If you thought the WWE was intense, you haven’t witnessed Stardom, the professional women’s wrestling league in Japan.
While the WWE’s Wrestle Mania involves a lot of violent action, Stardom consists of real, full-on body slams, kicks, and bright, colorful costumes.
Japanese women’s professional wrestling is an entertainment show that involves a dance-routine performance before every highly intense wrestling match.
Wrestler Kairi Hojo jumps at her opponent.
Thomas Peter
Stardom was founded in 2010, five years after the All Japan Women’s Pro Wrestling came to a close after the president became ill.
Stardom became popular quickly after it was founded. Here are some of the most intense moments from professional women’s wrestling in Japan.
Stardom’s style is much like martial arts, with many of the wrestlers relying on kicking as their main line of defense.
Thomas Peter
Like in the martial arts, kicks are paired with jumping to make them harder and more intense.
Thomas Peter
The female wrestlers are required to wear bright and colorful costumes.
Thomas Peter
Some of the fights involve more than just two wrestlers.
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There are tag team matches in which teams of six go up against each other.
Thomas Peter
Below, teams participate in a tag-team match.
Thomas Peter
Sometimes the rules of the ring are completely ignored. The fights can, at times, get serious and have to be stopped.
Thomas Peter
Stardom places heavy emphasis on physical attractiveness.
Thomas Peter
Many of the wrestlers are, or were previously, models. They publish many modeling-photo books and calendars annually.
Thomas Peter
The audience is predominantly male.
Thomas Peter
Below, wrestlers Kris Wolf and Starfire fight during their Stardom professional wrestling show.
Thomas Peter
The wrestlers have to partake in ice-spray treatments during shows to help numb any pain they are having.
Thomas Peter
The Red Belt is the first place Championship title, and the White Belt is second place. There are also Championship belts offered for the team matches.
Thomas Peter
Attending Japanese women’s pro wrestling live for the first time ever–and having an absolute blast
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