Sayaka Kamatani Becomes First Female MVP at 2025 Pro Wrestling Awards!

Sayaka Kamatani's Historic MVP Award

In a monumental recognition at the 2025 Pro Wrestling Awards sponsored by Tokyo Sports Newspaper, Sayaka Kamatani, known for her fierce presence in the ring and impressive skills, has made history by becoming the first female wrestler to win the coveted 'Most Valuable Player (MVP)' award. Additionally, she was honored with the 'Women's Wrestling Award', sealing her status as one of the standout athletes in the sport.

Kamatani, a leading star from the stardom promotion, has had an incredible journey that truly reflects her dedication and skill. Starting from her triumphant victory at the World of Stardom Championship last year at the Ryogoku Kokugikan, she has made significant strides this year as well. In April, she participated in a highly emotional loser-leaves-town match at Yokohama Arena and later featured in a groundbreaking live television broadcast of women's wrestling in Japan for the first time in 23 years, demonstrating her impact both inside and outside of the ring.

A Journey Full of Determination

"Honestly, there were days I thought I was going crazy just thinking about wrestling, but achieving this recognition makes it all worthwhile,” Kamatani commented on her win. Her relentless spirit and desire to introduce female wrestling to a broader audience is admirable. She has been actively involved in various media appearances, paving the way for a new image of women's wrestling that counters the outdated perceptions from the past.

Kamatani's ambitions do not end here. With a steadfast vision of elevating women's wrestling to greater heights, she aims to engage fans by showcasing unique spectacles in the ring. "I’m determined to bring experiences to you that you have yet to see; keep your eyes on me, as there is so much more to come!" she boldly declared.

Stardom President's Praise

Taro Okada, President of STARDOM, expressed immense pride in Kamatani’s achievements: “It is an incredible honor for Sayaka Kamatani to win both the MVP and Women's Wrestling Award simultaneously. It’s a historic moment in the 52 years of the Pro Wrestling Awards. We are thrilled as a company to witness such a landmark achievement. Kamatani is not only showcasing her strength as a representative of our promotion but also as a top performer in the wrestling world. Her battles have resonated with fans and garnered attention from those who have never been introduced to the sport.”

As Kamatani continues to lead STARDOM and redefine women’s wrestling, Okada added, "Her journey is far from over; we look forward to her future battles and contributions to the sport. Our gratitude extends to all who have supported Sayaka Kamatani and STARDOM. We seek your continued support as we look toward events like the Ryogoku Tournament and the promising future in 2026.”

A Profile of Sayaka Kamatani

Sayaka Kamatani is a rising star in the wrestling scene, born on November 28, 1996, in Kanagawa. At 29 years old, she stands at 168 cm and weighs 58 kg. She currently holds two significant titles as the 20th World of Stardom Champion and the 6th STRONG Women's Champion. Launching her career through EXILE's support dancer program and competing in AKB, she made her pro wrestling debut in 2019. From winning the rookie of the year award to achieving numerous accolades with Queen’s Quest, Kamatani has established herself as a dominant force.

In 2024, she unexpectedly joined H.A.T.E., leading to her first World of Stardom Championship win under the guidance of her mentor, Tam Nakano. As of 2025, she has continued her reign, adding the STRONG Women's Championship to her accolades and appearing across various media outlets to promote the sport further.

Upcoming events include a title defense against Saori Anou, with 2026 promising exciting matchups, including a dual championship fight at the New Japan Pro-Wrestling event in Tokyo Dome.

For more information on her journey and upcoming events, visit STARDOM's official page and stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting 2025!

©STARDOM