KAIRI holds personal press conference

International wrestling superstar hold press conference to discuss her next career moves and future in wrestling.

Complete Japanese transcript of KAIRI’s press conference was published in real time by KakutoLog on Monday, August 7, 2022 starting at 7PM JST. Please cite their post and this one when reposting parts of the press conference in part or in full on your media cites/content.

The video of her press conference is now available on her YouTube channel.

On August 7th, a press conference regarding KAIRI’s Future Activities was held in Tokyo. The contents of the press conference was made available on KAIRI’s YouTube Channel after it concluded (around 8PM JST; video archive, not a live stream).

On August 6th (JST), it was reported that KAIRI had “agreed to a new contract for a return to WWE.” - NOTE: KAIRI has not confirmed this report which was mentioned over the weekend by foreign press.

(Since this press conference was reported in real time, there are time stamps which will assist viewers watching the video archive).

[7PM: Press Conference Begins]

KAIRI opened with remarks of gratitude for STARDOM.

KAIRI: “I wanted the face everyone. Unfortunately, there was a limit as to how many players I could, but I was able to interact with many of them, learned about their individual struggles and what motivated each of them to commit themselves to professional wrestling.

I think I might be everyone’s biggest fan. In 2022, the biggest highlight in STARDOM for me was challenging for Wonder of STARDOM Championship (the white belt; at Osaka Gold Rush; against Saya Kamitani). The next day, challenging Mayu Iwatani in the finals of the Inaugural IWGP Women’s Championship Tournament (at Historic X-Over), where I became champion. That moment felt like a dream and a stark departure from my early days of struggling in STARDOM.

I genuinely thought winning the [IWGP Women’s Championship] would be my last adventure. I was prepared to either work hard to elevate the belt or immediately announce my retirement if I lost. Despite my best efforts, I only defended the belt successfully once. However, my main event match against Mayu, my defence at the Tokyo Dome [against Tam Nakano] and the time I spent with Mercedes Money in the US [at Battle in the Valley] were are exceptionally rich experiences for me.

My determination was so strong that afterward, I felt a sense of incredible loss. I was unable to sort out my feelings. I felt incomplete and lacking any sort of direction as what to do next. Around that time, I received offers from multiple companies in Japan as well as many offers from promotions overseas. At one point, I had made my mind up to retire, but I was flattered to know that there were people all over the world who still wanted to see me compete.

[19:12]

I have made a decision (about what is next for me). At this time, I cannot speak in concrete details, but in preparation for this new voyage, one of great determination, I have decided to put all a halt to all activities and go on an indefinite hiatus starting at the end of September 2023. I would like to assure you that this is a positive choice. Finally, I would like to personally express my gratitude to (STARDOM’s Executive Producer] Rossy Ogawa, who never gave up on me, even when many said I had zero talent. To everyone at STARDOM and all the wrestlers who have supported me, to the media and to all my supportive fans, I would like to wholeheartedly express my gratitude as well.

Thank you so very much.

［19:15]

STARDOM’s Ring Announcer Mr. Ando announced KAIRI’s immediate remaining schedule for September 2023:

• Sendai Girls (9/2)

• All Japan Pro-Wrestling (9/8) - Tag with Saori Anou vs. Unagi Sayaka & TBA

• Osaka Event - Details TBA

• Tokyo Event - Details TBA

［19:18] - The Q&A from the press media starts here.

Q. What made you make the decision?

KAIRI: “When I received several offers from overseas, it felt like the wrestling gods were telling me to, "Keep going!” I discussed it with my husband because choosing to retire was an important decision, and he said to me, "You can obviously still do it, so don't stop now and regret it.”

I accepted an offer from someone who helped me previously in the past as well as received some additional ones. I still have matches left in me, so I would be happy if people would come and watch them.”

Q. When is your last match? - with regard to activities in Japan

KAIRI: Most likely as close to the end of September as possible, I think. I would love to get into a STARDOM ring one final time, but they are in the middle of the 5STAR Grand Prix at the moment. I would love to have a match against a STARDOM original wrestler.

Q. What about the international engagements?

KAIRI: “I really cannot give any specifics currently, but if I am going to go that far, I would like to have a career unlike anyone else. I am 34-years-old, so I am aware that I may not be able to wrestle for too many more years. However, I would like to blaze my own unique path.”

(Again, KAIRI does not confirm or deny any specific company names or offers, including rumors that she is slated for a WWE return.)

Q On IYO SKY (Io Shirai) - winning the WWE Women’s Championship at SummerSlam

She and I have been through difficult times together both during our time in STARDOM as well as while we were living in America, but seeing her achieve arguably one of the top championships in the world, it’s indescribable. The final stretch of my time in the U.S. was during the global pandemic. We were unable to train, but endure it, so seeing her climb her way too the top… there is no one stranger than Io. I respect her from the bottom of my heart.

Q. Do you consult with anyone other than your family?

KAIRI: “I often consulted with Mr. Ogawa at STARDOM, and he always encouraged me, so I want to give it my all for the last time.”

Q. With two months remaining, have you given thought to challenging for the IWGP Women’s Championship again?

Again, STARDOM is the the midst of their tournament, so there may not be an opportunity. I was very enthusiastic (as champion) thinking this was my last chance, but I also became aware of some immaturity after losing it. Even now, I am trying my best to get stronger, both physically and mentally.

Q. I believe many many fans and wrestlers (in Japan) will miss you. Do you have (plans) for a special dream card show?

KAIRI: “There is always the possibility…”

Q. Do you have any scheduled events to meet the fans?

KAIRI: “All activities will stop at the end of September, but I will continue to update my social and blog.”

Q. Can I see you at (your personal training gym; ParaFit-24)?

KAIRI: “Thank you for your support. Many locals (in Enoshima) have been coming to our gym for a year, and we have even been able to hire some employees. I entrust some of the operations to them, but I am there when I can... which quite often.”

Q. When can we expect to see your next big achievement?

KAIRI: “I hope to prove myself as soon as possible. I plan to train even harder and show them how strong I have become.”

[19:33 - Photo Session]

[19:37 After the photo session, KAIRI departed from the venue.]