Fightful's Scott Edwards spoke with Saori Anou for an interview ahead of her Wonder of Stardom Championship defense against Starlight Kid at STARDOM's Supreme Fight 2024 on Sunday.
Edwards: When you returned to STARDOM in 2023, did you imagine you’d have as much success as you have had? What has been your favorite moment since returning to the promotion?
Anou: "I had never imagined it. I was just concentrating with all my might on what was in front of me. As a result, the championship belt naturally came closer to me, and the evaluations of those around me changed. My favorite moment was being bathed in gorgeous lighting."
Edwards: You’ve been part of Cosmic Angels for nearly a year now. How have you enjoyed being part of that group?
Anou: "In this unit, I can be my natural self. I can be my most authentic self. It feels very comfortable."
Edwards: With Natsupoi and Tam Nakano out of action, you have acted as something of a de facto leader of Cosmic Angels, at least when it comes to in-ring competition. How have their injuries and your increased responsibilities affected your feelings regarding the faction?
Anou: "I don't feel like a leader at all. I fought with the feeling that if Yunamon (Yuna Mizumori) and I fought well, Tam and Natsupoi would have a place to return to. I never thought of it as a crisis."
Edwards: Tam Nakano recently said in an interview with Tokyo Sports that she wants to challenge herself against you since she’s never been able to defeat you one-on-one. You’ve expressed interest in facing her. What interests you about that matchup with Nakano? Why do you welcome such a challenge? How has she changed since the last time you both have faced off?
Anou: "We are completely different from what we used to be. That's why I'm really interested in fighting. She has a unique atmosphere and the ability to attract people around her. Very impressive."
Edwards: The history between you and Natsupoi is very well-documented. You both came together to become Goddesses of Stardom Champions and held those titles proudly until she got injured. Did it upset you that you were unable to continue sharing that reign with her? When she returns, would you like to try and get the championships back?
Anou: "I wasn't upset. Of course the belt is important, but Natsumi's recovery from her injury is even more important. When she comes back, we will challenge for the belt again."
Edwards: You’ve already mentioned Natsupoi as a challenger for the Wonder of Stardom Championship. Based on your history and everything you’ve both gone through over the past year, how important is it to you to face her with the championship on the line? Why is it?
Anou: "We've had singles matches many times. But we have never fought for the belt. Last time too, we wrapped the strap around our arms and fought each other's emotions.
"So this time, we want to fight with each other's strength without wearing anything on our bodies, with belts on."
Edwards: Throughout the second half of 2023, you competed against MIRAI in three grueling singles matches, culminating with your Wonder of Stardom Championship win at Dream Queendom. How did those first two encounters impact your feelings heading into and during your third match against MIRAI?
Anou: "MIRAI is a really great wrestler. I was interested even before the fight. After the fight, I became more interested. I felt like I had a rival for the first time since I came to STARDOM. I want to fight again someday. I love MIRAI's smile."
Edwards: Despite being Wonder of Stardom Champion, do you have your eyes set on other belts in or outside of STARDOM?
Anou: "Right now, I have a strong desire to protect only one belt. However, if I get a chance, I would like to grab it."
Edwards: With your current run in STARDOM garnering plenty of attention, it has led some fans to go back and watch your first run with the company, namely your rivalry/partnership with Hiromi Mimura. In what ways–if any–did that relationship early into your career affect you as a performer?
Anou: "Because of that time, there is now. I really think so. So what I learned and felt back then will always stay with me. The feelings that I didn't give up on back then are connected to me now."
Edwards: At Supreme Fight, you’ll defend your championship against Starlight Kid. You wrestled against each other back in your rookie years in 2015. How do you feel about this being your first defense? What about Starlight Kid in 2024 excites you the most when you step in the ring against her?
Anou: "I'm looking forward to experiencing a different Starlight Kid from back then. I'm looking forward to seeing Kid, who is completely different from the Kid I know. I think Kid is the best opponent for my first title defense."
Edwards: You’re the first outside Wonder of Stardom Champion in quite some time. That’s a major accomplishment. What does that mean to you? Do you feel any added pressure because of it?
Anou: "I believe that I am where I am today because I have walked the path honestly. I have a lot of regrets, but I can proudly say that my actions were correct.
"Even if there is pressure, it is not a problem because the more pressure there is, the more I will burn."
Edwards: You’ve said in interviews that you hope to defend this title and break the defense record. Who would you like to defend the Wonder of Stardom Championship against in STARDOM?
Anou: "There are many I want to have a title match with. For that reason, I have to continue defending this belt."
Edwards: Follow up; who would you like to defend the title against from outside of STARDOM?
Anou: "Of course. But for now, it's a secret."
Edwards: The last time we did an interview was before the 5STAR Grand Prix. How was that experience for you? What’d you learn about yourself from that grueling tournament? Was there any match that you had that stood out the most?
Anou: "It was my first time having so many singles matches. Everyone left an impression on me, but the fight against Giulia in the opening round was so tough that I forgot the time."
Edwards: Over the past few months, you’ve come to America and competed as part of the new company Sukeban. How has your experience been taking on the role of Countess Saori? How has it been different from your work in OZ Academy and elsewhere?
Anou: "Although it was my first time competing overseas, I was able to put to use what I learned at OZ Academy and my experiences with various organizations. So I was able to fight like myself without fear."
Edwards: Have you enjoyed coming to America? What has been your favorite things to do while coming over? Is there anything you hope to try the next time you’re here?
Anou: "I wasn't able to spend much time in both, so next time I'd like to do some sightseeing. I want to see beautiful scenery."
Edwards: 2023 saw the debut of many rookies in Joshi. Are there any to you that stand out above the rest? If so, what interests you most about them?
Anou: "I don't know because I haven't wrestled against all of them yet, but I often think that STARDOM's HANAKO is amazing when she fights. One hit with that body will do a lot of damage."
Edwards: Two wrestlers that you have some history with in Unagi Sayaka and Sareee have held their own produce shows over the last month. Would you be interested in running your own sometime in the future?
Anou: "Two years ago and last year, I held my own produce shows in my hometown of Shiga. This year I haven't decided yet. I wish I could do it if I had the time!"
Edwards: What’s the main goal for Saori Anou in 2024?
Anou: "I will be like a bridge to people who don't know about pro wrestling, giving them an opportunity to learn about it.
"If those people watch my fight even once, I have confidence."
We want to thank Saori Anou for taking part in another interview with Fightful and wish her the best in the upcoming tournament.
Make sure to follow Anou on Twitter: @anou_saori
We also want to thank Chiyoko for the help in this interview. Chiyoko helped translate the questions from English to Japanese.
You can follow Chiyoko on Twitter here: @chiyoko_asakura
STARDOM Supreme Fight 2024 will be available on pay-per-view this weekend as Saori Anou defends the Wonder of Stardom Championship in the semi-main event against Starlight Kid. The show will also feature Maiak's first defense of the World of Stardom Title against Saya Kamitani.
Check out Fightful's exclusive interviews with Unagi Sayaka and Sareee.
You can follow STARDOM on Twitter at their official account (@wwr_stardom) and their official English account (@we_are_stardom) to stay up-to-date with the promotion.
