Utami Hayashishita has announced that she will depart Dream Star Fighting Marigold at the end of next month.
The former champion revealed the news following the Spring Victory Series event at Korakuen Hall on Saturday. She had just unsuccessfully challenged Marigold World Champion Miku Aono in the main event.
Hayashishita addressed the crowd afterward and clarified that the choice was unrelated to her defeat. The 27-year-old explained that she decided to leave during the first Shinjuku Face show of the year.
She emphasized a need to aim high, rather than settle into a role watching over the company’s juniors. Her final match for the promotion will take place on May 23.
Marigold founder Rossy Ogawa addressed the departure in a post-show interview with Tokyo Sports. Ogawa confirmed he first learned of her intentions in January.
He stated that he will not attempt to persuade departing talent to stay. The promoter said he views the situation as a chance for the remaining roster to step up.
Hayashishita joined Marigold for its launch in April 2024. She headlined the inaugural event and later faced Io Shirai (now IYO SKY) that July.
Her tenure included a 296-day run with the top championship and a victory in the 2024 Dream Star GP tournament.
Before her time in Marigold, she spent six years competing for Stardom. Her accomplishments there included winning the 2018 Rookie of Stardom award.
She also earned the Women’s Wrestling MVP honor in the 2021 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards. Hayashishita eventually left Stardom in March 2024 to join Ogawa’s new venture.
