A month ago, the pro wrestling world started buzzing as it often does over word that WWE had interest in signing Giulia. As it turns out, the initial report led to some confusion over whether the STARDOM and New Japan Pro-Wrestling talent was actually a free agent (she’s not) and when she’d be available to sign with another company (not until sometime next year, according to Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer).
There’s no guarantee that Giulia will end up making her way to North America, but the latest update to her situation comes via Meltzer (subscription required), who says Giulia is “leaning toward coming here in 2024” once her current deal with Bushiroad, STARDOM’s parent company, expires in March.
Why all the fuss over the 29-year-old star? We here at Wrestling Junkie admittedly don’t watch enough joshi to answer that, so we turned to an expert: Kristen Ashly, contributor and columnist for Pro Wrestling Illustrated.
Ashly, who helped put together The 2023 Women’s 250 issue of PWI (which is also available on newsstands in physical form), was kind enough to take some time to explain what makes Giulia such a unique performer and whether the WWE’s reported interest makes sense.
Wrestling Junkie: For people who are unfamiliar with Giulia’s work in Japan, why is she such a big deal?
Kristen Ashly: Giulia really first drew serious public attention from how she joined STARDOM. She was working primarily with one of STARDOM’s biggest rivals, Ice Ribbon, for the first few years of her career, before she signed with STARDOM at the end of 2019. There were heavy contractual issues and confusion, and both Giulia and STARDOM drew ire for it.
It was clear when she left Ice Ribbon that she wanted more for her career, and STARDOM obliged. After joining STARDOM, Giulia was given a heavy push and she stepped up to the plate. She almost immediately won the trios title Artist of Stardom Championship, won the Cinderella Tournament, and quickly picked up the Wonder of Stardom title. She’s only gotten better and more decorated. The rise was, and still is, divisive among fans. But it’s hard to deny that she’s used that chip on her shoulder in her journey to be the best.
WJ: What are Giulia’s strengths as a performer, and what would she bring to WWE or another North American promotion if signed?
Ashly: Giulia’s backstory is one WWE would grab onto, no doubt. She’s part Italian, born in England, and she was bullied for her mixed heritage. It’s a past that has made her stronger.
Her real gift to WWE would be her sheer star power and charisma. She’s a fantastic wrestler, but she’s a better storyteller, character developer and fashion icon. There’s no denying the intangibles are strong.
WJ: How would Giulia fit in with the current WWE roster?
Ashly: To be quite honest, I’m not sure she would do her best in WWE. Though IYO SKY, KAIRI and Asuka have made their own success there, I don’t think WWE is completely conducive to the joshi style. The old NXT brand and booking would have fit her perfectly; an era where joshi style was key to its success. Even someone like Shayna Baszler, who learned quite a bit at STARDOM, was able to get to the top. I don’t see that at NXT or the main roster much any more. I personally feel Giulia would do well to stay within STARDOM for a while. She’s seeing success I’m not sure she would see in WWE. The women are famously lost among the madness there.
WJ: There’s been some debate about whether Giulia would be able to “skip” going to NXT if she signed with WWE. Do you agree with that assessment, or would she be better served to work there first before joining the main roster?
Ashly: As a women’s wrestling fan, I see her sheer talent and personally do not feel she should be at NXT. I’m honestly afraid of what character they would turn Giulia into. Everyone in NXT has this very distinct gimmick. Giulia doesn’t need one, in my opinion. This is not black and gold brand NXT where people are pulled off the indies already established athletically. She shouldn’t be in what has turned into a truly developmental brand, in a lot of ways.
WJ: If you could recommend fans just two or three matches to get a feel for Giulia, which ones would you suggest they watch?
Ashly:
- 12/29/2021 – Stardom Dream Queendom 2021 – Giulia vs. Konami
- 12/29/2022 – Stardom Dream Queendom 2022 – Giulia vs. Syuri (c) for the World of Stardom Championship
- 02/04/2023 – Stardom 12th Anniversary Supreme Fight 2023 – Giulia (c) vs. Suzu Suzuki for the World of Stardom Championship
I could probably find a dozen more.