KAIRI Wrestled Two High-Profile Matches While Injured

KAIRI Wrestled Two High-Profile Matches While Injured

By: J. Curbelo

It was a monumental weekend for women’s professional wrestling in Japan as STARDOM had two back-to-back shows, including the much anticipated Historic X-Over featuring talent from New Japan Pro Wrestling. One of the main characters of these two action packed days was the Pirate Princess, KAIRI, who walked into the shows as a double contender.

History will be made!

KAIRI vs Mayu Iwatani for the IWGP Women's Championship!

Your main event is NOW!

ORDER NOW:https://t.co/zN91n9rpbN#NJPWxSTARDOM pic.twitter.com/3sf96hg4mb

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) November 20, 2022

On Saturday’s Gold Rush, KAIRI fought Wonder of Stardom Champion Saya Kamitani for the prestigious white belt to a 30 minute draw. Despite the frustrating result, KAIRI had one more opportunity at greatness on Sunday’s joint event as she was set to face co-finalist of the inaugural IWGP Women’s Championship tournament, Mayu Iwatani.

Two of the three Daughters of STARDOM wrestled an emotional 25 minute match that saw KAIRI picking up the win and making history as the beginning of a new legacy unfolded at Ariake Arena. However, what’s even more impressive is what the new champion would reveal a few hours later. KAIRI took to Twitter to tell fans that she sustained an injury four days prior during training, when she sprained her ankle.

Warning: Mildly graphic image of injury below.

試合４日前のリング練習で派手に転んで捻挫をした。
全治3週間と言われ、歩くのも痛くてもう駄目かもしれないと諦めかけた。

だけど、、、たくさんの方に支えられて２連戦、なんとか気力で闘い抜くことができました。
本当に本当に、
ありがとうございました。#IWGP女子王座 pic.twitter.com/QJzfsuK0hb

— KAIRI /カイリ🏴‍☠️ (@KAIRI_official) November 20, 2022

She was told it would take up to three weeks to heal up but ultimately decided to work through the immense pain thanks to fan support, a grateful KAIRI explained on the tweet. The champion’s outworldly efforts were rewarded with an all-time legendary moment in puroresu history, and the rare feat of becoming the first woman to wrestle and win in the main event of both a New Japan and a WWE pay-per-view event.

KAIRI’s two next matches have also been set, with an exhibition against Utami Hayashishita at STARDOM Dream Queendom on December 29th and her first title defense against Tam Nakano at Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4th, 2023. Judging by the timeframe, she will be in full health for both.