Miyu Yamashita talks Itoh, Mercedes, USA, IMPACT, more!

Fightful's Scott Edwards had the chance to interview TJPW's Miyu Yamashita ahead of this weekend's Grand Princess '23 show and Yamashita's upcoming United States tour! In the interview, she discussed her chemistry as a duo with Maki Itoh, her upcoming United States tour, competing in IMPACT! Wrestling for the first time in her career with the IMPACT Knockouts World Championship on the line, and the looming challenge of potentially facing Mercedes Moné in the future!

When asked about her chemistry with Maki Itoh, Yamashita explained that they often don't need a gameplan heading into their matches but rather gain a feel as the match goes on. As they prepared to take on Heidi Howitzer and Max The Impaler, they expect to keep that strategy to try and win the tag team titles for the first time.

With her upcoming three-month tour in the United States beginning at the end of the month, Yamashita explained why the time was now to make this decision. She explained that this was not only one she has had considered for a long time, but one she needed to take to challenge herself. "The Pink Striker" made the point that we only get one life in our lives, so why not do it now. She knows some of it can be dangerous and scary, but she's excited for the challenge to take on so many new opponents.

It was announced Monday that Yamashita will take part in the IMPACT x NJPW Multiverse: Only The STRONG Survive. And not only will she be taking part in the show, but she will challenge for the IMPACT Knockout World Championship. The match is currently set to see Yamashita take on Gisele Shaw, Deonna Purrazzo, and the champion Mickie James in a four-way match. Yamashita made note how she's always wanted to compete in an IMPACT! ring, so getting to do so excites her. She's ready for the challenge. Finally, the challenge made by IWGP Women's Champion Mercedes Moné following her NJPW debut following Wrestle Kingdom was head loud and clear by Yamashita. She emphatically said that she wants to have the match and believes it will "blow the roof" off of any arena the match takes place in.
To hear the full interview with Miyu Yamashita, make sure to check it out on Fightful's YouTube channel. She talks in-depth about TJPW, the upcoming rookies, more about her U.S. tour, returning to AEW, and a potential rematch with Athena for the ROH Women's World Championship.