20 Best Women's Wrestlers In The World Today

11. Mayu Iwatani

Sasha Banks
we-are-stardom.com

A few months ago, it was widely assumed that Mayu Iwatani would join Kairi Sane and Io Shirai in signing for WWE, leaving Stardom, their home promotion, a gutted mess. Instead, Sane was the only one of the company’s top three stars to jump ship to the 'E, with Shirai returning to Stardom having previously announced her departure, and Iwatani taking her place at the top of the pile.

Mayu took Io’s World Of Stardom Title in what was thought to be Shirai’s last match for the company in June, and has since defended it against the likes of Viper (Piper Niven) and Yoko Bito. She has become her company’s top babyface, and now looks set for a long, prosperous run at the top of the pile.

An outstanding underdog, Iwatani is world-class seller capable of making even rudimentary moves and holds look deadly. She always makes her opponents look excellent, but works with great speed and intensity herself, proving she’s no one trick pony. The only thing she’s lacking is her peers’ name value, but this should come with time, and WWE may eventually renew their interest in her.

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Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.