The Day Fuwa-chan Became a Pro Wrestler.

Fuwa-chan made her professional wrestling debut.

It was a huge topic of conversation beforehand, and since it was a TV program project, I think it was a win-win situation that brought pro wrestling to people who don't usually watch it.

To me, Fuwa-chan is a
talent who was re-imported from being a YouTuber, and I see her as a highly functional variety show entertainer.

She was originally a comedian, but before she could bloom in that field, she succeeded on YouTube, and just as she started appearing on TV little by little, she suddenly broke through. I think this is a very rare case. The reason it's rare is simple: if you're successful on YouTube, you make much more money there, and TV carries a higher risk of being consumed in a short period of time. Therefore, going all-in on TV requires a certain level of resolve, and I believe Fuwa-chan truly wanted to be a TV celebrity. Not just a YouTuber driven by money.

While the project was billed as 'fulfilling a long-held dream,' it wasn't that she had loved pro wrestling for a long time; it seems it just became familiar to her because she was surrounded by comedians who are pro wrestling enthusiasts (like Hiroiki Ariyoshi and Teppei Arita).

The organization Fuwa-chan debuted with, Stardom, is characterized by selling the glamour of women as one of its main features. It also serves as a landing spot for actresses and gravure idols who have struggled to find success in their fields.

For that reason, the venue tends to have a lot of middle-aged men. However, because it is under the same parent company, Bushiroad, as New Japan Pro-Wrestling, the top men's wrestlers sometimes oversee their training, which has led to a steady increase in the quality of their matches (though the increase in dangerous moves is a cause for concern).

Pro wrestling fans are creatures who won't be satisfied unless they see proper wrestling, no matter how good-looking the performers are, so it was only natural that Stardom revitalized the stagnant women's pro wrestling industry by combining both aspects.

Even in that environment, this is likely the first time a currently popular, active celebrity has made a serious pro wrestling debut. It is said that she spent as much time as possible training over four months, squeezing it in between her incredibly busy main job. That said, compared to a regular rookie, she was still treated like a guest. Trainees spend their days training, doing chores with exhausted bodies, and it takes at least six months, usually about a year, before they can debut.

As a result, I thought the match content itself was passing or better. I think it's the same with everything, but it's very difficult to show what you've practiced in the same way during a real performance. Especially in pro wrestling, where there is an opponent. So, it's amazing that she remembered what she learned in a short period of time, her octopus hold didn't lose its form, and she was able to perform her 'ukemi' (breakfalls) properly. Regular rookies are usually so nervous that they get winded and run out of breath, but she didn't even do that.

If pro wrestling were truly just a scripted act, they could have let Fuwa-chan win at the end, but pro wrestling isn't that simple. If you lack persuasiveness by creating cheap buzz, fans will quickly lose interest. Therefore, it was inevitable that Fuwa-chan lost by a direct pinfall, and it is proof that this was serious.

After finishing her first match, she said she 'loves pro wrestling' and 'wants to become a real pro wrestler.' It was impressive that she could speak clearly on the microphone in a venue with little reaction, and as a pro wrestling fan, I am happy to hear those sentiments. For the organization, she is the ultimate advertising tower, so it's a dream come true. Therefore, I think it's almost certain there will be a next time.

However, personally, I am skeptical about the part where she aims to be 'the real deal.'

Stardom is (almost) the only women's pro wrestling organization where wrestlers can make a living solely from pro wrestling. But even for top wrestlers, the annual income is just over 10 million yen, which is probably less than one-tenth of Fuwa-chan's current annual income.

Since she is a freelancer, it is possible for her to immerse herself in pro wrestling if she has the will. Her potential is high. But as a practical matter, it's a bit tough to gain the persuasiveness to stand up to Stardom's top wrestlers in just a year or two.

…Imagining such things and enjoying them is what the genre of pro wrestling is all about.

As long as pro wrestling is a show and entertainment, it is very grateful that the word 'pro wrestling' is being spoken by Fuwa-chan, who already has many fans and the power to reach them.

Pro wrestling is always side-by-side with danger, so if she continues to participate in the future, I hope she trains hard so that she doesn't get injured.

All things considered, I am rooting for you.
Good luck, Fuwa-chan.

Seeing Fuwa-chan with sparkling eyes after a match where she took some pretty brutal kicks, she really is amazing...