The following interview is conducted by Bodyslam correspondent Jeff Brown
STARDOM
STARDOM over the past year has been going through a sea change. This includes units evolving into something new or outright dissolving and wrestlers forming new alliances. In July, a lot of boldness and freshness was injected when Starlight Kid, Suzu Suzuki, AZM, Mei Seira, and Miyu Amasaki announced the formation of Neo-Genesis. Brightly colored with high energy, this young group (all between 22 and 23 years old) embody the vibrant future of not just STARDOM but the Joshi world in general. It is interesting that while these are some of the top prospects in the company, many of them have at times also been heated rivals. Perhaps over those epic bouts a level of respect and admiration was forged, and now the team seems to be all rowing in the same direction to get championships and other accolades.
Starlight Kid has become synonymous with STARDOM, and her mask is an icon in Japan. Suzuki has forged a path first in Ice Ribbon, then in Prominence that was often violent and bloody. Both are known for incredible main events and often dazzle the fans with cutting-edge moves and sequences, often while facing each other. Suzuki and Starlight Kid have held titles all over the scene from Pure J, Ice Ribbon, Wave, Spark Joshi, and STARDOM. As they joined Neo-Genesis, they each took on new looks and attitudes, making a fresh start. SLK went from the dark mask and sinister vibes to a more lighter rainbow palette, while Suzuki, a 5★Star GP winner, left behind her punk rock look for a more glamorous style while retaining a nod to her love of deathmatches. The duo heads into the 2024 Goddess of Stardom Tag League as Mad Tiger Girl and are strong favorites to win the tournament. While in the midst of Tag League, they both took time out of their busy schedules to talk with Bodyslam about the aim of Neo-Genesis and the future of the unit and STARDOM.
Starlight Kid
1. Who’s idea was Neo Genesis? Can you describe the unit’s main goals and the meaning behind the name?
SLK – Everyone came up with the name together! We believe we’re ushering in a ‘new generation’ by forming this unit of younger wrestlers who are not only from the same generation, but rivals too.
2. How does Neo Genesis compare to the other units you’ve been a part of, like Stars and Oedo Tai? How has your attitude or approach evolved from each unit?
SLK – I’ve experienced heel in the past, and of course Suzu (Suzuki) used to take part in hardcore deathmatches, so I don’t really feel as though I need to do heel or baby.
Because we’re all in the same generation, it’s so much easier for us to talk together! I’m having so much fun while being a pro wrestler!
3. What are your thoughts on the new direction of STARDOM? Has it entered a new era, in your opinion?
SLK– I feel like there are so many chances coming our way for all the members. Fans are coming back to shows more frequently than they used to during a “certain time”, so I think Stardom is heading in a good direction!
There’s so many people here and the company has been around for a long time now. I think that both “new era” and “old era” Stardom have their positives and negatives.
4. With the creation of Marigold, in what ways do you feel the new competition will be beneficial to fans and the roster?
SLK – I’m really proud that our group is number one because that gives me and others a lot of confidence.
But I think it is definitely better to have rivals in the women’s wrestling world as a whole, so I think it is good for both sides to have something worthwhile to fight for!
5. With STARDOM partnering with AEW/ROH, who has your attention in those companies?
SLK – As of right now, I haven’t been able to wrestle in All Elite Wrestling, so it’s still just the beginning for me. Keeping that in mind, it was a big moment when I defeated Anna Jay [in the 5★STAR GP] despite our size difference.
I want to be able to spread the name of Starlight Kid across the world!
6. How do you feel today about being a masked wrestler? Is the mask something you plan to keep forever, or do you envision a time with an unmasked Starlight Kid?
SLK – There’s a real advantage in being the only masked wrestler in Stardom where there’s already a sizable roster of talent. I think I’m really motivated by the fact that other visual wrestlers are incredibly popular, and it’s a great source of strength and encouragement for me. So as it stands, taking off the mask isn’t an option for now.
Suzu Suzuki
1. What made you want to join Neo Genesis? The unit contains many of your rivals, including your Tag League partner, Starlight Kid.
Suzu – I thought that teaming up with rivals from the same generation as me might create some sort of spark that would make things incredibly exciting! I just do what I think is interesting!
2. STARDOM is continuing to branch out internationally. Are there any places you wish to visit or are looking forward to?
Suzu – I’ve never had a match overseas, so I want to go abroad! I would especially like to go to America, ya know?
3. What is the inspiration for your ring gear? Neo Genesis in particular has a youthful energy that appears to be Gyaru (or similar fashion culture) influenced.
Suzu – I created this gear with the image of blood and flesh ripping, so that I would not forget the glistening feelings I had when I was fighting in death matches! It may not be the most gyaru-like though hahaha.
4. At this point in your career do you still have a desire to participate in hardcore and deathmatches?
Suzu – Yeah, I want to. I’ve never even thought ONCE that I didn’t want to do it.
5. How would you describe yourself and your partner Starlight Kid to new fans?
Suzu – When we were at each other’s throats, I thought she was loud and intolerable, but now that I’ve actually worked with her, I think she’s good and a solid wrestler! I think she’s also a good tag-team partner to have or something? Hmm.
6. What are your goals for 2024, for both yourself and Neo Genesis?
Suzu – What is your goal for 2024 for NEO GENESIS and yourself? To be on the signboard for Shibuya 109! My personal goal is to be the face of the wrestling world!
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