April 10, 2021 “CINDERELLA TOURNAMENT 2021”

"CINDERELLA TOURNAMENT 2021"
April 10th (Sat) Korakuen Hall (Attendance: 606 people / Limited number due to COVID-19 measures)

Match Results

◆~Beginning Fight~ Single Match 15-minute time limit, one fall
Hinan	6 minutes 24 seconds, pinfall	Lady C

◆Cinderella Tournament Round 1: 15-minute single fall match
Himeka	6 minutes 37 seconds JP Coaster → Single Leg Crab Hold	Hannan

◆Cinderella Tournament Round 1: 15-minute single fall match
Maika	8 minutes 27 seconds OTR	wavelet

◆Cinderella Tournament Round 1: 15-minute single fall match
Eel and Sayaka	6 minutes 51 seconds OTR	Tora Natsuko

◆Cinderella Tournament Round 1: 15-minute single fall match
Rinan	4 minutes 40 seconds OTR	AZM

◆Cinderella Tournament Round 1: 15-minute single fall match
Starlight Kid	6 minutes 23 seconds OTR	Watanabe Momo

◆Cinderella Tournament Round 1: 15-minute single fall match
Iwatani Mayu	4 minutes 16 seconds, neck hold	It's Fukigen★

◆Cinderella Tournament Round 1: 15-minute single fall match
Julia	4 minutes 21 seconds Northern Lights Bomb → Single Leg Boston Crab	Ryue Summer

◆Cinderella Tournament Round 1: 15-minute single fall match
Utami Hayashishita	8 minutes 59 seconds German Suplex Hold	Shirakawa Mina

◆Cinderella Tournament Round 1: 15-minute single fall match
Kamiya Saya	5 minutes 48 seconds OTR	Nakano Tam

◆Cinderella Tournament Round 1: 15-minute single fall match
Juri	9 minutes 26 seconds Buzzsaw Kick → Single Leg Boston Crab	Natsu-poo

Match Details Report

◆~Beginning Fight~ Single Match 15-minute time limit, one fall
Hinan	6 minutes 24 seconds, pinfall	Lady C

The match lineup changed several times. Initially, a four-way battle was scheduled between Hanan , Hinan , Rinami , and Lady C, but it was changed to a three-way battle when Hanan, a tournament reserve, decided to enter. Furthermore, on the day of the event, Saki Kashima withdrew, and Rinami entered the tournament. As a result, a singles match between Hinan and Lady C was scheduled as the first match.

　From a lock-up, Hinami goes for Lady's arm, but Lady gets it back and twists it. After a struggle for the arm, Hinami gets a headlock and three consecutive dropkicks. Lady kicks out, and Hinami charges in with a corner attack. Lady dodges and delivers a big boot. Hinami kicks out, and Lady delivers a series of stomps followed by a body slam with a long hang time. She slams her again, but Hinami's shoulders are raised. Lady tries to force a submission with a reverse Boston crab, but Hinami escapes. Lady taunts and they exchange elbows. Hinami charges, and Lady tries to stop her, but Hinami holds on and slams her to the mat. She slams her again, but Lady kicks out. Lady also tries a Kawazu Drop, but only gets a two count. She tries a choke slam, but Hinami counters with a Gedo Clutch. Lady kicks out, and Hinami goes for a series of roll-ups. Hinami charges, dodges a big boot, and goes for a hip throw. Lady also tries a series of judo throws, but she manages to withstand them. Hinami announced her finishing move, lifted Lady up, and slammed her forward. Lady was unable to kick out, and Hinami won

Cinderella Tournament Entrance Ceremony

◆Cinderella Tournament Round 1: 15-minute single fall match
Himeka	6 minutes 37 seconds JP Coaster → Single Leg Crab Hold	Hannan

　The 7th annual Cinderella Tournament, a spring tradition, has begun. Until now, the winner was decided in a single day tournament, but this year, for the first time in history, it will be held in two separate tournaments, with a record20participants. Kicking off the tournament is the first round match between Himeka and Hanan. Iida Saya suffered a left knee injury in her match at Yokohama Budokan on April 4th and has had to withdraw from the tournament, so reserve Hanan will take her place. This is a big opportunity for Hanan, who has recently grown noticeably bigger. Her opponent is the large Himeka, so an exciting match is expected. It would be thrilling if reserve Hanan couldthe firstround, but for Himeka, who has just lost the Goddess Championship, this is a golden opportunity to make a comeback. Although this is her first time participating in the Cinderella Tournament, last year's single league tournament, the 5★STAR GP, was a breakthrough stage for her, as she was the runner-up in her first appearance. For that reason, her goal this time is nothing less than to win the championship. Having shifted their focus from tag team matches to singles matches, they will likely aim to steadily advance past the first round.

　Hana offers a handshake, but Himeka refuses. When the gong sounds, Hana unleashes a series of dropkicks, but Himeka sends her flying with a single shoulder tackle. Himeka corners Himeka and delivers a barrage of reverse chops, shouting, "Gori-chan, I'm waiting for you!", but Hana retaliates by hitting Himeka in the chest. However, Himeka quickly counterattacks, slamming Hana onto the ground with a body slam. Himeka withstands Hana's series of elbows and gets back up. Hana tries to throw Himeka, but Himeka resists. Himeka charges forward, and Hana throws her. Himeka throws Hana into the corner, and Hana delivers a body attack followed by an armlock. Hana stomps on Himeka's right arm. She twists Himeka's right arm and delivers an armbreaker followed by a kick. Hana charges forward and delivers a series of dropkicks, preventing Himeka from landing a lariat. Hana screams and attempts a body slam, but is thrown instead. Himeka applies a reverse figure-four leglock. When Hanan escapes, Himeka delivers a knee attack to the rear. She pulls Hanan up and charges, but Hanan jumps on her and applies an armbar. Hanan charges after a series of elbows, but Himeka catches her and performs a backflip. Hanan is lifted up and Himeka attempts a series of roll-ups. Hanan screams "It's over!" and tries to lift Himeka up, but Himeka hits her with a lariat from close range. She hits another one, but it's only a two count. So Himeka lifts Hanan up in an Argentine backbreaker and slams her down, signaling the finish. The referee counts to three, and Himeka advances to the next round

 

Himeka's comment

---First, we needthe firstround.

「1I suppose it's normal to be happy about advancing through the rounds, but if I lose here, there's really no future for me. I absolutely can't lose to Hanan or anyone like that. Is the tournament bracket out here?"

--But it hasn't been released yet

"I wonder why I'm not in it, and I don't know who I'll be competing against, but2021is me, Jumbo Princess Himeka."

—What was it like watching Hanan, whose body was getting bigger and bigger?

"That's right. Even though I've gotten bigger, when I use the same moves as before, they're incredibly powerful, and they can also quickly apply joint locks, so because I'm bigger, I'm more vulnerable to being caught off guard. I need to be careful in the future and make sure I don't lose."

—Were the chops during the match a message to Iida?

"Yes, that's right (laughs). Yes, Iida is out due to an accident during a match. Iida is a wrestler I respect, even though we're in different units, so I definitely want to have a singles match with her when she returns."

—Having lost the Goddess belt, is this tournament a fresh start for you?

"Well, that's true. Up until then, I had been focused solely on Goddess, so in singles, unlike in tag team, I only have myself as an ally."

So, I want to strengthen that area, and if I can achieve results in singles competitions as a result of that strengthening, I'd like to challenge for the Goddess title again."

--At the press conference you said you'd like to wear a big dress if you win, but are you still going to work?

"I have told them, but I don't know if the company will listen (laughs). If I'm small, I think I might end up with a dress that's a bit more form-fitting (laughs)."

◆Cinderella Tournament Round 1: 15-minute single fall match
Maika	8 minutes 27 seconds OTR	wavelet

　A clash of two highly skilled wrestlers, Maika and Konami, has been scheduled for the first round of the tournament. Maika recently lost the Goddesses of Stardom Championship in a match against her Donna del Mondo stablemate at the Yokohama Budokan on April 4th. This tournament immediately following that loss will be a chance for her to make a fresh start and showcase her abilities as a singles wrestler. On the other hand, Konami has had many opportunities up to this point, but has been unlucky in the singles scene, failing to win a title or a championship when it mattered most. With her tag team partner Bea Priestley having left Stardom, it may be necessary for her to change direction and focus on singles wrestling. This match will be a fresh start for both Maika and Konami. Who will advance to the second round?!?

　The match starts with a ground battle, with Konami going for an armlock. Konami throws Maika into the ropes, and Maika responds with a shoulder tackle. Konami dodges Maika's lariat and lands a middle kick. Konami sends Maika out of the ring and follows up with a series of kicks, then slams her right shoulder into the ring post. Konami sits cross-legged in the center of the ring, waiting for Maika to return. When Maika returns, Konami stomps on her right arm. She pulls Maika's right arm to stand up and kicks her in the air in a taunt. Maika goes for a rock bottom and a cover, but Konami kicks out. Maika throws Konami into the corner and hits a lariat followed by a back drop. Maika kicks out, and Konami goes for an armbar. Maika counters with an armbar, but Konami quickly goes for an armbar of her own. Maika gets on top, but Konami gets behind her and applies an armbar. Maika counters the armbar and gets on top. Konami kicks out, and Maika goes for a brainbuster. Konami gets behind her and applies a modified cobra twist. Konami further tightens her grip on Maika's arms, taking her to the ground and applying a submission hold. Maika manages to reach the ropes, but Konami delivers a sliding kick. Konami corners Maika and delivers a dropkick to the head, followed by a brainbuster. When Maika kicks out, Konami jumps on her and applies an armbar and a triangle choke. Maika lifts Konami up and attempts an over-the-top throw. Konami applies a hanging armbar. Three minutes remaining. Konami climbs to the corner, but Maika drops her and charges. Konami pulls on the ropes, but Maika holds on. Konami pushes Maika onto the apron and takes her back. Maika escapes, but Konami delivers a high kick. Konami charges, and Maika lands an elbow, attempting a brainbuster over the ropes, but Konami grapples with her and forcefully executes a brainbuster. Konami falls, and Maika secures the over-the-top throw victory

 

Maika's comment

Ahh... First win. My opponent in the first round is Konami, a tough opponent, a difficult one. I lost an arm in the first round, but30th, no matter if I lose an arm or a leg, I will win the championship and become the empress of Stardom."

◆Cinderella Tournament Round 1: 15-minute single fall match
Eel and Sayaka	6 minutes 51 seconds OTR	Tora Natsuko

　One of the most dangerous matches in the first round is undoubtedly Unagi Sayakavs.Tora Natsuko. Unagi completed a seven-match series in February and also had an extra match against Kamitani Saya in Yokohama on April 4th. However, Unagi lost all of them. Realistically speaking, it's safe to say that the chances of Unagi winning this tournament are extremely low. But that's precisely why a major comeback here would be incredibly exciting. The Artist Champion is concerned about her leg injury, but she wants to seize some kind of opportunity in this tournament. That said, her opponent is Natsuko, so it won't be easy. At the press conference, Natsuko expressed her displeasure with this match. It is expected that she will resort to rough tactics with her sights set on the Artist Champion title match.

　Unagi launches a surprise attack with a series of elbow strikes. However, Natsuko overwhelms her with a spear elbow attack, a hair whip, and a face wash. Unagi throws an elbow but is knocked down by a middle kick from Natsuko. Natsuko stomps on Unagi's face and provokes her second, Shirakawa. Natsuko curses at the referee. After an exchange of elbows, Natsuko lands a headbutt. As Natsuko charges, Unagi hits a Codebreaker and a Face Crusher. Natsuko counters, and Unagi goes for a Daifuhen Hold. Natsuko reverses, but Unagi slams her forward. Natsuko reverses, and Unagi goes for the Daifuhen Hold again. Natsuko reverses, and they exchange elbows. As Unagi charges, Natsuko hits a lariat. Natsuko corners Unagi and hits a Cannonball and a Backflip. Natsuko picked up the downed Unagi and delivered a body slam followed by a frog splash. It looked like it was over, but Unagi raised her shoulder. Natsuko announced her finish and went for a diving guillotine. Unagi dodged it and delivered a heel drop, attempting to send Natsuko to the outside. She sent her to the apron, but Natsuko returned and delivered an elbow attack. Unagi retaliated, dodging a lariat and delivering an elbow, then evading Natsuko's charge by pulling on the ropes. Natsuko fell, and Unagi won by over-the-top

 

Comments about eels

"I did it... I did it! It's not like a regular singles match called OTR, but a win is a win! I'll keep winning from here and try to win the tournament and become Cinderella. I did it! Thank you!"

--Were you aiming for OTR?

"The difference in physique was huge, so I thought OTR was the only option. I was always, always aiming for it."

—I want to achieve results in singles as well. You got a result in the first round, didn't you?

"Yes, I was helped a lot by OTR, but I did manage to get one win in singles."

◆Cinderella Tournament Round 1: 15-minute single fall match
Rinan	4 minutes 40 seconds OTR	AZM

On the day of the match, Saki Kashima withdrew. As a result, the first round match between Kashima and AZM was changed to Rinami vs. AZM. Rinami is making its debut and has been given a big opportunity; can they seize this chance?

　Rinami attacks AZM as she enters the ring, slamming her into the fence and body-slamming her onto the mat outside the ring. Returning to the ring, she taunts AZM, "What's wrong!" As AZM enters, Rinami applies a Manji-gatame (figure-four hold) to force a submission. When AZM escapes, Rinami unleashes a series of judo moves. AZM throws an elbow, and Rinami responds with a big boot. AZM attempts a dropkick followed by a brainbuster. Rinami kicks out, and AZM quickly applies an armbar. When Rinami escapes, AZM charges in the corner, and as Rinami pushes her onto the apron, AZM attempts a dive, but Rinami kicks her up. AZM endures and returns to the ring, engaging in a series of roll-up attempts. As AZM charges, Konami pulls her leg from below the ring. Rinami attempts a jackknife pin, but only gets a two count. AZM goes for a high kick followed by an armlock. Rina manages to escape. AZM declares she's going for the finish and attempts a diving foot stomp, but Rina manages to get out of it on her own. AZM declares she's going for the finish again and heads to the corner. Natsuko interferes and delivers a foot stomp to Natsuko, and Rina drops a dropkick, sending AZM to the ground. Rina advances to the second round

 

AZM's comment

--But you lost in the first round

"I was planning to win the Cinderella Tournament, but I lost to Rina-chan, who was making her debut and was a last-minute replacement. It's really humiliating. Well, Rina-chan is similar to how I used to be, so I'd like to fight her again and teach her a lesson about how much of a brat I used to be."

 

Rinami's comment

--She was suddenly chosen to participate in the Cinderella Tournament andfirstmatch.

"Saki won the all-out battle between Oedo Tai and STARS. But I really couldn't do anything, and I felt that if I didn't win here, it would be meaningless. I'm aiming to be the youngest to wear the belt, so I want to win the Cinderella tournament as the youngest and become a 14- year-old Cinderella."

—What did you think when you found out you were going to participate?

"Honestly, I never thought I'd be chosen, and I felt I wasn't good enough yet, but when I was told I would be chosen, I decided I absolutely had to win so that I could seize this opportunity and take a step closer to my dream."

--With the help of her corner teammates, Natsuko and Konami

"I consider myself to be someone who exists because of the Oedo Tai, so I'm happy about that."

◆Cinderella Tournament Round 1: 15-minute single fall match
Starlight Kid	6 minutes 23 seconds OTR	Watanabe Momo

　Momoko WatanabeandStarlight Kid is a rematch of last year's first-round tournament bout. Last year, Momoko won, but recently Kid has secured a position as the number two in STARS, challenged for the white belt, and gained considerable experience, so she shouldn't be underestimated. Momoko, on the other hand, seems to be planning to win this tournament and reveal her wish. What exactly is it that Momoko wishes for? The winner of this match is likely to gain a significant boost in momentum.

　The gong sounds and Kid lands a series of elbows, to which Momo retaliates with a high kick. Kid dodges, but Momo also dodges the charge and lands a series of dropkicks in the corner. Momo lands a soccer ball kick followed by a middle kick. Momo stands firm and takes Kid's elbows. She drives Kid to the ropes, stomps on his throat, and says "I'm going to finish this" as she goes for a B-Driver. Kid dodges, but her 619 is caught and she is thrown onto the apron. Momo charges, but Kid dodges and pulls the ropes. Momo returns from the apron and lands a counter middle kick and a brainbuster. Kid dodges the Soumatou and lands a double knee attack from behind. Kid slams her down with a fisherman suplex, but it's only a two count. Kid climbs to the corner, but Momo cuts him off. Kid goes for a swinging DDT, but Momo goes for a B-Driver. Kid goes for a series of roll-ups and jumps, but Momo resists. Kid spins around, but Momo slams him down and hits her down with a Soumatou from behind. Kid kicks out of the way when Momo attempts a Soumatou from the front. Momo then hits a B-Driver from a Chicken Wing, but Kid counters it. Momo goes for a Dragon from a sleeper hold. As Momo climbs to the corner, Kid delivers a dropkick. Momo hits Kid with a high kick on the apron and attempts a B-Driver, but Kid hits a Kicchan Bomb. Momo falls, and Kid advances to the next round

 

Kid's comment

"I won the Cinderella Tournament2021against Momoko Watanabe! Last year she took me to the pinfall with her B-Driver, but I'm different this year. She did land a B-Driver on me, but my determination not to lose allowed me to return the B-Driver, and last year she countered my Kicchan Bomb with her B-Driver before finishing me off with another B-Driver, but this year I countered her B-Driver with my own Kicchan Bomb and finished her off with an OTR. Now that I've advanced to the second round, I'll aim for the finals and the championship, and I'll keep climbing the ladder like Cinderella!"

◆Cinderella Tournament Round 1: 15-minute single fall match
Iwatani Mayu	4 minutes 16 seconds, neck hold	It's Fukigen★

The all-out war between STARS and Oedo Tai took place in Yokohama on April 4th . Gokigen desu☆, who was defeated in the end, was forcibly transferred from STARS to Oedo Tai according to the rules, and his ring name was changed to Fukigen desu★. Therefore, this match will be Fukigen's first match as part of Oedo Tai. Ironically, his opponent is Mayu Iwatani, the leader of STARS. He has vowed to reclaim his Gokigen status on May 29th in Ota Ward, but he will undoubtedly be going into this match with mixed feelings. Will Fukigen fight as part of Oedo Tai, or will Iwatani be able to fight purely for the win? This is shaping up to be the most unpredictable match of the first round

　Natsuko leads Fukigen into the ring looking frightened, and he is ushered in. Below the ring, Natsuko threatens him by hitting the apron with an iron pipe. When Iwatani enters the ring, Fukigen looks like he's about to cry, but as she is being introduced, Fukigen attacks and drives him out of the ring. Fukigen uses heel tactics and slams Iwatani into the fence. Fukigen brings Iwatani back into the ring and ties him to the ropes, and Natsuko joins in. Fukigen shouts, "It's Fukigen!" and applies a camel clutch. He throws Iwatani into the corner and charges. Iwatani shouts, "Come back, Gokigen!" and responds to his charge with a big boot. Has he had a change of heart? He shouts, "It's Gokigen!" but this is a fake and he slams Iwatani. Iwatani dodges a brainbuster and delivers a low dropkick. They exchange elbows on the apron. Fukigen takes his hand and they walk along the ropes. Iwatani goes for the OTR, but Fukigen also gets onto the apron. Fukigen delivers a hellish thrust. She sweeps Iwatani's legs and tries to drop her. She grabs Iwatani's thrust kick and says, "I'm in the ring, Mayu-san, I'm feeling great," and offers a handshake. But this is also a fake. Iwatani rolls up her charge and the referee counts to three

 

Iwatani's comment

"Today wasfirstround of the Cinderella Tournament, and it was my first time facing Fukigen-san, but what was that, what on earth was that? I couldn't tell what he was thinking. Was Gokigen-san corrupted by evil? I don't know, I don't know (wry smile). I don't know."

--I think Iwatani had the expectation that she could fight while still in her cheerful mood (as STARS). Her ring name became unhappy after it was taken by Oedo Tai, but she thought she could still fight while remaining cheerful inside, right?

"That's right. I wanted to believe that she was still in good spirits, but she had completely become part of the Oedo Tai... I think she kept saying 'Mayu-san, Mayu-san,' but maybe that was just a way for her to deceive herself? I don't know what Gokigen-san is like anymore."

—So your desire to get it back hasn't changed?

"Of course. I definitely want to get Gokigen-san back and have him return to STARS, and have him support STARS again as Gokigen-san. That's why I want to get him back. In just a few days he's become such a heel, or rather, to Oedo Tai... But even after the match, Tora Natsuko scolded Gokigen-san and dragged him home. I don't understand... Maybe he's not a member of Oedo Tai after all? I don't know, I don't know, Fukigen-san."

—You've advanced past the first round, so I think you'll be aiming to reclaim the Cinderella Tournament championship

"I had two consecutive victories in the past, which was a brilliant two years. Since then, I've changed since the Cinderella Tournament, so I want to make a comeback. There are still belts that I'm aiming for."

◆Cinderella Tournament Round 1: 15-minute single fall match
Julia	4 minutes 21 seconds Northern Lights Bomb → Single Leg Boston Crab	Ryue Summer

The first round match is between Giulia of Donna del Mondo and Ryukana of Oedo Tai . Giulia defeated her stablemates Maika & Himeka in a match at Yokohama on April 4th, and together with Syuri, won the Goddesses of Stardom Championship for the first time. Having just become tag team champions, she will be taking on the singles tournament right away. Last year, Giulia won the tournament on her first appearance, and this year she is aiming to become the first person since Mayu Iwatani to win the Cinderella Tournament twice in a row. Her opponent in the first round is Ryukana, who has joined Oedo Tai. Originally, Bea Priestley was scheduled to take her place, but she will be leaving Stardom after Yokohama on April 4th, so reserve Ryukana has been entered. Giulia boasts that "it will be an impressive feat if she can last three minutes," but for Ryukana, this is a golden opportunity to cause a major upset. She will need to make use of the tournament's rules and the presence of seconds, and have an unwavering determination to win.

　Ryuka launched the first attack, but Giulia went for a back drop. Ryuka resisted and slammed her to the mat, then delivered a big boot. Ryuka attempted a fisherman suplex, but Giulia kicked out. Ryuka declared she would finish the match with a body slam and headed to the corner. She attempted a freezer bomb, but Giulia kicked it in with her knee. She went for a dropkick, but Ryuka kicked out. Giulia then finished the match with a Northern Lights Bomb

◆Cinderella Tournament Round 1: 15-minute single fall match
Utami Hayashishita	8 minutes 59 seconds German Suplex Hold	Shirakawa Mina

　Utami Hayashishita, wearing the red belt, will face first in the Cinderella Tournament as champion against first-time entrant Mina Shirakawa. For Utami, winning is paramount. After conquering the tournament, she intends to nominate Syuri as the next challenger for the World of Stardom Championship. Shirakawa, on the other hand, holds the Artist of Stardom Championship as part of a trio with Tam Nakano and Sayaka Unagi, but has virtually no singles experience. Therefore, she is aiming for a surprise victory by taking down a big name in this tournament. Shirakawa's goal is to win the tournament and challenge for the singles belt. If she defeats Utami here, the possibility of challenging for the red belt will suddenly increase…

　As Utami entered the ring and climbed to the corner, Shirakawa attacked her with a series of elbows and stomps. She then hit a neckbreaker drop, but Utami countered with a dropkick from close range. Utami slammed Shirakawa with a series of body slams, but Shirakawa kicked out. Utami stomped on Shirakawa repeatedly, stepping on her face. She took her to the center and delivered a dropkick from behind. Shirakawa kicked Utami, who was on the defensive with a series of cover attempts. Utami kicked Shirakawa in the face, saying, "What's wrong?" and "Show me you're gonna do it." As Shirakawa charged, Utami hit her with an elbow. As Utami charged, Shirakawa responded with a dropkick to the knee, a flying cross attack, a corner elbow attack, and a dropkick from the side. She then dodged Utami's lariat and delivered a hurricanrana followed by a Kawazu Otoshi and a Kesa Gatame. Utami escaped, and Shirakawa, full of energy, headed to the corner. Utami caught up and dropped her with a Deadly Drive. As Utami climbed onto the corner, Shirakawa shouted "Don't underestimate me" and delivered a series of elbows. She made Utami recoil and charged forward. However, Utami unleashed a big boot from the corner. Shirakawa pulled Utami back and delivered a DDT. She followed up with a series of elbows, including one from behind. But Utami fought back. Shirakawa attempted an Implant DDT, but Utami resisted and countered with a backflip. Shirakawa went for an elbow, and Utami fought back. After an exchange of elbows, Shirakawa charged forward, but Utami hit a lariat. Shirakawa countered with an aerial body slam. Three minutes remaining. Shirakawa climbed onto the corner and delivered a diving elbow. She shouted "I got you!" and delivered an Implant DDT. Utami countered, and Shirakawa took her back. Utami resisted, dodged a lariat, and applied a sleeper hold. Two minutes remaining. Shirakawa escaped, but Utami took her back. Shirakawa countered with a series of roll-ups. Utami landed a lariat and a bat-hanging drop. After getting behind her opponent, she declared it was the finish and delivered a German suplex. The three count was made, and Utami advanced to the second round

 

Comment from Utami

"The first round might not go smoothly, but I will win safely and advance to the second round. I really dislike troublesome women, but I don't dislike Shirakawa Mina, that passionate woman. I wasn't interested in Shirakawa Mina at all, to the point that I only found out she was my contemporary when she told me, but after seeing Shirakawa Mina today, I thought she might be a pretty good player. Well, there are still many areas where she can't reach my level, so maybe next year? The year after? A few years from now, when we play against each other again, I hope she will entertain me even more. I will continue the Cinderella Tournament and win the championship."

—What did you like about Shirakawa?

"What can I say? When I looked into Mina Shirakawa's eyes during the fight, I really felt that she wasn't giving up. I thought her attitude and expression as she kept coming at me until the very end were really great."

—You're holding your nose right now

"What is this? I'm not sure what she used to hit me, but I didn't have high expectations of her at first. But I could really feel how determined she was to go this far and make me bleed. My nosebleed wouldn't stop..."

—Do you feel that you have to win this year as the (red belt) champion?

"That's right. This is a singles tournament, so of course, I, Utami Hayashishita, who holds the highest singles belt, should win, or rather, I'm going into this tournament with the feeling that winning is a given."

◆Cinderella Tournament Round 1: 15-minute single fall match
Kamiya Saya	5 minutes 48 seconds OTR	Nakano Tam

　Tam Nakano and Saya Kamitani will clash in the first round. Nakano has just successfully defended her Wonder of Stardom Championship for the first time, while Kamitani challenged for the World of Stardom Championship at the Nippon Budokan on March 3rd but was unsuccessful in her first title win. The two have had contrasting fortunes in the singles scene, but they have a story that goes back to before their debuts. Kamitani says that Nakano was a distant figure to her, but Nakano even envies Kamitani's talent. This is a great match that wouldn't be out of place if they were competing for the white belt. The winner will likely be much closer to reaching the finals

　Nakano hits a soccer ball kick followed by a middle kick. Kamitani catches it and counters with a dropkick. Kamitani applies a reverse Boston crab to force a submission. Nakano escapes and Kamitani charges in and hits a dropkick to the back. Nakano kicks out and Kamitani hits a lariat. Nakano dodges and rolls Kamitani up for a back drop. Nakano hits a knee attack to the back of the head. Kamitani throws Nakano into the corner and charges. Nakano dodges and hits a sleeper hold from the corner while hanging upside down. Nakano throws Kamitani onto the apron and hits a Destiny Hammer. Kamitani dodges and kicks Nakano away. Both wrestlers exchange elbows on the apron. Kamitani tries to throw Nakano but Nakano gets behind him. Kamitani resists and Nakano gets into a Tiger Suplex position. Nakano hits a thrust kick followed by a German suplex. Nakano enters the ring and stomps on Kamitani. He charges in but Kamitani jumps on him with a swan dive and throws Nakano down. Nakano was disqualified, and Kamiya won

 

Comment from Kamitani

"I was able to defeat Tam-san in the first round of the Cinderella Tournament. Back then, Tam-san seemed so far away, so unattainable, but she always looked at me from the same perspective. Today, I felt like I was able to face her head-on in a real wrestling match. This time I managed to get over the ropes, but next time I want to surpass Tam-san in the truest sense. If I win this Cinderella Tournament, I think I'll see a lot of new hope and a bright future. I want to keep winning from here and become the tournament champion."

◆Cinderella Tournament Round 1: 15-minute single fall match
Juri	9 minutes 26 seconds Buzzsaw Kick → Single Leg Boston Crab	Natsu-poo

The final match of the first round of the tournament is a one-on-one showdown between Shuri and Natsupoi, both making their debut in the Cinderella Tournament. Moreover, it's a Donna del Mondo stablemate showdown. SWA World Champion Shuri won the Goddesses of Stardom Championship with Giulia at Yokohama on April 4th, becoming a double champion. On the other hand, High Speed ​​Champion Natsupoi challenged Tam Nakano for the white belt but was defeated, failing to become a double champion. These two will clash in the first round of the tournament, and Natsupoi looks up to Shuri so much that she calls her "Shuri-neechan" (older sister Shuri). The two have had a relationship since before joining Stardom, including performing together on stage. Will Shuri win this match and take another step towards challenging Utami for the red belt, or will Natsupoi, who is aiming to win the tournament on her first appearance, crush Shuri's ambitions?

　As Shuri extends her hand and they shake hands, Natsupoi goes for a series of roll-ups. Shuri drives Natsupoi to the ropes for a break, and Natsupoi slaps her. Shuri throws Natsupoi into the ropes, but Natsupoi dodges and delivers a roundhouse kick. Shuri sends Natsupoi flying with a shoulder tackle, but Natsupoi dodges and jumps on her with a backlash. Shuri catches her and slams her to the side. Shuri delivers a dropkick from the front, a running knee, a front neck chancery, and an armbar. Natsupoi escapes, and Shuri follows up with a series of stomps. Natsupoi lands a series of elbows, but Shuri stands firm. Shuri delivers a big boot, then locks Natsupoi in the ropes and applies a chin lock. She kicks Natsupoi in the hip and goes for a one-legged cover. Natsupoi kicks out, and Shuri delivers a powerful soccer ball kick. Natsupoi kicks out, and Shuri delivers a series of middle kicks and stomps on her face. Natsupoi retaliates with a series of dropkicks and goes for the cover, but Shuri kicks out and Natsupoi stomps on her right knee. Shuri throws Natsupoi into the corner but Natsupoi uses an arm whip followed by a stretch muffler. Shuri escapes and five minutes have passed. Natsupoi puts Shuri's right leg on the ropes and applies a chokehold. She goes to the apron and delivers a series of elbows to Shuri's right knee, then a dragon screw. In the center of the ring, she delivers a series of stomps to Shuri's right knee. Shuri lands an elbow, and Natsupoi retaliates. Shuri lands a series of knees and Natsupoi climbs to the corner and delivers a dropkick to the apron and delivers a series of dropkicks. A sliding kick nearly sends Shuri off but she dodges the dropkick. Shuri delivers a diving guillotine from the corner. Three minutes remaining. Shuri slams Natsupoi onto the mat but only gets a two count. Shuri lifts Natsupoi but is rolled up. Natsupoi continues to roll up Shuri. Shuri escaped from a series of Magistral cradles. Two minutes remaining. Natsupoi applied an Achilles lock. Shuri escaped, and Natsupoi took her back. Shuri countered, and they grappled for the back. Shuri delivered a high kick as Natsupoi charged. Natsupoi retaliated, and Shuri kicked her in the face with one minute remaining. Shuri landed a buzzsaw kick for the three count

Shuri: "I've made it through the first round of the Cinderella Tournament . It's been about five years since my last singles match against Natsupoi, and I'm happy to be able to compete again after so long. But, but, what's with shaking hands and then immediately rolling me up? I was totally freaked out! But, I thought, that's my little sister for you. Thank you for today."

They exchanged handshakes and then hugs

Shuri: "Let's push each other to improve again starting tomorrow, okay? Um,secondround of the Cinderella Tournament is on April30th. I want to face Utami Hayashishitathe secondround. I intend to win there, become the champion of the Cinderella Tournament, and get the red belt. I will make Stardom an exciting world. And that will be the beginning of Shuri's world. So everyone, please look forward to it! Himeka, Maika, Giulia, Natsupoi, and Shuri. The women who will start the world, Donna del Mondo. Salamat po, thank you everyone!"

Comment from Juri

"I've made it through the first round of the Cinderella Tournament. I've declared my challenge for the red belt, so I can't afford to lose here. I will definitely win the Cinderella Tournament. I'd like to face Utami Hayashishita in the second round. Please, company, make that happen. I'll win the tournament and claim the red belt for myself. I'll start a new era of red and make Stardom an exciting place. I will definitely achieve it."

 

Natsupoi's comment

--After competing against Shuri

"The last time we fought (in a singles match) was about five years ago, so I wanted to show everyone that I'm completely different now, and I've had so many chances to see Shuri up close, so I've been thinking about countermeasures, but each of her blows is so powerful, and it was really tough when I got hit even once. It was hard to recover."

—So, what kind of person is Akari?

"She's truly someone I respect as a person and as a professional wrestler; she's like an older sister I admire and am proud of."

—What kind of situation would you like to have your next singles match in?

"As long as we're both in DDM, I don't think there will be many opportunities for us to have a match against each other. Shuri currently holds the belt, and I also hold a belt, so I want to grow as a wrestler so that we can have a match where we put the belts on the line. Once I've improved even more, I'd like to challenge her again."