Ganbare Pro Wrestling’s branch of Joshi Puroresu is known as GanJo. They ran a few events under this banner in the past but went on a bit of a hiatus. There have been plans for the relaunch of GanJo, but things seemed uncertain when Yuna Manase opted for surgery recently. Manase is the heart and soul of GanJo, the woman who spearheaded the movement. Without her, it doesn’t feel right to relaunch, but YuuRI and Yoshiko Hasegawa pleaded with Manase to leave GanJo to them just until she can return to the ring, and the restart show was planned. GanJo, unlike traditional GanPro shows, will solely be dedicated to Joshi Puroresu. GanJo ReStart ’23 will be live on WRESTLE UNIVERSE which already makes it a big deal. So let’s take a look at the action Yokohama Radiant Hall will see.
5-Minute Exhibition Match: Riara vs Moeka Haruhi
Riara is the first trainee of GanJo, and is also a legendary hostess. That’s been the big building behind her eventual debut, and she recently did an interview with Nikkan Spa. A really powerful one detailing the difficulties early on in life, before going on her on to become a top hostess at a young age. Despite that success, she’s said she has been looking to become a pro wrestler for a long time. She even once sent her resume to LLPW when she was in the 4th grade. Once she eventually got over the age of 30 (currently 34) she thought to herself it was almost impossible to become a wrestler. However, there was a turning point for her. Meeting CyberFight President, Sanshiro Takagi who didn’t care about her age or lack of experience, and simply supported her dream fully.
This hasn’t been a smooth transition for her, as she mentions she started training last June and has had her fair share of bumps and bruises. Something fascinating Riara said is that maybe she would’ve quit if she was in any other dojo. However, Ganbare Pro-Wrestling is true to its name and the wrestlers are both kind and strict. However, it’s all with the mindset of doing their best together, and that’s something that encourages her. She seems to be solely focused on doing her best in this exhibition and making her eventual debut. Based on a small video GanPro uploaded to their YouTube, her basics look good. However, this exhibition will give a clearer view of her strengths and weaknesses.
Gatoh Move Offer Match: Sayaka Obihiro vs Chie Koishikawa
Gatoh Move and GanPro have always been friendly, so it’s no shock that Gatoh Move has sent two of its mainstays to compete in this relaunch show. Sayaka Obihiro and Chie Koishikawa could probably wrestle this match in their sleep. They will surely make some new fans, and captivate the ones who are used to seeing them compete.
Ami Manase and Moeka Haruhi vs Marika Kobashi and Echika Miyavi
In a showdown between GanJo and P.P.P. Tokyo, we see Moeka Haruhi team with Yuna Manase’s sister Ami Manase to battle Marika Kobashi and Echika Miyavi. Moeka has been the under-the-radar MVP of GanJo due to how reliable she is in the ring, and how she brings the best out of everyone. Not much is known about her partner Ami Manase, other than the fact she’s the younger sister of Yuna. Some fans are speculating it’s Rina Amikura, but the internet has a lot of fake news on it so I wouldn’t pay much attention to those claims.
Echika has appeared in GanPro a few times and has been impressive as a hoss wrestler opposite Yuna Manase. Glad she was able to make it on this card, as she has a lot of upside. Marika Kobashi also makes her first appearance on WRESTLE UNIVERSE since departing TJPW. Fans who may only know her from her time in TJPW are in for a treat, as she’s grown a lot since she left. Could be the sleeper best match of the night.
YuuRI vs Yoshiko Hasegawa
Very fitting that YuuRI and Yoshiko Hasegawa are in a singles match on the relaunch of GanJo, and this match holds a lot of weight for both wrestlers. This bout could dictate the future of GanJo, while both vowed to carry the baton of GanJo for Yuna. The one who emerges victorious takes the helm and guides the brand into the future. This is one of the biggest matches in both of their careers, as the bright lights will be shining down on them. Personally, I’m looking for this to be the breakout performance for Hasegawa since joining GanPro, but the result is tricky. YuuRI has been making strides over the past six months, and she seems ready to take that next step forward. Perhaps this match leads to something else on the second GanJo show this year. We will have to wait and see as GanJo ReStart ’23 goes down.
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