In a thrilling two-hour special of the talk variety show "Shabekuri 007" aired on April 7, 2025, the world of women's professional wrestling took center stage with an exciting lineup featuring STARDOM's star wrestlers and the legendary Dump Matsumoto. The episode, themed "Popularity Soaring! Reiwa's Women's Pro Wrestling SP," showcased the talents of Saya Kamitani, Natsupoi, and Tamu Nakano, alongside Hiroiki Arakawa, the president of New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
The STARDOM wrestlers appeared in full costume, ready to engage with the audience and share their experiences. The show highlighted the growing popularity of women's wrestling in Japan, with Arakawa expressing his enthusiasm for the sport. "Right now, STARDOM is unmissable," he stated, emphasizing the excitement surrounding the matches.
One of the most anticipated segments of the show was the "money ball match," where wrestlers competed for cash prizes dangling above the ring. This high-stakes contest added a layer of drama and excitement to the episode, captivating viewers and showcasing the athletes' skills.
However, the show took an unexpected turn when Dump Matsumoto, known as the "Extreme Evil Queen," made a surprise entrance. At 64 years old, Matsumoto is a veteran in the wrestling world, and her presence added a thrilling edge to the proceedings. As she entered the studio, she wielded a bamboo sword, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation.
In a moment that left audiences gasping, Matsumoto launched an attack on Natsupoi, who was attempting to escape while apologizing. Matsumoto exclaimed, "Coming to a place like this and laughing and being silly is no good! If you want to be a real heel, do it with a babyface!" Her fierce demeanor and sharp words resonated with the audience, illustrating her commitment to the wrestling persona she embodies.
The tension escalated as Matsumoto confronted Arakawa, questioning his perspective on the wrestling scene. "Do you think so?" she asked him, referring to his defense of the younger wrestlers. Arakawa's response, "I don't think so," sparked further debate on the direction of women's wrestling.
In a passionate exchange, Arakawa argued that to elevate women's wrestling, the athletes must become well-known figures. "First of all, to liven up women's professional wrestling, you have to make the players famous," he asserted. This perspective highlights the ongoing challenges and strategies within the wrestling industry as it seeks to gain greater recognition.
Matsumoto, undeterred, challenged Arakawa's views, asking, "Isn't it okay to make them famous on the ring?" Arakawa countered, explaining that for audiences to attend matches, the wrestlers need to establish their identities and gain fame first. "The order is reversed," he insisted, shedding light on the complex dynamics of marketing and promotion in the sport.
The exchange concluded with Matsumoto reiterating her stance that heels and babyfaces should not be seen laughing together. Arakawa finally agreed, stating, "I think so," prompting laughter and surprise from the co-stars present. This light-hearted moment provided a brief respite from the intensity of the discussion, reminding viewers of the entertainment aspect of wrestling.
In addition to the wrestling drama, the episode also featured the comedy duo Bakusho Mondai, making their debut appearance as a pair. Their segment added a humorous contrast to the wrestling action, showcasing the variety of entertainment offered in the show.
Meanwhile, the episode coincided with the airing of the sixth episode of the 2025 NHK continuous television novel "Anpan," starring Moka Kamishiraishi. This drama, which airs Monday through Saturday at 8 AM, continues to capture the hearts of viewers with its engaging storyline.
Another highlight from the weekend was the premiere of the continuous drama "Itsuka, Hero," featuring Kenta Kiritani, which debuted on April 6, 2025, airing Sundays at 10:15 PM on ABC and TV Asahi. The buzz surrounding Kiritani's performance indicates a promising start for the series.
Additionally, the episode of "Shabekuri 007" featured Akiko Shimoju, a writer and former NHK announcer, who appeared on the long-running talk show "Tetsuko's Room" broadcast on April 7, 2025. Her insights and experiences added depth to the show's content, connecting various facets of Japanese entertainment.
As women's wrestling continues to gain traction in Japan, shows like "Shabekuri 007" play a crucial role in promoting the athletes and the sport. With the combination of thrilling matches, engaging personalities, and discussions on the industry's future, this special episode encapsulated the vibrant spirit of women's professional wrestling.
The episode not only entertained but also sparked important conversations about the growth and recognition of women in wrestling. As fans eagerly await the next chapter in this evolving narrative, the excitement surrounding STARDOM and its wrestlers is palpable, paving the way for a bright future in the world of professional wrestling.
