Maki Itoh has officially joined Stardom following an in-ring presentation at Korakuen Hall on Saturday.
The former Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling star was revealed as the subject of recent mystery vignettes before company President Taro Okada introduced her to the crowd. He confirmed the contract signing, handing Itoh a team tracksuit to mark her full-time entry into the promotion.
Itoh addressed the audience, acknowledging her history before joining the roster. “After 9 years of professional wrestling, this is the first time I’ll be doing it as a part of this organization,” she said. “I will be joining Stardom. Nice to meet you!”
Itoh will wrestle her first match for the organization on Sunday at Korakuen Hall. She is scheduled to team with Saori Anou against the pairing of Aya Sakura and Sayaka Kurara.
MAKI ITOH HAS SIGNED WITH STARDOM! ❤️🖤
Pres. Taro Okada: "Today, #STARDOM has signed a contract with pro wrestler Maki Itoh."
Maki Itoh: "After 9 years of professional wrestling, this is the first time I'll be doing it as a part of this organization. I will be joining STARDOM.… pic.twitter.com/8OkVRtpI01
— STARDOM Global (@we_are_stardom) January 10, 2026
Itoh became a free agent in August 2025 after a nine-year tenure with TJPW. She originally gained fame as a member of the Kyushu-based idol group LinQ before transitioning to professional wrestling in 2016.
Following her dismissal from the musical group in 2017, she cultivated a “Fired Idol” persona, eventually proclaiming herself “The Cutest in the World” while gaining a cult following for her charisma and hard-headed wrestling style.
During her time in TJPW, Itoh held the International Princess Championship twice and the Princess Tag Team Championship twice alongside Miyu Yamashita. Her career has included significant international exposure, including multiple appearances for AEW and a reign as Extreme Champion in GCW.
