Former STARDOM star Utami Hayashishita recently spoke with Fightfulโs Scott Edwards on a number of topics including why she left the promotion for Marigold.
Hayashishita said, โI left STARDOM believing in new possibilities. Iโm looking forward to seeing myself as a new Utami Hayashishita, one that has never been seen before. I feel that Ogawa-san has always believed in my potential.โ
On her goals in Marigold:
โI want to do many things that I couldnโt experience in STARDOM. Iโm looking forward to many matches with opponents Iโve never fought before, and Iโm looking forward to teaming with wrestlers Iโve never teamed with before. Marigold is a fresh breeze into the world of womenโs professional wrestling.โ
On what role she sees for herself in Marigold:
โUtami Hayashishita should be the ace of Marigold. I myself think so. I should be, I want to be, and I think I am. I worked hard as a unit leader in STARDOM. Next, I will go to the top of the womenโs wrestling world as the ace of this organization.โ
On leaving Queenโs Quest:
โThey were like a family to me. It was a very sad and hard decision to leave my family. But I was excited to do something in a new place. I can only thank everyone at STARDOM and Queenโs Quest for supporting my decision. I believe that my success at Marigold will be my way of repaying everyoneโs kindness.โ
On which wrestlers sheโd like to face in the ring:
โI have always wanted to fight against IYO SKY. Itโs a dream thatโs been hard to fulfill, because she went to WWE when I debuted. But I would like to make it happen someday. I am also interested in Rina Yamashita and VENY.โ
On wanting to stand on her own:
โI wanted to try out new things for myself. I want to do my best as Utami Hayashishita, not as Queenโs Quest, not as STARDOM. I am looking forward to competing against people I have never competed against before.โ
On who she wants to face at Marigoldโs first show:
โI am willing to work with anyone with whom I have no experience. Iโm looking forward to it no matter who the opponent is. I will put the current Utami Hayashishita into action.โ
On WWE star IYO SKY:
โJust thinking about if that time ever comes makes me smile. IYO SKY is someone Iโve been chasing for a long time, someone Iโve set my sights on. I canโt help but look forward to it. I want to tell her in the match, โThereโs someone who has been chasing you, and her name is Utami Hayashishita!โ But Iโm afraid Iโll freeze up with nervousnessโฆ. LOL!โ