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Mayu Iwatani Announces Immediate Departure From STARDOM

Mayu Iwatani has officially departed from her home promotion of STARDOM just a day after losing the IWGP Women's Championship to Syuri. In a press conference hosted by STARDOM on YouTube, Mayu Iwatani addressed the future of her in-ring career. She revealed that her match the night prior against Syuri at All Star Grand Queendom 2025 would be her last appearance for STARDOM. STARDOM English commentator Walker Stewart translated Iwatani's sentiments, saying that the decision was difficult for her to make. She believes that she has achieved all there is in the promotion as an in-ring competitor after a decorated 14-year stay. Advertisement Mayu Iwatani then took to Twitter to put up an emotional post for her fans. 'I wanted to laugh and disappear [at the press conference] but I was surprised to find tears coming out. I was surprised at myself for making this decision. I will be an icon of women's professional wrestling, not just an icon of Stardom… I'm going to run away from home,' she says. Her sudden departure leaves her STARS faction at a crucial crossroads on how to move forward without their leader. Unfortunately, the faction is also facing internal conflict between members Hazuki and Hanan. Mayu Iwatani's storied career in STARDOM Mayu was one of STARDOM's original founding members, having competed at the company's inaugural show in 2011. Since then, she has taken over as the 'Icon of Stardom' by establishing herself as the promotion's flagbearer. Mayu Iwatani helped redefine contemporary joshi puroresu alongside her fellow Daughters of Stardom: Kairi Hojo (now Kairi Sane) and Io Shirai (now IYO SKY). She is also one of only two STARDOM grand slam champions. Advertisement She closes out her STARDOM career with an outstanding 735-day reign as IWGP Women's Champion. In this reign, Iwatani surpassed Kazuchika Okada's 720-day reign as IWGP Heavyweight Champion. She becomes the longest reigning champion of the IWGP. Her reign also saw victories over the likes of Mercedes Moné, 'Timeless' Toni Storm, Stephanie Vaquer, and Sareee, among others. The post Mayu Iwatani Announces Immediate Departure From STARDOM appeared first on Wrestlezone.