5☆STAR GP2018 August 26th (Sun) Osaka, Sekaikan (Daytime) (Attendance: 235 people = Sold out)

Konami defeated the red belt champion Kagetsu in the opening match, but suffered a loss to Tam Nakano in the second match, failing to avenge last year's defeat. This match against Natsuko Tora is a chance for a fresh start. A win here would put her well within striking distance of the championship. This is a match she absolutely cannot afford to lose in this series, where a true breakthrough is expected. On the other hand, Natsuko has started the tournament with consecutive losses. She lost to Kimber Lee, who was making her first appearance in Japan, in her first match, and then to Utami Hayashishita on the second day, getting off to a tough start. However, as the Artist Champion, she cannot afford to keep losing. A victory against Konami, who defeated Kagetsu, would give her a huge boost. This is a crucial moment for Natsuko as well

　Natsuko offers a handshake, but Konami refuses as the bell rings. They begin with a lock-up, a test of strength. Natsuko pushes Konami into the ropes and delivers a series of elbows. Seeing an opening, Konami applies a sleeper hold. Natsuko escapes and charges, but Konami pulls the ropes, sending her to the apron and delivering a neckbreaker over the ropes. She follows up with a dropkick and a cover, but Natsuko kicks out. Konami then goes for a sleeper hold on the ground. Natsuko uses the ropes to escape, but Konami stomps on her throat. Konami delivers a soccer ball kick and a dropkick to the head from the front. Natsuko retaliates, and Konami delivers a series of stomps. Natsuko charges forward, but Konami stands firm. Konami pulls Natsuko up, shouting "Is that all you've got!", and delivers a running kick. Natsuko retaliates with a series of elbows. However, Konami lands a kick. As Konami charges, Natsuko counters with a knee. Natsuko throws Konami into the ropes and headbutts. Natsuko blocks the kick and delivers a series of elbows followed by a spear. Natsuko delivers a series of spears and goes for the cover, but Konami kicks out. Natsuko delivers a series of elbows and a leg lariat. Konami kicks out, and Natsuko hits a Kamikaze and a frog splash. It looked like it was over, but Konami lifts her shoulder. Natsuko slams the mat in frustration. Natsuko pulls Konami up and goes for the Shouten. However, Konami hits a DDT and goes for a neck lock. She gets behind Natsuko and applies a sleeper hold. Five minutes have passed. Konami transitions to a body scissors sleeper hold. Natsuko gets up from this position and slams Konami backwards. Natsuko escapes and declares she's going for the finish and goes for the Shouten. Konami dodges and applies a neck lock. She releases it and goes for a Triangle Lancer. Natsuko gives up, and Konami takes the lead

A new generation trio, consisting of young members of JAN and Hanan, will face off against Oedo Tai's Kagetsu & Hazuki in a handicap match. Although it's 3 against 2, JAN & Hanan are undeniably at a disadvantage. The test will be how well these young wrestlers can make an impact under these circumstances

　Kagetsu and Hazuki joined Natsu Sumire for the Oedo Tai dance. As soon as Hazuki was called out, Hanan launched a surprise attack. She cornered Hazuki and delivered a series of spear attacks. After Hanan kicked out of the pin, she applied an armbar and stomped on the arm, leading to an exchange of elbows. Hanan grabbed Hazuki's leg and rolled her up, but Hazuki kicked out. Hanan slammed her forcefully onto the mat and tagged in Ruaka. Ruaka delivered a series of big boots and went for a fisherman suplex. Hazuki resisted, but Ruaka hit a cross body. Onozaki followed with a diving body attack from the corner, Hanan with a double wrist lock, and Ruaka with a fisherman suplex. Kagetsu tried to break up the attack, but Hanan pushed her down and prevented her from interfering. Hazuki pushed Onozaki aside and finally tagged in. Kagetsu signaled for a double attack, but perhaps due to the damage from the surprise attack, Hazuki was slow to come out. Nevertheless, Hazuki and Kagetsu teamed up for a double senton, and Kagetsu and Onozaki exchanged elbows. Kagetsu took Onozaki's barrage of blows, saying, "That doesn't hurt at all," and stood her ground. So Onozaki unleashed a series of neckbreakers. Kagetsu got in position for a chokeslam and slammed her into the corner. Kagetsu threw her into the corner and delivered a running elbow followed by a brainbuster. Kagetsu went for a backflip and a cover, but only got a two count. Kagetsu lifted her up again, but Onozaki went for a series of roll-ups. Kagetsu kicked out at the last moment and was countered with a thrust kick. An enraged Kagetsu went for an Ebisu Drop, but Hanan made the break. Five minutes had passed. Ruaka's break was blocked, and Hazuki put both Hanan and Onozaki in a face lock. Kagetsu tightened the reverse Boston crab and Onozaki tapped out. Oedo Tai was declared the winner

Having won both of her opening two matches of the 5☆STAR GP, Utami Hayashishita, the "third daughter of Big Daddy," has caused a sensation since her debut with a record of two wins and one draw in all her single matches. Now, she will be competing in a format other than a single match for the first time. Currently unaffiliated, Hayashishita will be forming a trio with Starlight Kid and Shiki Shibusawa of STARS. Moreover, this will be her first time facing foreign opponents. Their opponents are Rachel Ellering, Kelly Klein, and Kimber Lee, all of whom are entered in the 5☆STAR GP. In particular, her matches against Rachel and Kimber will serve as a preview for the official league matches. She will face Rachel in a singles match on September 16th in Osaka, and Kimber in a singles match on September 8th in Shin-Kiba. If Hayashishita wins this six-person tag team match, her winning streak will continue; if she loses, it will be her first defeat. As this is her first tour and her first double-header, attention on Hayashishita is sure to continue

　The foreign wrestlers decided by rock-paper-scissors that Kimber would go first, while Shibusawa volunteered to go first. Kimber went for Shibusawa's arm, but Shibusawa fought back and they grappled for the arm. Shibusawa went for a headlock, but Kimber countered. Shibusawa went for a leg lock, but Kimber countered and grabbed his leg on the ground. Shibusawa forcefully escaped and threw Kimber into the ropes, where Kimber applied an arm whip and then locked in a submission hold. Kimber threw Shibusawa into the ropes and delivered a series of neckbreakers. Kid did a crossbody. Kimber caught him, but Hayashishita assisted. Kid pinned Kimber, but Kimber broke free. Kid did a high-angle DDT, blocked Rachel's interference, and delivered a foot stomp and a standing moonsault. Kimber delivered a series of strikes followed by a backbreaker. Kid kicked out, and Kimber handed the ball to Kelly. Kelly swung his arm down and drove Kid into the corner. He slammed him down several times before delivering a brainbuster. Utami came to the rescue. Kelly lifts Kid up, but Kid counters with a spinning prawn hold, a dropkick, and a Shiranui. Five minutes have passed. Utami enters and delivers a shoulder tackle. Kelly withstands it repeatedly and wins with a shoulder tackle of her own. Utami counters Kelly's pin. Kelly prepares for a brainbuster. Utami resists and goes for an Argentine backbreaker. Kelly resists and Utami applies a sleeper hold from behind. Kelly gets up and slams her forward. Kelly corners Utami and delivers a series of powerful elbows. However, Utami counters with a dropkick and an Argentine backbreaker. She falls once but lifts Kelly up again. When the hold is broken up, Kelly slams her with a body slam. Utami tries to throw Kelly, but Kelly forcefully blocks it. Kelly charges, and Utami throws her over her shoulder. Utami tags in Shibusawa, who delivers a series of dropkicks and elbows to Rachel. Rachel corners Shibusawa, but Shibusawa dodges and delivers a dropkick. Kid unleashed a 619 and Shibusawa delivered a missile kick. The foreign team broke free from Utami's attempt to stop them. The Japanese team delivered a triple dropkick. Shibusawa landed a series of elbows on Rachel, but Rachel countered with a Black Hole Slam followed by a spinebuster. Shibusawa couldn't kick out, and Rachel got the three count

After losing to Hazuki in the opening match, Saki Kashima, who gained momentum with a surprise victory against Mayu Iwatani in the second match, will face Nicole Savoy. Nicole is the Queen of Suplexes, capable of throwing her opponents with a suplex from any position. Kashima will likely be forced to evade Nicole's suplex attempts and try to roll her up for a pinfall

　Nicole's strikes left Kashima writhing in pain, and Nicole took the match to the ground and applied submission holds. She locked in an armlock, then lifted Kashima up and applied a neck lock. She slammed Kashima with a suplex and drove her into the corner. Kashima used the rebound from the ropes to jump in and drove Nicole into the ropes for a big boot

Kashima delivered a double-arm facebuster followed by a double-arm suplex hold. Kashima climbed to the corner and delivered a diving foot stomp. However, Nicole kicked out at the two count. Kashima declared her My Emblem, but Nicole countered with a suplex X. She tried again, but Kashima managed to kick out. Then Nicole went for an armbar. Kashima blocked it, but Nicole released it and went for an armbar herself. Nicole transitioned into a triangle choke, but Kashima's legs reached the ropes. Five minutes had passed. Nicole went for a throw, but Kashima countered. Nicole's suplex connected, and Kashima couldn't kick out for the three count. Nicole secured her second victory

The champion with the white belt is in good form, having won the first two matches of the tournament. Although she is often attacked in the knees, she is still racking up victories. Her opponent this time is Natsu Sumire, who has suffered two consecutive losses. In a head-on fight, there seems to be little reason for Momo to lose, but Natsu is a formidable opponent who will not be easily defeated. She will surely try to unsettle Momo with her smooth talk and cunning tactics. Will Momo avoid falling into her traps and achieve a third consecutive victory? Since Hazuki does not have an official match scheduled in this tournament, a draw or better will put Momo in sole possession of first place among the Blue Stars

　Natsu asks Momo for a handshake, saying "Please," but when Momo doesn't respond, Natsu says "You're not very friendly!" As soon as the bell rings, Natsu asks for a handshake again. Momo kicks her away. Just before they lock up, Natsu asks for a handshake again. "Just a touch is fine," "I won't do anything," Natsu says. As Momo is about to agree, Natsu attacks, saying "I got you!" However, Momo quickly applies a sleeper hold, throws Natsu onto the ropes, and stomps on her. Momo doesn't stop there, driving Natsu into the corner and stomping on her repeatedly. Kagetsu, who is in her second, says "She's the one who's in the wrong!", and Momo shows no mercy, delivering a series of soccer ball kicks and stomping on her face. Momo throws Natsu into the corner and delivers a series of dropkicks. As Momo holds her down, Natsu slowly lifts her shoulders. Kagetsu calls out to the downed Natsu. Natsu dodges Momo's charge, puts her foot on the ropes, and holds her down. Momo rolls her up in return, but it's only a two count. Momo pulls Natsu up and gets ready for a B-driver. As Natsu counterattacked, Momo charged forward. Natsu dodged and delivered a back kick, then swung a punch from the corner and rubbed it against Momo's groin. Natsu followed with a knee, a big boot, and a brainbuster hold. Five minutes had passed. Natsu did a diving body attack from the corner. Momo countered, and Natsu announced she was going for the finish. Momo endured and countered with a middle kick, a suplex, and a Soumatou. It looked like it was over, but Natsu kicked out. Momo went for a Soumatou from the top, but Natsu dodged and struck her with a whip. Natsu declared she was going for the finish with a neckbreaker. She tried to finish her off with a Youran, but Momo countered and applied a sleeper hold. Before Natsu could reach the ropes, Momo got behind her. Natsu countered and rolled her up, but Momo kicked out. As Momo charged, Natsu applied a neck hold. Momo couldn't kick out and it was a three count. Natsu achieved her first victory and ended Momo's winning streak. After the match, Natsu posed with the belt. Momo held up the belt, but Natsu snatched it and ran out of the ring. Momo managed to pull through, but was left stunned by the unexpected defeat..

Summer comments

"So, that's my first win in the 5☆STAR GP against Watanabe Momo. Honestly, ever since I was in my hometown of Nagoya, I've hated women with the name Momo, really. They're so arrogant. We're not even that far apart in age. They're like, 'I'm young, you know,' and they act like they're so worldly. I mean, I'm cuter than them. So, I really hated women like Momo. Today, I've finally been able to get revenge on Momo for all the years of resentment I've felt, so I'm happy. Happy with pro wrestling!"

—Why do you dislike names that include the word "peach"?

"There was this girl named Momo who was two years older than me and had a bob haircut when I was living in my hometown, and she was really arrogant. She would say things like, 'Natchan is still young,' and stuff like that. That's why I hate her, yes."

--A direct victory against the champion with the white belt

"That's right. So, perhaps I'm finally the Stardom White Champion? I defeated the reigning champion today, so I think everyone can agree that I'm the champion."

Both wrestlers have a 1-1 record in this official match. Jungle Kyona, considered a favorite to win, faced foreign opponents in both of her two matches at Shin-Kiba, maintaining an even win-loss record. While consecutive wins would be ideal to increase her chances of winning the championship, she experienced the difficulty of the 5☆STAR GP last year. Whether she can secure a win here will be a key factor. Meanwhile, Nakano suffered her first career victory against Hayashishita Utami, but in her second match, she defeated Konami, the heroine of the opening match, bringing her record back to even. Her match against Kyona is a crucial one that will likely determine her future. A win here would give Nakano her most wins in the 5☆STAR GP, but…

　Both wrestlers charge at each other, and Kyoko comes out on top. Kyoko then delivers a shoulder tackle followed by a body slam. Nakano kicks out and rolls Kyoko up. Kyoko delivers a dropkick and a sliding lariat from close range. When Nakano kicks out, Kyoko gathers her hair and chokes her. She delivers a dropkick from behind and goes for the cover. Nakano kicks out, and Kyoko stomps on her waist repeatedly. Nakano lands a series of elbows, but Kyoko stands firm. Kyoko delivers a series of reverse chops. Nakano hits a leg lariat and goes for the cover, but only gets a two count. Nakano throws Kyoko into the corner and delivers a running double knee attack. Kyoko retaliates, but Nakano fights back. Kyoko retaliates again, and Nakano hits a high kick. Nakano hits a cartwheel knee drop and goes for the cover, but Kyoko kicks out. Nakano goes for an elbow, and Kyoko fights back. Kyoko charges, and Nakano counters with a thrust kick. As Kyoko goes outside the ring, Nakano does a plancha. Five minutes have passed. Nakano brings Kyoko back into the ring and hits a spin kick. Kyoko grabs the ropes and escapes. Nakano climbs to the corner and attempts a Destiny Hammer. Kyoko senses this and climbs to the corner as well. Kyoko goes for a superplex. Nakano blocks it with a heel drop, but Kyoko pulls her leg and drops her off the corner. Kyoko lifts Nakano up in a Canadian cantilever, but Nakano quickly counters. Nakano's spin kick is dodged, but her high kick connects. Nakano pulls Kyoko up and hits a knee attack. Kyoko grabs her and attempts a powerbomb. Nakano counters with a thrust kick. Nakano takes Kyoko's back and goes for a German suplex. Kyoko kicks out, and Nakano dashes forward. Kyoko dodges and hits a lariat from behind, then lifts Nakano up in a Canadian cantilever. From there she slams Kyoko to the side and goes for the cover, but Nakano's shoulders rise. Then Kyoka applied a reverse figure-four leglock to force Nakano to give up. Nakano reached the ropes. 10 minutes had passed. Kyoka applied a diving body press followed by a scorpion deathlock. Nakano tried to resist, but finally tapped out. Kyoka won, taking the lead in wins

Scream's comment

-- Is this the first time the Scorpion Deathlock has been shown?

"This is a technique I had kept dormant. I've awakened it. It's at this timing, but this is its first public appearance. I never even thought about using it until now, I never showed it."

—Were you practicing?

"Of course."

—Why now?

"Well, in the 5☆STAR GP, we've had two matches so far and it's one win and one loss, so we can't afford to lose the next one. Also, Tam had a back injury in the first match, so the Scorpion Deathlock is a move that targets the legs and waist, and it's a move that Riki Choshu, whom I respect, used all the time. I really like the pro wrestling of that era. I'd like to infuse the Scorpion Deathlock with Jungle's colors, and I hope to use it at the right moment from now on."

Stardom icon Mayu Iwatani suffered a nightmare with two consecutive losses to start the tournament. She cannot afford to concede any points in this official match against Jamie Hayter, a first-time visitor whose tactics are unknown. Jamie has a 1-1 record, and Iwatani will have to be wary of her powerful strikes, which are stronger than they appear. A loss here could mean the most contested wrestler is eliminated from the championship race early. Will Iwatani mount a comeback, or will something else happen...?

　Jamie gives Iata the middle finger as if to shake hands. When the gong sounds, they feel each other out before grappling for a back hold. Iata goes for a headlock, but Jamie counters. Jamie gets up from a neck lock and throws Iata into the corner. Iata dodges a knee attack and delivers a back kick. After a dropkick, Iata delivers six surprisingly light soccer ball kicks, a body slam, and a foot stomp. Iata applies a submission hold to Iata's neck and arm. She then grabs his legs and ties him up tightly. When Jamie tries to escape, Iata delivers a foot stomp, drives him into the corner, and stomps on his throat. Iata delivers an elbow followed by a back kick. Jamie hits a spinebuster, a running knee attack, and a brainbuster into the corner. She hits another running knee attack, but it's not connected well and Iata kicks out. Jamie slams Iata down and hits him with a knee attack. When Iwatani countered, Jamie blocked a thrust kick and delivered a knee attack. Five minutes had passed. Jamie climbed to the corner, and Iwatani hit a superplex Frankensteiner followed by a sling blade. Jamie countered, and Iwatani threw a German suplex and then went for a dragon suplex. Jamie tried to break free but was hit with a high kick. Jamie returned the favor with a high kick of her own, and both were down. Iwatani leaped in and hit a Frankensteiner followed by a corner dropkick and a diving foot stomp. Declaring she was going for the finish, she headed to the corner, presumably to attempt a frog splash. However, Jamie threw her away and went for a Falcon Arrow. Iwatani countered, and Jamie clutched her head. Iwatani quickly rolled her up for a pin, but it was only a two count. Iwatani tried a rolling prawn hold, but it was only a two count. She rolled her up again, and Jamie couldn't kick out, so it was a three count. In their third match, Iwatani finally secured her long-awaited first victory

Iwatani: "Good evening, everyone in Osaka! ...I made a mistake because it's been a while since I've been on the mic. Good afternoon, everyone! Good afternoon, everyone! We finally won. STARS got into the ring. Uta (Hayashishita Utami) got in too. We were at zero points, but we finally got two. It's been a while since I won a singles match. Thank you. Today we have a night show as well as a daytime show, and I'll be having a singles match against Natsu, so will you come and watch? Will you come to the night show too? Well, that means there will be more than twice as many people at the night show. STARS, let's do We are STARDOM! for the first time in a while. The 5☆STAR GP is still going on, so please continue to support us. Believe in the present, shine tomorrow, We are STARDOM!"

Iwatani's comment

"I managed to beat Jamie safely and got 2 points. I got 2 points. That's good. Lately, I haven't been able to win any singles matches, and I was starting to think I was in a slump, and I didn't like it, and singles were scary, and I wasn't winning at all, so I was worried, but I'm glad I was able to win today. I also have a match tonight, so I'll beat Natsu and get 4 points, and I'll keep my spirits up, and I hope I can win the championship this year, or rather, I want to win the championship. I'm really glad that I was able to win today, because it prevented me from losing heart."

—If you had lost, would you have been heartbroken?

"I think I'm the type of person who gets discouraged easily, so I might have been pretty discouraged. Right up until the match, I was really like a fishing rod, bending and bending and descending."

If I had lost today, it would have felt like the fishing line snapped in half after I released the fish that had attached to it. But today I managed to catch a fish, so I'm glad. I can't let my guard down yet, so I'll do my best tonight."

--Natsu, who will be fighting tonight, was also on a losing streak, but she just defeated Momo, the champion with the white belt. She might be gaining momentum

"That's right. When I saw it on the monitor, I couldn't believe it. Because if this was a title match, Natsu is currently the champion with the white belt. To have beaten the champion with the white belt means she's an opponent you really can't underestimate. You never know what she's going to do. I had planned a strategy before the match, but I couldn't come up with any ideas for Natsu. She's such an unpredictable person. Today, my strategy for Jamie's match was to win by pinning her. She's a tall opponent. When someone is tall, the dragon throw goes up to your hands, making it difficult to throw them. So today, I deliberately tried to do the dragon throw... I did try it a little, but my strategy today was to win by pinning her instead of using the dragon throw, so I'm glad I was able to finish her off with a pin. With Natsu, I think I'll just go with my gut feeling, trusting my intuition and acting on the atmosphere of the moment."