Azusa Inaba: Rising Star in Pro Wrestling
The 16-year-old sensation sets her sights on global stardom
Azusa Inaba, a professional wrestler with Just Tap Out (JTO), has taken the wrestling world by storm at just 16 years old. Born on 29 November 2007 in Toyokawa City, Aichi Prefecture, she made her debut on 3 March 2023, a mere four days before her middle school graduation.
"I barely made it as a middle school debutant," Inaba humorously recalls in an interview with Sports Graphic Number Web.
Inaba's wrestling journey is deeply rooted in her family's karate background. Both she and her sister, Tomoka Inaba, trained under their father, a karate instructor. Tomoka, five years her senior, has been a significant influence, having competed in national tournaments since elementary school.
"Our mother was originally a pro wrestling fan. She aimed to become a professional wrestler but couldn't due to an injury. Tomoka fulfilled that dream for her," Azusa explains.
Despite initial resistance from her father, Azusa's determination saw her become a JTO trainee in January last year. Under the mentorship of TAKA Michinoku, a renowned figure in WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling, she quickly progressed, debuting just two months later.
"If it were any other organisation, I wouldn't have been able to debut in such a short time," Azusa acknowledges.
Azusa's rise has been meteoric. She has challenged for the major women's titles of the JTO group, including JTO QUEEN and JTO GIRLS, and even competed for Stardom's rookie title, the Future of Stardom. A notable highlight was a tag-team match with her sister for Ice Ribbon's tag titles, a battle that almost went to the time limit.
JTO's unique rules, which focus on KO and submission rather than three-count decisions, have honed Azusa's fundamental skills. Her match against Tomoka for the QUEEN title in March this year showcased her full potential.
"I originally had no confidence in myself, whether it was my athletic ability or my appearance. But pro wrestling is the only thing I enjoy. After my debut, I began to understand the detailed movements and skills of other wrestlers, which made it even more enjoyable. I want to continue pro wrestling for life and have gained the confidence to do so."
TAKA Michinoku has praised her rapid development, calling her a "monster" for her swift rise.
"In just one year since my debut, I've had so many title matches and grown rapidly. That boosted my confidence," Azusa remarks.
Azusa's drive to surpass her sister has been a key motivator. She has gained 10kg of muscle since her trainee days and recently surpassed Tomoka in height.
Her upcoming ranking match against GIRLS champion Aoi at the JTO Korakuen Hall event on 15 July is eagerly anticipated. In Stardom, she has teamed up with Future champion Rina, with the duo aiming to "hunt old women" and earn a shot at the NEW BLOOD tag titles.
At just 16, Azusa's potential is limitless. She harbours dreams of going global and one day fighting Iyo Sky from WWE, a wrestler she greatly respects.
"I haven't told anyone yet, but... I want to fight Iyo Sky from WWE someday. I respect her a lot. To fight Iyo, I think about going global myself," she reveals.
Often labeled as "Tomoka Inaba's sister," Azusa is determined to carve out her own identity.
"I really hate that. When they write 'Inaba (younger sister)' or get my name wrong, it annoys me. I'll turn it around and make Tomoka 'Azusa Inaba's older sister,'" she asserts confidently.
Azusa Inaba's journey from a sixth-grader with a dream to a rising star in professional wrestling is a testament to her dedication and potential. The world of professional wrestling eagerly watches as this young prodigy continues to break new ground.