The sweat-drenched world of Sukeban wrestling takes Miami

If you had headed down to Miami Beach’s Bandshell on Wednesday, you’d have found female wrestlers thrashing around a spotlighted ring – shiny latex clinging to skin, sweat shimmering on painted faces. Welcome to the Sukeban World Championship Fight: a wrestling match like no other. 

Founded in 2022 by designer Olympia Le-Tan and her brother-in-law Alex Detrick, Sukeban is the Japanese women’s wrestling league that fuses high-glam aesthetics with the spectacle and sport of pro wrestling. The group take their name from the Japanese girl gangs of the 1960s and 70s.

After taking their sweaty circus to rings around the globe – including London – the team gloved up for their Miami return. The main event pitted Atomic Banshee of the Vandals against Ichigo Sayaka, frontwoman of the Harajuku Stars. It was a welcome location for the fighters. “Miami has a special sense of freedom and openness that you can’t experience in Japan, so I’m thrilled to be able to compete here,” Atomic Banshee told us before the event. After a previous fumble in Miami, Ichigo Sayaka was determined to rewrite the story. “I want to change my feelings toward Miami, I need to close out the main event as Sukeban champion. I want to make Miami my favourite place in the world!”

Ichigo’s wish came true: she ended the night as the new Sukeban world champion. But the fight was only part of the spectacle. Miami rap star JT came on as a surprise headline performer, while Violet Chachki and Gottmik lit up the ring in character cameos. And, as always, the event made a splash with its signature, wildly explosive approach to beauty and fashion.

“In Sukeban, I believe the way you present yourself is the most important thing,” explains Atomic Banshee. “When I’m in my full costume, I feel transformed… pro-wrestling is a sport where visual appeal is a major part of the excitement, so I believe paying attention to appearance is extremely important.” It’s a character-building assembled by teams that has previously included names like Mei Kawajiri, Dennis Lanni, Isamaya Ffrench and Pat McGrath. Here, faces are painted in geometric prints, exaggerated eye shadow looks, and hair twisted into tousled, neon braids. Below, we caught up with the fighters ahead of the tournament.

How do you feel when you’re in full looks with your make-up, hair and nails done? Does it affect how you feel when you step into the ring?

Atomic Banshee: When I’m in my full costume, I feel transformed. Pro-wrestling is a sport where visual appeal is a major part of the excitement, so I believe paying attention to appearance is extremely important. Doing so enhances the audience’s enjoyment and also makes me feel mentally and physically prepared.

How do you decide on the look for each performance? Do you work closely with the beauty team?

Ichigo Sayaka: It’s exciting to see so much thought and effort put into creating each character by so many people. In Japan, the wrestlers will usually prepare their looks themselves. But the professional input and work with incredible artists like Mei Kawajiri, Dennis Lanni, Isamaya Ffrench and Pat McGrath are what make Sukeban so interesting.

Atomic Banshee: In Sukeban, I always give suggestions for makeup ideas. While I generally respect the artist‘s opinion, I make sure to communicate my preferences and particular details.

Have you noticed that your beauty and costume choices influence how the audience perceives your character?

Ichigo Sayaka: Definitely, I never would have chosen to wear pink, and now I’m so happy to be the pink strawberry, Ichigo. The Harajuku Stars are the heart of Sukeban. We are the cutest and coolest that Sukeban has to offer.

Atomic Banshee: Absolutely. In pro-wrestling, and especially in Sukeban, I believe the way you present yourself is the most important thing.

Are there specific beauty rituals or products you swear by before a match?

Atomic Banshee: I like to moisturise my skin and apply perfume. I’m currently using Aesop perfume.

Ichigo Sayaka: In Japan, I like to do my makeup and use some sparkly glitter. But in Sukeban, I trust the professional team.

How do you physically start preparing for a match? What is your routine? How long before a match do you start preparations?

Ichigo Sayaka: I wrestle about 10 matches a month in Japan, so I'm always prepared, and I always try to take on new challenges. When I have a big title match, I’ll usually cut some weight and make sure I’m in the best shape possible to win.

Atomic Banshee: I don’t really have a routine. I drink hot coffee in the winter and cold coffee in the summer. I just do some light stretching right before the match.

How do you stay fit and active between championships?

Ichigo Sayaka: I practice at a dojo whenever I can get to one, and when I have someone to practice with. I also have a personal trainer, and I like to go to the pool to swim. There are many different ways to train, and training isn't just about moving your body, so I like to try new things and learn to incorporate different exercises.

Atomic Banshee: I do as little aerobic exercise as possible and dedicate my time to resting my mind and body.