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Mina Shirakawa

Mina Shirakawa (白川未奈, Shirakawa Mina, born December 26, 1987) is a Japanese professional wrestler, gravure idol and tarento. She is signed to the Japan based World Wonder Ring Stardom (Stardom), where she is one of the co-leaders of Empress Nexus Venus alongside Maika. She also makes appearances in several of Stardom's partner promotions, such as the U.S. based All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Ring of Honor (ROH), and the England based Revolution Pro Wrestling (RevPro), where she is the current Undisputed British Women's Champion.

Mina Shirakawa
Shirakawa in April 2024
Born (1987-12-26) December 26, 1987 (age 36)[1]
Tokyo, Japan
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Mina Shirakawa
Billed height157 cm (5 ft 2 in)[2]
Billed weight54 kg (119 lb)[3]
Trained byTokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling[4]
Debut2018

In Stardom, Shirakawa is a former two-time Artist of Stardom Champion, one-time Wonder of Stardom Champion, one-time Goddesses of Stardom Champion and one-time Future of Stardom Champion.[5]

Early life

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Shirakawa attended Aoyama Gakuin University where she studied the English language and American Literature.[6] She has previously worked as a wedding planner.[6]

During her adolescence, Shirakawa developed large breasts which she has stated gave her the confidence to "be sexy" into her adult life.[6] This led to Shirakawa performing as a "gravure model" (glamour model) in Japan for a time in her 20s[6][7] as well using the moniker "the Fighting H-Cup Gravure Wrestler" as part of her wrestling persona.[6] Shirakawa has stated she was inspired by Jushin Thunder Liger to enter the professional wrestling business.[7][8]

Professional wrestling career

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Independent circuit (2018–2020)

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Shirakawa made her professional wrestling debut, age 31, at BBJ Muscle Ring on August 5, 2018, the first-ever event of the Best Body Japan Pro-Wrestling promotion,[9] where she teamed up with Shoko Nakajima in a losing effort against Reika Saiki and Hoshimi Muramatsu.[10] She wrestled at several other events of the promotion such as the BBJ Muscle Ring 2 from October 18, 2018, where she lost against Cherry,[11] and BBJ Muscle Ring 3 from December 26, 2018, where she lost to Misaki Ohata.[12] She worked a match for DDT Pro-Wrestling, at Ryōgoku Peter Pan 2018 from October 21, where she teamed up with Miyu Yamashita and Yuki Kamifuku and lost to Yuka Sakazaki, Mizuki and Shoko Nakajima in a six-woman tag team match.[13] Shirakawa worked most of her matches for Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling, the first one occurring on the second night of TJP 5th Anniversary Shin-Kiba Tour from November 4, 2018, where she teamed up with Reika Saiki in a losing effort against Maki Itoh and Shoko Nakajima.[14] CMLL and Lady's Ring held their second joint show, Numero Dos, where the main event saw CMLL representative Dalys la Caribeña defeat Lady's Ring representative Mina Shirakawa in a best two-out-of-three falls match to win the reactivated CMLL Japan Women's Championship on January 22, 2020.

World Wonder Ring Stardom (2020–present)

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Cosmic Angels (2020–2022)

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Shirakawa debuted in World Wonder Ring Stardom on October 3, 2020, at Yokohama Cinderella 2020, where she defeated Hanan. Shirakawa, Tam Nakano and Unagi Sayaka formed Cosmic Angels. At Road To Osaka Dream Cinderella on December 16, Cosmic Angels won the Artist of Stardom Championship by defeating Oedo Tai (Bea Priestley, Natsuko Tora and Saki Kashima).[15]

At All Star Dream Cinderella on March 3, 2021, Shirakawa competed in a 24-women Stardom All Star Rumble where she faced various returning Stardom legends.[16] Cosmic Angels feuded with Donna Del Mondo at the beginning of 2021. As a result, Shirakawa teamed up with Unagi Sayaka to unsuccessfully challenge Himeka and Maika for the Goddesses of Stardom Championship at New Century 2021 In Shinjuku on March 14.[17] On the first night of the 2021 Cinderella Tournament on April 10, Shirakawa lost to Utami Hayashishita.[18] Shirakawa won the Future of Stardom Championship at Yokohama Dream Cinderella 2021 in Summer on July 4 by defeating Unagi Sayaka in the finals of a tournament for the vacant title.[19] Shirakawa participated in the Red Stars block of the 2021 5 Star Grand Prix. She scored a total of six points, which was not enough to advance to the finals.[20] Shirakawa participated in the Blue Goddesses block of the 2021 Goddesses of Stardom Tag League with Tam Nakano as Dream H. They scored a total of three points, which was not enough to advance to the finals.[21] At Tokyo Super Wars on November 27, Shirakawa unsuccessfully challenged Tam Nakano for the Wonder of Stardom Championship.[22] At Osaka Super Wars on December 18, Shirakawa, Unagi Sayaka and Tam Nakano lost to Stars (Hazuki, Koguma and Mayu Iwatani) in a six-woman tag team match as part of a ¥10 Million Unit tournament.[23] At Dream Queendom on December 29, Shirakawa, Mai Sakurai and Unagi Sayaka unsuccessfully challenged MaiHimePoi for the Artist of Stardom Championship.[24]

 
Shirakawa in March 2022.

At Nagoya Supreme Fight on January 29, 2022, Shirakawa lost to Thekla in a match for the vacant SWA World Championship.[25] At Cinderella Journey on February 23, Shirakawa and Unagi Sayaka unsuccessfully challenged FWC for the Goddesses of Stardom Championship.[26] Shirakawa participated in the 2022 Cinderella Tournament, in which she was eliminated in the first round on by Mirai on April 3.[27]

Club Venus (2022–2024)

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At Dream Queendom 2 on December 29, 2022, Shirakawa was accompanied to the ring for her match by Mariah May and Xia Brookside. Shirakawa and her Cosmic Angels stablemate Unagi Sayaka went on to defeat Donna Del Mondo (Mai Sakurai and Thekla). Following the match, Shirakawa slapped Sayaka and announced the formation of Club Venus, a trio including herself, Brookside and May.[28] On the final night of the 2023 Cinderella Tournament on April 15, 2023, Shirakawa, Natsupoi, Saki and Tam Nakano lost to Donna Del Mondo (Giulia, Himeka, Maika and Thekla). Following the match, Shirakawa announced that Club Venus would part ways with Cosmic Angels and become an independent unit.[29]

On April 23, 2023, at All Star Grand Queendom, Shirakawa won the Wonder of Stardom Championship by defeating Saya Kamitani.[30] On May 4, Shirakawa had her first successful title defense by defeating Natsupoi.[31] At Flashing Champions on May 27, Shirakawa lost the Wonder of Stardom Championship to Tam Nakano in a winner takes all match where Nakano's World of Stardom Championship was also on the line, ending Shirakawa's reign after 34 days.[32] At Sunshine 2023 on June 25, Shirakawa and Mariah May, together known as Rose Gold, won the Goddesses of Stardom Championship by defeating The New Eras.[33] At Stardom x Stardom: Osaka Summer Team on August 13, Rose Gold lost the Goddesses of Stardom Championship to REStart.[34]

Empress Nexus Venus (2024–present)

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On January 20, 2024, Shirakawa, Hanako, Maika, Waka Tsukiyama and Xena reformed Club Venus into a new stable, with Shirakawa and Maika being the co-leaders.[35][36] On January 27, the new stable was given the name Empress Nexus Venus.[37] On March 30, Shirakawa, Maika and Xena won the Artist of Stardom Championship by defeating Abarenbo GE.[38]

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2022, 2024)

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Shirakawa made her New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) on October 18, 2022, at Rumble on 44th Street, teaming with Waka Tsukiyama, in a losing effort against Kylie Rae and Tiara James.

On February 23, 2024, on night 1 of The New Beginning in Sapporo, Shirakawa returned to NJPW, unsuccessfully challenging Mayu Iwatani for the IWGP Women's Championship.

Ring of Honor (2024–present)

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Shirakawa made her Ring of Honor (ROH) debut on the March 21, 2024, episode of Ring of Honor Wrestling, in a winning effort against Anna Jay.[39]

All Elite Wrestling (2024–present)

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Shirakawa made her All Elite Wrestling debut on the April 11, 2024, episode of Dynamite, saving Mariah May after she was being attacked by Anna Jay. Afterwards, the two shared a kiss and champagne.[40] Shirakawa made her official AEW in-ring debut by defeating Anna Jay.[41] During Stardom's June 2 event, AEW Women's World Champion "Timeless" Toni Storm, along with May, appeared in a vignette where Storm challenged Mina Shirakawa to a match at Forbidden Door for the AEW Women's World Championship. On the June 5 episode of Dynamite, Shirakawa accepted the challenge and the match was made official. As the plot developed, May was portrayed as being unsure who to support between Storm and Shirakawa. At Forbidden Door on June 30, Storm retained the title. Following the match Storm, May and Shirakawa put aside their differences with a three-way kiss.[42] Shortly after, May turned on Storm[43] and defeated her to become the new AEW Women's World Champion.[44] After winning the title, May yearned for Shirakawa to return and celebrate her title win together. Shirakawa returned at Dynamite: Grand Slam on September 25 and reluctantly celebrated with May.[45] At Full Gear on November 23, May held her title win celebration with Shirakawa. However, May turned on Shirakawa, who retaliated by spearing May off the stage.[46] On the following episode of Dynamite, Shirakawa was attacked by May during a backstage interview with Renee Paquette. It was then announced that Shirakawa will face May for the AEW Women's World Championship at Dynamite: Winter is Coming.[47]

Wrestling persona

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Shirakawa's wrestling persona is frequently based on her background as a gravure model. She has been billed as "the Fighting H-Cup Gravure Wrestler"[6] as well as the "Venus of Pro Wrestling", a concept Club Venus was built around.

Shirakawa uses a Modified Cradle Pin she calls "Glamorous Collection MINA", the "Figure Four Driver Mina" as well as a High-Angle Reverse DDT called the "Glamorous Driver MINA" as part of her wrestling moveset.[6][48]

Championships and accomplishments

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References

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  1. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Mina Shirakawa/Personal Data". cagematch.net (in German). Archived from the original on October 6, 2021. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  2. ^ Saalbach, Axel. "Mina Shirakawa • General Information". wrestlingdata.com (in German). Archived from the original on April 16, 2021. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  3. ^ World Wonder Ring Stardom. "Mina Shirakawa – Stardom Wrestling Profiles". Archived from the original on June 6, 2023. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  4. ^ Joshi City. "Mina Shirakawa Profile". joshicity.com. Archived from the original on April 18, 2021. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  5. ^ Internet Wrestling Database (IWD). "Mina Shirakawa – Profile & Match Listing". profightdb.com. Archived from the original on March 7, 2021. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g City, RJ (Host) (June 2, 2024). "Do you want Mina Shirakawa?". Hey! EW. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  7. ^ a b "Girl power descends on Anime Festival Asia". The Business Times. November 28, 2024. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  8. ^ Peterson, Karen (May 5, 2022). "STARDOM Fukuoka Goddess Festival: Saya Kamitani vs. Maika, Goddesses of Stardom match". POST Wrestling. Archived from the original on May 5, 2022. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  9. ^ Best Body Japan Pro-Wrestling. "Best Body Japan Pro-Wrestling". bbjprowrestling.com (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 22, 2021. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  10. ^ Best Body Japan (August 5, 2018). ""Glamorous strong style" Mina Shirakawa makes her professional wrestling debut against "muscular idol" Reika Saiki! "Pro-wrestling is painful!"". battle-news.com (in Japanese). Archived from the original on April 16, 2021. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  11. ^ Nabe, Yakan (October 18, 2018). "Best Body Japan Wrestling/BBJ Muscle Ring 2018 Round 2". instagram (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 22, 2023. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  12. ^ Nabe, Yakan (December 26, 2018). "Best Body Japan Pro Wrestling Round 3/BBJ Muscle Ring 2018". instagramm (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 22, 2023. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
  13. ^ 両国ピーターパン2018～秋のプロレス文化祭～. DDT Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). October 21, 2018. Archived from the original on February 3, 2020. Retrieved February 3, 2020.
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  29. ^ 2023年4月15日　『RealiveE360 presents Cinderella Tournament 2023〜優勝決定戦〜』. World Wonder Ring Stardom (in Japanese). World Wonder Ring Stardom. April 16, 2023. Archived from the original on May 28, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023.
  30. ^ a b Fritts, Chick (April 23, 2023). "Stardom All Star Grand Queendom live results: Mercedes Mone vs. Mayu Iwatani Giulia faces Tam Nakano in the show's main event". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on April 23, 2023. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
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  40. ^ Clark, Ryan (April 11, 2024). "Mina Shirakawa & Mariah May Makeout On AEW Dynamite, Match Set For AEW Dynamite". ewrestlingnews. Archived from the original on April 11, 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
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  44. ^ Powell, Jason (August 25, 2024). "AEW All In results: Powell's live review of Swerve Strickland vs. Bryan Danielson for the AEW World Championship, Toni Storm vs. Mariah May for the AEW Women's Championship". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
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  46. ^ Powell, Jason (November 23, 2024). "AEW Full Gear results: Powell's live review of Jon Moxley vs. Orange Cassidy for the AEW World Championship, Mercedes Mone vs. Kris Statlander for the TBS Title, Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
  47. ^ Heydorn, Zack (November 28, 2024). "AEW Women's World Championship Match Announced For Winter Is Coming Edition Of AEW Dynamite". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
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  49. ^ Internet Wrestling Database. "Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 250 Female for 2024". profightdb.com. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  50. ^ "Artist of Stardom Title (Japan)". wrestling-titles.com. December 16, 2020. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
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