Momo Watanabe has long been a premier competitor on the STARDOM roster.
Just this past year, she has headlined multiple events with highly competitive championship matches. She main evented STARDOM’s All Star Grand Queendom show this past April in a World of Stardom Championship match against then-champion Maika.
In August, she competed for the NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship against Mercedes Moné at NJPW Capital Collision to close the show. At NJPW x STARDOM’s co-promoted Historic X-Over II on November 17, Momo Watanabe brought a gritty fight against the IWGP Women’s Champion Mayu Iwatani, adding yet another marquee matchup to her decorated catalog.
Prior to the match, Momo Watanabe spoke with Troy Gonzales of WrestleZone to discuss her game plan heading into her battle with Mayu Iwatani and her headspace going into one of the biggest nights of her career. She also discussed her recent 10-year wrestling anniversary and wrestling in the U.K. for Pro-Wrestling: EVE.
Momo Watanabe on competing internationally
Troy Gonzales: You recently had your first match in England! What was the experience like wrestling alongside Konami in front of a British crowd for Pro-Wrestling: EVE?
Momo Watanabe: Konami seemed to be used to competing in the U.K. and didn’t seem particularly nervous, but it was my first time, in my first ring, with my first opponents, and it was all new to me, so I was very nervous. Many of the spectators were drinking and standing around watching the matches, so it felt like the matches were being held in a pub. I was also surprised to see so many people learning Japanese at the meet and greet. I’d like to fight more with other wrestlers, as I’ve only felt a small part of what EVE is all about.
Troy Gonzales: Your unit, H.A.T.E., has been vocal about wanting to take over the world of women’s professional wrestling. With this, are there other countries where you would like to wrestle in with your fellow H.A.T.E. members?
Momo Watanabe: The other day in England was my first overseas match as H.A.T.E., so I would like to go back to England with the other members, and I would also like to go to the U.S. since I have only been to the U.S. by myself! I would also like to go to Austria, Thekla‘s home country, to make her triumphant. And I’m curious about my tag team partner’s hometown.
Momo Watanabe and the H.A.T.E. faction
Troy Gonzales: H.A.T.E. has seen plenty of new additions this year with Thekla, Konami, and Saya Kamitani. Why do you think more wrestlers in STARDOM are turning to the dark side and joining your unit?
Momo Watanabe: I think every wrestler has a bad personality somewhere and wants to release it, or wants to be free to do it. In those days, the OEDO team was getting stronger and stronger, with the weak being eliminated, and everyone was free. I think everyone is attracted to those who are strong. I don’t think they joined because of me, but there are many wrestlers who are related to me.
On competing for NJPW championships
Troy Gonzales: This is your second opportunity this year to challenge for a NJPW championship. How different is your preparation for the upcoming IWGP Women’s Championship match against Mayu compared to your previous NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship match against Mercedes?
Momo Watanabe: I had never fought Moné at all, and I had only seen her IWGP match with Iwatani, and I only knew that she was an amazing star. So, I fought her with a fresh mind. In comparison, I’ve known Iwatani for a long time and fought her many times. I often fight her on important occasions, so these days, when I fight her, it’s like it’s the biggest fight of my life.
So I’m always ready, but she always goes beyond my imagination, so I think I have to go above and beyond.
On NJPW x STARDOM Historic X-Over II
Troy Gonzales: You previously mentioned wanting to become the new Icon of Stardom by winning Mayu Iwatani’s belt. What are some of your plans as IWGP Women’s Champion should you defeat her at Historic X-Over II?
Momo Watanabe: I want to become an icon, or rather, I want to graduate her from being an icon. Well, if Iwatani is no longer an icon, then it’s only natural that I become an icon. But right now, I would rather be in the Tokyo Dome on January 4th [NJPW Wrestle Kingdom] than be an icon. I have never been to the Tokyo Dome. If I have to go to Tokyo Dome, I would prefer to be the champion. Anyway, I will become the worst and strongest champion in the history of IWGP.
On nearing her 10-year pro-wrestling anniversary
Troy Gonzales: You are nearing your 10-year anniversary in STARDOM this coming November 16. What would you consider your proudest achievement in those ten years?
Momo Watanabe: I don’t like to talk about past glory, so I’m not proud of it, but I respect the 18-year-old Momo Watanabe. She just turned 18 and won the white belt [Wonder of Stardom Championship] and defended it for a year, isn’t that a pretty big deal in the history of STARDOM? But I’m proud of the fact that I didn’t quit once and continued for 10 years. There are a lot of girls who quit and come back and continue their careers.
Troy Gonzales: What is one goal that you want to achieve in your 10th year as a pro-wrestler for STARDOM?
Momo Watanabe: First, I want to win the IWGP belt, and then the red one [World of Stardom Championship]. Then, I want to win the 5 STAR tournament, which I have not done yet. Those are the three things I’m thinking about right now. Well, even in my 10th year, I’m still discovering new things, and that’s the thing about pro wrestling that I never get tired of, so I’d like to keep doing new things.
WrestleZone would like to thank Momo Watanabe and STARDOM for their time in accommodating our interview request.
