NumberWeb Interview with Starlight Kid
[Disclaimer: the following is a translation of SLK's interview with Sports Graphic NumberWeb Online. The five-page article was only posted in Japanese. Do not repost any part of this translation without requesting and obtaining permission prior to use, lining back will be required. Kindly do not repost, repurpose, or screenshot and post on social media, especially on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook/Meta.]
"So I slapped him..." [SLK on intensely slapping Bushi Road Owner, Kidani] "I want to surpass Mayu Iwatani" [SLK aims to achieve her Destiny in Darkness.]
Interview & Photography by Essei Hara (posted: 2021/10/21 at 17:01 JST)
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Caption 1: Starlight Kid's rebirth as a Black Tiger lead to her recapturing the High-Speed Championship. Her babyface has vanished into her fearless expression.
"It's a weird feel feeling."
The Black Tiger Spiraling into Darkness, Starlight Kid, was cut out for this. Currently, Kid is the holder of Stardom's High-Speed Championship belt. This title was originally a championship for NEO Women's Wrestling (which launched in 2000 and later disbanded in 2010) founded by Kyoko Inoue. It would move to Stardom afterward but would keep the engraving of "NEO" in place. From her birth to age ten, Kid clearly remembers the time of NEO. [The Interviewer] was surprised hear "from year zero," but after listening to Kid's explanation, (I) understood clearly.
"(Growing up,) my mom closely followed AJPW (All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling). She really supported Kyoko Inoue, even in NEO, so there were plenty of women's professional wrestling DVDs at home.
Caption 2: The letters "NEO" are engraved on the title wrapped around her waist.
I'd go to Korakuen Hall on my own during Junior High School
Starlight Kid
"Isn't the High-Speed (Championship) originally a NEO title? It's feels weird because I'm the one wearing it now. When I would go watch Stardom on my own, Koguma claimed the High-Speed Championship."
SLK feels there is a sort of fateful destiny between herself and the High-Speed belt.
"There was minimal overlap between Koguma's and my time as rookies [in the Stardom Dojo], but we had very little chance to speak with one another. She always felt out of my reach. I heard that she was an absolute genius when it came to wrestling, and I even watched her match tapes. They call her The High-Speed Genius. However, I'm now the champion, and I have a desire to defeat all previous champions. Eventually, I want to wrestle Koguma for with the High-Speed Championship on the line."
As a child, SLK attended NEO shows with her mother, but never imaged that she would become a professional wrestler.
"I thought it was amazing to watch (as a spectator). I really loved Yoshiko Tamura."
She continued to watch pro wrestling frequently, but when NEO disbanded, she stopped watching pro wrestling for a while.
In June 2014, she attended a live show for the first time in a while, attending Stardom's Retirement Show for Natsuki Taiyo. When Natsuki was in NEO, she was the first High-Speed Champion, but she also wore the belt in a Stardom ring, too!
"The year following Natsuki's retirement, I attended a Stardom show at Korakuen Hall (on February 22, 2015). When I checked the ticket prices and that elementary and junior high school students could get a seat for 1,000 yen, I thought, "wow, that's cheap! I can go by myself, no problem!" - SLK
SLK went to Korakuen the next month by herself.
"I knew that Io Shirai got her start in NEO, but I also learned that Kid Fighter Azumi (currently stylized as AZM) also got her start there, too! I said to myself, "I didn't know that wrestlers could start that early, and I love to move a lot, so maybe I'll give it a try." - SLK
Kid sent her resume to the Stardom Office. Shortly after, she became a trainee, but due to the limited number of roster members at the time, she quickly debuted six months later.
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Kid was very petite and thin, however, she had the skills to make a (successful) debut. She became a masked wrestler to hide the fact of her youthful appearance. Then Company Owner (now Executive Producer) Rossy Ogawa originally sought to name her "Star Kid," but later added "Light" to formally name her "Starlight Kid" when it came time for her to debut.
Caption 3: She says she has zero regrets about choosing a career as a masked wrester.
"I really didn't have a desire to perform showing my face, but I really didn't care about being a masked wrestler either. However, I am glad that I did choose to be a masked wrestler because in our company, I am the only one. I stand out (because there is only SLK who wears a mask)."
While SLK says this, there are other wrestlers in Stardom who make their entrances wearing masks. However, she is the only one to wrestle wearing one.
I hate studying. My test score were unbelievable (LOL)
Starlight Kid
From the time you were born until you became a wrestler, what kind of child were you?
"I hated going to school when I was an elementary school student. When I was in first grade, I often cried, 'I DON'T WANT TO GO TO SCHOOL!' I think I really gave my parents a hard time. There were times they had to drag me there. I was fine when I got there, but for some reason, getting there was the greater challenge." SLK laughs.
Perhaps you were more comfortable at home with your family than at school?
"I hate studying. When I was in junior high school, I never studied, and my grades were absolutely abysmal!" (SLK Laughs) "I didn't mind the secondary subjects like home ec or physical education (P.E.), but the core five subjects... I didn't bother studying at all.
In high school, I would spend all night cramming the night before an exam, and managed to get decent scores. However, whenever it came to the midterms or comprehensive exams at the end of the term, I couldn't do well. I'm just not the type who is good at studying. When I was in STARS, I pulled off being an honor student to keep in line with my ring character."
Caption 4: SLK may not have had the best study skills, but she certainly had the motor skills! She fascinates the audience with her acrobatic moves.
Kid seems uncomfortable spending time with large groups of friends.
"I don't like large groups. I prefer small gatherings. A couple of people are fine. Four is cutting it close. Five or more just becomes exhausting. When I was young I hated being alone, but as I grew up, I realized the value in alone time." - SLK
She has a brother who is five years younger than her. They were always together when they were little, but maybe because he was a boy they weren't that close. Now, they live apart, so they don't see one another often. Plus, he's currently studying for high school entrance examinations.
Momo Watanabe's in SLK's Crosshairs! A Provocation Escalated to a Title Match !
When her match against Momo Watanabe at Todoroki Arena on November 3rd was originally announced as a non-title match, SLK was quite dissatisfied.
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"As a champion. I always want to defend my championship at big events. It felt like they just threw us together. I can't even call it a rematch as I've beat Momo Watanabe in both the Cinderella Tournament and the 5★Grand Prix back-to-back, so what's the merit (in another match without any stakes)? It's not the least bit interesting! So when I proposed that I put the High-Speed Championship up, you know, to try and make things interesting... she has the nerve to get pissed off and say, 'I don't need or want (the High-Speed Championship)!' That just makes my case stronger. At a big event, you would think that Momo Watanabe would want more than just a regular match when there is the possibility of a championship title included.
I'm the one here taking the bigger risk. I am trying to liven Stardom up a bit. Momo Watanabe is here saying, 'I don't want anything less than the Red (World of Stardom Championship) Belt,' but how about taking the scenic route and enjoying life a little more? Obsessing over the (top championship) isn't necessary. While I've held the High-Speed Championship before, I've also challenged for the White (Wonder of Stardom Championship) Belt and the (Goddesses of Stardom) Tag Titles.
Momo Watanabe claims, she doesn't need the HIgh-Speed belt, but is that because she can't change her past, in which she never managed to get it in the first place? Just try. It doesn't hurt just to try. If given the chance, I wouldn't skip the opportunity (for a title match). Momo Watanabe's wasting an opportunity. I wish she wasn't so obsessed with the red belt."
Caption 5: Momo Watanabe finally hits her limit with SLK. After some heated words, their match on November 3rd officially became a High-Speed Championship title match.
On October 17th, the opening day of Stardom's 11th Annual Goddesses of Stardom Tag League, Kid teamed with OedoTai peer Ruaka (as a tag team named "Kokkaido") against the defending tag league champions (Queen's Quest) Momo Watanabe & AZM (as MOMOAZ). After considerable back and forth, the teams wrestled to a time-limit draw. After the match, Kid intentionally provoked Watanabe. Losing her temper, Watanabe not only accepted Kid's offer (for a title match), but said when she wins, '(she)'ll immediately vacate it.'
"Personally, The Black Tiger Phantom finds this all so juicy. MOMOAZ is last year's winner. They're on a completely different level. As for AZM, she's one of my eternal rivals. She's the sort I don't have to say anything to in order to communicate with."
Currently, Watanabe is the target in SLK's crosshairs. I wondering if AZM simply doesn't expect Momo to actually ever challenge for the HIgh-Speed Championship. I wonder how AZM feels now her tag partner is challenging for a championship (she regularly challenges for and previously held)... I'll drag Momo Watanabe into the depths of the darkness in the High-Speed World!" SLK cackles. "I'm looking forward to November 3rd."
Doesn't The Darkness suit me better than The Light?
Starlight Kid
Caption 6: Even though she was forced to turn heel, Kid is reveling in the darkness.
Originally, Starlight Kid was a member of STARS, alongside unit leader Mayu Iwatani. In June this year, Stars lost a full-scale war against the faction OedoTai. As a result, SLK was forced to join the heel unit, so she's said to have 'fallen into the darkness.'
"From the time I debuted, I was always by the side of Stardom's Icon, Mayu Iwatani. I had always been a babyface, good girl character. However, ever since I've fallen into the darkness, I've realized, this suits me more. My reaction from the fans is even better than before. I feel like they like this version of me far better.
I've always liked black, and I've always wanted to wear a black costume. When I was in STARS... I once wore a pink and black costume. The color black just makes someone look so powerful and strong. There is this misconception that if you're too small you'll never measure up to those in the heavyweight division in strength and speed.
It isn't that I became stronger because I simply wear black, but because I decided to change not only my appearance but also my mindset entirely. I've never been a power-fighter, but I was able to create a new move I call the Kurotora Tenpu (Black Tiger Punishment). I wanted to start using a new move for my new incarnation, so I looked up moves like The Black Tiger Piledriver.
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As it turns out, The First Black Tiger (Mark Rocco) was the rival of the original Tiger Mask, Satoru Sayama.
"Many Stardom fans have been watching wrestling for a very long time, so for some, it might be rather nostalgic. Plus, using new techniques can open up an entirely new world! My move, Black Tiger Punishment, and a my personal variation of the Tiger Suplex, The Star Suplex Hold," which I used to capture the High-Speed Championship." - SLK
"I still love you now." The SLK's Chosen Path to Surpass Mayu Iwatani
We asked SLK about when Mayu Iwatani said, "If (SLK chooses) to return to STARS, (Iwatani) offered to step down, so (she) could become the leader."
"I think because this was a forced expulsion (from STARS), I still love Mayu Iwatani very much. I still love STARS very much. I don't think I'll quickly forget that feeling. While a part of me is still in STARS, my body is in OedoTai. Honestly, I'm very conflicted about it that I don't know what I am supposed to do sometimes. However, I can't bend the rules and go back there just because I want to. After having time to process my feelings, I can't take on five people by myself, and by then it was all too late. I am genuinely conflicted.
The reason I chose to stay in OedoTai, so I can one day dethrone Mayu Iwatani. She was able to fight off five members of OedoTai in order to win me back. However, I think this opportunity for us to be apart is what is necessary for me to achieve my goals. One day, I will show Mayu Iwatani everything I've learned in order to surpass her."
On September 25th, Starlight Kid faced off with Mayu Iwatani in a 5★GP 2021 league match at Ota Ward Gymnasium.
Caption 7: SLK elects to give Mayu Iwatani a taste of Black Tiger Punishment.
"I wanted more than anything to win. If I won, I could have advanced to the final. I wanted to do it on my own, without the involvement of OedoTai. I faced Iwatani fair and square and I lost clean. As frustrating as it was, I found myself genuinely smiling in the end. When Iwatani went to shake my hand, I thought I would say something cool like "you haven't seen the last of me (or this is just the beginning), but then she grabbed me by the head and I thought... 'oh God, what is she going to do to me!' Instead, she pulled me close, hugged me, and pushed me away!!
That's so unfair! Like next level sly! Most people would be pissed off after a match like that, and I'm standing here wondering 'what hell is she thinking?!' ...and then she says to me, "I'll always be waiting for you..." and in that moment I realized the size Mayu Iwatani's heart. Until I can feel something like that, I don't know if I can ever stand side-by-side with Mayu Iwatani on equal footing. It's no longer about simply matching her, now I have to completely surpass her."
Caption 8: Despite refusing to return to STARS, Mayu Iwatani embraces Starlight Kid.
Firstly, Kid wishes to break Iwatani's defense record as High-Speed Champion.
"I tried eight times over the course of four years to get (the High-Speed Championship), so now it is my mission to smash Mayu Iwatani's HSC record of nine successful title defenses. That is my mission. I'm not going to just fight anyone either. I want every defense to become one I cherish.
I want to break the stereotype that in order to challenge or be the High-Speed Champion that you have to be "small and fast. That is what I like about Momo Watanabe. She is unlike the traditional wrestler who competes for the High-Speed Belt, but when you're in the ring with me, it'll be a High Speed match!
Oh, and Hazuki's being a little greedy, don't you think? The way she retired? I want to remedy my loses to her int he past as my revenge. I'll drag her into it if I have to. I really want to bring her down."
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Kid was very eloquent.
"I want to take the High-Speed Championship beyond image everyone has of it. It isn't just for the small and quick. I want to work with many types of wrestlers. I want to make it a different sort of interesting compared to the Red and White Belts. If there are chances for me to go after the White Belt and the Goddess belts, too. I also want to help OedoTai grow larger."
With Regard to the Intense Slap of (Bushi Road Owner) Kidani
Just because she's calm and collected now, doesn't mean she was always this way.
"Last year, when AZM when the High-Speed Belt, her career completely took of off! At that time, I found myself quite depressed conversely. During last year's 5★GP, she quickly became a rising star while I could only get a single victory. Then many new faces started arriving, groups like Cosmic Angels were created and everyone started going all out. I thought to myself, 'at this rate, I'm going to get buried if I don't do anything!' I worried and gave a lot of thought about what I can do during this hard time. The only choice was to grow and keep growing." - SLK
SLK's calm demeanor returned.
"So far in my career, I have yet to get seriously injured. Although the number of shows we have keeps increasing, I am taking time to strength train my body and work ion mu physical conditioning. I've gained 12 kilograms since my debut, so now I weigh about 50 kilograms." I really enjoy meat (as part of my diet), especially grilled ribs, skirt steak, beef tongue and tender loin. I also love sweets... a lot... and that's a little dangerous." SLK laughs.
Caption 9: She removed her mask to show off how cute she is without it.
When (Stardom talent) appeared at the Bushi Road Shareholders' Meeting on September 29th, it was announced that the company was currently operating at 300 Million Yen deficit. So, we asked Kid about the intense slap she gave BR Owner, Takaaki Kidani, and she smiled unapologetically.
"That slap was on behalf of all the Bushi Road Shareholders. With as exciting as Stardom is at the moment, there is no reason why the company should be in the red. I told him, 'by next time, we had better in the black (turning a profit)!' I made him promise us, and he said, "I'll do my best (to make this happen) in this quarter." - SLK
The complete photo gallery of the photos used in the article are available here.