5★STAR GP 2019
August 18th (Sun) Shinkiba 1stRING (Attendance: 345 people = Sold out)
Match Results
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◆Tag TeamMatch, 20-minute time limit, one fall. |
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○Rinnan |
5 minutes 14 seconds, |
Reo Onozaki |
| Kamiya Saya |
Hinan |
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◆ 6-person tag team match, 20-minute time limit, one fall |
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○Jungle Shout-Woman |
4 minutes 43 seconds |
Kashima Saki |
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Riho |
Starlight Kid |
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| Ruaka |
Saya Iida● |
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◆Red Stars official league match 15 minutes 1 match |
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| Momoko Watanabe <2 points> |
4 minutes 22 seconds |
Everly <0 points> |
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◆Red Stars official league match 15 minutes 1 match |
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| Hana Kimura <4 points> |
7 minutes 31 seconds, |
Summer Violet <0 points> |
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◆Blue Stars Official League Match 15-minute single match |
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| Jamie Hayter <4 points> |
5 minutes 45 seconds |
Andras Miyagi <0 points> |
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◆Blue Stars Official League Match 15-minute single match |
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| Kagetsu (2 points) |
8 minutes 48 seconds |
Tora Natsuko <0 points> |
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◆Red Stars official league match 15 minutes 1 match |
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| Mayu Iwatani <2 points> |
5 minutes 4 seconds, |
AZM <0 points> |
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◆Red Stars official league match 15 minutes 1 match |
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| Tam Nakano <2 pieces> |
5 minutes 48 seconds |
Hazuki <2 points> |
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◆Blue Stars Official League Match 15-minute single match |
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| Bea Priestley <4 points> |
Queen's Landing at 7 minutes 29 seconds |
Small wave <2 points> |
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◆Blue Stars Official League Match 15-minute single match |
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| Utami Hayashishita <4 points> |
11 minutes 52 seconds |
Arisa Hoshiki <0 points> |
Match Details Report
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◆Tag TeamMatch, 20-minute time limit, one fall. |
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○Rinnan |
5 minutes 14 seconds, |
Reo Onozaki |
| Kamiya Saya |
Hinan |
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This is the third match for the highly anticipated rookie Saya Kamitani, who made her debut at Korakuen Hall on August 10th. She will be teaming with Rina from TCS to face Reo and Hina Onozaki from Queen's Quest. The previous day she appeared in a six-person tag team match, but this will be her first tag team match. What will these young wrestlers show us in this battle?
Only Kamiya offers a handshake, but neither of the QQ members respond. The match starts with Kamiya and Hinami as the first to go. After a struggle for a neck hold, Hinami takes the match to the ground. Hinami calls in Onozaki and they unleash a series of spear attacks. Onozaki lands a series of elbows on Kamiya. Kamiya retaliates, and they exchange elbows. Kamiya slips past Onozaki and lands a dropkick followed by a sickle hold. Hinami breaks up the hold, and Rinami throws Onozaki out of the ring. Kamiya then puts Onozaki in a reverse Boston crab. Onozaki escapes, and Rinami enters the ring with a hair whip followed by a figure-four leglock. Hinami breaks up the hold and teams up with Onozaki. Rinami slips past Kamiya and they exchange dropkicks. Onozaki hits Rinami with a neckbreaker and hands the ball over to Hinami. Hinami slams Rinami onto the mat and teams up with Onozaki for a combined attack. Rina attempts to pin Hinami, but the hold is broken up. Hinami goes for a tomoe nage followed by an armbar. Hinami and Rina then try to pin each other in a reverse pin. Kamitani comes to the rescue with a dropkick. Rina uses the momentum to pin Hinami with a bridge and gets the three count. This is Kamitani's first victory in her third match since her debut
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◆ 6-person tag team match, 20-minute time limit, one fall |
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○Jungle Shout-Woman |
4 minutes 43 seconds |
Kashima Saki |
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Riho |
Starlight Kid |
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| Ruaka |
Saya Iida● |
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The second match is a mixed six-person tag team match between Saki Kashima, Starlight Kid, and Saya Iida against Jungle Kyona, Riho, and Ruaka. Kashima and Kyona, who are entered in the 5★STAR GP, are also part of this team. High Speed Champion Riho will also be participating, following her appearance the previous day
STARS offers a handshake, but only Riho accepts. The match starts with Kid and Riho engaging in a high-speed exchange of pinning attempts. Iida and Ruaka enter and engage in a test of strength with a lock-up. Iida delivers a series of elbows followed by a charge and a dropkick. Ruaka counters with a shoulder tackle. Kyoka and Ruaka deliver shoulder tackles, Riho gives a foot stomp, Kyoka gives a body press, and Ruaka returns with another shoulder tackle. Kashima delivers a dropkick to Ruaka. She hits Kyoka and Riho with a face crusher. Kid follows with a standing moonsault. Kashima and Kid try to throw Ruaka, but are hit with a cross body. Kashima delivers a counter big boot to Ruaka. Iida delivers five consecutive dropkicks to Kyoka. Kyoka retaliates, and Iida prepares for a body slam. Kashima and Kid assist, and Iida delivers a missile kick to Kyoka. Iida attempted a reverse pin. Kashima delivered a big boot to Kyoko, who resisted. Iida went for the pin but only got a two count. As Iida went for the Iidabashi, Riho saved Kyoko with a foot stomp. Kyoko then delivered a diving body press to Iida. Iida couldn't kick out, and Kyoko won
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◆Red Stars official league match 15 minutes 1 match |
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| Momoko Watanabe <2 points> |
4 minutes 22 seconds |
Everly <0 points> |
Watanabe Momo, who lost to Hazuki in the opening match, will clash with Everly, who is making her first appearance in Japan, in an official match. This is a match that Momo absolutely cannot lose if she wants to win her first championship, but it is impossible to predict what kind of match it will be as there is no information about her opponent. Everly's strength will likely be revealed through Momo, the former Wonder of Stardom champion
From a four-point stance, Momo delivers a low kick. She grabs Everly's arm, but Everly regains control. After a struggle for the arm, Momo goes for a headlock and takes Everly to the ground. Everly escapes and Momo delivers a dropkick. Everly lands a series of elbows followed by a knee to Momo's face. Everly lands a series of elbows and drives Momo into the corner. Momo reverses the situation and delivers a missile kick followed by a series of corner dropkicks. Everly counters and Momo hits a Northern Lights suplex. Momo counters with a lariat from close range. Momo clears the flying lariat. Momo counters with a middle kick. Everly catches the kick and bridges into a Nelson suplex. Everly climbs to the corner, but Momo follows up with a high kick, a deadly drive, and a PK. Momo is countered and attempts a brainbuster. Everly reverses the move and puts Momo on the ropes, then delivers a foot stomp from the corner. Everly lifts Momo up, but Momo dodges and applies a sleeper hold. She slams Momo down with a Peach Sunrise for the three count. Momo secures her first league victory in her second match
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◆Red Stars official league match 15 minutes 1 match |
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| Hana Kimura <4 points> |
7 minutes 31 seconds, |
Summer Violet <0 points> |
The official match between Hana Kimura and Sumire Natsu, whose fortunes were decided in the opening match the previous day, saw Hana secure two points against Tam Nakano, while Natsu was pinned by AZM, who was making her debut, resulting in a scoreless start. A win for Hana would give her a strong start to the season with two consecutive wins, while a loss would put Natsu in a difficult position. Both have publicly declared their intention to compete in singles matches separate from their unit rivalries, making this a match that will truly test their abilities as singles players
Natsu enters the ring and attacks Hana, who is positioned on the corner, sending her tumbling out of the ring. The bell rings and the match begins. Natsu waits in the ring for Hana to return. As Hana enters, Natsu delivers a series of knee strikes to her stomach. Natsu knocks Hana down with an elbow and then hits a neckbreaker drop. Hana drops a dropkick at Natsu's charge. Hana stomps on Natsu's face and attacks her near the ropes. She stops Natsu's movement and stomps on her while pulling her hair. She slams Natsu down and then goes for a Campana. She shakes Natsu, shouting, "Take a picture!" Hana stands defiantly in front of Natsu. "Comical! Try it!" Natsu is provoked and hits an elbow. Hana retaliates with a big boot. Hana goes for a one-legged cover but Natsu kicks out. Natsu hits another elbow, shouting, "Don't mess with me!" Hana spits, drawing boos from the crowd. Natsu hits another big boot, shouting, "Don't mess with me!" She pins Hana against the ropes and hits another big boot from behind. Natsu slammed Hana with a suplex, but only got a two count. Natsu shouted, "Stop messing around!" and landed a series of mounted punches. Hana countered with a series of elbows. Five minutes had passed. Natsu pulled Hana's hair and applied a dragon sleeper. She pulled Hana up and slammed her onto the mat. Hana kicked out, and Natsu went for a brainbuster. Hana countered, but Natsu went for a berserker. Hana countered again with a figure-four leglock. She took it to the ground and applied an armlock. Natsu tapped out, giving Hana her second consecutive win
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◆Blue Stars Official League Match 15-minute single match |
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| Jamie Hayter <4 points> |
5 minutes 45 seconds |
Andras Miyagi <0 points> |
Andras Miyagi and Jamie Hayter face off in a match between fellow Oedo Tai members. In the opening match, Andras suffered a defeat against the red belt champion Bea Priestley, while Hayter earned a victory by handing the undefeated white belt champion Arisa Hoshiki her first loss. The two have had contrasting starts, but it's only their second match. What will be the outcome of this match between fellow members?
First, Andras pretends to shake hands but pulls back. After some feeling each other out, Andras grapples, but Hayter takes him to the ground. Andras applies a body scissors. Hayter lifts him up and carries him to the ropes. They break, and Hayter looks confident. From a lock-up, Andras takes Hayter's back, but Hayter counters with a neck lock. Andras counters with a front neck lock. They take the match to the ground from a standing position, and Andras grabs Hayter's leg. Andras kicks and goes for a sleeper hold. Hayter gets on top and pulls him up. Hayter tries to bait him, and they exchange elbows. Andras hits a series of elbows and a corner attack. Hayter dodges and slams him into the corner with a brainbuster. Hayter tries for a brainbuster, but Andras counters and puts him in a sleeper hold. Hayter escapes, and Andras puts him on the top rope and delivers a swing neckbreaker. Andras puts Hayter back in a sleeper hold when he kicks out. Five minutes have passed. Hayter escapes, and Andras tries for a Tombstone Piledriver. Hayter reversed the situation and delivered a pill driver followed by a brainbuster-style backbreaker. Andras couldn't kick out, giving Hayter his second consecutive win of the season
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◆Blue Stars Official League Match 15-minute single match |
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| Kagetsu (2 points) |
8 minutes 48 seconds |
Tora Natsuko <0 points> |
Kagetsu lost her opening match against Konami for the second year in a row. Her second match, a fresh start, will be against Tora Natsuko, in her first official match. This match is also a clash between members of the Oedo Tai stable, but in the Artist of Stardom Championship match at Korakuen Hall on August 10, Natsuko turned against Kagetsu. Although it's not a falling out between them, Natsuko stated at the press conference that her target in the league tournament is Kagetsu. For that reason, a fierce battle is expected. The day before, Kagetsu dug her own grave by pulling Konami up for a two-count after landing an Oedo Coaster. If she wants to win the tournament, she can't make the same mistake again. The league tournament has just begun, but given Natsuko's track record of hindering her own unit in past matches, Kagetsu will need to be more careful than ever
Kagetsu extends her hand, but there is no handshake. Natsuko charges and takes her outside the ring. Natsuko overwhelms Kagetsu in the outside brawl. When she returns to the ring, she grabs Kagetsu's hair and throws her out of the ring again. Kagetsu retaliates and drags Natsuko onto the stage. When Kagetsu tries to bring her back, Natsuko turns around and refuses. As soon as Natsuko brings her back, she drags her out of the ring again. Natsuko slams Kagetsu onto the ramp and then brings out an umbrella and a bucket to attack. Natsuko brings out a sash and puts it around Kagetsu. When she returns to the ring, she takes her out of the ring once more. Natsuko kicks referee Murayama and also goes outside the ring. Natsuko slams Kagetsu's forehead against the wall. She then uses the sash to hang Kagetsu in mid-air. Kagetsu is brought back into the ring and goes down. Natsuko covers her, but it's only a two count. Natsuko delivers a body slam followed by three consecutive frog splashes. Kagetsu kicks out and Natsuko ascends to the heavens. Kagetsu managed to retaliate, prompting Natsuko to complain to the referee. Natsuko then kicked Kagetsu in the stomach, signaling her finish. She attempted a diving guillotine, but Kagetsu countered with a mist spray from below followed by a Death Valley Bomb. The referee counted to three, giving Kagetsu the comeback victory
Kagetsu: "Hey Natsuko, wait a minute. Natsuko, you've changed. There are only two things I want to say to you in the ring today. Right now, I'm so glad that we selected you as a member of Oedo Tai in this year's draft. And one more thing. Listen carefully. Winning isn't everything. But only someone who keeps winning can say that. Natsuko, you haven't yet experienced the feeling of just continuing to win. So, focus on winning. But after you've tasted the sweetness of continuing to win, I want you to understand what it means that winning isn't everything. That's why I know you're frustrated. You lost again today, just like last week, and I know you're frustrated, but I want us to continue to work hard together in Oedo Tai. Thank you, Natsuko."
Kagetsu extended her hand for a handshake, and Natsuko returned the gesture with a bow, and the two embraced.
Natsuko's comment
--At the press conference, you said that your only target was Kagetsu
"It was ironic that those were the words she said to me on the microphone right after I lost. What I really wanted to say to Kagetsu was, 'Thank you for choosing me for Oedo Tai.' I've finally, finally been able to do so many things without holding back, I've been able to show my true self. Kagetsu was the first to see that and brought me this far. What I really wanted to say to her today was to win. Last week at Artist of Stardom, I lost. So I went into this 5★STAR tournament thinking I would win, but this is the result."
—Did you have the desire to challenge Kagetsu even before the Artist of Stardom title match? When did that feeling first emerge?
"Honestly, after I was selected for Oedo Tai and joined, there were things I had forgotten. But every time 5★STAR approached, I would remember things like last year's 5★STAR. Last year at 5★STAR, I had a match against Kagetsu, and she said to me that it would take just the length of one cup of ramen to defeat me. Three minutes would be enough. Those words have stayed with me ever since. It was incredibly humiliating. Our careers may be very different, but she hasn't seen everything I've gone through these past three years. I've also come this far by crawling through the mud, so when someone says something like that, of course you're going to hold a grudge. There are all sorts of things that happen in Stardom. There was also what happened with JAN, and I had forgotten about it for a while, but I remembered it at the recent Artist of Stardom after my match. I realized that I was feeling frustrated again this year."
—Even though you're from the same school, you deliberately chose to pit them against each other
"Well, yes. No matter which unit you're in or what era it is, people who are your contemporaries or from the same school are always special, in many ways."
--At the press conference, you said the Kagetsu match was everything. The league matches have only just begun. What will you do from here? Is Natsuko's 5★STAR GP over?
"Ah, ah... To be honest, it's the climax, but I can't give up, and, well, even if I could beat everyone I'll face from now on, I don't think I'd be happy with the 5★STAR in 2019. Because I lost to Kagetsu, that's all there is to it..."
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◆Red Stars official league match 15 minutes 1 match |
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| Mayu Iwatani <2 points> |
5 minutes 4 seconds, |
AZM <0 points> |
Mayu Iwatani, who suffered a surprising defeat against Saki Kashima in the opening match, will clash with AZM, who started with a win by pinning Sumire Natsu. Last year, Iwatani suffered consecutive losses at the start of the tournament but ultimately achieved her first championship. Nevertheless, consecutive losses are still tough. She cannot afford to make any mistakes if she wants to become the first ever to win two consecutive championships. On the other hand, AZM will be entering this match with momentum. Iwatani was also a wrestler who was far removed from the 5★STAR GP in the past. AZM is making her first entry in her sixth year, filling in for an absent wrestler. As she is in a similar situation to Iwatani in the league, she will be aiming for a big breakthrough this summer as Iwatani's follower
AZM chants filled the arena. After a struggle for an armlock, Iwatani delivered a soccer ball kick and then a reverse Boston crab. Iwatani followed with a foot stomp, a standing body press, and a body slam. AZM kicked out, and Iwatani threw her into the corner. AZM attempted a missile kick and tried to lift her up, but Iwatani resisted. AZM went for the Mystica armlock. Iwatani's foot got on the ropes, and AZM announced her finish with a spinning foot stomp to the arm followed by a brainbuster. AZM pinned her in a Boston crab, and after a series of counters, AZM delivered a jackknife pin. The pin attempts continued, but AZM managed to escape at the last moment and jumped on her from behind. Iwatani countered this as well and pinned her for the three count. Iwatani secured her first victory
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◆Red Stars official league match 15 minutes 1 match |
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| Tam Nakano <2 pieces> |
5 minutes 48 seconds |
Hazuki <2 points> |
The official match between Hazuki and Nakano Tam. Hazuki started strong with a win in the opening match, defeating her rival Watanabe Momo. Nakano, on the other hand, suffered a loss to Kimura Hana. If Hazuki wins, she will have a winning streak and be able to start strong again, just like last year. If Nakano wins, both will be tied at 1 win and 1 loss, which could set up a close contest
As Nakano dashes forward, Hazuki attempts a Hazukistral. Hazuki counters, but lands a dropkick, a Codebreaker, and a face wash. Hazuki easily lands another face wash. She then follows up with a backbreaker and a senton. Hazuki provokes Nakano and lands an elbow. They exchange elbows, with Hazuki landing a flurry of blows. Nakano attempts a flying armbar, but Hazuki escapes. Nakano charges forward with a knee attack followed by a back drop. Hazuki kicks out, and Nakano lands a Destiny Hammer followed by a Violet Shooting. Hazuki dodges, and Nakano rolls her up for a pin. Hazuki lands a DDT, a big boot, and a swan dive missile kick. When Nakano kicks out, she immediately goes for a face lock. She puts Hazuki on the corner and lands a modified Codebreaker. Five minutes have passed. She drops Nakano forward and lands a diving senton. Nakano kicks out, and Hazuki signals her finish. After a struggle for control of the back, Nakano lands a spin kick and a tiger suplex. The referee counted to three, giving Nakano his first victory
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◆Blue Stars Official League Match 15-minute single match |
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| Bea Priestley <4 points> |
Queen's Landing at 7 minutes 29 seconds |
Small wave <2 points> |
World of Stardom Champion Bea Priestley, who started the 5★STAR GP with a smooth winning streak, will face Konami in a one-on-one match in the official tournament. Konami faces another tough opponent after her match against Kagetsu the previous day, but if she can overcome this, her chances of reaching the finals will become a reality. Priestley, on the other hand, is aiming for a perfect record as the Red Belt champion. If she wins the tournament, she intends to nominate her next challenger. Even if that doesn't happen, Konami is also a candidate to be a contender for the Red Belt. This match could be a test case for a title match that may happen in the near future
When Prestley is called in, he gives the middle finger. The match starts without a handshake. Konami immediately goes for his leg. Konami unleashes a flurry of kicks near the ropes. He throws him with a fisherman suplex but only gets a two count. Prestley hits a double kick followed by a corner elbow attack and a brainbuster. Konami charges in with a dragon screw and kicks. She hooks Prestley's left leg on the ropes and tightens the hold. She follows up with a dropkick. Konami locks an ankle lock and takes Prestley's back. Prestley escapes and they exchange elbows. Konami charges in with a low kick but gets hit with a back drop. Konami dodges Prestley's charge but Prestley hits a knee from the apron and a foot stomp to the back from the corner. Konami counters and Prestley goes to the corner. Konami also climbs up and throws him with a superplex. Konami applies a stretch muffler. Five minutes have passed. Konami's opponent escapes but takes Prestley to the center and delivers a German suplex. Konami hits three consecutive high kicks to the head. However, Presley's hand gets on the ropes. Konami dashes forward and gets hit with a counter knee. Presley lands a series of knees and goes for a Queen's Landing. Konami is carried on Presley's shoulders and rolls him up for an ankle lock. Presley evades and lands a series of knee attacks. Konami escapes a modified back drop hold. Presley signals his finish and puts Konami on his shoulders. This is locked in and Konami can't escape, giving Presley his second consecutive win
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◆Blue Stars Official League Match 15-minute single match |
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| Utami Hayashishita <4 points> |
11 minutes 52 seconds |
Arisa Hoshiki <0 points> |
Wonder of Stardom Champion Arisa Hoshiki entered the league tournament undefeated in singles matches, but suffered a swift defeat to Jamie Hayter in the opening match, dropping a match point early on. Perhaps singles league matches are a different experience than before. Hoshiki's second match will be a fresh start, but it promises to be a tough fight against last year's runner-up, Utami Hayashishita. This will be the first singles match between the two. The day before, Hayashishita secured a referee stoppage victory over Jungle Kyona, getting off to a good start in her second 5★STAR GP. Hoshiki vs. Hayashishita is sure to be one of the most anticipated matches in the league, but what will the outcome be?
As the gong sounds, they slowly take steps forward. Hoshiki threatens to kick and tries to grapple, but Utami lands a series of low kicks. Utami is cornered but they break. Hoshiki raises her hand to invite Utami to grapple, and Utami responds by getting into a four-point stance. Utami gains the upper hand in the test of strength, but Hoshiki lands a low kick followed by a dropkick. Hoshiki charges into the corner and delivers a double knee, then another double knee to Utami's back. Utami kicks out, and Hoshiki kicks from the second rope. Utami kicks out again, and Hoshiki lands an elbow and a middle kick. Utami grabs her and lands a dropkick, a corner elbow attack, and a major outer reaping throw. Hoshiki dodges Utami's missile kick. Hoshiki kicks Utami twice in the face, sending her outside the ring. Hoshiki chases after her and delivers a double knee attack at ringside. Hoshiki makes a comeback at the count of 11. Utami survives at 16. Hoshiki climbs onto the corner and lands a 1399. Five minutes have passed as Utami retaliates. Hoshiki dashes forward, but Utami dodges and throws her with a German suplex. They exchange elbows while on their knees. The elbow battle continues even after they stand up. Hoshiki uses the ropes to counter with a knee. Utami puts Hoshiki in a sleeper hold. Hoshiki lands on her feet and jumps onto Utami's back as she attempts a reverse slam. Hoshiki tightens the sleeper hold, but Utami throws her forward and applies a sleeper hold of her own. Hoshiki escapes, but Utami lifts her up and delivers a perfect German suplex. Hoshiki counters, but Utami pulls her up and goes for an Argentine backbreaker. Hoshiki dodges and lands a high kick to her face. Utami endures, and Hoshiki lands a knee attack to her face. Hoshiki pulls her up and goes for a Brazilian backbreaker. Utami dodges and lands a lariat followed by a sleeper hold. Hoshiki manages to escape. Ten minutes have passed. Utami goes for an Argentine backbreaker again. Hoshiki counters and lands a high kick. Hoshiki yelled "Get up!" and delivered a high kick. Both were down, and Hoshiki pinned her down. Hoshiki lifted her up and slammed her forward, then delivered an AMADAS. Utami dodged and went for a sleeper hold. Utami helped her up and delivered a series of reverse slams. She shook her from an Argentine backbreaker and slammed her down. The referee counted to three, giving Hoshiki another loss and Utami another win
Utami: "I beat the White Champion! Yesterday (August 17th, Shin-Kiba) I beat Jungle Kyona, and today I beat the White Champion, Hoshiki Arisa, so I've won two matches in a row at 5★STAR. I'm going to keep winning and I'm going to win the 5★STAR championship this year! The next Shin-Kiba show is on September 7th and 8th, so please come and see me there and witness my victory. Believe in the present? Shine in the future? It's up to you who you believe in! Bow down to the queens!"
Comment from Utami
"Following my victory over Jungle Kyona yesterday, I've now beaten White Champion Hoshiki Arisa, making this a fantastic start to 5★STAR with two consecutive wins. Jungle Kyona and Hoshiki Arisa. If I can beat these two, then there's nothing to fear in 5★STAR, or rather, I don't think anyone can stop my momentum. I want to keep this momentum going and win all my remaining matches to become the champion of 5★STAR."
--How was it for Hoshiki?
"As expected of the White Champion, she was really strong, and more than anything, I thought Arisa Hoshiki was just a kicker, but that's not the case. She has mental strength, and her strength isn't just in her kicks, so I thought, 'She really is the White Champion.'"
—But you said you were going to get rid of that goofy smile?
"I think Arisa Hoshiki's goofy smile disappeared in the end. I was the one who got the three count and was smiling, so I think I completely outmaneuvered Arisa Hoshiki, both in the match and in her heart."
—You also started last year with two consecutive wins. You suffered your first loss in your third match against Kagetsu, though
"Yes, last year I was able to get my first win in the first match of 5★STAR, and that gave me momentum, but after two consecutive wins I lost to Kagetsu and experienced the bitterness of defeat for the first time. Since then I've become more serious about pro wrestling after experiencing the bitterness of losing in a match, and my desire not to lose has grown stronger, so I intend to go through this year's 5★STAR without knowing defeat, so I'm not worried about that."
—Which players should you be paying attention to in upcoming official matches?
"From here on, everyone has a reason to fight, so I guess it would have to be Kagetsu, who was the first person to beat me, and Jamie, who pinned me for three counts, even though it wasn't a one-on-one fight. And then there's Bea. I just lost to her the other day, so I'd like to get revenge and at the same time get a win for her."
Comment from Hoshiki
-- You entered the league tournament undefeated in singles matches and as the reigning champion with the white belt, but you started with two consecutive losses
"Well, this is reality. Personally, fans tell me it's okay because it's a league tournament, but for me, it's not that kind of issue. I put a lot of effort into each and every match, so people say it's dangerous to have such intense matches, but it's not that kind of issue. If my pro wrestling isn't like this, there's no point in doing it. Well, my neck is in bad shape after the match. It was bad yesterday too. But that's absolutely no excuse."
-- Are you experiencing neck pain?
"I'm still in pain. I've been in pain for a while, and it's been getting better and worse. It's been like this since before the league season started. I think it's been like this ever since I returned."
—Even so, you've been winning consistently in singles matches and defending your belt. But now you've suddenly suffered a string of losses. Is it different in a league format?
"I'm pretty mentally exhausted. I guess that's my current level of ability. Maybe I was letting my guard down? After winning my fourth title, I was saying things like that. I shouldn't have gotten carried away. I'm telling myself that, though (laughs)."
—There have been instances in the past where teams started with a losing streak but still went on to win the championship
"Well, there are those kinds of jinxes, aren't there? I'll switch gears and do my best, but originally, I've been able to overcome various things, and there's a lyric from my favorite band that goes, 'At first, let your opponent score a lot, and then make a comeback later. That's what the real game is about.' I've been living that way until now, and if I keep that mindset, I think I can win. Right now I've just lost, so I can't say 'I'm going to do it!', but I'll control my mental state like that and aim to win the Cinderella Tournament on my first appearance, and win this 5★STAR tournament on my first appearance as well."
-- How was it for Shimi?
"Wow, he's strong (laughs). What's up with that guy? The guy who was jungling was a monster, but this guy, I don't know? I can't put it into words. He has some kind of innate strength. I can't lose. If I ever get the chance to fight him one-on-one in the future, I'd like to get revenge, to use a common phrase. And I'd like to inflict even more damage on him."