
Her in-ring arsenal consists of power moves with a classic Michinoku Driver as her signature maneuver, so expect her not to break a sweat from slamming her upcoming championship challengers!
2. Sareee (SEAdLINNNG, Sukeban)
Following her WWE NXT exit, Sareee returned to Japan not only to wrestle but produce her own wrestling events as well. Since her return, Sareee has produced a total of three iterations of her original wrestling show, Sareee-ISM, which each featured highly competitive matchups that showcase the classic experience of watching Japanese wrestling. Sareee also signed a multi-year contract with Sukeban, so United States-based wrestling fans will be able to watch Sareee live in action without the need to travel to Japan.
The current Beyond the Sea Singles Champion was also part of multiple Match of the Year candidates last year. Could Sareee make an even bigger impact in 2024?
3. Giulia (STARDOM)
After ranking second on the 2023 Women’s PWI 250, there is no doubt that Giulia is already establishing herself as a top international talent. The reigning NJPW STRONG Women’s Champion also seems to be on her way out of the company following the dissolution of her Donna Del Mondo faction. Hence, it may only be a matter of time before fans see Giulia on bigger international stages in 2024. While her powerhouse moves and stiff strikes are a major part of her wrestling identity, nobody is able to match Giulia’s aura upon her entry into the squared circle.
While Giulia has already faced some of the best that American wrestling has to offer, the list of potential dream matches for her in the United States remain endless.
Who are some other Joshi stars you want to see rise to global stardom this 2024? Sound off in the comments section below!
