Sayaka Kurara Returns with a Renewed Determination to Reach New Heights
STARDOM held STARDOM NIGHTER in KORAKUEN 2026 Oct.1 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo on October 20, 2026.
The main event, Match 7, was a NEW BLOOD Tag Team Championship bout. The reigning champions, “Sakurara” (Sayaka Kurara and Aya Sakura), entered their third title defense, with Kurara returning to action for the first time in approximately a month and a half. Their challengers were “Meni☆Mani,” Kian Furusawa and Rian.
The champions took control for much of the match, with Kurara showing little sign of ring rust and Sakura unleashing powerful strikes and submission holds.
However, Furusawa and Rian displayed remarkable resilience, with their corner supporter Maki Ito watching closely. Late in the match, Furusawa isolated Kurara, creating an opening for Rian to counter Sakura with a Hanaguruma and secure the decisive three-count.
After 16 minutes and 32 seconds of intense action, Sakurara lost the championships, crowning Meni☆Mani as the new titleholders.
Following the match, Kurara graciously congratulated the new champions. Although disappointed by the defeat, she remained focused on the future alongside her tag team partner.
“We lost, but we gave everything we had today. I want the two of them to make NEW BLOOD even bigger than we did, and I’m no longer dwelling on the loss. I’m only looking ahead. The two of us will show you an even more incredible view, so please keep watching us.”
After enduring a frustrating period on the sidelines, Kurara was back in the ring. What was going through her mind following such an emotional return? We spoke with her shortly after the match.
“I Feel a Sense of Relief”
— Looking back on today's match, you unfortunately lost the championships. How do you feel about the result?
Kurara: Honestly, I feel a surprising sense of relief and clarity. I had been frustrated because I couldn't get in the ring. Even though I was competing as part of Sakurara, I felt guilty that I was leaving Sakura to carry the burden on her own.
Today, I was finally able to release all of that pent-up frustration in the ring. We gave everything we had, and then we lost to Meni☆Mani. Of course, I'm disappointed, but because I gave it my all, I can also walk away feeling relieved.
I believe those two will make the NEW BLOOD championships even more exciting than we did.
— This was your comeback match, and it took place in the main event at Korakuen Hall. How did it feel to step into the ring again after such a long absence?
Kurara: I was simply happy. So many people were cheering, shouting “Kurara!” and holding up their towels. It made me realize just how many people had been waiting for me.
During my absence, there were many times when I felt down. I even started to lose my sense of purpose, wondering, “What am I living for when I'm not wrestling?”
That's why being able to stand in the ring in front of everyone again meant so much to me. I felt incredibly grateful and truly happy. I really took a moment to appreciate how fortunate I am.
— What kind of frustration did you experience during your recovery, and how did your mindset change before your return?
Kurara: I was extremely anxious. Wrestlers of my generation are approaching the three-year mark since their debuts, which is an important milestone in their NEW BLOOD careers. I'm getting close to that point myself.
While I was away for a month or two, the wrestlers of my generation continued to develop, and the landscape could change in the blink of an eye. I was afraid that the things I had worked so hard to achieve would no longer be enough—that I would be caught, overtaken, and left behind.
More than anything, I felt frustrated that Sakura had to shoulder so much responsibility alone as part of Sakurara. Not being able to stand beside her was incredibly difficult.
— What kept you looking ahead despite those feelings?
Kurara: The Tag League was a huge motivation. Sakurara won the tournament last year, so I had a clear goal: “I'm absolutely going to be back in time for the Tag League!”
Having that goal gave me hope. It helped me keep working toward my return without allowing my anxiety to overwhelm me.
Repaying Natsupoi and Reaching a New Career Peak
— STARDOM is a constantly evolving promotion, with new rivalries and stories emerging all the time. What are you aiming for next?
Kurara: Right now, I want to do everything I can for COSMIC ANGELS, especially with Natsupoi's retirement approaching.
Of course, the truth is that I don't want Natsupoi to retire. But if the time really does come for her to step away, I want to become someone she can confidently leave things to—someone who makes her feel that COSMIC ANGELS will be fine because Sakurara is there, because Kurara is there.
I lost to Natsupoi in my opening match of last year's 5★STAR GP, so I want to repay her properly. I want her to see how much stronger I've become and feel reassured that she can leave the future in our hands.
— What about returning to the singles title picture and reaching even greater heights in your career?
Kurara: When I won the red belt, the World of Stardom Championship, people might have thought that was the greatest moment of my career.
But I absolutely refuse to let that be the end of my story. I want to surpass the circumstances and the impact of that moment and set a new personal career high. That's something I am determined to accomplish.
I don't want people to look back and say, “That was the peak of her career.” Right now, I'm rebuilding my fundamentals and working hard to address the areas where I still fall short.
I also have other goals that I want to pursue, and I hope to reveal them gradually as time goes on.
I want to return to the top of STARDOM as a wrestler who has reached an even higher level. Please look forward to it.
— STARDOM has established partnerships with promotions such as CMLL, creating more opportunities for international tours. Are you interested in wrestling overseas?
Kurara: I haven't really thought that far ahead yet. If an opportunity comes along, I'd certainly consider it.
Some of my peers and younger wrestlers have already competed overseas, but I've only been to China, and I haven't traveled abroad privately either.
For now, I think the priority is to reach a point where international fans actively want to see Sayaka Kurara. If my performances reach fans overseas and they start saying, “We want her to come here,” then of course I'll go.
— Finally, what would you like to say to the fans who waited for your return?
Kurara: During these past six weeks, hearing people say, “We'll be waiting for you,” helped me stay strong and keep my spirits up.
I want to repay everyone who waited for me by continuing to achieve more and more in the ring!
Sayaka Kurara is back at 120 percent, and I'll take all of you to even more incredible heights. Thank you for continuing to support me!