Bodyslam.net Exclusive: An Interview With Marigold Superstar Utami Hayashishita
Since the debut of Rossy Ogawa’s Marigold back in May 2024, superstar Utami Hayashishita has been an integral part of the promotion’s success.
On September 28, Hayashishita defeated Mai Sakurai to win the inaugural Marigold Dream Star Grand Prix Tournament. By winning the tournament, Hayashishita earned an opportunity at the Marigold World Championship which is currently held by Sareee.
Utami Hayashishita graciously granted an interview to Bodyslam.net’s Lewis Carlan as they discussed her Marigold Dream Star Grand Prix tournament victory, Her upcoming Marigold World Title Match on January 3rd 2025, How she feels Marigold is progressing, If she wants a rematch with IYO SKY and so much more!
Here is the full Bodyslam.net exclusive interview with Marigold’s Utami Hayashishita:
Q: Congratulations on winning the Marigold Dream Star Grand Prix. How important was it for you to be the first ever winner of that tournament?
Utami Hayashishita: I am very happy because I had been feeling impatient and anxious since I came to Marigold because I had not achieved any major results. And it was my first singles festival. I am honored to have made my mark on the history of Marigold.
Q: Mai Sakurai-san gave you a very tough match in the MARIGOLD DREAM STAR Grand Prix finals on 9/28. How would you describe Sakurai as an opponent and did she earn anymore respect from you following your victory over her?
Utami Hayashishita: I don’t know what Sakurai would think, but I thought she was crazy like Giulia. Sakurai has grown so much since the first time we met, and I think she will be an essential part of Marigold and my career in the future.
Q: You will get your Marigold World Title opportunity on January 3 2025 at Ota Ward Gym. Either Sareee-san or Bozilla could be the champion on Jan 3rd. Do you have a preference on who you would like to face for the title at Marigold First Dream?
Utami Hayashishita: My opponent of course is Sareee. Because she has definitely been at the center of Marigold for the past few months. It would be meaningless if Utami Hayashishita does not take that title.
Q: If you win the Marigold World Title, how would that compare to other titles you have won in the past?
Utami Hayashishita: It may be the same in terms of being a symbol of strength and the center of the organization. However, I think it is only now that I can add color to that belt, which does not yet have a definite color.
Q: Since its debut back in May 2024, how do you feel Marigold is progressing as a promotion and is there anything you would like to see Marigold achieve in the future?
Utami Hayashishita: A lot of people have come to know and see us since our flagship debut. Some of the fighters are growing more and more, and I don’t think Marigold is going to stop yet.
Q: As you stepped into the ring with IYO SKY back in July, is there another “dream” match you hope to have inside a Marigold ring?
Utami Hayashishita: I still have dreams. Some dreams I can’t say yet, though. I hope that one day I can put that dream out of my mouth (laughter).
Q: Are you hoping for a rematch with IYO SKY in the future and would you like to represent Marigold inside a WWE ring?
Utami Hayashishita: Of course I would love to have a rematch. But I also feel like standing next to her in a tag team. It is a feeling that I have been mulling over for many years. I would like to stand in a WWE ring, I think all wrestlers would think this. However, I am not good at staying abroad for long periods of time.
Q: In the 2024 PWI top 250 Women in pro wrestling, you were ranked #64. Are you happy with that ranking?
Utami Hayashishita: I am not satisfied. But I am happy that I was ranked 64th, because I think it is a proof of my effort so far.
Q: In 2023, you had a short tour of the USA competing for GCW and ROH. Would you like to return to the USA for another tour in the future and represent Marigold for various promotions?
Utami Hayashishita: Tour the U.S.! You are more than welcome. I would like the world to see more of Utami Hayashishita and Marigold. I am waiting for such a story! (laughter).
Q: What are your goals for Marigold in 2025?
Utami Hayashishita: To go higher. This is something we want to advance as a matter of course. In the process, I would also like to significantly grow the Marigold wrestlers.
Q: Good luck on Jan 3rd 2025 and good luck in the future Utami Hayashishita-san.
Utami Hayashishita: Thank you. What will be the year 2025 for Utami Hayashita? First of all, I hope you will come to the venue to see the title match on January 3rd!
Marigold events can be streamed on Wrestle Universe. Their event Marigold Fantastic Adventure 2024 is scheduled to stream live on Wrestle Universe on October 24th.
For more information about Marigold, head to the promotions website at https://dsf-marigold.com/.
You can follow Lewis Carlan on Twitter @ShootingUpNorth
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