3 Key Points
- Rossy Ogawa, co-founder of STARDOM, plans to launch his own wrestling promotion.
- Ogawa’s departure from STARDOM came earlier than planned amid speculation of talent poaching.
- His exit opens potential for new collaborations, including AEW’s interest in STARDOM stars.
Rossy Ogawa’s Next Chapter
Upon leaving STARDOM, a leading Japanese women’s professional wrestling promotion, Rossy Ogawa disclosed his intention to embark on a new venture by establishing his own wrestling promotion. In a detailed conversation with Tokyo Sports, Ogawa expressed his desire to explore opportunities that were not possible under the corporate umbrella of STARDOM and its parent company, Bushiroad. He emphasized the limitation of creative freedom in a large corporate setting, signaling his eagerness to innovate in the wrestling world.
Behind the Departure
Ogawa’s exit from STARDOM, scheduled for February 18, was unexpectedly moved to February 4. This decision followed allegations of Ogawa attempting to attract STARDOM’s talent and staff to his forthcoming project. Despite these claims, Ogawa clarified that his intentions were misconstrued and highlighted the genuine interest from many wrestlers in joining his new promotion. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer reported that Ogawa’s departure was inevitable due to creative disagreements with STARDOM’s management, indicating a long-standing conflict.
Implications for Industry Collaborations
The wrestling community has closely watched the developments surrounding Ogawa’s departure. AEW CEO Tony Khan, in particular, responded to the situation with optimism, hinting at possibilities for future partnerships. Khan’s reaction, alongside reports from industry insiders like Meltzer, suggests that AEW’s interest in featuring STARDOM talent on its platform could soon materialize, thanks to Ogawa’s new venture paving the way for fresh collaborations.
This unfolding story sheds light on the intricate dynamics of professional wrestling’s global landscape, where individual visions and corporate strategies often clash, setting the stage for continuous evolution. As Rossy Ogawa embarks on this ambitious new journey, the wrestling world watches with anticipation, eager to witness the next chapter of innovation and collaboration in the sport.
