Stardom’s Natsupoi Announces Retirement, Set for January 2027

Stardom confirmed during a press conference on Thursday, July 23, that Natsupoi will retire from professional wrestling, with her farewell match set for January 3, 2027, at Yokohama Budokan. The announcement gives the 31-year-old roughly five months left in her in-ring career.

The news comes shortly after Natsupoi’s unsuccessful challenge for the IWGP Women’s Championship against Syuri. Speaking to media following the retirement announcement, Natsupoi revealed she had already made her decision before stepping into that title match, saying she had spent time reflecting on what she wanted from the next stage of her life. She acknowledged there were still goals left unfulfilled in the ring but felt the timing was right to move on.

Natsupoi apologized to fans for the surprise nature of the news while promising to make the most of her remaining time as a competitor. “I’m really sorry for always surprising you all,” she said. “There are about five months left, and I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone and give my all in my performance in the ring as a professional wrestler so that you will continue to support me until the very end. I love surprises, so you never know what will happen from now until my retirement, so I hope you will all keep your eyes on me. Thank you so much.”

Among her goals for her farewell run, Natsupoi named a specific dream match: teaming with her husband, NJPW star Shingo Takagi, in a tag team bout before she steps away. The two publicly confirmed their marriage earlier this year, making it a natural and emotionally resonant note to build toward as her career winds down. She has not laid out concrete plans for life after wrestling but left the door open to staying connected to the wrestling world or public life in some capacity.

Stardom President Taro Okada backed the decision while making clear the promotion’s door remains open should Natsupoi ever want to return. “If Natsupoi’s feelings change as she proceeds down the path toward retirement, we will welcome her back at any time,” Okada said. “As a company, we will support and realize whatever is possible. We will meet the fans’ expectations and provide the support needed for Natsupoi to complete her career as a professional wrestler without any regrets.”

Natsupoi leaves behind a decorated Stardom résumé, having held the Wonder of Stardom Championship along with the promotion’s tag, Artist of Stardom, and High Speed titles. That range — from high-flying spectacle to serious singles gold — has made her one of the promotion’s most versatile and beloved performers over the years, and it explains why this news lands as a genuine shock to the Stardom fanbase rather than a quiet exit.

With five months on the clock, expect Stardom to build a proper victory-lap run toward Yokohama Budokan, likely featuring milestone matches and, if it comes together, that long-shot tag pairing with Takagi. For now, the promotion has a farewell tour to book and a fanbase bracing for an emotional send-off to one of its signature stars.