Mina Shirakawa
Mina Shirakawa | |
---|---|
![]() Shirakawa in April 2024 | |
Born | [1] Tokyo, Japan | December 26, 1987
Professional wrestling career | |
Ring name(s) | Mina Shirakawa |
Billed height | 157 cm (5 ft 2 in)[2] |
Billed weight | 54 kg (119 lb)[3] |
Trained by | Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling[4] |
Debut | 2018 |
Mina Shirakawa (白川未奈, Shirakawa Mina, born December 26, 1987) is a Japanese professional wrestler and idol. She is currently signed to the World Wonder Ring Stardom, where she is one of the co-leaders of Empress Nexus Venus alongside Maika. She also makes appearances for All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
Shirakawa is a former two-time Artist of Stardom Champion, one-time Wonder of Stardom Champion, one-time Goddesses of Stardom Champion and one-time Future of Stardom Champion.[5]
Early life
[edit]Shirakawa attended Aoyama Gakuin University where she studied the English language and American Literature.[6] She has previously worked as a wedding planner.[6]
During her adolescence, Shirakawa developed large breasts which she has stated gave her the confidence to "be sexy" into her adult life.[6] This led to Shirakawa performing as a "gravure model" (glamour model) in Japan for a time in her 20s[6][7] as well using the moniker "the Fighting H-Cup Gravure Wrestler" as part of her wrestling persona.[6] Shirakawa has stated she was inspired by Jushin Thunder Liger to enter the professional wrestling business.[7][8]
Professional wrestling career
[edit]Independent circuit (2018–2020)
[edit]Shirakawa made her professional wrestling debut, age 31, at BBJ Muscle Ring on August 5, 2018, the first-ever event of the Best Body Japan Pro-Wrestling promotion,[9] where she teamed up with Shoko Nakajima in a losing effort against Reika Saiki and Hoshimi Muramatsu.[10] She wrestled at several other events of the promotion such as the BBJ Muscle Ring 2 from October 18, 2018, where she lost against Cherry,[11] and BBJ Muscle Ring 3 from December 26, 2018, where she lost to Misaki Ohata.[12] She worked a match for DDT Pro-Wrestling, at Ryōgoku Peter Pan 2018 from October 21, where she teamed up with Miyu Yamashita and Yuki Kamifuku and lost to Yuka Sakazaki, Mizuki and Shoko Nakajima in a six-woman tag team match.[13] Shirakawa worked most of her matches for Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling, the first one occurring on the second night of TJP 5th Anniversary Shin-Kiba Tour from November 4, 2018, where she teamed up with Reika Saiki in a losing effort against Maki Itoh and Shoko Nakajima.[14] CMLL and Lady's Ring held their second joint show, Numero Dos, where the main event saw CMLL representative Dalys la Caribeña defeat Lady's Ring representative Mina Shirakawa in a best two-out-of-three falls match to win the reactivated CMLL Japan Women's Championship on January 22, 2020.
World Wonder Ring Stardom (2020–present)
[edit]Cosmic Angels (2020–2022)
[edit]Shirakawa debuted in World Wonder Ring Stardom on October 3, 2020, at Yokohama Cinderella 2020, where she defeated Hanan. Shirakawa, Tam Nakano and Unagi Sayaka formed Cosmic Angels. At Road To Osaka Dream Cinderella on December 16, Cosmic Angels won the Artist of Stardom Championship by defeating Oedo Tai (Bea Priestley, Natsuko Tora and Saki Kashima).[15]
At All Star Dream Cinderella on March 3, 2021, Shirakawa competed in a 24-women Stardom All Star Rumble where she faced various returning Stardom legends.[16] Cosmic Angels feuded with Donna Del Mondo at the beginning of 2021. As a result, Shirakawa teamed up with Unagi Sayaka to unsuccessfully challenge Himeka and Maika for the Goddesses of Stardom Championship at New Century 2021 In Shinjuku on March 14.[17] On the first night of the 2021 Cinderella Tournament on April 10, Shirakawa lost to Utami Hayashishita.[18] Shirakawa won the Future of Stardom Championship at Yokohama Dream Cinderella 2021 in Summer on July 4 by defeating Unagi Sayaka in the finals of a tournament for the vacant title.[19] Shirakawa participated in the Red Stars block of the 2021 5 Star Grand Prix. She scored a total of six points, which was not enough to advance to the finals.[20] Shirakawa participated in the Blue Goddesses block of the 2021 Goddesses of Stardom Tag League with Tam Nakano as Dream H. They scored a total of three points, which was not enough to advance to the finals.[21] At Tokyo Super Wars on November 27, Shirakawa unsuccessfully challenged Tam Nakano for the Wonder of Stardom Championship.[22] At Osaka Super Wars on December 18, Shirakawa, Unagi Sayaka and Tam Nakano lost to Stars (Hazuki, Koguma and Mayu Iwatani) in a six-woman tag team match as part of a ¥10 Million Unit tournament.[23] At Dream Queendom on December 29, Shirakawa, Mai Sakurai and Unagi Sayaka unsuccessfully challenged MaiHimePoi for the Artist of Stardom Championship.[24]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4a/STARDOM_WORLD_CLIMAX_2022_IMG_6722-1.jpg/170px-STARDOM_WORLD_CLIMAX_2022_IMG_6722-1.jpg)
At Nagoya Supreme Fight on January 29, 2022, Shirakawa lost to Thekla in a match for the vacant SWA World Championship.[25] At Cinderella Journey on February 23, Shirakawa and Unagi Sayaka unsuccessfully challenged FWC for the Goddesses of Stardom Championship.[26] Shirakawa participated in the 2022 Cinderella Tournament, in which she was eliminated in the first round on by Mirai on April 3.[27]
Club Venus (2022–2024)
[edit]At Dream Queendom 2 on December 29, 2022, Shirakawa was accompanied to the ring for her match by Mariah May and Xia Brookside. Shirakawa and her Cosmic Angels stablemate Unagi Sayaka went on to defeat Donna Del Mondo (Mai Sakurai and Thekla). Following the match, Shirakawa slapped Sayaka and announced the formation of Club Venus, a trio including herself, Brookside and May.[28] On the final night of the 2023 Cinderella Tournament on April 15, 2023, Shirakawa, Natsupoi, Saki and Tam Nakano lost to Donna Del Mondo (Giulia, Himeka, Maika and Thekla). Following the match, Shirakawa announced that Club Venus would part ways with Cosmic Angels and become an independent unit.[29]
On April 23, 2023, at All Star Grand Queendom, Shirakawa won the Wonder of Stardom Championship by defeating Saya Kamitani.[30] On May 4, Shirakawa had her first successful title defense by defeating Natsupoi.[31] At Flashing Champions on May 27, Shirakawa lost the Wonder of Stardom Championship to Tam Nakano in a winner takes all match where Nakano's World of Stardom Championship was also on the line, ending Shirakawa's reign after 34 days.[32] At Sunshine 2023 on June 25, Shirakawa and Mariah May, together known as Rose Gold, won the Goddesses of Stardom Championship by defeating The New Eras.[33] At Stardom x Stardom: Osaka Summer Team on August 13, Rose Gold lost the Goddesses of Stardom Championship to REStart.[34]
Empress Nexus Venus (2024–present)
[edit]On January 20, 2024, Shirakawa, Hanako, Maika, Waka Tsukiyama and Xena reformed Club Venus into a new stable, with Shirakawa and Maika being the co-leaders.[35][36] On January 27, the new stable was given the name Empress Nexus Venus.[37] On March 30, Shirakawa, Maika and Xena won the Artist of Stardom Championship by defeating Abarenbo GE.[38]
New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2022, 2024)
[edit]Shirakawa made her New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) on October 18, 2022, at Rumble on 44th Street, teaming with Waka Tsukiyama, in a losing effort against Kylie Rae and Tiara James.
On February 23, 2024, on night 1 of The New Beginning in Sapporo, Shirakawa returned to NJPW, unsuccessfully challenging Mayu Iwatani for the IWGP Women's Championship.
Ring of Honor (2024)
[edit]Shirakawa made her Ring of Honor (ROH) debut on the March 21, 2024 episode of Ring of Honor Wrestling, in a winning effort against Anna Jay.[39]
All Elite Wrestling (2024–present)
[edit]Shirakawa made her All Elite Wrestling debut on the April 11, 2024 episode of Dynamite, saving Mariah May after she was being attacked by Anna Jay. Afterwards, the two shared a kiss and champagne.[40] Shirakawa made her official AEW in-ring debut by defeating Anna Jay.[41] During Stardom's June 2 event, "Timeless" Toni Storm along with Mariah May appeared in a vignette where Storm challenged Mina Shirakawa to a match at Forbidden Door for the AEW Women's World Championship. On the June 5 episode of Dynamite, Shirakawa accepted the challenge and the match was made official. As the plot developed, May was portrayed as being unsure who to support between Storm and Shirakawa. At Forbidden Door Storm retained the title, and following the match Storm, May and Shirakawa put aside their differences with a three-way kiss.[42] Throughout the Storm/Shirakawa rivalry, it had been teased that May was conflicted about who to side with, her mentor Storm or former Stardom tag partner Shirakawa, and that May was romantically tied to both women.[42]
Wrestling persona
[edit]Shirakawa's wrestling persona is frequently based on her background as a gravure model. She has been billed as "the Fighting H-Cup Gravure Wrestler"[6] as well as the "Venus of Pro Wrestling", a concept Club Venus was built around.
Shirakawa uses a Modified Cradle Pin she calls "Glamorous Collection MINA", the "Figure Four Driver Mina" as well as a High-Angle Reverse DDT called the "Glamorous Driver MINA" as part of her wrestling moveset.[6][43]
Championships and accomplishments
[edit]- Best Body Japan Pro-Wrestling
- BBW Women's Championship (1 time, inaugural)
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Ranked No. 51 of the top 250 female singles wrestlers in the PWI Women's 250 in 2023[44]
- Revolution Pro Wrestling
- World Wonder Ring Stardom
- Artist of Stardom Championship (2 times) – with Tam Nakano and Unagi Sayaka (1), Maika and Xena (1)[45]
- Future of Stardom Championship (1 time)
- Goddesses of Stardom Championship (1 time) – with Mariah May
- Wonder of Stardom Championship (1 time)[30]
References
[edit]- ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Mina Shirakawa/Personal Data". cagematch.net (in German). Archived from the original on October 6, 2021. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
- ^ Saalbach, Axel. "Mina Shirakawa • General Information". wrestlingdata.com (in German). Archived from the original on April 16, 2021. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
- ^ World Wonder Ring Stardom. "Mina Shirakawa - Stardom Wrestling Profiles". Archived from the original on June 6, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
- ^ Joshi City. "Mina Shirakawa Profile". joshicity.com. Archived from the original on April 18, 2021. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
- ^ Internet Wrestling Database (IWD). "Mina Shirakawa - Profile & Match Listing". profightdb.com. Archived from the original on March 7, 2021. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g City, RJ (Host) (June 2, 2024). "Do you want Mina Shirakawa?". Hey! EW. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ a b "Girl power descends on Anime Festival Asia". The Business Times. November 28, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Peterson, Karen (May 5, 2022). "STARDOM Fukuoka Goddess Festival: Saya Kamitani vs. Maika, Goddesses of Stardom match". POST Wrestling. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Best Body Japan Pro-Wrestling. "Best Body Japan Pro-Wrestling". bbjprowrestling.com (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 22, 2021. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
- ^ Best Body Japan (August 5, 2018). ""Glamorous strong style" Mina Shirakawa makes her professional wrestling debut against "muscular idol" Reika Saiki! "Pro-wrestling is painful!"". battle-news.com (in Japanese). Archived from the original on April 16, 2021. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
- ^ Nabe, Yakan (October 18, 2018). "Best Body Japan Wrestling/BBJ Muscle Ring 2018 Round 2". instagram (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 22, 2023. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
- ^ Nabe, Yakan (December 26, 2018). "Best Body Japan Pro Wrestling Round 3/BBJ Muscle Ring 2018". instagramm (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 22, 2023. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
- ^ 両国ピーターパン2018~秋のプロレス文化祭~. DDT Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). October 21, 2018. Archived from the original on February 3, 2020. Retrieved February 3, 2020.
- ^ Dark angel (November 13, 2018). "TJP: »5th Anniversary» Maki Ito loses and regains title". superluchas.com. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
- ^ Richards, Alex (December 16, 2020). "#AndNEW: Cosmic Angels Win Artist Of Stardom Championships". Last Word on Pro Wrestling. Archived from the original on January 28, 2021. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
- ^ Da Taigermen (March 3, 2021). "Risultati: Stardom 10th Anniversary – Hinamatsuri All-Star Dream Cinderella 03.03.2021". zonawrestling.net (in Italian). Archived from the original on April 12, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
- ^ Sanz, Alejandro (March 14, 2021). "Resultados Stardom New Century 2021 In Shinjuku". turnheelwrestling.com (in Spanish). Archived from the original on March 14, 2021. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
- ^ Sanz, Alejandro (April 10, 2021). "Results Stardom Cinderella Tournament 2021". turnheelwrestling.com. Archived from the original on April 10, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
- ^ Thompson, Andrew (July 4, 2021). "Stardom 'Yokohama Dream Cinderella 2021 in Summer' results". postwrestling.com. Archived from the original on July 4, 2021. Retrieved July 4, 2021.
- ^ Richards, Alex (July 4, 2021). "Stardom Announces 5STAR Grand Prix 2021 Lineup". lastwordonsports.com. Archived from the original on July 4, 2021. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
- ^ World Wonder Ring Stardom (October 13, 2021). 【今年も開催】第11回『ゴッデス・オブ・スターダム~タッグリーグ戦~』タッグチーム発表&全試合決定!. wwr-stardom.com (in Japanese). Archived from the original on October 13, 2021. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
- ^ Peterson, Karen (November 27, 2021). "Stardom Tokyo Super Wars Report: Utami Hayashishita vs. Maika, Nakano vs. Shirakawa". postwrestling.com. Archived from the original on November 28, 2021. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
- ^ WrestlingwithDemons (December 18, 2021). "12/18 Stardom Osaka Super Wars PPV Report". pwinsider.com. Archived from the original on December 18, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
- ^ Rose, Bryan (December 29, 2021). "New World of Stardom Champion Crowned at Dream Queendom". f4wonline.com. Archived from the original on December 29, 2021. Retrieved December 29, 2021.
- ^ Summers, Adam (January 30, 2022). "Big Audio Nightmare: Stardom Nagoya Supreme Fight review". f4wonline.com. Archived from the original on February 5, 2022. Retrieved February 5, 2022.
- ^ Peterson, Karen (February 23, 2022). "Stardom Cinderella Journey Nagaoka: Saya Kamitani vs. Natsupoi, AZM vs. Starlight Kid". postwrestling.com. Archived from the original on February 23, 2022. Retrieved February 24, 2022.
- ^ Edwards, Scott (April 3, 2022). "Stardom News: Cinderella Tournament First Round Results, Syuri Welcomes MIRAI". lastwordonsports.com. Archived from the original on April 3, 2022. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
- ^ Russell, Skylar (December 29, 2022). "Xia Brookside Returns To Stardom, Joins Forces With Mina Shirakawa & Mariah May". fightful.com. Archived from the original on December 29, 2022. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
- ^ 2023年4月15日 『RealiveE360 presents Cinderella Tournament 2023〜優勝決定戦〜』. World Wonder Ring Stardom (in Japanese). World Wonder Ring Stardom. April 16, 2023. Archived from the original on May 28, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023.
- ^ a b Fritts, Chick (April 23, 2023). "Stardom All Star Grand Queendom live results: Mercedes Mone vs. Mayu Iwatani Giulia faces Tam Nakano in the show's main event". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on April 23, 2023. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
- ^ Edwards, Scott (May 4, 2023). "Stardom Legend of Fukuoka Goddess 2023 Results (5/4/23): Mina Shirakawa vs. Natsupoi, and More". Fightful. Archived from the original on May 6, 2023. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
- ^ Edwards, Scott (May 27, 2023). "Stardom Flashing Champions 2023 Results (5/27/23): Tam Nakano vs. Mina Shirakawa". fightful. Archived from the original on May 27, 2023. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
- ^ Wilkinson, Nick (June 25, 2023). "Giulia Challenges Willow; New Goddess Of Stardom Champs Crowned". Diva Dirt. Archived from the original on June 27, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023.
- ^ Edwards, Scott (August 13, 2023). "Stardom x Stardom 2023 Results (8/13/23): Tam Nakano, Mayu Iwatani, And More". Fightful. Archived from the original on August 13, 2023. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
- ^ World Wonder Ring Stardom (January 20, 2024). 【お知らせ】『Stardom Award 2023』ユニット撮影会グルーピング変更のお知らせ. wwr-stardom.com (in Japanese). Retrieved January 20, 2024.
- ^ Peps (January 20, 2024). "Stardom In Takadanobaba Results & Notes January 20, 2024". Wrestle Purists. Archived from the original on January 21, 2024. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
- ^ Carlin, James (January 27, 2024). "Mina Shirakawa Challenges for IWGP Women's Title, Her Faction Gets a Name". monthlypuroresu.com. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
- ^ Edwards, Scott (March 30, 2024). "Stardom Results (3/30/24): Goddesses, Artist Belts Change Hands". Fightful. Archived from the original on March 30, 2024. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
- ^ Pulido, Luis (March 21, 2024). "ROH On Honor Club (3/21/2024) Results: Womens TV Title Tourney Semi-Finals, Hikaru Shida In Action". Fightful. Archived from the original on March 22, 2024. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
- ^ Clark, Ryan. "Mina Shirakawa & Mariah May Makeout On AEW Dynamite, Match Set For AEW Dynamite". ewrestlingnews. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ Black, Matt (April 24, 2024). "AEW Dynamite Results (4/24/24): Jon Moxley Defends Against Powerhouse Hobbs". Wrestlezone. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
- ^ a b "AEW Forbidden Door 2024 Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights". Bleacher Report. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
- ^ "Mina Shirakawa". Cagematch.net. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
- ^ Ross, Patrick (October 19, 2023). "Full 2023 PWI Women's 250 list revealed". aiptcomics.com. Archived from the original on October 19, 2023. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
- ^ "Artist of Stardom Title (Japan)". wrestling-titles.com. December 16, 2020. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
External links
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- 1987 births
- Living people
- Professional wrestlers from Tokyo
- Japanese female professional wrestlers
- 21st-century female professional wrestlers
- LGBT characters in professional wrestling
- Artist of Stardom Champions
- Future of Stardom Champions
- Goddesses of Stardom Champions
- Wonder of Stardom Champions
- Undisputed British Women's Champions