Joshi wrestling promotion Sukeban, a Japanese female wrestling league, is set to launch later this month in New York City. Sukeban will bring in the top talent from Japan, aiming to bring Joshi to a global audience as the first all-Japanese Joshi promotion in the U.S.
The promotion’s first event will be held at the Capitale in Downtown Manhattan on Thursday, September 21. Tickets for the event went on sale this morning and the show sold out in 2 hours. The main event for that show will feature Ichigo Sayaka (aka Unagi Sayaka) vs. Countess Saori (aka Saori Anou). The winner will compete for the Sukeban World Championship at Sukeban’s second event in the United States, to be announced in the coming weeks.
The jam packed contracted roster includes The Vandals; Atomic Banshee, portrayed by Ram Kaichow; Otaku-chan, portrayed by Kaori Yoneyama; Midnight Player, portrayed by AOI; BINGO, portrayed by (unknown); Harajuku Stars; Ichigo Sayaka, portrayed by Unagi Sayaka; Maya Mamushi, portrayed by Maya Yukihi; Saki Bimi, portrayed by SAKI; Babyface, portrayed by Ancham; Cherry Bomb Girls; Crush Yuu, portrayed by Yuu; Supersonic, portrayed by (unknown); Riko Blondie, portrayed by Riko Kaiju; Dangerous Liaisons; Countess Saori, portrayed by Saori Anou; Commander Nakajima, portrayed by Arisa Nakajima; Lady Antoinette, portrayed by Risa Sera; Queen of Hearts, portrayed by Miyuki Takase; Unaffiliated; and Stray Cat, portrayed by (unknown).
Sukeban aims to be different than its competitors with its debut show, unveiling the Championship Belt in New York, designed and created by Marc Newson, wrestler costumes and all merchandise designed by world-famous creative director and fashion designer Olympia Le-Tan, hats created by Stephen Jones, finger nail art by social media superstar Mei Kawajiri (Nails by Mei), as well as anime and manga art by fast-rising artist and author Sakana Koji.
Sukeban’s arrival to the United States comes at a perfect time as there is an increased demand for women’s wrestling across the country. Sukeban joins the likes of W.O.W — Women of Wrestling, Women’s Wrestling Army, and SHIMMER as some of the top all-female promotions running within the states.
