As we previously reported here on eWn, Bushiroad has terminated the contract of STARDOM founder Rossy Ogawa, claiming that he “poached many STARDOM wrestlers and staff.”
The Wrestling Observer has shared additional details on the matter, noting that the latest development occurred after several months of issues between the two parties.
The issues began about nine months ago when Bushiroad executives began overruling Ogawa regarding booking and business decisions, which upset both Ogawa and STARDOM talent.
Being overruled regularly by Bushiroad Fight President Katsuhiko Harada caused Ogawa to decide to leave the company.
While Taro Okada replaced Harada in November, the issues continued and Ogawa was already planning to leave.
Ogawa had been under the belief that he would have autonomy in terms of booking and business decisions when he sold STARDOM to Bushiroad in 2019, a deal that included a five-year non-compete clause.
Ogawa had given his notice of resignation some time ago and it was known that he would be leaving on February 18.
Bushiroad reportedly decided to get ahead of the story and announced Ogawa’s departure on Monday. Talent was informed in a meeting after Sunday’s Osaka show.
The report states that several talents are still loyal to Ogawa, who founded STARDOM and gave most of the roster breaks in their careers.
Several talents are expected to leave in March, which is when many contracts expire.
The only talent under a longer-term contract is IWGP Champion Mayu Iwatani due to her biopic which will be released soon.
Bushiroad was aware of talent leaving and some wrestlers have been given legal threats in the past several weeks.
For what it’s worth, Ogawa is not going to WWE.
Taro Okada and Bushiroad Fight merchandise manager Oyama will take over as STARDOM’s bookers effective immediately.
The recent termination of STARDOM founder Rossy Ogawa’s contract by Bushiroad has sent shockwaves through the wrestling industry. The decision, which was made due to allegations of Ogawa poaching STARDOM wrestlers and staff, has raised questions about the future of the promotion and its talent.
According to reports from The Wrestling Observer, the issues between Ogawa and Bushiroad had been brewing for several months before the termination. It all began when Bushiroad executives started overruling Ogawa’s decisions regarding booking and business matters. This not only upset Ogawa but also the STARDOM talent who had grown accustomed to his leadership.
The situation escalated when Ogawa was regularly overruled by Bushiroad Fight President Katsuhiko Harada. Frustrated by this lack of autonomy, Ogawa made the difficult decision to leave the company. Although Harada was replaced by Taro Okada in November, the issues persisted, and Ogawa had already made up his mind to depart.
When Ogawa sold STARDOM to Bushiroad in 2019, he believed that he would retain control over booking and business decisions. The deal included a five-year non-compete clause, which further solidified Ogawa’s belief in his autonomy. However, the constant interference from Bushiroad executives shattered his expectations.
Ogawa had given notice of his resignation some time ago, and it was widely known that he would be leaving on February 18. However, Bushiroad decided to preemptively announce his departure on Monday, possibly to control the narrative surrounding the termination. Talent was informed of the decision in a meeting after Sunday’s Osaka show.
The report suggests that several talents within STARDOM remain loyal to Ogawa, who played a pivotal role in their careers by giving them opportunities. As a result, it is expected that some wrestlers will leave the promotion in March when their contracts expire. The only talent under a longer-term contract is IWGP Champion Mayu Iwatani, who is tied to STARDOM due to her upcoming biopic.
Bushiroad was aware of the potential talent exodus and has reportedly issued legal threats to some wrestlers in recent weeks. The situation remains tense as both sides navigate the aftermath of Ogawa’s departure.
Contrary to rumors, Ogawa is not heading to WWE, leaving his future plans uncertain. In the meantime, Taro Okada and Bushiroad Fight merchandise manager Oyama will take over as STARDOM’s bookers with immediate effect.
The termination of Rossy Ogawa’s contract and the subsequent fallout have left the wrestling community in a state of uncertainty. As fans and industry insiders eagerly await further developments, the future of STARDOM hangs in the balance, and the fate of its talented roster remains uncertain.