Erina Yamanaka Aiming To Return In June Following Surgery For Fractured Orbital Wall

An update on Erina Yamanaka.

It was back in April 2026 that Erina Yamanaka underwent surgery for a fractured orbital floor.

The injury occurred during a tag match on 4/11 for the Dream Star Fighting Marigold promotion. She took a moonsault from Mayu Iwatani, and Iwatani landed on Yamanaka’s face. While speaking to Monthly Puroresu, Yamanaka was asked if she harbors any resentment towards Iwatani, and she said the following:

“As long as I step into the ring, there’s a possibility of getting injured, and I’ve been prepared for that from the start. I also believe that this injury is my own responsibility. I’ve never harbored any resentment toward my opponents in the past, and that hasn’t changed this time either.”

Yamanaka provided an update on her recovery. She is no longer in pain, but still has double vision, so she’s doing exercises to assist with that. She is aiming to return in June.

“I have absolutely no pain now, and my strabismus has improved significantly. However, I still have some double vision, so to correct that, I’m setting aside time to do exercises where I cover my right eye and use only my left. I don’t have a specific schedule for my return yet, but my current goal is to be back in the ring sometime in June.”

Yamanaka is still in possession of the Marigold 3D Trios Championship with Mai Sakurai and Natsumi Showzuki. As of the interview, Yamanaka was unsure if they would have to give up the titles.

“At this point, I’m not sure yet. I do feel a sense of guilt about being absent from matches while holding the belt, especially since I’m not a full-time roster member. I think it also depends on how long my absence will continue, and I want to have a thorough discussion with the two members of La Vie en Rose (Mai Sakurai & Natsumi Showzuki) and Marigold as well.”

Elsewhere on the Marigold front, Yamanaka opened up about the departure of Utami Hayashishita, who has since returned to STARDOM.

“Like everyone else, I first heard about it at the Korakuen Hall event on April 25th. It was a real shock. I was originally scheduled to have a singles match against Utami Hayashishita on April 14th, but it was canceled due to my injury. I had been determined to challenge her again once I returned, so it was very disappointing that that possibility had slipped away. But more than that, knowing that a match opportunity had been prepared for me even though it was already decided she would be leaving soon—and that it didn’t happen… That fact might be what got me down the most about this injury. The void she leaves behind is far too big; I don’t think I can fill it on my own. However, I do see this as a chance to make my presence known even more strongly within Marigold. If there’s an opening, I want to keep expanding my presence there.”

Marigold founder Rossy Ogawa shared his thoughts about Hayashishita’s departure, and his comments can be read here.