5★STAR GP 2019 - Opening Round -
August 17th (Sat) Shinkiba 1stRING (Attendance: 415 people = Sold out)
Match Results
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◆4-Way Battle: 15-minute single match |
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| Eberly |
4 minutes 26 seconds |
Rinan |
*The other two areTora Natsuko and Ruaka
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◆ 6-person tag team match, 20-minute time limit, one fall |
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○ Riho |
5 minutes 58 seconds |
Onozaki Reo ● |
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Starlight Kid |
Hinan |
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| Iida Saya |
Kamiya Saya |
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◆Red Stars official league match 15 minutes 1 match |
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| AZM <2 points> |
5 minutes 39 seconds, |
Summer Violet <0 points> |
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◆Red Stars official league match 15 minutes 1 match |
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| Hana Kimura <2 points> |
6 minutes 41 seconds, |
Tam Nakano <0 points> |
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◆Red Stars official league match 15 minutes 1 match |
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| Saki Kashima <2 points> |
4 minutes 26 seconds |
Mayu Iwatani <0 points> |
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◆Blue Stars Official League Match 15-minute single match |
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| Jamie Hayter <2 points> |
7 minutes 14 seconds |
Arisa Hoshiki <0 points> |
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◆Blue Stars Official League Match 15-minute single match |
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| Bea Priestley <2 points> |
5 minutes 47 seconds |
Andras Miyagi <0 points> |
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◆Blue Stars Official League Match 15-minute single match |
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| Utami Hayashishita <2 points> |
9 minutes 27 seconds |
Jungle Scream <0 points> |
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◆Red Stars official league match 15 minutes 1 match |
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| Hazuki <2 points> |
8 minutes 54 seconds |
Momoko Watanabe <0 points> |
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◆Blue Stars Official League Match 15-minute single match |
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| Small wave <2 points> |
12 minutes 16 seconds |
Kagetsu <0 points> |
Match Details Report
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◆4-Way Battle: 15-minute single match |
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| Eberly |
4 minutes 26 seconds |
Rinan |
*The other two are Tora Natsuko and Ruaka
A four-way match featuring Tora Natsuko vs. Everly vs. Ruaka vs. Rina. Everly, making her first appearance in Japan, has been entered into the 5☆STAR GP. Perhaps she'll test her skills in this four-way match
TCS's Rina and Ruaka take their positions in the same corner and shake hands. When the gong sounds, Natsuko shows her fighting spirit to the audience, but it is the other three who are fighting. As Everly charges at Rina, Ruaka rolls her up from behind. Natsuko tries to steal the pin, but it's not enough for a three count. Everly hits Natsuko with a knee attack followed by a neckbreaker. Everly stops Natsuko's charge and hits a suplex. Rina and Ruaka corner Natsuko and launch a corner attack. Ruaka spears both of them at once. Natsuko gets Ruaka up and hits her with a shoulder tackle. Ruaka endures and lands an elbow. After an exchange of elbows, Natsuko pulls Ruaka's hair. Ruaka attempts a shoulder tackle as Natsuko charges, but Everly cuts it off. Ruaka lands a series of elbows on Everly, but is countered with a knee. Rina cuts in and lands a series of elbows on Everly. Rina applies a卍-hold to Everly. She goes for a roll-up but only gets a two count. Ruaka takes down Everly with a big boot and Natsuko interferes. Everly stops Rina's charge but is rolled up with a small package. Everly hits Rina with a spinebuster and gets the three count
The opening ceremony for the 5★STAR GP2019 was held, and Mayu Iwatani, the 2018 champion, returned the championship trophy
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◆ 6-person tag team match, 20-minute time limit, one fall |
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○ Riho |
5 minutes 58 seconds |
Onozaki Reo ● |
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Starlight Kid |
Hinan |
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| Iida Saya |
Kamiya Saya |
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Riho, who made a stunning debut in Stardom and immediately snatched the High Speed Championship, is making her second appearance. This will be her first time competing in Stardom's Shin-Kiba event. On this day, she will be teaming up with Starlight Kid, whom she pinned in the title match, in a six-person tag team match. Kid, who had a fierce fighting spirit against High Speed, will be left out by Riho's debut, so it remains to be seen how she feels. Whether they can function as a team will be the key to this match. This will also be Kamitani's second match since her debut at Korakuen Hall. Her first six-person tag team match will feature her facing all her opponents for the first time
Onozaki and Hinami of QQ refused to shake hands. Kamiya and Kid entered the ring first. After a lock-up, Kid grabbed Kamiya's arm, but Kamiya countered with a cartwheel motion
When Kamiya threw Kid into the ropes, Kid delivered a neckbreaker. The STARS side threw Kamiya into the corner and launched a series of corner attacks. Kid performed a standing moonsault. When Kamiya threw Kid into the ropes, Kid dodged a dropkick and applied a sickle hold. Onozaki and Hinami also came to his aid. Kamiya followed up with a dropkick to Kid. Hinami delivered a series of mounted punches to Kid. Riho tried to break it up, but Hinami stomped on all three of them with a body slam. Hinami then delivered a body slam to Kid. Kid retaliated and they exchanged elbows. Kid did a crossbody attack but only got a two count. Iida delivered a series of corner dropkicks to Hinami. Hinami dodged and returned the favor with a dropkick. Onozaki delivered a series of elbows to Iida, and Iida dodged a lariat and delivered a dropkick. Riho delivered a diving body attack to Onozaki. Onozaki delivered a series of elbows followed by a corner elbow attack and a neckbreaker. When Riho retaliated, Onozaki charged forward. After a struggle for the back, Riho delivered a foot stomp. Riho went for a diving foot stomp but it was dodged. Onozaki rolled up Riho but it was broken up. Five minutes had passed. Riho's side attacked her opponent from three directions, and Riho delivered a 619. Riho delivered a diving foot stomp to Onozaki. Onozaki was unable to kick out, and Riho won by pinfall
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◆Red Stars official league match 15 minutes 1 match |
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| AZM <2 points> |
5 minutes 39 seconds, |
Summer Violet <0 points> |
This year's 5★STAR GP kicks off with a grudge match between Natsu Sumire and AZM. Natsu has hinted at taking this league tournament seriously after winning the Artist Championship. AZM, on the other hand, was added to the lineup at the last minute due to Casey Owens' absence. What effect will the long-awaited debut of the third generation members have on the league tournament? All eyes are on the first match
AZM delivers a dropkick as soon as the bell rings. She throws Natsu into the ropes, but Natsu holds on. AZM attempts an arm whip, but Natsu retaliates. After an exchange of arm whips, Natsu lands a big boot. AZM dodges and shouts "You old hag!" before attempting an aerial Manji hold. Natsu resists and slams AZM into the corner. Natsu delivers a series of knees to AZM's stomach. After a big boot, Natsu stomps on AZM in the corner. Natsu rubs her groin against AZM's face with a Bronco Buster. Natsu locks AZM in a Dragon Sleeper and slams her onto the mat. She then throws AZM with a Fisherman Suplex, but AZM kicks out. Natsu delivers a big boot from behind. She lifts AZM up and assumes a position for the Youran. AZM counters and rolls her up. Natsu kicks out, and AZM delivers a dropkick. Natsu throws AZM into the corner, but AZM counters. Shouting "You old hag!", she kicks AZM in the face and signals the finish with a diving foot stomp. When Natsu returned the hold, AZM went for a brainbuster. Natsu resisted and lifted him up, but AZM countered and jumped on her. Natsu countered AZM's attempt at a Magistral. AZM countered a big boot and they exchanged roll-ups before landing a series of high kicks. AZM charged forward, but Natsu stopped her. Natsu locked in a dragon sleeper and tried to force a submission. AZM escaped, and five minutes had passed. Natsu threw AZM into the ropes, and AZM jumped on her and applied a Mystica-style armlock. Natsu tapped out, and AZM secured her first victory in her debut match
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◆Red Stars official league match 15 minutes 1 match |
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| Hana Kimura <2 points> |
6 minutes 41 seconds, |
Tam Nakano <0 points> |
Hana Kimura and Tam Nakano will face off in a head-to-head match in the official tournament. Hana is the leader of TCS, and Nakano has a track record of holding the Artist Championship in STARS, but in this series, both will be competing as singles players aiming for the championship. Both will be looking to secure two points in this opening match to build momentum
With a cautious start, Hana makes the first move. They slowly enter a lock-up position and test their strength. Hana gets on top, and Nakano tries to counter but is slammed to the mat. Hana kicks Nakano in the face. Nakano's expression changes completely and she lands a series of low kicks. Nakano charges forward, and Hana goes for a dropkick followed by an arm grab. Nakano escapes, and Hana grabs her arm and stomps on her face. Hana goes for a cover with one leg. Nakano kicks out, and Hana delivers a series of body slams. Nakano escapes the cover and lands a dropkick. She tries to throw Hana into the corner, but is thrown in the opposite direction. However, Nakano applies a dragon sleeper in the corner. She lands a Destiny Hammer and goes for the cover, but Hana kicks out. Nakano picks up Hana and charges forward. Hana dodges and kicks Nakano in the face. Nakano kicks out, and Hana goes for her arm. Nakano counters and dodges her kick as well. Five minutes have passed with an exchange of elbows. Nakano throws a flurry of punches, but Hana knocks her down with one hit. However, Nakano counters with a thrust kick followed by a violet shooting. Hana retaliates, but Nakano takes her back and helps her up. Hana resists Nakano's attempt at a German suplex. Hana dodges Nakano's spin kick and grabs her leg. Nakano tries to counter, but Hana applies an armlock. They move to the ground and Hana applies a figure-four leglock, forcing Nakano to tap out. Hana wins the first match
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◆Red Stars official league match 15 minutes 1 match |
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| Saki Kashima <2 points> |
4 minutes 26 seconds |
Mayu Iwatani <0 points> |
Mayu Iwatani, the defending champion aiming for the first-ever back-to-back 5★STAR GP titles, will kick off her season with a match against her STARS stablemate, Saki Kashima. Kashima missed the previous Korakuen Hall event and also missed the press conference the day before. This raises concerns, but she will want to secure a victory against Iwatani to dispel them. Kashima has the potential for a dramatic comeback, so she has a chance to win. On the other hand, for Iwatani, facing an opponent returning from injury is conventionally a chance to get off to a strong start. Last year, the two faced off in the second match of the season in a Goddess of Stardom Champions match. Kashima won, leaving Iwatani on the brink of elimination with two consecutive losses. Iwatani suffered a surprising defeat but went on to win her first championship, but what will be the outcome of this year's stablemate showdown?
Kashima extends his hand for a handshake, but Iwatani refuses. As the bell rings, Iwatani extends his hand for a handshake, saying, "Please." Kashima complains, "Why didn't you do it at the beginning?" As Kashima extends his hand, Iwatani rolls him up. Kashima tries to turn the tables, shouting, "It's over!" Iwatani counters, and delivers a foot stomp. Iwatani lands a powerful soccer ball kick and applies a camel clutch. Kashima resists, and Iwatani delivers a body slam. Kashima counters, and Iwatani drives him into the corner and delivers a running dropkick. Kashima counters again, and delivers a hurricanrana followed by a big boot. Iwatani dodges and hits a Northern Lights suplex. Iwatani shouts, "It's over!" and attempts a diving body press. Kashima dodges and hits a diving neckbreaker, shouting, "Don't mess with me!" and delivering a big boot. Iwatani counters, and delivers a high kick and a German suplex. Kashima counters, and Iwatani hits a frog splash. However, it's not enough for the three count. Iwatani screams, "It's over!" and attempts a dragon suplex. Kashima made a comeback and turned the tables. The referee counted to three, giving Kashima the victory. Iwatani suffered another loss to start the season
Kashima: "You lost again after a miraculous comeback, Iwatani Mayu! I apologize for the worry and trouble I caused by my absence the other day. Kashima Saki is alive and well! Kashima Saki, Stardom's number one zombie wrestler, will win 5★STAR, so please support her!"
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◆Blue Stars Official League Match 15-minute single match |
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| Jamie Hayter <2 points> |
7 minutes 14 seconds |
Arisa Hoshiki <0 points> |
White belt champion Arisa Hoshiki will take on her first single league tournament. Her first opponent is Jamie Hayter, who has shown significant improvement since last year and should not be underestimated. Hoshiki has remained undefeated in single matches since her return, but as the champion, she is sure to be a target in this league tournament. With expectations and pressure on her, how will Hoshiki navigate her first appearance in the 5★STAR GP?
Hayter spits on his hand and says "Please" while offering a handshake. Hoshiki runs away and refuses. When the gong sounds, Hayter corners Hoshiki and slaps him. Hoshiki retaliates by cornering Hayter and slapping him back. Hayter takes Hoshiki to the ground with a headlock, but Hoshiki goes for a head scissors. Hayter counters with a surfboard stretch. He transitions into a camel clutch and scratches Hayter's face. After dodging high kicks, Hayter catches Hoshiki's leg. Hoshiki glares at him and delivers a series of middle kicks. Hayter retaliates, and Hoshiki kicks him from second base. When Hayter retaliates, Hoshiki hits him with a running double knee attack and a double knee drop. Hayter delivers a series of strikes, including several lariats. As Hayter charges, Hoshiki hits him with a knee attack. Hoshiki goes for a 1399, but it's dodged. However, he charges in with a double knee attack. Hoshiki counters and lifts Hayter up. When Hayter counterattacks, Hoshiki jumps on him from behind and rolls him up. Five minutes have passed. Hoshiki climbs onto the corner and lands a 1399. Hoshiki attempts a Brazilian kick but it is dodged. Hayter lands a high kick followed by a chokeslam-style backbreaker. Hoshiki kicks out, and Hayter gets behind him. As Hoshiki resists, Hayter lands an elbow and a brainbuster-style backbreaker. Hayter grabs both of Hoshiki's arms and slams his face into the mat. Hoshiki is unable to kick out once this is locked in. This is Hoshiki's first singles loss since his return. He starts the 5★STAR GP with a loss
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◆Blue Stars Official League Match 15-minute single match |
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| Bea Priestley <2 points> |
5 minutes 47 seconds |
Andras Miyagi <0 points> |
Bea Priestley, the World of Stardom Champion, will be competing in this league tournament both as the reigning champion and as a top foreign wrestler. Her first opponent is the formidable Andras Miyagi. Having captured the Artist of Stardom Championship and achieved her first Stardom title win, Andras is certainly aiming to defeat the red belt champion. Priestley cannot afford to be complacent. There's a possibility of an upset, with the red belt champion suffering a loss in the opening match…
Andras attacks Prestley as he makes his call. The bell rings and the match begins. Prestley gets a headlock, and Andras throws him into the corner and punches him in the stomach. Andras lands a series of blows to the stomach and goes for a body scissors. He transitions into a ground卍 lock, but Prestley reaches the ropes. Prestley slips past Andras and charges. He is thrown onto the apron, but after a neckbreaker, he delivers a diving foot stomp to the back of the standing Andras. Prestley attempts a modified back drop hold. It is dodged, but he slams Andras down with a suplex. Andras dodges the charge and delivers a foot stomp, then goes for a full nelson in a body scissors position. Andras attempts a piledriver but takes an elbow. However, he stops Prestley's dash and slams him forward. Prestley kicks out and Andras goes to the corner. From below, Prestley kicks him in the neck, climbs to the corner and delivers a foot stomp. Andras cuts off Prestley's charge and gives him a shoulder carry. He slams him forward but only gets a two count. Five minutes have passed. Andras attempts a dash, but Prestley lands a series of knee strikes. Prestley then applies a modified back drop hold, and Andras is unable to escape, giving Prestley the win in the first round
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◆Blue Stars Official League Match 15-minute single match |
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| Utami Hayashishita <2 points> |
9 minutes 27 seconds |
Jungle Scream <0 points> |
The 5★STAR GP opening match features a grudge matchup. A year ago, Utami Hayashishita faced Jungle Kyona in her debut match, which ended in a time-limit draw. Her performance and potential led to her entry into the 5★STAR GP. Moreover, Utami achieved a runner-up finish, which included another time-limit draw against Kyona. The two have yet to settle their singles rivalry. While Kyona has a "losing streak" in the public eye, she did manage to pin Utami for the first time in the Goddess of Stardom Championship match ahead of the league tournament, winning the belt. Kyona also showed improvement in her White Belt match against Hoshiki. Utami, on the other hand, missed out on the Red Belt, but gained confidence towards her first singles league championship. For these reasons, it wouldn't be surprising to see them face off in the final. Even though it's the opening match, the winner will undoubtedly gain momentum towards reaching the final. However, the problem is that, as it is a league tournament, the time limit is 15 minutes. Will the third time be the charm and will it finally be decided?
As soon as the gong sounded, both wrestlers charged forward. They exchanged lariats, with Kyoko breaking up the exchange. They continued to exchange lariats even as they dashed. Utami got behind Kyoko, but Kyoko delivered a lariat at close range. Utami also landed a dashing lariat, but it was only a two count. Kyoko delivered a body slam followed by a diving body press. Utami kicked out, and Kyoko went for a hammer throw. Utami countered, and Kyoko delivered a series of elbows. Utami attempted a counter dropkick, but Kyoko endured it and delivered a dropkick of her own. Kyoko pursued Utami outside the ring. In the brawl outside the ring, Utami delivered an Argentine backbreaker. She then spun Kyoko around and threw her. At the 13 count, Utami brought Kyoko back into the ring. She climbed onto the corner and delivered a missile kick to Kyoko's waist from behind. She followed with a corner elbow attack and an outer leg sweep. Kyoko kicked out, and Utami signaled her finish. When Kyoko resisted her attempt at the Argentine backbreaker, Utami threw Kyoko onto the mat. As Utami climbed onto the corner, Kyoka slapped her from below. Kyoka also climbed up and attempted a superplex. Utami tried to throw her, but Kyoka resisted. Five minutes had passed. Kyoka slammed her arms into Utami from both sides. Kyoka slammed Utami with a superplex powerslam. Utami kicked out, and Kyoka applied a reverse figure-four leglock. Utami escaped, and Kyoka went for a scorpion deathlock. However, Utami quickly reached the ropes. Kyoka stomped on her repeatedly and charged. Utami threw her and returned the favor with a scorpion deathlock. Kyoka managed to escape somehow. However, Utami attempted a German suplex. Kyoka reached the ropes, and Utami got behind her again. She slammed her with a German suplex, but Kyoka's shoulder rose. Utami shouted "It's over!" and shook her in an Argentine backbreaker. Kyoka resisted, but ultimately referee Murayama stopped the match, giving Utami the victory
Scream's comment
--The referee stopped the fight, but you didn't give up?
"I didn't. I didn't do it. I didn't lose, so I'm not admitting defeat. I never imagined that Shimi would learn the Scorpion Deathlock, which I only use at crucial moments, and use it at that moment..."
—Was that a miscalculation?
"That was a miscalculation."
—Did the damage to his back serve as a setup for the finish?
"That's true. But I didn't give up until the very end, so I haven't admitted defeat."
—This match is the first of the league season and also a decisive match against Utami. Which one was more important to you?
"Yes, it's been a year since the final showdown. It's finally settled. To be honest, that's all I was focused on. So I was aiming for the finish right from the start."
—As a result of the defeat, neither of those goals were achieved
"That's right. I lost the match, so I need to reset my mindset and fight from tomorrow. I was putting a lot of importance on my match against Hayashishita, but this is an important league tournament, a once-a-year singles competition, and I still have to fight seven more people, so I'll switch my focus."
—So, from here on out, you're aiming for the championship?
"Yes, that's where I'd like to focus my attention."
--You've never even reached the singles title stage. You haven't won the 5★STAR GP either. Hoshiki herself said it's strange that you've never held a singles title
"I did say that. But now, I think the Stardom wrestlers have gotten really strong, and I don't think anyone thinks Jungle Kyona will win, probably. Everyone, including the fans and staff. So, I want to show everyone that they shouldn't forget about Jungle Kyona. I want to show them in every single match, win the final, and show them that I'm still here. I want to say that Stardom isn't interesting without Jungle Kyona being strong."
Comment from Utami
—Which were you prioritizing more: the 5★STAR GP opening match or your singles match against Jungle Kyona?
"For me, I was determined to win 5★STAR this year because I couldn't win it last year. But I've never been able to settle the score with Jungle Kyona in a singles match since my debut, so I think it was fate that we were able to team up again this year. So more than anything about 5★STAR, my main focus was on beating Jungle Kyona."
--The referee stopped the match. However, it seems that Kyoko herself did not give up
"Today, I wanted to make her give up directly at that point, but in the end it was a referee stoppage. However, if you ask me if there was anything more Jungle Kyona could have done, I don't think there was, and I think anyone could see that it was my victory. No matter what Jungle Kyona says, that doesn't change the fact that I won."
—You lost in the tag team championship match the other day, but you have two draws in singles matches. Does this mean you can't beat Kyoko, or that you haven't lost? How do you see it?
"The first draw was because I couldn't beat Jungle Kyona by a huge margin in my debut match. The second match was an official 5★STAR match, and I really didn't want to lose there (it was a draw). This time, I think I was able to secure a definite win."
—Do you think the matter is settled?
"Well, a win is a win, but I still want to get a direct three-count (count pinfall) or a submission, so I don't think I can say I've surpassed Jungle Kyona until I get one of those."
--I think this is a good start to the league season
"That's right. If I can beat Jungle Kyona in the opening match here, I think my momentum will only increase. The Blue Stars are really full of tough opponents, but I want to advance to the finals undefeated and win the championship. This year, I want to beat Kagetsu, who was the first opponent to beat me, beat Jamie, who took my belt from me, beat my first singles opponent, and beat the White Champion and the Red Champion so that I can advance to the finals as the Blue representative."
--This block has many players who have a connection to Shimi
"I feel like each and every member was made just for me, so in a way, it's a match I'm really looking forward to."
--Tomorrow is the official match against Hoshiki
"Yes. The White Champion. This is my first singles match against her. We've faced each other quite a few times, and I think she's a really amazing kicker, but I don't like that goofy smile she always has, so I want to distort that smile, I want to win and get rid of that smile. I want to take a win from the White Champion."
-- Hoshiki lost today. It was her first loss in singles. Wouldn't you have preferred to compete without having lost?
"Yes, I wanted to take my first loss. But I lost. Is it okay for the White Champion to lose so early on? From my perspective, I can't accept that as the White Champion, and I can't lose to an opponent like that. Tomorrow, I'll have the best match in the main event. I won't let it turn into that kind of silly, incomprehensible atmosphere."
—If you beat Hoshiki tomorrow, you'll have a significant advantage in the league matches, won't you?
"Yes. If one of those two wins is the White Champion, then that win will be a really big one."
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◆Red Stars official league match 15 minutes 1 match |
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| Hazuki <2 points> |
8 minutes 54 seconds |
Momoko Watanabe <0 points> |
The league match is between Watanabe Momo and Hazuki. Last year, Momo entered the tournament as the Wonder of Stardom champion but failed to win. Hazuki also got off to a strong start last year but didn't make it to the finals. The last official match between the two ended in a time-limit draw. That said, both are highly motivated this year (although Hazuki remains silent). As this is a rivalry match, we can expect a fierce battle. Will Momo or Hazuki get off to a strong start?
The two locked up and exchanged elbows. Momo threw a soccer ball kick, and Hazuki retaliated. Momo shouted, "I'll pay you back!" and landed a kick. Momo kicked Hazuki in the face multiple times, but Hazuki countered with a series of hair whips. Hazuki delivered a body slam and then grabbed both of Momo's arms and pulled her up. Hazuki kicked Momo in the face multiple times and stood firm. Provoked, Momo landed a series of elbows, but Hazuki countered with a dropkick. Hazuki threw Momo into the corner and charged, but Momo dodged and delivered a running dropkick. Hazuki dodged a series of kicks, but Momo landed a soccer ball kick. Momo landed a series of middle kicks, but Hazuki endured. Momo kicked her down and delivered a missile kick followed by a diving Soumatou. Five minutes had passed. Momo threw a tequila toss. Hazuki hit a codebreaker followed by a double kick. Hazuki hit a swan dive missile kick, a running elbow, and a DDT. Hazuki kicked out and went for a face lock. As Momo escapes, Hazuki slams her forward. Momo counters a second attack with a high kick and attempts a B-Driver. Hazuki counters, but Momo kicks her in the face and goes for another B-Driver. However, Hazuki manages to escape at the last moment. Momo tries to force a submission with a Dragon Sleeper. She moves to the ground and tightens the sleeper hold, but Hazuki resists. Hazuki escapes, and Momo hits her with a Tequila. She holds her down but only gets a two count. Hazuki counters Momo's attempt at a Peach Sunrise with a Hazuki Stral. The three count is made, and Hazuki takes the opening victory
Hazuki's comment
--You didn't say much at the press conference. You didn't comment on anything in particular. What are your aspirations for this league season?
"What are my aspirations? My aspirations... well, I don't really have any in particular. Everyone's so fired up, for example, you often hear people say things like, 'I'm going to win every match and become champion,' or 'I'm going to win the championship.' But the people who say things like that are the ones who never win. I thought it would be cooler to just keep winning without saying anything and then become champion. Plus, I'm not the type to get overly excited, so I figured I don't need to say I'll do my best; I can just show it in the matches."
—You also competed against Momo in last year's league match
"He extended his record for most white belt defenses, although he's lost it now. I think his thinking and the way he looks, which is recognizable to all the fans, have changed. I haven't won the white belt yet, but even without winning it, I've changed, so even though we don't face each other very often, I think we're both evolving."
—You got off to a great start last year, and this year you've also gotten off to a good start with a win
"Yes, last year at 5★STAR, the Yo-Tsuki strul was a great success, so I think it would be nice if we could create something new while also performing the Yo-Tsuki strul again this time."
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◆Blue Stars Official League Match 15-minute single match |
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| Small wave <2 points> |
12 minutes 16 seconds |
Kagetsu <0 points> |
The main event is a match between Kagetsu and Konami, the same matchup as last year's opening match. Kagetsu has declared that she will evaluate the wrestlers throughout the league, but if Konami pushes her to the limit, she won't be able to say that anymore. Given Konami's current state, that possibility is very high. Kagetsu, who prides herself on being the top of Stardom, has never won the 5★STAR GP, so she is determined to win it this year. Konami has also developed the skills to make it no surprise that she will reach the finals. Last year, Konami caused an upset in the opening match by forcing Kagetsu to submit with a Triangle Lancer. It was, so to speak, the origin of "100%". Great expectations are placed on another fierce battle befitting the main event of the opening match this time as well
Konami refused to shake hands. Then Kagetsu delivered a dropkick and slammed her down with an Edo Coaster. Konami thought she had it and went for the arm, but Kagetsu countered. Konami took some distance outside the ring. When Konami returned, she threatened with a low kick. Kagetsu fought back and threw some low kicks of her own. Konami took Kagetsu down and brought her to the ground. When Konami went for the arm, Kagetsu got it back. Konami went for a face lock and then a headlock. Kagetsu countered and got on top while holding the arm. Konami got up with a front neck lock and went for a soccer ball kick. Kagetsu kicked back and Konami went down. Kagetsu pulled her up and applied a sleeper hold. Kagetsu tightened the hold while taunting her, saying, "I'm going to take you out." When Konami escaped, Kagetsu doused her with water from a plastic bottle. Five minutes had passed. Konami threw Kagetsu into the corner, but Kagetsu countered and kicked her in the face. Kagetsu taunted her, saying, "What's wrong? Come on, you bastard." Konami went on the offensive with a flurry of elbows. Konami kicks her in the face, but Kagetsu gets onto the apron and delivers a foot stomp over the ropes. She then follows up with a diving foot stomp to her right arm and applies an armlock
When Konami escaped, Kagetsu declared, "I'm going to finish this," and delivered a high kick and three consecutive Ebisu Drops. However, Konami kicked out at the two count. Konami countered Kagetsu's chokeslam with a middle kick. Kagetsu kicked back, and they exchanged middle kicks. Kagetsu charged, but Konami hit a high kick. She slammed Kagetsu with a German suplex, but Kagetsu caught her charge and went for an armbar. Kagetsu transitioned into an armlock, but Konami managed to escape. Ten minutes had passed. Kagetsu put Konami on the corner and slapped her before slamming her forward in a superplex. However, Konami's shoulders rose. Kagetsu went back to the corner. She delivered an Oedo Coaster, but deliberately pulled her up at the two count. Kagetsu declared, "I'm going to finish this with this move," but Konami countered several times, jumping on her and grabbing her arm. Kagetsu countered with a high kick and lifted her up. Konami grabbed her arm and said, "I've got you!" Kagetsu tapped out, and Konami won. For the second year in a row, Konami won the opening match against Kagetsu
Konami: "This year, and this year too, I've beaten Kagetsu! There's only a little bit of summer left in 2019, but Stardom's hot summer has only just begun. Anything can happen in this 5★STAR GP, so please look forward to it until the very end. This year's 5★STAR GP has a 100% chance of being exciting! And my Triangle Lancer has a 100% win rate! I never fail."
Comments from Konami
This year too, I was able to get Kagetsu to give up with my Triangle Lancer, which has a 100% win rate. My encounter with Kagetsu started at last year's 5★STAR GP, and even though it was a 30-minute draw in my hometown homecoming tournament, I still felt like I hadn't had enough of the match. I never imagined that I would be in the same block as Kagetsu in the 5★STAR GP, and that I would face her in the first match no less. I thought 15 minutes would be too short, but I managed to find an opening and win. She almost dodged my Triangle Lancer a few times, but I never fail, so I was able to get a brilliant submission victory with my Triangle Lancer. I think anything can happen in this 5★STAR GP, so I will continue to win without letting my guard down."