TJPW wrestler with AEW experience announces free agency

Maki Itoh is now a free agent following the expiration of her contract with Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling.

Her final TJPW match took place on August 23, with Itoh posting a statement today thanking the promotion for the eight-plus years she spent there. Itoh did not say what her next step will be but confirmed she will continue wrestling.

“With the Korakuen Hall show on August 23, 2025, my contract with TJPW has come to an end,” she announced.

“Back when I was struggling as an idol, it was [Sanshiro] Takagi who discovered me. I wasn’t good at singing or dancing, and I was never that popular-but the one thing I was ever praised for was pro wrestling. Thanks to TJPW, I was able to spend 8 years and 7 months growing and living alongside this company. It’s all because of TJPW and everyone I’ve met along the way.

“I’ll continue wrestling, so I’m sure we’ll meet again somewhere down the road! I’ll never forget the gratitude I feel toward everyone who has supported me, and I’ll keep treasuring the experience and knowledge I gained here as I move forward. From the bottom of my heart, thank you f*ck you all!”

TJPW also posted its own statement saying that a decision not to renew Itoh’s contract was made after thorough discussion with her.

Along with her work in Japan, Itoh has been popular with U.S. audiences with her foul-mouthed “Fired Idol” character, which is a reference to her real-life past as an aspiring pop singer. She regularly competes for Game Changer Wrestling and worked some matches for AEW from 2021-2023, though it’s now been more than two years since she wrestled in an AEW ring.

Itoh’s final TJPW match was a loss to Yuki Arai at the August 23 event.