Q&A with new TJPW title challenger Priscilla Kelly

Priscilla Kelly, who was due to face Rika Tatsumi, will now replace the injured Jada Stone in an International Princess Championship match against champion Arisu Endo at TJPW Wrestle Princess

Former two-time NXT Tag Team Champion Priscilla Kelly will go for gold at the sixth edition of Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling’s annual showpiece, Wrestle Princess, at Ota City Gymnasium in Tokyo on Saturday

JFights: What was your reaction to the news of being moved into an International Princess Championship match?
Priscilla Kelly (PK): This is a higher calibre match with more at stake. I have to step up my mindset going into this match.

JFights: What would it mean to capture this prestigious International Princess Championship title in one of the top matches on the card?
PK: It would mean everything to me to win this. It would feel like all of the years of hard work and ups and downs paying off. It would be an honour to hold this title.

JFights: This is your first time wrestling in Japan since leaving WWE — what does wrestling in TJPW mean to you at this stage of your career?
PK: I’ve wanted to return to Japan since the last time I wrestled there. I’ve always loved Japan and the fans. But this time, is different. I feel like I’ve grown so much in the seven years since my last appearance with TJPW. And this weekend's match will show that. I’m very excited to return

JFights: You was only 19 years old when you first visited Japan. How do you feel you’ve grown as a pro wrestler and as a person since then?
PK: I believe this is my fourth time in Japan. I was around 19/20 years old (when I first went to Japan) so it feels like a lifetime ago. With the years I’ve added to my career since then, the places I’ve traveled and talent and TV companies I’ve worked with, the growth is incredible. I feel as if I’m an entirely new version of myself as a person and in the ring from the 19/20 year old me. More confident, more aggressive, more sure of the person and wrestler that I want to be.

JFights: You’ve had mainstream exposure in WWE. Does wrestling in Japan feel like a reinvention or a continuation?
PK: This is a continuation of my career with a reinvented version of Priscilla Kelly. My journey is just getting hotter and hotter as time goes on. And this is a big step to the depth of this chapter in my career.

JFights: Are you looking at this trip as a one-off or the start of a longer Japanese chapter?
PK: I’m hoping for many more times in Japan. This is just the beginning.

JFights: Which wrestlers on the TJPW roster would you most like to go up against? Does one person stand out?
PK: I want Miyu Yamashita. I never got my rematch for the Championship from all those years ago, and she is one of the toughest competitors I’ve faced.

JFights: How do you think the Japanese fans will react to Hell’s Favorite Harlot on Saturday?
PK: I hope some remember me from back in the day and I hope to make some new fans as well. I just want to leave a lasting impression either way and a decent little welcome back.

JFights: What are you most looking forward to doing in Japan outside of the ring?
PK: Eating! I LOVE Japanese food. It’s my Fiancé, Zachary Wentz, and my favourite cuisine. I don’t have much time in Japan this trip, but if I had more time I would love to do Tokyo Disney.

JFights: What does the rest of 2025 look like for you?
PK: Very busy and booked. I hardly have any time off besides the couple of weeks I’ve kept reserved for the holidays later this year. Including GCW in Alaska which I’m very excited for, I’ve never been to Alaska.

JFights: Why should fans tune in to watch you on Wrestle Universe on Saturday?
PK: Like I said previously, this is a very much more aggressive, confident version of the Priscilla Kelly everyone knew. I am going to bring my all to this match. It is very important to me to return to Japan and prove why I deserve a regular spot on the TJPW roster.

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