In recent years, the fascination with ‘Joshi’ wrestlers has continued to grow, propelled by standout performances from Asuka, Io Shirai, and Kairi Sane during their time in WWE, and Riho and Hikaru Shida’s impactful stints in AEW. Sarray (formerly known as Sareee) has also been a prominent figure in WWE’s NXT. AEW has maintained its role in spotlighting Joshi talent, with Hikaru Shida and Riho having had notable title reigns. Their Women’s Championship Eliminator Tournament in February 2021 was a significant event, featuring talents such as Yuka Sakazaki, Mei Suruga, Veny, the popular Maki Itoh, and veteran Aja Kong.
AEW has continued to emphasize Joshi wrestlers in its programming. For instance, Yuka Sakazaki and Maki Itoh have made several appearances, contributing to the diversity and excitement of the AEW Women’s Division. The promotion has also engaged with other Japanese talent, expanding its global reach.
Given AEW’s strong promotion and booking of Joshi wrestlers, it’s worth exploring additional Joshi talents who could make a significant impact in their Women’s Division. This list highlights lesser-known wrestlers who could benefit AEW, excluding prominent names like Giulia, Momo Watanabe, and Mayu Iwatani, as well as those already signed to WWE or other US promotions. Here are five Joshi wrestlers who could excel in AEW and bring fresh energy to their Women’s Division.
Joshi Wrestlers in AEW
5. Utami Hayashishita – World Wonder Ring Stardom (Stardom)
At number five is “Big Daddy’s Third Daughter” Utami Hayashishita. Born on September 14, 1998, she is currently 25 years old. Utami is a Techniker powerhouse, known for her hard-hitting style and incredible in-ring presence. Since her debut in 2018, she has become a cornerstone of Stardom, capturing multiple titles and establishing herself as one of the top stars in women’s wrestling.
Initially, Utami faced criticism for being pushed too quickly, with some feeling she was too ‘green’ for the spotlight. However, over the past few years, she has silenced those doubts with consistent performances, showcasing significant growth and maturity as a wrestler. Her in-ring skills are exceptional, and while her promo work has improved, it remains an area where she can continue to develop.
Compared to other top-tier wrestlers like Konami and AZM, Utami may still have some areas to refine, but her potential is undeniable. Her rapid rise was initially attributed to her lineage, but she has since proven that she is much more than a legacy talent—she is a formidable competitor in her own right.
Joining AEW could be a pivotal move for Utami, providing her with opportunities to work alongside veteran performers like Hikaru Shida. With AEW’s platform and the chance to learn from seasoned talent, Utami could evolve from a prominent mid-card star into a main-event player capable of carrying a promotion on her shoulders.
Dream AEW Match: Utami Hayashishita vs. Nyla Rose
Joshi Wrestlers in AEW
4. Lulu Pencil – Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling
Coming in at number four is The Freelance Writer, Lulu Pencil. Lulu Pencil debuted in 2019 and has quickly become a standout and fan favorite, primarily within the Gatoh Move promotion. Known for her unique blend of comedy and wrestling, Lulu has carved out a niche for herself, winning over fans with her endearing and hilarious persona.
Lulu Pencil excels at comedic wrestling, which has endeared her to audiences both in Japan and internationally. Her matches are full of humor and light-hearted fun, and she does her job exceptionally well in this regard. While she is not known for technical prowess or in-ring dominance, she doesn’t need to be—her charm lies in her ability to entertain and make people smile.
Lulu’s win-loss record reflects her comedic role rather than her skills as a traditional competitor. In 2024, she remains more of an underdog than a ring general, with wins being rare. For instance, in the past year, she won only 1 out of 25 matches, and the previous year she had a record of 4-47. Despite this, her popularity continues to rise due to her unique ability to connect with fans and bring joy through her performances.
Her gimmick, that of a determined yet often hapless underdog, seems to fit her perfectly, almost as if it’s an extension of her real-life personality. Lulu’s appeal is her authenticity and the effortless way she portrays her character, making it easy for fans to relate to her.
Lulu Pencil would likely resonate with U.S. audiences as well, bringing a refreshing dose of comedy to AEW or any other promotion. While she may not be destined for championship glory, her ability to entertain and make fans smile is her true strength. However, a word of caution—when watching a Lulu Pencil match, you might want to lower your volume, as she’s known for her enthusiastic and sometimes loud vocal expressions during her performances.
Joshi Wrestlers in AEW
3. Tam Nakano – World Wonder Ring Stardom (Stardom)
Coming in at number three is Tam Nakano, the leader of the Cosmic Angels faction in Stardom. Nakano is one of Stardom’s top talents, known for her exceptional ability to tell compelling stories through her matches. Since joining Stardom, Tam has distinguished herself as the promotion’s master storyteller, weaving intricate narratives that captivate audiences and elevate her matches beyond just in-ring action.
While Nakano may not be the most technically skilled wrestler compared to some of Stardom’s top stars, her charisma and emotional depth more than compensate. Her ability to connect with fans through her storytelling and character work makes her a standout performer. Over the past few years, she has cemented herself as a main-event talent in Stardom, consistently delivering some of the promotion’s most memorable and emotionally charged matches.
Although she may not have amassed a long list of championships, Tam’s impact on Stardom cannot be understated. Her feuds with Oedo Tai, Arisa Hoshiki, and Giulia, as well as the dramatic collapse of the STARS faction, are some of the most intriguing and talked-about storylines in recent Stardom history. Her feud with Giulia, in particular, has been a highlight, showcasing her ability to mix intense drama with hard-hitting action.
Nakano’s style leans into melodrama, but it works in her favor, allowing her to deliver stories that resonate deeply with fans. She is not afraid to put her body on the line, having competed in several hardcore matches throughout her career, proving she is far more than just a pretty face. Despite her demure stature, Tam Nakano is a fierce competitor who isn’t afraid to kick your head off if it means telling the best story possible.
Dream AEW Match: Tam Nakano vs Kris Statlander
Joshi Wrestlers in AEW
2. AZM – World Wonder Ring Stardom (Stardom)
At number two is AZM from the Stardom promotion. Her in-ring career began in 2013 at the astonishing age of just twelve years old. Now 21 years old (born October 1, 2002), AZM has firmly established herself as a major player in Stardom and a standout talent in the independent wrestling circuit. Known as the High-Speed Bomb Girl, AZM’s wrestling style, classified as Techniker, is a masterful blend of grappling, striking, throwing, and high-flying maneuvers.
Since her debut, AZM has consistently delivered fast-paced and captivating matches that keep fans on the edge of their seats. Her in-ring style is highly fan-friendly, offering excitement in abundance, but she truly excels as a heel character. With her trademark scowl and biting insults like calling her opponents “Grandmas,” AZM has turned her youthful cockiness into a highly effective heel persona.
Given her exceptional talent and growing popularity, AZM can rightfully be considered a wrestling prodigy. At just 21 years old, she has already achieved remarkable success, but her age also means she has many years ahead to refine her craft. With her skill set, charisma, and room for growth, AZM is on track to become one of the best female wrestlers in the world in the near future.
Dream AEW Match: AZM vs Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D
I’m sure you’ve noticed a theme by now: in the world of Joshi Puroresu, Stardom reigns supreme. They have the top talent within their fold, and the majority of fans who follow the Joshi scene are well aware of the promotion. Stardom has introduced the world to talents like Io Shirai and Kairi Sane and has had many stars pass through its doors who are now on American shows. Anyone wanting to get into the Joshi world needs to follow Stardom—plain and simple.
There are several other promotions out there, each with its stars, fan base, and following. But once you step into the world of Stardom, you may find it hard to look at WWE or any other American-based promotion the same way. With that said, it’s time to unveil my number one pick—the performer in Japan who I believe would most boost and benefit AEW if they were able to sign her.
Joshi Wrestlers in AEW
1. Konami – World Wonder Ring Stardom (Stardom)
Number one belongs to the “Fighting Princess,” the “Submission Sniper,” the one and only… Konami.
Konami has long been a polarizing figure in the Joshi scene. Born on May 6, 1996, she is currently 28 years old and continues to be a divisive talent among fans. Some believe she lacks charisma and personality, while others, like myself, see her as an exceptional talent focused on pure, unadulterated fighting. To me, Konami is the one talent that AEW absolutely needs to bring into their fold. She’s a submission specialist with devastating strikes and remains one of the best heels that Stardom has to offer.
Konami’s technical skills are so refined that I’d compare her to top wrestlers like Bryan Danielson (formerly known as Daniel Bryan) or Shayna Baszler. What makes Konami particularly lethal is her extensive background in martial arts, which enhances her already impressive technical prowess. Her ability to blend precise strikes with submission holds creates a nearly flawless style that’s both captivating and intimidating.
After taking a hiatus from full-time wrestling in late 2021 due to health reasons, Konami returned to Stardom in 2022 and has continued to make her mark in the promotion, albeit on a more selective schedule. Despite this, her in-ring ability and presence have not diminished; if anything, she’s become more dangerous with time. I have no doubt that she could not only carry AEW on her back but also become the top heel in the entire company. There’s something about Konami’s character that exudes a sadistic, menacing vibe, making her a perfect fit for any major promotion looking to elevate its women’s division.
In 2024, Konami continues to be a force in the Joshi Puroresu world. Despite not being as consistently active as some of her peers, she remains a must-watch talent. Everyone, especially those outside of Stardom’s biggest names, should have Konami on their radar as someone destined for greatness. Her future is bright—just don’t get in her way.
Dream AEW Match – Anyone. Literally anyone. I would love to see Konami go up against every single woman in the AEW roster. Even if she has faced them before.
