Bushiroad has announced that they have terminated their contract with STARDOM founder Rossy Ogawa due to the fact that Ogawa “poached” people from the promotion.
Bushiroad, which is the parent company of NJPW and STARDOM, issued the following statement on Sunday to announce that Ogawa had poached STARDOM talent and staff in his position as an executive producer of the company:
Regarding the cancellation of the contract with Mr. Rossy Ogawa
To all concerned and fans
“Thank you very much for always supporting Stardom.
Bushiroad Fight Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as the “Company”) has canceled the outsourcing contract with Mr. Rossy Ogawa (hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement”) as of February 4 , 2024. I would like to inform you of what happened.
Since 2019, our company has entered into a contract with Rossy Ogawa, the founder of Stardom, and has appointed him as an executive producer and outsourced work related to Stardom. However, we would like to inform you that we have come to know that he has poached many Stardom players and staff members, and we have decided to cancel this contract.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. As a company, we will continue to aim for the further development of Stardom, and the players and staff will continue to work together to deliver excitement to the fans, so we will continue to receive the same compliments as before. I am very fortunate.
Thank you for your understanding.”
Bushiroad Terminates Contract with STARDOM Founder Rossy Ogawa
In a surprising turn of events, Bushiroad, the parent company of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and STARDOM, has announced the termination of their contract with STARDOM founder, Rossy Ogawa. The reason cited for this decision is Ogawa’s alleged poaching of talent and staff from the promotion.
Bushiroad issued a statement on Sunday to address the situation and inform fans and stakeholders about the contract cancellation. The statement expressed gratitude to all those who have supported STARDOM over the years and proceeded to explain the circumstances surrounding the termination.
The company revealed that they had entered into a contract with Ogawa in 2019, appointing him as an executive producer and outsourcing various responsibilities related to STARDOM. However, they recently discovered that Ogawa had been involved in poaching several STARDOM players and staff members. As a result, Bushiroad made the decision to cancel the contract.
The announcement concluded with an apology for any inconvenience caused and reassured fans that the company remains committed to the development of STARDOM. They emphasized that the players and staff will continue to work together to deliver excitement to the fans, hoping to receive the same level of support as before.
This development has sent shockwaves through the professional wrestling community, as Rossy Ogawa has been a prominent figure in the Japanese wrestling scene for many years. His involvement in STARDOM played a crucial role in its growth and success, making this termination all the more significant.
STARDOM, founded in 2010, quickly gained popularity as one of the premier women’s professional wrestling promotions in Japan. Under Ogawa’s leadership, the promotion expanded its reach globally and attracted a dedicated fan base. The termination of his contract raises questions about the future direction of STARDOM and how it will impact the promotion’s ongoing operations.
While specific details about the alleged poaching incidents have not been disclosed, it is not uncommon for talent to move between wrestling promotions. However, such actions can strain relationships and lead to legal disputes if not handled appropriately. It remains to be seen how STARDOM will navigate this situation and whether any legal action will be taken.
Fans and industry insiders will undoubtedly be closely monitoring the aftermath of this contract termination. The wrestling landscape in Japan may experience significant shifts as a result, with potential changes in talent rosters and promotional strategies. STARDOM will need to adapt and find new leadership to continue its growth trajectory and maintain its position as a prominent force in women’s professional wrestling.
As the story develops, it is crucial for fans to support the wrestlers and staff who remain dedicated to delivering exciting performances and maintaining the legacy of STARDOM. The promotion has overcome challenges in the past and has proven resilient. With the ongoing support of fans and the commitment of its remaining talent, STARDOM can overcome this setback and continue to thrive in the world of professional wrestling.