Stardom took a major hits recently when Megan Bayne, Giulia, Utami Hayashishita, MIRAI, Mai Sakurai and Victoria Yuzuki left the promotion last year. It seems the departures aren’t over just yet.
Over the weekend at All-Star Grand Queendom, Stardom standout Thekla lost to Sayaka Kurara. The Toxic Spider took her frustrations out on STARDOM President Taro Okada who then immediately fired her on the spot. Word is Thekla is on her way to America to sign with a promotion there.
Following right behind Thekla, Mayu Iwatani, a 14-year veteran of Stardom, has announced Monday that she is leaving too. Iwatani lost the IWGP Women’s Championship to Syuri also at Stardom All-Star Grand Queendom. Iwatani held the title for 735 days.
Iwatani posted a goodbye message on X:
スターダム退団しました。
１４年3ヶ月。
ほんっとうにありがとうございました！笑っていなくなりたかったけど
涙が出るなんてびっくり。この決断をした自分にもびっくり。
スターダムのアイコンじゃなく
女子プロレスのアイコンになります。これからも着いてきて欲しいです。
家出してくるね pic.twitter.com/lEHpbJKfjE
— 岩谷麻優 MayuIwatani (@MayuIwatani) April 28, 2025
The post translates to:
I have left Stardom.
14 years and 3 months.
Thank you so, so much!
I wanted to leave with a smile,
but I was surprised that I ended up crying.
I’m also surprised at myself for making this decision.
I won’t just be the icon of Stardom—
I’ll become an icon of women’s professional wrestling.
I hope you’ll continue to follow me.
I’m setting off on a journey.
About a month ago, Mina Shirakawa revealed that she was leaving Stardom and had signed with AEW.
“It is only thanks to the fans who have always believed in me and supported me that I have been able to continue to pursue my dreams and pursue my career as a professional wrestler. Thank you so much,” she said during her announcement.
