YEAREND CLIMAX 2019,
December 24th (Tuesday), Korakuen Hall (Attendance: 1334 people = Sold out)
Match Results
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◆Stardom Young Battle 6-Person Tag Team Match, 15-Minute Time Limit, One Fall |
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Iida Saya |
6 minutes 5 seconds |
Onozaki Reo ● |
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○ Saya Kamitani |
Rinan |
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Yuzuki Hoshino |
Hinan |
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◆TCS vs. Oedo Tai 6-person tag team match, 20-minute time limit, one fall |
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○Summer violet |
7 minutes 14 seconds |
Jungle Scream |
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Jamie Hayter |
DEATH Yama-san |
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"Session Moth" Martina |
Luaka● |
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◆Artist of Stardom Championship Match, 30-minute single fall match |
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<Champion group> |
11 minutes 52 seconds |
<Challengers> |
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○ Momo Watanabe |
Nakano Tam |
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Utami Hayashishita |
Saki Kashima ● |
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| AZM |
Starlight Kid |
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*The 22nd champion team, Momo Watanabe, Utami Hayashishita, and AZM, successfully defended their title for the first time
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◆Hazuki's retirement match: 30-minute, one-fall match |
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Tora Natsuko |
14 minutes 49 seconds |
Hazuki |
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◆Single match, 15 minutes, one fall |
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Kimura Hana |
at 15 minutes and 00 seconds |
Julia |
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◆Wonder of Stardom Championship Match, 30-minute single fall match |
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<Champion> |
16 minutes 24 seconds |
<Challenger> |
| Arisa Hoshiki |
wavelet |
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*The 13th champion, Arisa Hoshiki, successfully defended her title for the 8th time
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◆World of Stardom Championship Match, 30-minute single fall match |
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<Champion> |
22 minutes 17 seconds |
<Challenger> |
| Iwatani Mayu |
Kagetsu |
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* Mayu Iwatani, the 12th champion, successfully defended her title for the first time
Match Details Report
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◆Stardom Young Battle 6-Person Tag Team Match, 15-Minute Time Limit, One Fall |
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Iida Saya |
6 minutes 5 seconds |
Onozaki Reo ● |
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○ Saya Kamitani |
Rinan |
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Yuzuki Hoshino |
Hinan |
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A six-person tag team match featuring young wrestlers was scheduled as the "pre-match." The team of Saya Kamitani, Saya Iida, and Yuzuki Hoshino debuted this year and had just competed for the Rookie of Stardom title. Kamitani, who won the Rookie of the Year title, led Iida and Hoshino. Their opponents were Reo Onozaki, who debuted last year but was unable to compete due to injury and entered this year's Rookie of the Year tournament, and she formed a trio with the twin sisters Rina and Hina. Rina and Hina were once again teaming up across unit boundaries
The match was announced to begin at 6:20 PM. Kamitani's team offered a handshake, but Onozaki's team refused. Hoshino volunteered to start and faced Rinami. Rinami took Hoshino's back and went for a headlock. Hoshino threw Rinami into the ropes and Rinami delivered a dropkick. They cornered Hoshino and Hinami, Onozaki, and Rinami launched a series of attacks. Rinami put Hoshino in a Manji Gatame (figure-four leglock). Kamitani tried to break it up but was pushed out of the ring. Hinami entered and hit Hoshino with a body slam followed by a hip throw. Hoshino countered and delivered a series of elbows. Hinami fought back and they exchanged elbows. Hoshino rolled her up but only got a two count. Hoshino delivered a dropkick and handed the match over to Iida. Iida delivered a series of reverse chops to Hinami. He then chopped Onozaki and Hinami and pinned Hinami down. Hinami slams Iida onto the mat. Onozaki goes in and they exchange elbows. Iida jumps in with a casadora, then delivers an arm whip and a dropkick. Kamitani hits Onozaki with a series of elbows. Rina and Hinami assist Onozaki and roll him up for the pin. Iida and Hoshino deliver clotheslines. Onozaki dodges and hits both of them with a face crusher. Kamitani tries to roll him up but it's broken up. Kamitani and his team launch a corner attack on Onozaki's team. Hoshino hits Onozaki with a dropkick, Iida with a missile kick, and Kamitani delivers a body slam followed by a standing backflip knee and a running shooting star press. Onozaki can't kick out and Kamitani gets the three count
Greetings from owner Takaaki Kitani
Owner Kidani: "I am Kidani from Bushiroad, and I have just been introduced. Thank you for coming today despite your busy schedules, especially at the end of the year and on Christmas Eve. I would like to inform you once again that Stardom has joined the Bushiroad Group as of December 1st. I haven't seen any of Stardom's matches yet, but in the preparations I have made for December 1st, I have felt that they have great potential, and I would like them to join the Bushiroad Group so that they can grow even more, and I hope that this will help them to grow." "That's what I thought, so I've taken this stance. Starting in January, I'll be increasing my exposure and making a bigger impact on the world, hoping to make women's professional wrestling a major force like it used to be, so I would appreciate your continued support. However, I think there are many very passionate fans among you all here. I am actually aware that I still have much to learn about women's professional wrestling, so I would like to study hard both inside and outside the ring, and I would appreciate your continued support and guidance. I'll be thinking about various things from now on..."
Hana Kimura appears and enters the ring.
Hana: "Hey! Hana's here! What are you doing here? You just got in the ring without my permission. I mean, follow me on Twitter!"
Owner Kidani: "I wasn't following you? I'm sorry about that. Well, today I came to say hello, to say hello..."
Hana: "You came to say hello?"
Owner Kidani: "Yeah. No, I came to say hello. Actually, two days before December 1st, you appeared at a Bushiroad event, and at that time I told you, 'I'll be counting on you from the day after tomorrow.' So, since we're here again today, I thought, not the day after tomorrow, but from this month, I'll be counting on you."
Owner Kidani extends his hand for a handshake, but Hana refuses and slaps him.
Owner Kidani: "That really hurts..."
Owner Kidani leaves the ring.
Hana: "Is everyone ready to have fun at Stardom Korakuen? Okay? We're all going to have the best Christmas Eve ever. Yes sir! Now, let's start the Stardom Korakuen show!"
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◆TCS vs. Oedo Tai 6-person tag team match, 20-minute time limit, one fall |
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○Summer violet |
7 minutes 14 seconds |
Jungle Scream |
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Jamie Hayter |
DEATH Yama-san |
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"Session Moth" Martina |
Luaka● |
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TCS and Oedo Tai will clash in a six-woman tag team match. TCS will consist of Jungle Kyona, DEATH Yamasan, and Ruaka, while Oedo Tai will be represented by Natsu Sumire, Jamie Hayter, and "Session Moth" Martina
The Summer Troupe entered from the south side of the audience seats, beers in hand. The Oedo Tai unnecessarily attacked Saya Kamiya as she was cleaning up the paper streamers, drawing boos from the crowd. Ruaka volunteered to be the first to start the match for TCS. Martina, still wearing her Santa hat, entered the ring for the Oedo Tai. Martina screamed when Ruaka went for her arm. Martina regained control of the arm, and Ruaka got behind her. Martina twisted her hips to escape but was hit with a series of low kicks. Ruaka managed to make Martina's beer spray hit her by mistake. Kyoka entered the ring, but Martina headbutted her. Hater stomped on Kyoka repeatedly. When she was pinned against the ropes, the Oedo Tai attacked all three of them, but Ruaka and Deathyama intervened from behind, causing the beer to spray into the audience. Despite this, the Oedo Tai toasted with beer. They sprayed it at Kyoka, but she blocked it with an umbrella. Kyoka and Hater exchanged lariats. Hater wins the exchange and hits another lariat. But this time Kyoka takes Hater down. Every time Deathyama charges in, Natsu hits him with a big boot. Deathyama hits Natsu with a double chop and a senton as she charges in. Natsu corners Ruaka and makes him the victim of a Bronco Buster. Martina joins in, and the two of them attack together. Hater is called in and charges in, but Kyoka stops him with a dropkick. Natsu hits Ruaka with a series of big boots, and Ruaka counters with a cross body. Ruaka gets into a fisherman suplex position. Kyoka and Deathyama pin Ruaka in a pinfall, and he gets the two count. Natsu throws Ruaka, Martina hits a Codebreaker, and Natsu follows up with a modified fisherman suplex for the three count. Oedo Tai wins against TCS
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◆Artist of Stardom Championship Match, 30-minute single fall match |
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<Champion group> |
11 minutes 52 seconds |
<Challengers> |
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○ Momo Watanabe |
Nakano Tam |
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Utami Hayashishita |
Saki Kashima ● |
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| AZM |
Starlight Kid |
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*The 22nd champion team, Momo Watanabe, Utami Hayashishita, and AZM, successfully defended their title for the first time
On November 23rd at Shin-Kiba, Watanabe Momo, Hayashishita Utami, and AZM, who captured the Artist of Stardom Championship from Oedo Tai's Kagetsu, Andras Miyagi, and Natsu Sumire, will be making their first title defense. While they snatched the belts by taking advantage of the internal turmoil within Oedo Tai, including Andras Miyagi's betrayal and subsequent expulsion from the unit, they will be looking to demonstrate their champion status in this match. For that reason, a fair and square battle can be expected in their title defense against STARS. Their challengers are Nakano Tam, Kashima Saki, and Starlight Kid. Nakano has a strong desire to win the Artist of Stardom belt. Kid, along with High Speed, is also aiming for the 6-person tag team belts. Can QQ defend their belts, or will STARS prevent Momo's team from successfully defending them?
The challengers extend their hands, but the champions do not move. AZM steps forward and confronts Kid. Kid throws them into the ropes, showcasing his speedy rope work. Kid delivers a dropkick, sending the champions to the floor. The challengers attack AZM one after another. They land a triple dropkick. AZM retaliates, and Kid charges forward. Utami cuts in with a dropkick, and QQ grabs Kid. AZM, Momo, and Utami deliver a series of corner dropkicks. Momo hits Kid with a series of soccer ball kicks. Utami hits Kid with a series of body slams. Kid attempts a cross body, but Utami catches him. However, Kid rolls her up and delivers a neckbreaker. Nakano hits Utami with a running kick, but she catches it. Nakano tries to throw Utami into the ropes with a thrust kick, but Momo cuts him off. Momo and Utami attempt clotheslines, but Nakano dodges and delivers a neckbreaker, then a dragon sleeper on Utami. As AZM tries to intervene, Nakano slams them all down at once. STARS delivers a low dropkick to all three. Nakano and Utami grapple for a back hold. Utami lands a lariat on Nakano's charge. AZM hits Nakano with a missile kick. Nakano resists AZM's brainbuster attempt and counters with a shoulder tackle. AZM escapes the cover and delivers a dropkick. Nakano also escapes and hits a neckbreaker. Kid hits a 619 followed by a standing moonsault. Kid throws AZM into the corner and charges. Momo and AZM intervene, and AZM hits Kid with a brainbuster. AZM lays Kid down, foreshadowing the finish. Kid dodges the diving foot stomp and, with an assist from Kashima, hits a 619 and a jackknife. Kid helps AZM up and attempts a Kicchan Bomb. AZM counters, but Kid counters again, resulting in an exchange of roll-up attempts. AZM barely manages to kick out, and Kid lands a dropkick and a diving body press. AZM kicks out again, and Kid follows up with a high kick and a diving foot stomp. Kid makes the count at one but takes another high kick. Kid and AZM are down. Kashima hits Momo with a big boot. Utami tries to break up the pin, but Kashima slams all three of them to the mat. Kid and Nakano do a plancha to the outside. Kashima hits Momo with a diving body attack followed by a diving foot stomp. Momo kicks out, and Kashima lands a high kick and a sleeper hold. Momo tries to go for a Tequila, but Kashima makes a comeback. Momo kicks out, and Kashima slaps her. AZM kicks her in the back, Utami does a backflip, and Momo does a Soumatou. Kashima kicks out, and Momo's team delivers a triple dropkick. Momo tries for a B-Driver, but Kashima makes a comeback. However, Utami makes a timely breakup. Utami hits Kid and Nakano with a lariat. Utami hits Kashima with a German suplex. Momo landed a Peach Sunrise for the three count. The champion successfully defended her title
Comments from the Peach Group
Momo: "I took the title from STARS! I kept my word by taking it from Saki Kashima, whom I said I was aiming for. Well, I did defeat STARS, but there are still plenty of other enemies out there. The number of people is increasing now, so if anyone else steps up for a three-person tag team, I'm always ready to take on the challenge, you know? I'll be waiting for your call."
AZM: "I wanted to take the title from Kid, not Saki Kashima. But... Kid seemed different than usual. She was much, much stronger than usual. I hope Kid challenges me again. Next time, I'll take the title from Kid."
Hayashishita: "In the preliminary matches, we were beaten a bit by STARS in both of them, but we were able to win the title match today. We believe that Queen's Quest is the strongest unit. If there is another unit that has a misguided sense of confidence, we would like them to come and challenge us."
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◆Hazuki's retirement match: 30-minute, one-fall match |
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Tora Natsuko |
14 minutes 49 seconds |
Hazuki |
It's been just over a month since Hazuki announced her retirement. Her high-speed retirement journey reaches its final day today. Hazuki has chosen Tora Natsuko, a fellow member and junior of the Oedo Tai stable, as her final opponent. What message will Hazuki entrust to Natsuko in their first and last one-on-one match? And will the reason for her retirement be revealed?
The two exchanged a firm handshake and the bell rang. The arena was filled with chants of "Hazuki!". After a test of strength in a lock-up, Natsuko cornered Hazuki against the ropes for a break. Hazuki used the ropes to deliver a hurricanrana, dodged a lariat, and then unleashed a series of close-range hair whips. Hazuki then mustered her strength and went for a face wash. She slammed Natsuko's throat against the second rope and went for the cover, but Natsuko kicked out. Hazuki delivered a body slam followed by a senton. Natsuko kicked out at one count, and Hazuki applied a dial lock. Natsuko kicked out, and Hazuki kicked her in the face. After an exchange of elbows, Natsuko delivered a spinebuster, a corner shoulder tackle, and a corner lariat. She then returned the favor with a face wash. She also landed a cannonball, but Hazuki kicked out. Five minutes had passed. Natsuko climbed to the corner, but Hazuki knocked her down with a codebreaker. Natsuko landed a spear, and both went down. Hazuki lands an elbow, and Natsuko retaliates. Natsuko lands a backfist and an uppercut. Hazuki throws Natsuko out of the ring and flies off with a tope suicida. She brings Natsuko back into the ring and lands a swan dive missile kick followed by a double kick. She slams Natsuko onto the mat and lands a diving senton, but it's not a three-count. Hazuki helps Natsuko up and lands a Styles Clash. Natsuko counters and goes for a face lock. Natsuko crushes Hazuki, but it's only a two-count. Hazuki attempts a vertical drop brainbuster, but Natsuko kicks out. Ten minutes have passed. Hazuki goes for another hit, but Natsuko holds on. Hazuki lands a double kick and charges forward. Natsuko dodges, and Natsu, Martina, and Hayter all rush in to assist Natsuko. Natsuko lands a spinning backflip. Hazuki counters but goes down. Natsuko helps her up and lands a series of elbows and backfists. Natsuko knocks Hazuki down with a lariat, but Hazuki kicks out. Natsuko lifts Hazuki onto her back and delivers a Kamikaze followed by three consecutive Frog Splashes. Hazuki kicks out, and Natsuko announces her finishing move and attempts the Ascension. However, Hazuki's shoulder rises. Natsuko helps Hazuki up and delivers a lariat. Hazuki kicks out, and Natsuko attempts the Ascension again. Hazuki dodges and delivers a Hazuki Stral. Natsuko kicks out, and Hazuki charges, but Natsuko feints and delivers a spear. Natsuko slams Hazuki onto the mat and heads to the corner. She delivers a diving guillotine, which Hazuki cannot kick out of, and Natsuko gets the three count. After the match, Hazuki offers Natsuko a handshake, and Natsuko accepts. Hazuki pulls Natsuko close and hugs her. At the retirement ceremony, wrestlers and staff present her with commemorative gifts. Among those present were Yamaguchi Nao and Shibusawa Shiki from the Oedo Tai, as well as her contemporaries Manase Yuuna & Koguma and Fuka. Her family also came to celebrate Hazuki's retirement
Hazuki: "Well, after the match, I felt that I made the right choice in choosing Natsuko as my final opponent before retirement. I'm sure it was a lot of pressure, but thank you. I really believe that you can't do pro wrestling without trust... Well, I didn't want to retire like this, and I never thought it would happen. I hope that in the future, there won't be anyone who has to retire like Hazuki did. Lastly, to Oedo Tai. I'm really grateful that you selected Hazuki in the draft. I'm glad I was able to be in Oedo Tai. I hate Stardom, but I love all of you who supported Oedo Tai and Hazuki. That's all! Thank you very much!"
Hazuki's comment
"I'm glad I was able to leave the ring safely without any injuries, and she was my last opponent. It was my first and last singles match, and I was really glad I chose Natsuko. As for the reason for my retirement, well, it's just what I said in the ring. I really felt how much I love Oedo Tai. I'm glad I was a part of Oedo Tai, and if it weren't for Oedo Tai, there wouldn't be the Hazuki I am today, and I realized how much Oedo Tai supported me. Hehe..."
--What are your plans for the future?
"I haven't decided anything in particular. I'll take it easy for now."
—You said you wondered if it would really sink in once it was over, but how do you feel now that it's over?
"Hmm... I don't really feel it. I don't really feel it right now, but I think from now on... when everyone has their next match, I won't be going to the venue anymore, so I think that's when I'll realize, 'Ah, I've really quit.'"
—What did you think when Manase Yuuna and Koguma rushed to the scene?
"I was surprised. Well, I kind of had a feeling that Manase Yuuna would come, but I had no idea about Koguma, so I was a little surprised. I'm happy she came."
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◆Single match, 15 minutes, one fall |
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Kimura Hana |
at 15 minutes and 00 seconds |
Julia |
Hana Kimura and Giulia face off in a grudge match. Giulia, who left Ice Ribbon and officially returned to the ring on December 1st in Osaka, is currently on a winning streak in Stardom, maintaining her lone wolf stance. Hana, on the other hand, openly displays her animosity towards Giulia. Their impromptu match in Shin-Kiba escalated into a brawl outside the venue. Neither of them can now be contained. Who will prevail in this fateful one-on-one showdown?!
As soon as the call ends, Giulia and Hana bump foreheads. Without shaking hands, they charge at each other as soon as the bell rings, exchanging elbows. Hana gets on top and lands a flurry of punches on the ground. When Hana tries to grab Giulia's arm, Giulia gets on top and takes mount. Giulia lands a series of punches to Hana's head and goes for an armbar. Hana escapes and Giulia spits at her. She also slaps Giulia and then lands a big boot. Giulia throws Hana out of the ring and takes her outside, throwing her into the audience. Giulia then hits her with a chair and slams her forehead into the east side board. She slams her into the audience again and hits her with the chair once more. She also slams her into the commentator's table before quickly making a comeback. Hana tries to enter the ring at the 18 count but Giulia kicks her away and takes her outside again. She slams her onto the mat outside the ring and then sprints down the ringside. Hana hits her with a chair there. When Giulia returns, Hana lands a big boot and throws her into the corner before charging. Giulia kicks her and lands a missile kick. When Hana retaliates, Giulia goes for a brainbuster. Giulia counters, but Giulia goes for a neckbreaker and then a face lock. Hana counters with a dropkick and a heel drop, then a brainbuster with a long hang time. Hana kicks Giulia in the head. Giulia lands a series of open-hand strikes, and Hana grabs her neck, but Giulia grabs back. Giulia returns the favor from Hana's headbutt. Hana endures and headbutts Giulia to the ground. However, Hana also falls, and both are down. They grab each other's hair and get up, and Hana lands a big boot, which Giulia retaliates. After an exchange of big boots, Hana lands a series of strikes. 10 minutes have passed. Giulia gets ahead of Hana, and Hana retaliates. Giulia counters and takes Hana down, then grabs her arm. Hana escapes, and Giulia pulls her up and takes her back. Giulia lifts her up, but Hana counters and takes the Manji Gatame to the ground. She goes for the Hydrangea, but Giulia resists. 3 minutes remaining. Hana declares she's going for the finish and heads to the corner. Hana sends Giulia flying with a missile kick and goes for a double armlock. Giulia resists and rolls her up. Hana counters with a big boot. Giulia takes her back, lifts her up, and slams her to the side. Hana reverses and rolls her up. Giulia counters, and Hana hits a headbutt and locks her in a Hydrangea. Giulia escapes with one minute remaining. Hana goes for a package piledriver, but Giulia slaps her. She lifts her up again and slams her forward. Hana counters with 30 seconds remaining. Giulia goes for an STF, but there's only a little time left. She tries to go for a Stealth Viper, but time runs out. Giulia slams the mat in frustration. Giulia throws a punch, but Hana slaps her back. They bump fists
Julia: "Ah, ah, ah! Hana Kimura, you love Julia so much, you can't get enough of me. In 2020, I'm going to let you experience it even more. Taste Julia! Next year, we'll go even further, there's still more to come for us. Remember that. Arrivederci, see you later."
Flower comments
—How was your one-on-one fight with Julia?
"A draw is frustrating, and it's even more frustrating than when I lost the title match the other day."
—The animosity started when Hana picked a fight with him, but do you think this animosity will continue to escalate?
"Well, personally, there are parts of Julia that I can sympathize with, or rather, it's not like I don't understand everything about her. If I were in her shoes, I could understand her feelings to some extent, just a little bit. I don't think the other players would understand the pain she's going through."
—What exactly does that mean?
"I mean, being subjected to verbal abuse from a large number of strangers, and having people who don't know the facts say whatever they want, I myself have always felt like I didn't belong anywhere, even though I was affiliated with a group. So I came here looking for a place to belong. In that respect, I feel like I'm similar to my past self. 15 minutes isn't enough. Anytime is fine. I think the other person also has regrets. I want to do it without time limits. I realized I don't want to be bound by time."
—So there were parts you could relate to?
"Yes, it happened. Most people can't understand Julia's thoughts or feelings. So I think it's only natural that she receives a lot of slander and criticism, and I think she does get through that."
—Was there a specific aspect you wanted to confirm, that's why you wanted a one-on-one match?
"I mean, she must have known, she's a working adult, 25 or 26 years old. She did something dishonest, and she knows that she'll face an even harder road ahead. I think she knew that her life would be full of thorns, and that's why she took this action. So I'm curious about what motivated her to do that. I think she took quite a gamble. What made her do that? In this match, I think she could have expressed her own feelings much more, and I think I could have understood Julia's feelings much more."
—You're leading TCS, but you don't have any desire to lead TCS?
"Not at all. I don't think she's the type to belong to anything. Rather than telling her what to do with her unit, I want her to develop her own individuality. She has her own individuality, so TCS isn't necessary for her."
—Do you want to continue fighting?
"It wasn't nearly enough. Just a 15-minute, one-round match. Were we kidding me? We were arguing and grappling like that. I think we're pretty similar in personality (laughs). There's no way 15 minutes is enough. I thought he was making fun of me. Of course it wasn't enough. I want to have another match with no time limit."
—So that final fist bump meant you acknowledged him a little?
"That was a thumbs-up, meaning 'let's do it again.' I'm not originally a Stardom homegrown talent, and I don't know what the other wrestlers will think if I acknowledge Giulia as a Stardom wrestler. I didn't intend to acknowledge her, but I meant to convey that 15 minutes wasn't enough."
Julia's comment
"Hana Kimura is head over heels in love with Giulia. When she first attacked me, I thought, 'What's wrong with this girl?' She doesn't understand anything about me... I thought, 'I'm definitely going to get my revenge on her.' But after our match today, I realized she really does love Giulia. She just can't wait to get involved with Giulia. We fought back and forth, and I felt something. I want to fight her more. So today isn't the end. In fact, today might be the beginning? In 2020, I want to let Hana Kimura experience Giulia to the fullest. I want the audience to experience Giulia to the fullest as well. Arrivederci... See you again."
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◆Wonder of Stardom Championship Match, 30-minute single fall match |
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<Champion> |
16 minutes 24 seconds |
<Challenger> |
| Arisa Hoshiki |
wavelet |
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*The 13th champion, Arisa Hoshiki, successfully defended her title for the 8th time
White belt champion Arisa Hoshiki will be defending her title for the eighth time. Since winning the Wonder of Stardom Championship from Momo Watanabe at Korakuen Hall on May 16th, she has defeated seven opponents so far. This time, she will face Konami. This will be Konami's second challenge for the white belt, the first being against Kairi Hojo at Shin-Kiba on March 26th, 2017. In addition, she has come close to winning other singles titles but has fallen short. Can she overcome that final hurdle in this match? Her signature Triangle Lancer has been improved with variations thanks to the teachings of its originator, Wataru Inoue. It seems the time is ripe for her to win. However, champion Hoshiki is also invincible. She has achieved MVP-level results this year. That's why she intends to end the year as champion. Furthermore, as long as Mayu Iwatani holds the red belt, she absolutely cannot afford to lose. A fierce battle of kicks and submission holds can be expected
Satoshi Kojima and Wataru Inoue of New Japan Pro-Wrestling presented flowers. Hoshiki extended his hand for a handshake, but Konami refused. Even after the gong rang, Konami remained in the corner. Both men slowly advanced, intimidating each other with strikes. Hoshiki threw a low kick, and Konami retaliated. The exchange of low kicks caused Konami to collapse. Hoshiki continued his barrage of blows. Konami grabbed Hoshiki's kicking leg and took his back. Hoshiki countered and charged, but Konami delivered a back kick, a neckbreaker, and a dropkick to the head from the front. Konami attacked Hoshiki's head. Konami cornered Hoshiki and stomped on his face, then went for a hanging armbar. He brought him to the center and applied a figure-four neck lock. He reversed and repeatedly slammed Hoshiki's forehead into the mat. Hoshiki escaped, but his movements were sluggish. He charged forward, but seemed to lack strength. Hoshiki got back up and unleashed a barrage of strikes. However, his dash was stopped, and he was hit with a German suplex and a high kick. Hoshiki goes outside the ring. Five minutes have passed. Konami delivers a German suplex outside the ring. She also grabs Konami's arm outside the ring. Konami is the first to return. Hoshiki returns at the 19 count. Konami prepares for a Tombstone Piledriver. Hoshiki resists, and Konami dashes in and applies a sleeper hold on the ground. Konami counters and applies a sleeper hold of her own. Hoshiki throws her forward and delivers a soccer ball kick and a knee attack. She then rallies and delivers a running double knee attack and a double knee drop to Konami's back. Konami dodges a Brazilian kick, but Hoshiki lands a high kick. Konami had anticipated Hoshiki's attempt at an SSC and catches her, applying a head scissors and grabbing her arm on the ground. Hoshiki is held for a long time, but her feet reach the ropes. Ten minutes have passed. Konami dashes in and delivers a sliding kick. Konami dodges Hoshiki's lariat and says "I got it." However, Hoshiki counters and delivers a neckbreaker. Both are down, and Hoshiki delivers a knee attack. Konami gets up and charges, and Hoshiki delivers a series of knee attacks. Konami retaliates, and Hoshiki goes for the 1399. Hoshiki screams "It's over!" and feints before delivering a Brazilian kick. Konami retaliates, and Hoshiki climbs to the corner, seemingly aiming for the AMADAS
Konami catches up and puts Hoshiki in a neck lock on the corner. She then follows up with a superplex. She slams Hoshiki backward and kicks her in the head. However, Hoshiki's shoulders rise. Konami lifts her up and slams her forward. Konami puts Hoshiki in a chicken wing armlock. She tries to transition into an armbar but Hoshiki escapes to the ropes. Konami kicks Hoshiki in the head multiple times. Konami corners Hoshiki and charges. Hoshiki dodges and lands a high kick to the back of the head. She lands another one and Hoshiki goes down. 15 minutes have passed. Both are down. They get up at 7 and kicks are exchanged. Konami tries for a triangle but Hoshiki lands a knee and an SSC. She lands a Brazilian kick and a Shining Impact. Konami can't kick out and Hoshiki retains her title. After the match, Konami licks Hoshiki's hand
Hoshiki: "Hello everyone at Korakuen, um, how are you? At the end, my hand was licked. It's the first time a woman has licked my hand. Just a moment. Okay, I've successfully defended my title for the eighth time! You all cheered me on the moment I was about to lose, so I was able to keep going. Thank you. As expected, Konami, who's riding a big wave right now, is strong. It's crazy. But it was fun. So, right now I'm taking revenge. On whom, you ask? On the people who lost to 5★STAR. I'm putting this important belt on the line and saying 'come challenge me,' but there's one more person left. That damn little brat who's been winning triple and quadruple crowns in just her second year since her debut! Where are you, Hayashishita Utami?!"
Utami: "5★STAR GP, I secured a decisive three-count victory over Arisa Hoshiki. The next time we have a match for that white belt, the result will be the same. I'm going to take that white belt, so please look forward to it."
Hoshiki: "How cheeky... Well, I'm glad you're coming at me like that... I'll be looking forward to it! How about the next Korakuen Hall?"
Utami: "The next Korakuen Hall will be Utami Hayashishita vs. Arisa Hoshiki. Please come and see me take the white belt."
Hoshiki: "I'm looking forward to it. Thank you very much. See you next time! Please cheer for Mayu-chan."
Comments from Konami
—Once again, I fell just short
"Yes. Arisa Hoshiki is a fantastic wrestler. I really love Arisa Hoshiki. Even though Wataru Inoue taught me the Seven-Colored Triangle Lancer, my skills weren't good enough and I couldn't win the white belt. But I found the answer in today's match. I will definitely reach the top of Stardom with the Final Lancer."
—So you weren't able to land your Final Lancer today?
"Yes, I intended to finish him off with the Final Lancer outside the ring, rendering his neck useless, but I went too hard at the beginning and couldn't land the Final Lancer (in the ring). If I had done it outside the ring, he would have tapped out."
—You had many opportunities this year, but you weren't able to win a single title
"Yes, that's true. But next year, I definitely want to prove my abilities by winning the belt."
—When was the last time you licked your hands?
"With respect. I expressed my affection for Arisa Hoshiki in my own way, out of respect. I'm the type of person who shows things through actions."
Comment from Arisa Hoshiki
"I managed to successfully defend my title for the eighth time, but my neck and head were in terrible pain and I almost lost consciousness several times. But each time, I could hear the support of my corner team at STARS and the fans, and that's what helped me win. It was incredible."
—You faced Konami in the Cinderella Tournament final, was she different from before?
"I competed in the 5☆STAR GP and lost. I knew I had to do something about it. And well, I've definitely evolved, but Konami, no, Onami (laughs), has been changing at an incredible pace recently, and she's been pulling out all sorts of moves one after another, so I didn't know what was going on. I honestly lost consciousness at one point. But I managed to keep going."
—Were you really cornered?
"It was pretty bad. His joints were so bad I almost tapped out. But I knew I couldn't lose like that, so I somehow managed to keep moving, somehow."
-- Konami said that Hoshiki had tapped out outside the ring
"That was really bad, it hurt. But it was good that it happened outside the ring. My head hurts. My neck hurts."
—So you'll be ringing in the new year as champion
"Yes, I'm grateful. Next year I'll be fighting Utami Hayashishita. Definitely in January. I want to get my revenge there, get my revenge for the ninth time."
--If you get your revenge there, you'll have repaid all your debts from the 5☆STAR GP
"That's right. There are a lot of other people who want to do it, so I have to get my revenge first before I can challenge anyone else. So I'll finish the revenge arc first."
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◆World of Stardom Championship Match, 30-minute single fall match |
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|
<Champion> |
22 minutes 17 seconds |
<Challenger> |
| Iwatani Mayu |
Kagetsu |
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* Mayu Iwatani, the 12th champion, successfully defended her title for the first time
Mayu Iwatani, who reclaimed the World of Stardom Championship by defeating Bea Priestley at Korakuen Hall on November 4th, will be making her first title defense. Her opponent is her rival, Kagetsu. Both have engaged in fierce battles every time they fight, but this will be their first one-on-one match for the red belt since August 2018. At that time, champion Iwatani won and successfully defended her title, just one month before she lost the dual red and white belts. This time, the positions are the same for both of them in the title match, but the circumstances surrounding them have changed. Will Iwatani defend her title and lead the way in her 2020 title defenses? Kagetsu has declared that if she wins the title, she will name the opponent she truly wants to face..
Kagetsu steps forward from Iwatani and shakes her hand. As the gong sounds, they cautiously feel each other out, and Kagetsu lands a low kick. Iwatani is caught off guard, but after a struggle for the back, she grabs Iwatani's arm and puts her in a headlock. Kagetsu goes for a head scissors, but Iwatani quickly escapes. Kagetsu fakes rope work and stomps on Iwatani's back. Kagetsu uses rope work to evade Iwatani and drives her into the corner. Iwatani puts out her leg to stop her charge, then delivers an arm whip followed by a dropkick. Iwatani fakes a bombshell outside the ring as Kagetsu goes outside, then drops a dropkick as Kagetsu tries to re-enter. As Kagetsu tries to re-enter, Iwatani lands a dropkick. As Kagetsu attempts a tope, she sprays water and counters with a tope suicida. Kagetsu brings Iwatani back into the ring and sends her out again. Kagetsu lands another tope, then drags her to the audience seats on the stage side and delivers a diving foot stomp from the back. Back in the ring, she delivers a swan dive missile kick, followed by a corner elbow attack and a dropkick. Kagetsu grabbed Iwatani's arm and applied a submission hold while Iwatani was groggy. However, Iwatani's feet reached the ropes. Kagetsu then brought her back to the center and applied a modified triangle choke. Kagetsu landed a series of kicks to Iwatani's chest. Iwatani went in with an elbow, but Kagetsu taunted her. Iwatani got up and landed a series of elbows, but Kagetsu's kicks sent her crashing down. "Iwatani, is that all you've got?" Kagetsu threw Iwatani into the ropes, and Iwatani hit a sling blade. Iwatani climbed to the corner but fell. Kagetsu went for a full charge in the corner, but Iwatani hit her with a dropkick. Iwatani got behind Kagetsu and went for a German suplex. Kagetsu resisted and escaped, but was hit with a DDT. Iwatani kicked Kagetsu in the face and charged forward. She hit a dropkick followed by a German suplex, but it was only a two count. After an exchange of elbows, Iwatani's blow sent Kagetsu crashing down. After dodging kicks, Iwatani charged forward, but Kagetsu hit her with a back kick. Kagetsu unleashed a barrage of strikes followed by an Ebisu Drop. When Iwatani countered, Kagetsu slammed her down with a chokeslam. When Iwatani countered again, Kagetsu applied an armlock. As Kagetsu climbed to the corner, Iwatani delivered a slap followed by a superplex Frankensteiner, a diving foot stomp, and a frog splash. Kagetsu countered, and 15 minutes had passed. Iwatani attempted a moonsault press, but it was dodged. Kagetsu landed a knee attack, and neither could get up. However, Kagetsu quickly got up and put Iwatani on the corner. They exchanged elbows on the corner, and Kagetsu landed a high kick from below. Kagetsu attempted a superplex Ebisu Drop. Kagetsu took the hit, but her shoulder rose. Kagetsu attempted an Oedo Coaster, but Iwatani slammed her to the mat. Iwatani attempted a moonsault, but it was dodged again, and she was hit with poison mist. Kagetsu slammed Iwatani to the mat and attempted an Oedo Coaster. It seemed to be finished, but Iwatani countered. Kagetsu attempted a Death Valley Driver, but Iwatani rolled her up with a Fubuki Rana. Iwatani attempts a Dodonpa but Kagetsu kicks out. Iwatani goes for a Dragon Suplex, but Kagetsu's shoulders still rise. Iwatani then hits a Moonsault Press from the corner, but Kagetsu kicks out immediately. 20 minutes have passed. Iwatani pulls Kagetsu up and goes for a double Dragon Suplex, but Kagetsu slips away, distracts the referee, and delivers a poison mist attack followed by an Ebisu Drop. She goes for an Oedo Coaster and then a Death Valley Bomb, but Iwatani's shoulders still rise. Kagetsu pulls Iwatani up and goes for a Death Valley Bomb, but Iwatani goes for a double Dragon Suplex. Kagetsu kicks out, and Iwatani hits a Tombstone Piledriver followed by a Moonsault Press. Kagetsu can't kick out, and Iwatani retains her title. As Iwatani tries to stand up, the trophy, under her weight, splits in two…
Iwatani: "Good evening everyone at Korakuen! Ah, ah, ah, good evening! Ah, uh, uh, uh, I think, I think, I broke a rib from a foot stomp! No, I'm probably lying, I'm fine. But I thought my insides were spilling out... But, on the 24th at Korakuen, in the match, in the last match at Korakuen, it will be Iwatani Mayu who stands in the ring at Korakuen! I can't find the words... Ah, blue, trophy, trophy, sorry. For some reason, I break trophies whenever I see them, sorry... Kagetsu, Kagetsu, Kagetsu, you, red poison mist, red... wait? Blue poison mist, thank you for the best Christmas present. This year, this year too, you were the worst and best rival. I hope we can continue to be the worst and best rival in 2020. Thank you."
Kagetsu shakes hands and whispers something in Iwatani's ear. Watanabe Momo appears.
Momo: "Sorry to interrupt you while you're busy. Sorry to interrupt after such a fierce battle, but that was a fantastic match. Iwatani Mayu, you were amazing."
Iwatani: "Thank you."
Momo: "I'm Watanabe Momo, and I'll be celebrating my coming of age in January 2020. I'm young, young Watanabe Momo. So, Iwatani Mayu, you defended your title today, right? Next year, at the 9th anniversary tournament in January, please let me challenge you for that red belt. Iwatani Mayu, who won the Tokyo Sports Women's Pro Wrestling Award, will you accept?"
Iwatani: "Good evening, Watanabe Momo! The red belt, the red belt, of course I want it. I'll definitely defend the red belt against you. But, Momo, how can I beat Mayu? I'll be waiting for you next month with the resolve and the necessary skills to defeat the champion of this red belt, Iwatani Mayu. Come at me anytime, at Korakuen, Osaka, Nagoya..."
Momo: "Yes, please."
Iwatani: "Wait a minute, Watanabe Momo. Do you know what day it is today?" December 24th, Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve, Stardom's final match of the year. After eight years, you know what that means, right? December 24th, the final match of the year, means that at Korakuen Hall we'll be able to see footage from 2019. So, there's no way we're leaving without seeing it. Let's watch a movie together. All of Stardom, all of us. Let's all look back on our memories of 2019 together. I wonder if it will start if I say "VTR start"? Video crew, are you ready? Damn, my ribs hurt. VTR, start!
After the 2019 playback footage was shown, announcements were made for January 2nd & 3rd at Shin-Kiba and January 4th at Ryogoku KFC.
Furthermore, it was announced that Stardom will be participating in a dark match at New Japan's January 4th Tokyo Dome event.
Iwatani: "Hehehe, wow, I never expected that. Ah, what should I do? I'm a little speechless, so Kagetsu, you wrap it up."
Kagetsu: "Wow, I never thought you'd be this popular. Well, this doesn't happen very often, so Iwatani, let's wrap it up together."
Iwatani: "Well, it's the last show of the year, so I think it's good to end it on this note. Please continue to support Stardom next year as well. Here we go!"
Iwatani & Kagetsu: "Believe in the present, shine tomorrow, We Are STARDOM."
Iwatani's comment
--This was your seventh match against Kagetsu, wasn't it?
"Seventh time? Hmm, as the red belt champion, I feel like I should say something, but right now my mind is blank and I can't find the words."
—Does it give you a strong sense of accomplishment from having fought through it all? Or is the damage so great that you're speechless?
"Both. Last year I was injured and couldn't participate in the final match of the year, and apparently I couldn't participate the year before either. I don't remember missing a match though. The joy of successfully defending my title was great, but the physical damage was immense. I was under a lot of pressure and nervous before the match, and I think my movements were probably quite stiff. My body wouldn't move the way I wanted it to, and I was too nervous... No, I really can't find the words. It was so hard. It was really hard. I took so much damage while fighting. Is my face okay now? I can't see it objectively, can I? When I look at my hands and body it's in a terrible state, but is my face okay? (Looking at his face on the video camera) Ah "...It was pretty bad. I ended the match with this kind of face. I see. It's scary to watch the video. The trophy was chipped too. The damage is really significant. Now that I've seen my face on the screen, I've come back to my senses, or rather, I've regained a fair bit of composure. It was really tough. Whenever I've had singles matches with Kagetsu before, I've been hung upside down, and I was imagining all sorts of things, like whether I'd be hung upside down this time too, and thinking in my head how I would respond if she did this, but my body just wouldn't move the way I wanted it to. The foot stomp was tough. It was really tough." -- After the match, Momo challenged you?
"I imagined that someone would want this belt, but, well, Momo. Surprisingly, when Watanabe Momo and I had a singles match scheduled, one of us would be unwell or something. Two singles matches were canceled. After that, we fought in singles matches in Cinderella and 5★STAR or something, but even though I'm the senior, I often couldn't win. It ended in a draw. Because of that, next month we'll have a 30-minute, one-fall match. We have plenty of time, so I want to settle it properly here. How long was today's match?"
-- 22 minutes and 18 seconds. This is the longest match I've had against Kagetsu. It's about a minute longer than the last one
"Yes, that's right (laughs)."
--The Tokyo Dome in the new year came out of nowhere, what are your thoughts? "Up until now, the ending video for the final show of the year has always included a digest of the matches that day. I remember thinking every year, 'They're showing this video even though we just had a match,' but this time there was none of that, and it suddenly became the Dome, so it really caught us off guard. We were surprised. There was a buzz in the ring, and it was a big surprise for the wrestlers as well. We don't know who will be performing, though."
—So the champion won't be participating
"That's right. I want to appear as an icon of Stardom. I'm sorry, I really can't find the words."
Did you use up too much energy?
"Yes. I'm dejected. Am I using that word correctly? Like, I'm utterly disappointed? I'm utterly disappointed. Oh, I can't do it anymore. Oh... 100% damage, 100% joy, 100% sense of accomplishment, my emotions are just utterly disappointed."