Foreign talent has long been a staple of the STARDOM scene, but it takes a special performer to establish yourself as a key member of the roster. For Xena, it felt like her short tour in 2023 finished too soon when she said goodbye in a great match with Syuri at Stardom Sunshine in June at Yoyogi 2nd Gymnasium.
Nearly one year later to the day in the same building, Xena now finds herself in the biggest match of her career, standing opposite the World of Stardom Champion with the opportunity of a lifetime.
Since returning to STARDOM in 2024 Maika has been an ally of Xena’s as a part of recently formed ExV, even winning the Artist of Stardom Championship together. However there are very few chances to insert yourself into the main event of a PPV for the company’s top title, so when opportunity presented itself Xena knew not to waste her chance.
It’s a moment that would have seemed practically out of reach when just a couple of years ago even getting into the country was virtually impossible due to COVID restrictions. Now she’s not only in Japan, but feels like an essential part of the STARDOM roster.
Xena’s challenge might be putting a strain on the young ExV faction, but if the Jordan-born Australian can win the Red Belt on her first attempt she will prove how special a talent she really is, putting herself in rarefied air not just among foreign talent, but among all of STARDOM history.
We at RESURA had the privilege to speak with Xena ahead of her World of Stardom Championship match with Maika to get her thoughts on the match and how the ExV camp is feeling right now, what it has been like learning under Mina Shirakawa, life in Japan, her favorite opponents, and more!
RESURA: It was a little over a year ago that you first appeared in STARDOM, and now you find yourself in the main event of a big PPV with the chance to not only win the World of Stardom Championship, but become a double champion in the process. What do you think has been the key to your quick ascent?
Xena: My first tour in STARDOM was from April to June last year and having the opportunity to return and wrestle full time with them I knew exactly what my goal was going to be from the get go. One of the most important keys to ascent in any situation is surrounding yourself with like-minded people. My partner DAGA who wrestles for NOAH has helped me in so many ways. He has wrestled all over the world – different styles and I’m fortunate enough to learn from him.
Q: Empress Nexus Venus is still a relatively new faction. With you and Maika both preparing for your title match at The Conversion, what is the feeling inside of the ExV camp right now?
Xena: This upcoming match started with me challenging Maika. But unfortunately, as seen in our previous matches with ExV, we’ve been having difficulties getting along. Miscommunication between us has led to HANAKO getting pinned in our recent matches. Mina has broken us apart, you know, when things get too heated in the ring. And no Waka to be found to translate what’s being said, it leads to us throwing hands straight away.
Q: You’ve spoken about how when you arrived in STARDOM that Mina Shirakawa essentially took you under her wing, both with Club Venus last year and now with ExV. What has it been like learning under her and how is she as a teacher?
A: Mina took me under her wing when she formed Club Venus and ExV. She took time out of her personal life to make sure I was settled in. Made sure I was prepped coming into STARDOM, so I have nothing but love for that girl. She’s on a whole other level flying to the States every week. No one hustles like Mina does!
Q: What was your journey like going from the Australian independent scene during the COVID pandemic straight into STARDOM?
Xena: When the pandemic happened in Australia, I wasn’t wrestling up until it slowed down… So, in the meantime my good friend Jey Dewhurst and me hustled, and did what we could do in the state things were in. He introduced me to this Cheerleader Melissa, she would sit down on FaceTime with us, lend insight and pass down her knowledge. I also landed an opportunity to appear on Ninja Warrior which was good fun–challenging, but fun!
Q: After winning the Artist of Stardom Championship you celebrated being the first woman of Middle Eastern descent to have won the honor. What does it mean for you not only to represent Australia but Jordan on a global platform?
Xena: Being Middle Eastern, you are always thrown into cultural traditions growing up. So at this stage of my life I “should” be married with five kids, but instead followed my dreams and broke barriers for other women. I want us to achieve goals we set for ourselves. Winning the Artist titles in STARDOM is just a start of what I have set my eyes on to accomplish.
Q: What have been some of the toughest parts for you about adjusting to long tours in Japan?
Xena: One of the hardest parts about going on tour means that I’ll be away from DAGA for a while. But when the tours are super long, he finds the time out of his busy schedule to come see me! Besides that, I love being on the road visiting new places. The schedule consists of early mornings, late nights, and long hours on the bus — but you’ll never hear me complain. I am loving every second of this!
Q: Your YouTube channel with DAGA (D&X) has a lot of food-focused videos, and it looks like you two have been having a great time eating in Japan. What has been your favorite thing to eat there, and any recommendations for STARDOM fans who might be traveling to Japan?
Xena: We are both big foodies! We still have so many places to try out on our list! I think something that will definitely be a hit would be yakiniku or shabu shabu… You can’t go wrong with either of those.
Q: You were recently announced for your first 5 Star Grand Prix. What kind of preparations will you be going through for such a mentally and physically grueling tournament?
Xena: I couldn’t participate last year as my time with STARDOM was up. So, getting the opportunity this year — as well as prepping for my upcoming match for the Red Belt — I’d say, I’m a hundred percent mentally and physically ready! From spending hours at the dojo/gym to attending jiu jitsu classes at the muse… Meantime, I’m studying every wrestler on the STARDOM cards closely. We’re READY READY!
Q: One of the strongest parts of the STARDOM roster is their depth of talent and wide variety of wrestling styles. Are there any wrestlers on the roster in particular that you feel really brings the best out of you as a performer and you relish getting in the ring with, and why?
Xena: My last match in STARDOM on my previous run was was against God’s Eye & Syuri! Arguably, one of the best wrestlers in the world — she’s a former professional kickboxer and UFC fighter. Being able to step in the ring with her in a singles match, it was such an opportunity for me, and I’m so grateful for that. I would love to step in the ring with her VERY soon.
Q: Do you have any final comments you have for your international fans ahead of your big title match at The Conversion?
Xena: Not just for my fans, but for everyone out there don’t miss Conversion. This is nothing personal, but the era of the Empress is coming to an end, as the Goddess of Thunder walks out of Yoyogi as the new World of Stardom champion.
—
Thank you to STARDOM for arranging this interview, and to Xena for giving us her time ahead of the biggest match of her career to answer these questions.
You can follow STARDOM on Twitter/X @we_are_stardom, and Xena @stardom_xena. You can sign up to STARDOM World for ¥920 (currently less than $6) a month.
STARDOM The Conversion PPV will take place on Saturday 22nd June, 5pm JST, 4am ET, 1am PT, 9am BST. Full details on how to purchase the show will be made available on their social media closer to the show’s date.
RESURA 