An Era of Renewal: Saori Anou Joins Cosmic Angels, Filling the Void Left by Shirakawa and Tsukiyama's Departure
"Saori, it's been a while. Will you support us? I've missed you so much."
Written by: Erica L
Oh boy, wrestling fans, do I have a story for you! On the 15th, the lovely Saori Anou swooped into the ring like a guardian angel to save a distraught Tam Nakano, who had been betrayed by her own Cosmic Angels (aka Kozuen) comrades. Cosmic Angels lost 2-1, and after the match, Shirakawa broke hearts by announcing her departure from Cosmic Angels. She teamed up with Waka Tsukiyama to form the fabulous new "Club Venus."
Kozuen, created in 2020 by Tam, Mina Shirakawa, and Sayaka Unagi, was initially seen as a bit of a gimmick within Stardom. But, let me tell you, their entrance dance and incredible matches quickly made them a fan favorite! Tam, a superstar from her Actress Girls days, was joined by the fabulous Mai Sakurai and Waka Tsukiyama, both of whom had left Actress Girls for Stardom. And guess what? SAKI and companies from "COLOR'S," became Kozuen members too, along with the incredible Natsupoi!
Kozuen was quite the powerhouse, but then Shirakawa decided to shake things up by forming "Club Venus" with some foreign wrestlers. It was a shocker when she declared independence from Kozuen and left with Tsukiyama in tow.
As if that wasn't enough drama, last year Mai Sakurai left Kozuen too, and Unagi's return is still up in the air due to her rebellious phase. With COLOR'S members only making occasional appearances, Natsupoi was the only one left by Tam's side. But fear not! Saori Anou, the returning wrestling sensation, appeared to save the day!
Anou, a former first-generation Actress Girls standout and inaugural AWG Singles Champion, grabbed the mic and said, "SAKI, Tam, can I? I'll support you," while hugging the teary-eyed Tam. Tam's emotional response tugged at our heartstrings, "Saori, it's been a while. Will you support us? I've missed you so much. I've always wanted to see you, but why don't you ever come?" Anou, with a wry smile, patted Tam's head and officially joined Kozuen. And just like that, the ultimate actress unit was born!
Now, with a reliable ally by her side, Nakano passionately declared, "Saori, Natsupoi, let's return from Yokohama with the Artist belts and prove that Cosmic Angels are number one! Tam will definitely take the red belt from Giulia!" She continued, "We will make CA a unit that everyone can be proud of! Let's toast with our belts and smile on April 23rd," pledging victory with their arms around each other.
Hold onto your hats, folks! On April 23rd at the Yokohama Arena, Anou and Natsupoi will join forces with KAIRI to challenge for the Artist of Stardom (6-person tag) Championship, held by Risa Sera, Kurumi Hiiragi, and Suzu Suzuki of "PROMINENCE." And if that's not enough, Tam will also be challenging for the World of Stardom (red belt) Championship, held by Giulia. It's going to be one heck of a showdown!
Watch the backstage aftermath interview here in English subtitles.