5☆STAR GP2018 September 9th (Sun) Shinkiba 1stRING (Attendance: 365 people = Sold out)

The 3-way battle between AZM, Ruaka, and Onozaki Reo is effectively a 1-on-2 handicap match. It's certain that JAN's Ruaka and Onozaki will team up. How will Queen's Quest's AZM, forced to fight alone, overcome JAN's teamwork, or will JAN betray him?

　Each wrestler entered the ring one by one, and as expected, Ruaka and Onozaki were positioned in the same corner. Watanabe Momo was in AZM's corner as he entered last. AZM made a slight complaint to referee Barb Sasaki about the 1-on-2 setup. Before the match, AZM went out onto the apron, then got out of the ring and sat in the audience seats. The bell rang, and the match started with a JAN vs. JAN bout. Onozaki delivered a face crusher after some rope work. Then AZM stepped in and put Ruaka in a camel clutch. Onozaki then locked in a camel clutch, and AZM ran between the ropes and delivered a dropkick not to Ruaka, but to Onozaki. JAN delivered a double elbow drop. AZM asked Ruaka to team up with him and threw Onozaki into the corner. Ruaka charged after AZM's dropkick, but an accident caused AZM to be caught in a pincer attack. AZM and Ruaka exchanged elbows. Ruaka went for a cover after a complete shot, but AZM slipped out. Onozaki then used Ruaka as a springboard to deliver an elbow attack. JAN landed a double elbow drop, but Onozaki betrayed him and covered Ruaka. Ruaka kicked out, and Onozaki hit him with a series of elbows followed by a face crusher. Ruaka kicked out, and Onozaki charged in, but was rolled up with a big boot. AZM tried to steal the pin, but only got a two count. Ruaka called AZM over. Onozaki dodged, and AZM delivered a diving foot stomp to Ruaka. AZM taunted Onozaki, "Come on!" AZM delivered a dropkick, and then prepared for a brainbuster on Ruaka. When Ruaka resisted, AZM delivered a high kick, followed by a brainbuster and a magistral. Onozaki was too late to break up the pin, and AZM secured the three count

Both Konami and Kimber Lee are currently one match behind in the league standings. This match will be a battle for a 50% win rate. Kimber is what you might call an all-around player. How she deals with Konami's strikes and submission holds will be a key point to watch. Konami has already suffered three losses, making it difficult for her to advance to the finals. Kimber has only had three league matches so far, so this is a crucial time for her. She will be using her experience in NXT to her advantage and build momentum towards reaching the finals in this official match

　Kimber extends her hand, but Konami remains motionless in the corner, and the bell rings. From a lock-up, Konami grabs Kimber's arm and goes to her back. Kimber counters with a headlock, but Konami returns the favor with a headlock of her own. Kimber grabs her arm and takes her to the ground. Konami gets up, but Kimber counters with a headlock. Konami throws Kimber into the ropes and tries to kick, but Kimber dodges with a split leg. Kimber rolls her up for a pin, but it's only a two count. Kimber delivers a series of low kicks and charges forward, but Konami dodges and lands a series of kicks of her own. Konami grabs Kimber's arm as she kicks out. When Kimber counters, Konami delivers a soccer ball kick and then puts her left arm on the top rope and applies a chokehold. Konami twists her arm and takes her to the ground. Kimber kicks out and delivers a series of chops, a high kick, and a spin kick. Konami takes a kick to the head, but kicks out for a two count. Kimber attempts a submission over the ropes. She slams Konami to the mat with a front kick, but Konami escapes. Kimber picks up Konami and lifts her up. Konami counters and applies an armbar. Kimber escapes and charges. Konami catches her and goes for an armbar. Kimber screams but manages to escape. Konami dashes and delivers a sliding kick. Kimber counters and Konami goes for a Triangle Lancer. Kimber counters and delivers a neckbreaker. She picks up Konami and hits a German suplex. Konami kicks out and Kimber picks her up again and delivers a powerbomb. Kimber declares she's going for the finish and hits a Swanton Bomb. Konami dodges it and says "I've got you" and goes for a Triangle Lancer. Kimber taps out and Konami is declared the winner

The showdown between Kelly Klein and Jamie Hayter is a US vs. UK clash. It will be the first time that one of ROH's top female power fighters will face the RPW Women's Champion. Jamie is also a wrestler who can match Klein's power, so we can expect a thrilling clash

　Jamie intimidates with a low kick and they lock up. Kelly quickly grabs Jamie's arm and takes her to the ground. When Jamie gets behind Kelly, Kelly escapes with an elbow. From a lock-up, Kelly pushes her down and goes for her legs. Jamie pushes her away, and Kelly retaliates. From a lock-up, Jamie grabs her arm and kicks her in the stomach while repeatedly shouting "I'm OK!" Kelly counters Jamie's elbow. Kelly grabs her legs and attacks over the apron. She slams her onto the mat and delivers an elbow drop. Kelly slams Jamie's legs onto the mat. As Jamie gets up, Kelly swings her arms down. She withstands Jamie's series of elbows, gets behind her, and delivers an elbow to the back of her knee. Kelly does a corner attack. Jamie dodges the second one and delivers a double knee attack to her back, followed by a face crusher. Kelly counters, and Jamie goes for a neck lock. Kelly lifts her up with a bear hug, but Jamie counters with a front neck lock. Jamie climbs onto the corner but Kelly locks his legs. Kelly climbs up as well and attempts a superplex. Jamie resists and headbutts Kelly down. Five minutes have passed as Jamie delivers a diving body attack. Jamie goes for a brainbuster. Kelly counters but Jamie lands a series of strikes. Kelly fights back but Jamie kicks him repeatedly. Jamie removes his knee pads and charges, shouting "Die!" Kelly counters with a lariat and slams him to the side. Kelly pulls him up and knees him in the face. The referee counts to three, giving Kelly the victory

The official match was between Saki Kashima and Sumire Natsu. Both had more losses than wins, but Kashima's victories against Mayu Iwatani and Momo Watanabe were impressive, and Natsu also secured a hard-fought victory by getting a three-count over Momo. For that reason, it was a match where either of them could win. Since both had been scoring points with pinfalls after roll-ups, an exchange of roll-ups was also expected. Who would have the last laugh in this match where complacency is dangerous? However, at the opening of the tournament, it was announced that Kashima had been forced to withdraw due to illness, and the match card was changed. A singles match between Sumire Natsu and Hana was hastily arranged

　Natsu brings the flag and overmask she stole from Queen's Quest and hands them to the ring announcer. Natsu delivers a big boot to Hanan when she is called out. She corners her and stomps on her face. The bell rings, Natsu holds Hanan against the ropes, and delivers a big boot to the back of her head from behind. The crowd boos, of course. Natsu applies a sleeper hold and bites her arm. She uses a hair whip, corners her and stomps on her face again. She lands a big boot to her face and puts her foot on the ropes for a cover. Hanan kicks out and rolls her up, then goes for a hip throw and an armbar. Natsu escapes, and Hanan goes for an outer leg sweep. Natsu kicks out, and Hanan goes for a throw. Natsu dodges and counters with a whip attack. She corners her and rubs her groin against her. Hanan drops a dropkick from behind Natsu, who is arguing with referee Barb Sasaki. Hanan lands a series of elbows, but Natsu knocks her down with one. Natsu throws Hanan into the referee. Big Boot was dodged by Hanan and hit the referee directly. Hanan threw the referee to Natsu and delivered a dropkick. Natsu attempted a brainbuster hold, but the referee hesitated to count. Natsu protested, but the crowd chanted "Barb!" Natsu complained and then assumed her signature move, Youran. Hanan countered and got a quick three-count. A frenzied Natsu swung her whip and attacked the referee. Natsu had earned two points by default in the league matches, but in this match, she suffered a surprising pinfall loss to Hanan..

A three-way tag team battle featuring STARS (Mayu Iwatani & Shiki Shibusawa), Oedo Tai (Kagetsu & Hana Kimura), and the US Army (Rachel Ellering & Nicole Savoy). Of particular interest is the reunion of Kagetsu and Hana Kimura. At the Shin-Kiba event the previous day, Hana showcased submission holds that she apparently learned in Mexico, giving a glimpse of the results of her overseas tour. This time, teaming with Kagetsu, she will once again demonstrate the fruits of her overseas experience

　Oedo Tai, with Natsu joining them, danced in the ring. Iwatani entered with two Goddess belts, perhaps to make up for the absent Kashima. The US team clashed bodies to get pumped up. Hana, for some reason, greeted Nicole in Spanish, saying, "Welcome to Japan." Nicole responded in Spanish and the match began. A rope-work battle ensued, with Iwatani also joining in. Hana delivered an arm whip to Nicole. Iwatani threw her and followed up with a corner attack. However, Nicole easily dodged it, and they exchanged roll-up attempts. Shibusawa, Kagetsu, and Rachel entered the ring. Kagetsu and Rachel put their foreheads together, and Shibusawa stepped in to separate them. Kagetsu and Rachel ignored Shibusawa and engaged in an elbow exchange. Then Shibusawa delivered a dropkick and a face crusher. Iwatani and Rachel also exchanged dropkicks. Iwatani hit Kagetsu and Shibusawa hit Nicole with missile kicks. STARS attacked the two in a coordinated effort. Hana applies a submission hold to Nicole. When Nicole escapes, Hana lands a big boot. Hana signals a brainbuster, but Nicole resists. Nevertheless, Hana succeeds in slamming her with a brainbuster. When Nicole goes for an armbar, Kagetsu breaks it up. Nicole hits both of them with a lariat. Iwatani and Nicole grapple for the back. Iwatani tries to roll her up, but Nicole kicks out. Iwatani goes to the corner, but Nicole gets behind her and throws her forcefully. Iwatani gets up and delivers a high-speed dragon suplex. Five minutes have passed. Shibusawa lands a series of elbows on Rachel. Rachel tries a dropkick, but the Oedo Tai team breaks it up. Rachel lifts Shibusawa up, and Iwatani lands a thrust kick, but Shibusawa rolls her up. Rachel hits Iwatani with a double kick. The Oedo Tai team deliver a series of big boots to Nicole. Hana signals Kagetsu, "Keep it!", and Kagetsu puts Rachel in a headlock. However, Hana's weapon attack was a misfire. Nicole caught Shibusawa and tagged in Rachel. Shibusawa was slammed to the mat and couldn't kick out, so Rachel was declared the winner. After the match, Hana left the ring alone, leaving Kagetsu behind

This is an official match between Tam Nakano and Natsuko Tora. Before last year's 5☆STAR GP, the two faced each other in a singles match, with the winner advancing to the league tournament. Nakano, making her Stardom debut, emerged victorious, while Natsuko, a Stardom resident, was left in tears. A year later, Natsuko has finally earned the coveted right to participate, but has suffered five consecutive losses. This will be her first singles match in Japan since then, and she desperately wants to get revenge for last year's defeat and secure her first league victory. Nakano, on the other hand, is only in her third match. She has one more loss than Tora, but she still has a chance. She will want to secure two points here and advance to the next round

　Natsuko, upon receiving the call, glared at Nakano and remained motionless in the corner. Before Nakano's call was even finished, both charged at each other. They tangled and fell from the apron to the floor. Nakano pulled Natsuko back into the ring. Natsuko applied a front neck lock. Nakano escaped and attacked. Natsuko threw her into the ropes and delivered a shoulder tackle. She followed up with several more, then pulled Nakano up. Nakano countered, driving Natsuko into the corner and delivering a jumping knee, a face crusher, and a cartwheel double knee drop. Natsuko and Nakano exchanged double chops and middle kicks. Natsuko charged, and Nakano delivered a thrust kick. Nakano covered Natsuko after a jumping knee attack, but Natsuko kicked out at the count of one. Nakano went for a back drop. Natsuko dodged and delivered a leg lariat. Nakano countered, and Natsuko went for a kamikaze. Nakano countered and delivered a neckbreaker. Nakano's spin kick was shallow, and Natsuko followed up with a series of open-hand strikes and spears. When Nakano retaliated, Natsuko landed a series of elbows. Nakano fought back, but Natsuko lifted her up and delivered a Kamikaze. Natsuko climbed to the corner and went for a frog splash, but Nakano broke it up, leaving Natsuko in pain. Nakano pulled Natsuko up and went behind her. Natsuko countered, but Nakano got behind her again. Nakano hit a German suplex, but it was only a two count. Nakano unleashed a series of backspin kicks. Natsuko kicked out at the last moment, and Nakano went to the corner. After landing a Destiny Hammer, Nakano charged forward. Natsuko had read it and speared her. Both were down, but Natsuko got up, seemingly aiming for a Shoten. However, Nakano countered and rolled her up. Nakano charged at Natsuko as she kicked out. Natsuko caught her and slammed her onto the mat, then delivered a frog splash from the corner. She didn't go for the cover and went for another hit. Then she landed yet another frog splash. Nakano couldn't kick out, and Natsuko broke her losing streak, recording her first victory in the 5☆STAR GP league. After the match, Natsuko walked over to Nakano. However, Nakano slapped Natsuko across the face and left the ring. Natsuko: "I finally, finally got my first win in the 5☆STAR GP! And my opponent was Nakano Tam, who I was so frustrated with a year ago, and who I finally, finally got to beat. Seriously, no matter how many hundreds or thousands of times I get hit by her kicks, my head still shakes so much. I lose my memory, I can't even remember. But there are people here today who are cheering me on and who put my name on the checklist? Thank you. I have one more match in the 5☆STAR GP. I'll be fighting Jungle Kyona at Korakuen Hall. There's only one thing I can do now, and that's to win and repay everyone's kindness."

Natsuko's comment

"Today, September 9th, I finally managed to pin Tam Nakano after losing every match since the start of the 5☆STAR GP. I won by a 1-2-3 count. I think I've finally gotten my revenge for all the grudges I've had up until now. Of course, just because I won today doesn't mean that my rivalry with Tam is over. In fact, I think I've been lagging behind Tam up until now. That's reflected in the results, and I think the fans think so too. However, after a year of the 5☆STAR GP, I feel like I've finally put all my feelings into my moves and was able to unleash them on Tam one by one. I think today's victory is the first step, the first chapter, of the rivalry story between Tam Nakano and me that will continue from here on out."

--Towards the final match against Kyoko

"Kyouna-san, the Korakuen Hall event on September 24th. I had the chance to fight you once in a singles match in Osaka when I had just debuted and wasn't even in the jungle yet. At that time, I was inferior in strength, power, fighting spirit, and technique, and after the loss, I felt a different kind of frustration than when I lost to Tam. I'm now working hard with the thought that I want to follow in your footsteps and one day surpass you, so I'm really looking forward to being in the same league as you in this 5☆STAR GP, and being able to compete in Korakuen Hall no less. Throughout this 5☆STAR GP, I got my first win today and have 2 points, so it's not a result I can proudly say, but as a senior in the same unit, a senior I respect, and a senior I love, I think the day at the Korakuen Hall event on September 24th will be the day when you feel fear towards me, who is always by your side."

--After this, Kyoko has an official match, so we don't know what will happen, but she's tied for first place with Kagetsu in the Red Stars. Her match against Natsuko at Korakuen Hall might determine whether she advances to the finals. In that case, will Natsuko try to sabotage Kyoko's chances of reaching the finals?

"Well, she's a senior I've always really respected and admired, so of course, I want her to shine in this 5☆STAR GP, and I certainly do too. However, that's just because she's a senior in the same unit, but as a wrestler, as professional wrestler Tora Natsuko, no matter how close a senior I am, if she's my opponent, I'll fight with the intention of winning and getting two points—four points if I include today's points—and not letting her advance to the finals."

A rematch of Utami Hayashishita's debut match will soon take place in a 5☆STAR GP official match. Last time, it ended in a 15-minute time limit draw, which was equivalent to a win for Utami, who was making her debut on the mat, but equivalent to a loss for veteran Jungle Kyona. Since the start of the 5☆STAR GP, both have accumulated wins that make them strong contenders for the championship. Kyona has a record of 3 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, tying with Kagetsu for the top spot in the Red Stars. Utami started the tournament with a winning streak, which stopped in her third match, but she secured a victory against Kimber Lee the day before, putting her in a good position with a record of 3 wins and 1 loss. This time, it will also be a 15-minute single fall match, but Kyona has boldly announced her new weapon for this series, the Scorpion Deathlock, while Utami got her first 3-count pinfall victory the day before and hasn't let her first loss affect her. Will Kyona succeed in getting her revenge and take the sole lead, or will Utami continue to prove herself as a "threatening rookie"? This is a crucial match that will directly affect the championship race

　When the call came, Kyoka screamed in front of Utami, who calmly accepted it. They didn't shake hands and the match started. It began with a test of strength in a lock-up, and after a break they locked up again. Kyoka pushed, but Utami pushed back and took her to the ropes. Kyoka turned and delivered a reverse chop. Utami dodged, but Kyoka sent her flying with a shoulder tackle. Kyoka tied her hair up and did a hair whip. She drove Utami into the corner and stomped on her face. Kyoka went for the cover, but Utami kicked out. Kyoka locked Utami in a camel clutch. Utami escaped, and Kyoka delivered a series of stomps. Utami landed a series of elbows, but Kyoka knocked her down with one. Kyoka threw Utami into the ropes and they exchanged shoulder tackles. Utami landed a series of elbows, and Kyoka sent her flying with a shoulder tackle. Kyoka sulked and tried to charge into the corner, but Utami countered with a shoulder tackle. After another blow, Utami prepares for a brainbuster. As Kyoko endures, Utami delivers a body slam. When Utami kicks out, Utami goes for a reverse Boston crab. Kyoko tries to escape by pushing up her arms, but Utami puts her weight into it. Kyoko escapes, and five minutes have passed. Utami throws Kyoko into the corner and delivers a running dropkick. She climbs onto the corner and goes for a missile kick. Kyoko kicks out, but Utami goes for a sleeper hold from behind. Utami gets up, but Kyoko throws her forward. Kyoko delivers a series of reverse chops, a running body attack, a dropkick, and a sliding lariat. When Utami kicks out, Kyoko delivers a body slam and goes to the corner. However, Utami drops her down with a dropkick. Utami applies a sleeper hold over the apron. She also gets onto the apron and attempts an Argentine backbreaker outside the ring. Kyoko survives and delivers a powerbomb onto the apron. Kyoko brings Utami back into the ring and delivers a power slam over the ropes. As Utami countered, Kyoko charged at her. Utami delivered a series of shoulder throws and an outer leg sweep. When Kyoko countered, Utami went for a series of pins. As Utami climbed to the corner, Kyoko slapped her and delivered a sliding lariat from behind, shouting, "Not a chance!" Utami countered, and Kyoko applied a reverse Boston crab. Five minutes remaining. As Utami tried to escape, Kyoko took her to the center and tightened the hold. Utami managed to reach the ropes. Kyoko delivered a diving body press from the corner. "I'm going to finish this!" she yelled, going for the leg, but Utami shook her off. Kyoko hit Utami with a Canadian backbreaker followed by another backbreaker. Three minutes remaining. Kyoko prepared for the scorpion deathlock she had announced. As she went for the scorpion deathlock, Utami screamed. However, Utami managed to escape at the ropes. As Kyoko charged at her, Utami applied a sleeper hold. She slammed Kyoko to the mat but didn't release the hold. Utami transitions into a body lock and tightens the hold. Kyoko's feet get caught on the ropes. One minute remaining. Utami shouts "It's over!" and goes for an Argentine backbreaker. Kyoko counters with a lariat. 30 seconds remaining. Kyoko charges in and delivers a lariat. She lands another lariat, leaving 10 seconds to go. Kyoko attempts a hammer throw powerbomb, but time runs out just as the referee counts in. It's another draw due to time limit

Momo Watanabe suffered a crushing defeat against Saki Kashima in an official match the previous day. This painful loss comes before her official match against Hazuki, whom she will face in July at Korakuen Hall for the white belt. In contrast, Hazuki has maintained her good form, defeating Jamie Hayter the day before, and now has a record of 3 wins and 1 loss, putting her in a strong position to advance to the finals. The winner of this match will take a big step towards winning the championship, making this a battle between rivals who cannot afford to lose

　Hazuki delivered a dropkick right after the bell. She took the initiative in the brawl outside the ring. She slammed Momo into the audience, then into the ring post. Hazuki slammed Momo into the audience again, dominating the brawl outside the ring. Hazuki brought Momo back into the ring and slammed her forehead into the top rope, then delivered a foot stomp over the apron. She then landed a series of punches to Momo's forehead. Momo retaliated with a rapid-fire barrage of middle kicks. She then shouted "Don't mess with me!" and delivered a series of corner dropkicks. Momo landed a series of middle kicks from both the front and back. She kicked Hazuki from the front and went for the cover, but Hazuki kicked out immediately. Momo tried to go for a sleeper hold, but Hazuki escaped. Hazuki delivered a stunner over the apron. Momo interrupted her swan dive with a high kick, sending her to the outside. Momo delivered a missile kick from the apron. Five minutes had passed. Momo brought Hazuki back into the ring and delivered a Soumatou. Hazuki countered, and Momo put her on the corner and they exchanged elbows. Hazuki drops Momo, but Momo gets back up and executes a superplex. Momo goes for a Soumatou from the corner, but only gets a two count. Momo declares she's going for the finish and hits a B-Driver. Hazuki kicks out for a one, and Momo goes for another. Hazuki rolls her up, but Momo immediately hits a Soumatou again. Momo claims a three count, but it's not allowed. Hazuki dodges Momo's kick and slams her to the mat. Both are down, and Momo throws her into the corner. Hazuki reverses and hits a missile kick. Hazuki hits a running elbow to Momo's face. After a corner elbow, Hazuki hits a swan dive missile kick to Momo's back. Momo kicks out, and Hazuki goes for a face lock. She hits a Codebreaker and then tightens it with another crossface lock. Momo escapes, and there are five minutes left. Hazuki hits a double kick, and Momo counters with a high kick. Both are down. They exchange elbows while on their knees, and continue to exchange elbows even after getting up. Hazuki attempts a Dragon, but Momo counters. Hazuki delivers a modified DDT. Hazuki charges from behind and hits a neckbreaker, followed by a dropkick and a brainbuster from the front. Momo kicks out, and Hazuki hits a full nelson followed by a backbreaker. Three minutes remaining. Hazuki attempts an Atomic Bombs Away, but Momo stabs her leg into it. Momo dodges Hazuki's double kick and applies a sleeper hold. She transitions into a body lock and tightens the hold. Two minutes remaining. Momo attempts a Tequila, but Hazuki counters. Momo tries to roll up, but Hazuki hits her with a double kick. Hazuki slams Momo's head into the mat in the corner, then hits an Atomic Bombs Away followed by a face lock. One minute remaining. Hazuki releases the hold and attempts an Atomic Bombs Away from the corner. Momo kicks out, and Hazuki goes for the Tequila. However, the bell rings to end the match. Momo vs. Hazuki ends in a draw due to the time limit

Hazuki: "Hey, Momotaro, I don't care about today's 15-minute draw, the 7-point tie, or anything else. I told you, by today, September 9th, you're going to..."

Momo snatches the microphone

Momo: "That's why you can't beat this white belt, or even me, if you keep nitpicking like that."

Hazuki: "You're being nitpicky? Shut up. Can't win? You haven't won either. If you're going to act like a champion, do something about that belly of yours before you say that. Before you start talking big, work hard and train. Momotaro, you have one more match left. Hazuki, you have two more matches left. Hazuki will become the 5☆STAR GP champion in 2018, so look forward to it. Get out of the ring. So, I think it's okay for Oedo Tai to wrap things up! Prime Minister, Natsu-san, hey, where's Hana? Let's wrap it up."

However, Prime Minister Kagetsu left, saying he wasn't feeling well. Summer lingered

Hazuki: "The Prime Minister seems to be feeling unwell. Momotaro, I'll let you have the turn today. But in return, please give us a more exciting closing than the Oedo Tai."

Natsu: "I don't think it's going to be exciting!"

Momo: "Shut up, you old hag, go home. It looks like the Oedo Tai are having some kind of falling out. Hehe. That's fine, isn't it? Hehe. Well, I guess I'll wrap things up with the friendly QQ. We didn't win the 5☆STAR GP today either, so we have no choice but to win next time, so everyone please cheer for me to win. Please. Believe in the present? Shine in the future? You decide who to believe in. Bow down to the queens!"

Momo's comment

"Today's official match ended in a draw, which is really tough for me since I only have one match left. It's really frustrating that I only managed to score one goal, and I guess it means that the road to the finals won't be easy. My next and final opponent is Iwatani Mayu, who I think is the strongest opponent. I haven't given up on winning the championship yet, so I want to win that match, score two goals, and advance to the finals."

-- How was Hazuki?

"Well, compared to the last title match, this one was only 15 minutes long, so I could really feel that he was trying to attack my neck and finish me off. I managed to counter at the very end and land a Tequila Sunrise, but I didn't have enough time to finish him off, so I think there's still a lot I need to reflect on."

Hazuki's comment

"My singles match against Momotaro ended in a 15-minute draw. With this draw, we both have 7 points. Well, she has one match left and I have two, so I'm not worried about that. However, I told her at Korakuen Hall in August to slim down her flabby stomach by September 9th, today, and Hazuki told her that so many times, and she said so many times on social media, and even though she had about a month, she's still flabby and hasn't made any effort to slim down. Is it okay for someone like that to be the white belt champion? Is it okay for her to be the champion of this organization? I don't think so. Momotaro keeps saying that I'm the champion, but if she's going to say that, then I want her to have a physique befitting a champion before proudly proclaiming that she is the champion. First of all, she should train before having a singles match against Hazuki. Seriously. Is that why she keeps injuring her knees? She was saying all sorts of arrogant things today, but if she's going to be arrogant, then she should either beat Hazuki properly or slim down. She should do one or the other first."

—What are your particular points of focus when it comes to training?

"Before, I thought it was fine as long as I could do pro wrestling, even if I didn't train, but now I realize that pro wrestling isn't everything. There are fans who care about appearances when they watch a wrestler, and I think that's where the difference between Momotaro and Hazuki lies."