Rina Talks STARDOM American Dream, Her Growth, H.A.T.E., Sisters, Future, More | Interview

Rina is one of wrestling’s true phenoms at 19 years old, and now she’s ready to take over the world with STARDOM on her back.

Rina kicked off her career at 11 years old and, over time, has become one of the very best in both STARDOM and the world through hard work, dedication, and a love for pro wrestling. Joined her twin sister Hina and older sister Hanan, Rina has been a staple of STARDOM for almost a decade now — and she’s beginning to take over.

Over the last year, Rina has been to the Cinderella Tournament twice, the semifinals of STARDOM’s signature round-robin tournament, the 5☆STAR Grand Prix, and currently reigns as one-third of the Artists of Stardom Champions. It’s hard not to be impressed by Rina at this stage of her life, but for her, she certainly isn’t shocked by her own success.

This Friday, she will get to live out her latest goal (and dream) when she competes in America for the very first time. And not only will she compete, but she will face ROH Women’s World Champion Athena at STARDOM AMERICAN DREAM 2026 in Las Vegas. It’s a massive match, and one that will have all eyes on it.

Before Rina makes her official American debut, she joined Fightful’s Scott E. for an exclusive interview discussing growing up in pro wrestling, what inspires her, her faction H.A.T.E., and so much more.

Here’s what Rina had to say!

Edwards: This year, you’ll make your American debut as you compete for STARDOM in Las Vegas! It’s been a long time coming for you, and fans are incredibly excited. Are you looking forward to traveling to America and competing in the country for the first time?

Rina: “I’m really excited and looking forward to my first match in America!!

“I’m also really looking forward to experiencing the unique American atmosphere, which is different from Japan.
Since I was in elementary school, I’ve seen several STARDOM wrestlers selected to compete in America, and I’ve always dreamed of doing the same someday, so I’m so happy that my dream has finally come true.”

Edwards: For new fans of STARDOM, they know Rina as one of the top stars of the promotion. But for longtime fans and your peers, you’ve been training to be the best since you were just 11 years old. You have more experience now than many of your peers, having debuted back in 2017. Now 19 years old and nearing your 10th Anniversary, was it difficult for you at any point? What does wrestling mean to you after all these years competing, especially now as you begin to climb toward the top of STARDOM? Do you feel beginning at such a young age has allowed you to figure out who you are and stand out in a way not many other wrestlers have the opportunity to do?

Rina: “The biggest challenge for me was the mismatch between my age and career.

“I debuted at 11 and am now 19, in my eighth year of my career. Even when I reached the top four in 5☆STAR or challenged for a title, I still hear many people say, ‘You’re still too young,’ or ‘It’s too early.’

“But I’ve turned that mismatch into a strength to get this far.

“I’ve lived my life centered around professional wrestling since I was 11, and I’m more proud of the time and experience I’ve accumulated than anyone else.

“My dream, and the meaning of my life as a professional wrestler, is to definitely stand at the top of STARDOM and become a wrestler who can compete with the world.

“By the time I reach my 10th anniversary, I will become someone that everyone, even I, has to acknowledge.”

Edwards: To follow that, with so much experience and now hitting your stride in your career as one of the best in the world, what inspires you and pushes you to keep growing as a wrestler inside and outside of the ring?

Rina: “My driving force is a rebellious spirit to absolutely prove everyone wrong, and a pure love for professional wrestling.

“I’m extremely competitive.

“That’s why, as I said earlier, to those who say “it’s too early,” I think, “Just you wait and see,” and I’m always fighting with the determination to prove wrong everyone who doesn’t have high expectations of me or doesn’t want to acknowledge me.

“And the reason I was able to dedicate all of my teenage years, which other girls my age were spending at school or playing around, to professional wrestling is simply because I love professional wrestling.

“I love everything about it: thinking up moves, clashing in matches, and expressing myself in front of the fans. These two driving forces are what allow me to continue growing both inside and outside the ring.”

Edwards: There have been very few wrestlers who have made an impact like you have over the last two years! In 2024, you ran NEW BLOOD as the Future of Stardom Champion and NEW BLOOD Tag Team Champion with Azusa Ina. In 2025, you competed for the Wonder of Stardom Championship for the first time, made it to the finals of the Cinderella Tournament, won the Artist of Stardom Championship with Konami and Fukigen Death, and were a semifinalist in the 5STAR GP! And of course, this year so far, you’ve challenged again for the Wonder of Stardom Title and made it to another Cinderella Tournament final. So many accomplishments, but also some tough losses. Was there a point over the last two years where you realized you were reaching that next level in your career with all this success? Are you using those losses you’ve experienced over the last few years to help make you even better?

Rina: “Graduating from high school and focusing solely on professional wrestling was a major turning point for me.

“My first challenge for the Wonder of Stardom and my first appearance in 5☆STAR were the perfect stages to showcase just how amazing I am, and it’s true that before that, I didn’t have a place where I could fully demonstrate my true abilities and charm.

“Even after becoming a double champion in the Future and NEW BLOOD tag teams, I wasn’t able to participate in 5☆STAR, and my school commitments limited the matches I could participate in. So, as soon as I focused solely on professional wrestling and the scope of my activities expanded, my world suddenly broadened.

“At the same time, I’ve experienced the frustration of falling just short of victory more than anyone else—my two Wonder of Stardom matches, my loss in the 5☆STAR semi-finals, and my two consecutive runner-up finishes in Cinderella. But all of those experiences have made me stronger, and I can proudly say that each and every one of them was a valuable experience that will never be wasted.”

Edwards: The Wonder of Stardom Championship feels like the championship for you. It feels like an important belt for you to win. Is that the championship you want to win the most, or does the World of Stardom Championship interest you just as much?

Rina: “Both are equally appealing.

“I act when I want to win or challenge for a title, and until now, that has been the Wonder Belt. If I feel the same way about the World title, I’ll go for it immediately.

“There are many different promotions, but I’ve always believed STARDOM is number one, and will always be, so wearing a STARDOM singles title around my waist remains my unwavering goal.”

Edwards: H.A.T.E. is running STARDOM. You’ve been a big part of that since the days the group changed from Oedo Tai to H.A.T.E. What is it about H.A.T.E. that works so incredibly well? What do you think of your fellow group members?

Rina: “In the past year, all H.A.T.E. members have won belts and titles, demonstrating their strength as a unit.

“Red, White, Tag Team, Artist, 5☆STAR conquest — H.A.T.E. isn’t just a group; each member has grown stronger as an individual, and that directly translates to the unit’s overall strength. They’re completely different from other weaker units.

“Just between us, H.A.T.E. probably has the strongest bond and camaraderie of any unit.

“There’s no doubt that H.A.T.E. will continue to lead STARDOM.”

Edwards: I have to ask you about your sisters. Both Hanan and Hina have been with you in this journey for so long, even if you aren’t together in the ring. You’ve competed against them in big matches, Hanan most recently in the Cinderella Finals. They, like yourself, have found some great success over these last two years. At this stage, you’re all competing for the same thing. How do you feel about your two sisters now that you’re all full-time competitors? Do you see what your sisters are doing and feel any happiness for them? Or does their success instead drive you to try and be better than both of them?

Rina: “I don’t feel joy. I just feel like I can’t lose. It’s not so much my sisters’ success, but I’m jealous of everyone else’s success.

“As a pro wrestler, I don’t feel any special connection to my sisters. However, I do think my progress in the last few years has clearly been outstanding even among my sisters.

“As a member of H.A.T.E., I won a belt, stirred up STARDOM, and made the biggest name for myself.

“Even after losing to Hanan in the Cinderella Tournament final, I still believe I’m not inferior to them in terms of pro wrestling technique, presentation, and everything else, and I don’t want to lose.

“Their success is certainly a source of motivation for me. However, my biggest motivation is to be number one.”

Edwards: You defeated Sayaka Kurara in the Cinderella Tournament, as well as last year’s 5STAR GP, to get revenge after the Cinderella Finals loss last year. Now she’s the one challenging for the World of Stardom Championship against Saya Kamitani. How does it make you feel that she’s challenging even after you defeated her? Do you consider Kurara your rival now as you both ascend to the top of STARDOM?

Rina: “I’ve won both of our most recent singles matches, but that doesn’t change the fact that she’s someone I never want to lose to.

“However, the fact that she can challenge for the top STARDOM belt despite being eliminated in the Cinderella Tournament makes the tournament pointless, and I’m dissatisfied with how easily it’s possible to challenge for belts in STARDOM these days, not just with Kurara.

“But I honestly think Kurara’s tenacity in continuing to act until she gets Kamitani to acknowledge her challenge is amazing.

“I’ll aim for the title after I’ve achieved solid results that prove my worth, in my own way.”

Edwards: While you’re not one to perform to the crowd and do whatever you want in the ring, STARDOM crowds have made it clear that they’re always rooting for you, no matter who you face. When you hear the loud “Rina” chants in a sold-out Korakuen Hall and other venues, what goes through your mind? Do you enjoy hearing your name as one of STARDOM’s most beloved wrestlers?

Rina: “The ‘Rina’ chants have only started to resonate recently.

“I’m happy to realize that people are gradually starting to notice my charm.

“I think it’s because I’ve always stuck to my own fighting style no matter who I’m fighting, and I’ll continue to stay true to myself. Of course, that includes America, too! ♡”

Edwards: It’s clear that you have the potential to accomplish anything you set your mind to, as you’ve accomplished so much and you’re still improving. To close this out, what are the goals for Rina in the near future and over the rest of your career? What do you want to accomplish?

Rina: “To win a STARDOM singles title and to win the 5☆STAR GP, which I couldn’t achieve last year, and set the youngest-ever record.

“I believe that I can achieve the youngest-ever record because I’ve been doing this since I was little, so I will definitely win the 5☆STAR GP, which I will be competing in for the last time as a teenager this year.
And I will become a wrestler whose name is known throughout the world.

“Please keep your eyes on Pink♡Devil!!”

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We’d like to thank Rina for taking part in this interview right before she heads to America for the very first time!

If you want to see Rina’s latest matches, including her challenge for the Wonder of Stardom Championship against Konami as well as her finals appearance in the Cinderella Tournament, you can check out STARDOM’s streaming service — STARDOM WORLD.

For those wanting to check out STARDOM AMERICAN DREAM 2026 in Las Vegas, here’s a look at the updated card featuring Rina going one-on-one with ROH Women’s World Champion, Athena:

– NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship: Alex Windsor (c) vs. Saya Iida
– Athena vs. Rina
– Starlight Kid, AZM & Mei Seira vs. Kris Statlander, Willow Nightingale & Harley Cameron
– Maika, Mina Shirakawa & HANAKO vs. Hazuki, Rina Yamashita & Suzu Suzuki
– Natsupoi & Aya Sakura vs. Brittnie Brooks & SAKI

Check out Scott’s other STARDOM interview with Hazuki here, as they discussed her training of Fuwa-chan, her own goals, the Wonder of Stardom Championship, and more.

STARDOM AMERICAN DREAM 2026 in Las Vegas goes down on April 17 at 3 p.m. PST / 6 p.m. EST at the Palms Casino as part of Slam Fest. If you’re unable to attend, the show will be LIVE on TrillerTV and is available now for $19.99.