"CINDERELLA TOURNAMENT 2024"
March 10th (Sun) Korakuen Hall (Attendance: 1344)
Match Results
| ◆Sakura Aya's comeback match: 15-minute single fall match | ||
| Kurei Sayaka |
9 minutes 19 seconds |
HANAKO |
| ○Mai Sakurai | Sakura Aya ● | |
| ◆10-man tag match, 20 minutes, one match | ||
| Yuzuki |
Win by disqualification in 7 minutes and 4 seconds. |
Watanabe Momo |
| ○Kogo peach | It's Fukigen★ | |
| Hazuki | Rinan | |
| Cogma | Ryue Summer | |
| Iwatani Mayu | Tora Natsuko ● | |
| ◆Cinderella Tournament 2024, Round 2, 15-minute single fall match | ||
| ○Mei Hoshirai |
4 minutes 45 seconds, |
Saya Iida● |
| ◆Cinderella Tournament 2024, Round 2, 15-minute single fall match | ||
| ○Ami Sorei |
6 minutes 9 seconds |
Yuna Mizumori |
| ◆Cinderella Tournament 2024, Round 2, 15-minute single fall match | ||
| ○ Hanan |
10 minutes and 17 seconds |
MIRAI● |
| ◆Cinderella Tournament 2024, Round 2, 15-minute single fall match | ||
| ○Starlight Kid |
12 minutes 32 seconds |
Suzuki Suzu |
| ◆6-person tag match 20 minutes 1 match | ||
| Anno Saori |
10 minutes 34 seconds |
Yagami Ranna● |
| ○ Summery | Kashima Saki | |
| Nakano Tam | Juri | |
| ◆8-Man Tag Team Match, 20-Minute Time Limit, One Fall | ||
| Gina |
13 minutes 20 seconds |
Amasaki Mitsuyu |
| Gassan Kazuka | Lady C● | |
| Shirakawa Mina | Kamiya Saya | |
| ○Maika | AZM | |
| ◆STRONG Women's Championship Match: 30-minute single fall match | ||
| <Challenger> |
11 minutes 30 seconds, |
<Champion> |
| ○ Stephanie Bakkel | Julia ● | |
*Second champion Giulia failed in her 10th title defense. Stephanie Buckel becomes the third champion
Match Details Report
Trainee Rian's debut is scheduled for March 30th in Sendai
Rian: "I'm Rian, and I'll be making my debut in Sendai on March 30th. Nice to meet you."
The match card will be announced at a later date.
| ◆Sakura Aya's comeback match: 15-minute single fall match | ||
| Kurei Sayaka |
9 minutes 19 seconds |
HANAKO |
| ○Mai Sakurai | Sakura Aya ● | |
Sakura Aya, who debuted in March of last year but had been absent since July, made her return match. The opponent was undecided, but following the results of the previous day, HANAKO, who also debuted that day, became her partner, and they faced the team of Sakurai Mai and Kurei Sayaka. Kurei is Sakura's junior, but she achieved her first singles victory the previous day in the Cinderella Tournament, albeit by disqualification. This match will be an opportunity for her to gain momentum as she aims for her first real victory in the second round. HANAKO lost to Hanan in the first round the previous day, so we can expect a big explosion of anger from her. Among them, Sakura must stand out the most. Can she shine the brightest in front of the Lady Sakurai?
The match starts with Sakura and Kurei. After a struggle for an arm hold, Sakura applies a headlock, dropkick, and soccer ball kick. Kurei dodges a kick from the front and lands a dropkick. HANAKO cuts off Kurei's charge by lifting Sakura onto her shoulders and slamming her onto Kurei. HANAKO delivers a series of body slams to Kurei. HANAKO grabs both of Kurei's legs, and Kurei desperately tries to escape. However, HANAKO hits her with a knee attack from behind. Kurei retaliates with a series of elbows. HANAKO knocks her down with one blow and charges in the corner. Kurei dodges and performs a swan dive arm whip from the apron. Sakurai delivers a series of elbows, and Sakura intervenes. Sakurai then hits both of them with a stunner. Sakurai puts HANAKO in a Paradise Lock, and then applies it to Sakura, immobilizing her. Kurei enters and stomps on both of them. Kurei stomps hesitantly, Sakurai calls her opponent a commoner, and they then exchange dropkicks. HANAKO lifts Sakurai onto her shoulders and corners her, delivering a running body attack and a knee drop. Sakura hits Sakurai with a spinning kick followed by a dropkick. Sakura throws a straight punch, but Sakurai retaliates with a dropkick and an STF. Sakura escapes, and Sakurai hits a big boot. Sakurai counters, and Sakurai heads to the corner, signaling her finish. HANAKO then cuts in and hits a deadly drive, and Sakurai and HANAKO hit a kick from both sides. Sakura hits a DDT, but it's only a two count. Sakura shouts "It's over!" and throws a spinning kick, but Sakurai counters it. Sakura goes for another one, but Sakurai dodges it. Sakura charges in after a series of elbows, but Sakurai hits a big boot. Sakurai signals her finish and goes for a brainbuster hold, but HANAKO makes the cut. Sakura counters Sakurai's brainbuster, and HANAKO hits a big boot, and Sakurai rolls her up. Sakurai kicks out at the last moment and hits a dropkick. Sakurai delivered a Shining Buster, and Sakura couldn't kick out, resulting in a three-count.
Sakura: "Hello everyone, it's been a long time! I'm finally back in the ring after eight months. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting for so long. Thank you for believing in me and waiting for me! HANAKO, thank you for teaming up with me. It was great to team up with you again... and with everyone. Thank you... Sakurai, thank you for being my opponent in my comeback match."
Sakurai: "Congratulations on your return! Can I say one thing? Sakura Aya, your name is too similar to mine! You fake! Practice more!"
Sakura: "Kurei, come here. There's something I want to tell you. I'll be the first to become a regular member of Kozuen. Nice to meet you. Thank you for the comeback match today. Please continue to enjoy yourselves."
Comments from Sakurai & Kurei
Sakurai: "Sakura, congratulations on your return. Your kicks were much more powerful than when we last fought, and it made me a little nervous (laughs). But I think you're still no match for me. Also, the Cinderella Tournament has started, and I'll be fighting against Amasaki Mitsuyoshi. It's a showdown between a supernova and a super lady, so please look forward to it. Well then, excuse me."
Kurei: "(Sakura) Congratulations on your return. I won my first tag team match. I'm so happy. Yesterday's match was very disappointing, but I got my first win, and I want to carry that momentum into today's tag team match and definitely win next week's Cinderella tournament as well. Lastly, I wasn't quite sure if she was a regular member, but I could tell that Sakura had a very serious look in her eyes. I hope we can become contemporaries from now on."
Comments from HANAKO & Sakura
HANAKO: "Congratulations. For the past eight months, I was worried about what might happen if you had lost heart, but I'm incredibly happy to see you looking so energetic today. Let's continue to do our best together, as we debuted on the same day."
Sakura: "Thank you. I'm so glad to be back in the Stardom ring after eight months. Thank you to all the fans who have waited for me for so long. I was pretty disheartened during my absence, but having my contemporary HANAKO there was a huge help. Having HANAKO as my partner in my comeback match was incredibly reassuring, and I was so happy, really happy. I could really feel the difference between us after those eight months, and HANAKO has grown so much. The sharpness and power of each of her moves have increased dramatically, and I felt the gap, but I want to close that gap and overtake her as quickly as possible."
| ◆10-man tag match, 20 minutes, one match | ||
| Yuzuki |
Win by disqualification in 7 minutes and 4 seconds. |
Watanabe Momo |
| ○Kogo peach | It's Fukigen★ | |
| Hazuki | Rinan | |
| Cogma | Ryue Summer | |
| Iwatani Mayu | Tora Natsuko ● | |
STARS' team of Mayu Iwatani, Hazuki, Koguma, Momo Kogo, and Yumizuki faced off against Oedo Tai's team of Natsuko Tora, Momo Watanabe, Ruanka, Rina, and Fukigen Desu★ in a 10-person tag team match. The day before, Kogo made her return after a six-month absence. STARS formed a new team for the first time in a while, welcoming Kogo back into the team.
As Iwatani was called last, Oedo Tai attacked. Oedo Tai targeted Yumizuki. Rina and Momo stomped on Yumizuki's face, Rina delivered a hair whip, and Oedo Tai trapped her near the ropes. Yumizuki landed a series of elbows on Ruanka. Ruanka responded with a big boot. Yumizuki then hit Ruanka with a triangle jump face crusher and a dropkick. Iwatani delivered a missile kick to Ruanka, and then arm-whipped both Momo and Ruanka at once. After getting back up with a second headspring, Koguma and Natsuko exchanged dropkicks. Ryuka countered with a crossbody. Iwatani dodged Natsuko and passed to Kogo. Kogo hit Natsuko with a hurricanrana followed by an armbar, but the Oedo Tai members all interfered. STARS eliminated the Oedo Tai and hit Natsuko with a combined face crusher. Natsuko retaliated with a lariat to Kogo. As Kogo ran, Momo interfered and Ryuka hit her with a box. However, Kogo dodged and Hazuki delivered a missile kick. Hazuki and Koguma hit Momo with a DDT. Iwatani and Yumizuki delivered dropkicks, and Hazuki attempted a tope suicida to the outside. However, Natsuko pulled her leg back, and Momo hit Koguma on the corner with a bat. Natsuko returned from the brawl outside the ring and hit Kogo with an iron pipe. The referee called for the bell, and Natsuko was disqualified. After the Oedo Tai left, Hazuki was found down in the ring.
Comment from Oedo Tai
Momo: "The next challenger is Utami? That damn champion and that damn company must have already given their OK. Don't mess with us. A champion who would nominate someone who skips such a big match is really shitty. Fine, the previous champion was a shitty fake who got injured and had to relinquish the title, and the current champion is just an interim champion. Both are shitty champions. So I'm going to show you all the true value of the red belt."
Natsuko: "And not just the tournament. I'm going to mess up all of Stardom."
| ◆Cinderella Tournament 2024, Round 2, 15-minute single fall match | ||
| ○Mei Hoshirai |
4 minutes 45 seconds, |
Saya Iida● |
In the first round, Saya Iida defeated Saki Kashima, and in the second round, she clashes with high-speed champion Mei Seira. Who will prevail in this battle of power and speed?
As soon as the gong sounds, both fighters charge forward, with Iida pushing Seira against the ropes. Seira dodges a chop, but Iida lands a shoulder tackle. Iida uses the ropes to get behind Seira, but Seira counters, rolling her up and delivering a dropkick. Iida catches Seira's charge and slams her to the mat. Seira kicks out, and Iida delivers three consecutive elbow drops. Iida unleashes a barrage of chops and a jumping chop. However, Seira dodges and delivers a missile kick from the second rope. Iida kicks back, and they exchange elbows. Iida lands a jumping chop as Seira charges. Iida counters Seira's roll-up, and they exchange roll-up attempts. Iida lands a lariat, and Seira lands a dropkick. Seira dodged Iida's lariat, but Iida dodged her body attack. Seira then rolled Iida up with a shooting star and got the three count.
Seira's comment
"There were so many people at the venue today. I successfully defeated Iida. I've cleared the first hurdle. The match ended at super high speed, and I want to finish my matches at high speed all the way to the finals. I think I might be able to have a singles match with Hanan here. If Hanan makes it to the finals, I want to have a singles match with him as soon as possible, so I definitely want to reach the finals."
Iida's comment
"Ah, damn it! I got knocked down. Damn it... I lost in the second round of the Cinderella Tournament. I feel like it was the same last year. Damn it, I'm sure the company prepared a seashell for me. It was all for nothing. I'll get my revenge on Seira Mei, this time I'll use this power to kill... I'll defeat you!"
| ◆Cinderella Tournament 2024, Round 2, 15-minute single fall match | ||
| ○Ami Sorei |
6 minutes 9 seconds |
Yuna Mizumori |
Yuna Mizumori, who defeated Lady C in the first round to advance to the second round, will face Ami Sorei in a one-on-one match. With a power showdown expected, who will emerge victorious?
They exchange shoulder tackles and elbow strikes. Sorei sends Mizumori flying with a shoulder tackle and charges forward. Mizumori dodges and returns the favor with a shoulder tackle followed by a body slam. After dodging lariats, Mizumori lands a chop, and Sorei retaliates with a double chop. Sorei hits Mizumori with an Argentine backbreaker. She hangs her in the corner and delivers a running body attack and a lariat. Mizumori kicks out, and Sorei prepares for a brainbuster. Mizumori resists, and they exchange lariats. On the fifth attempt, Mizumori rolls Sorei up with a lariat, follows with a series of sliding lariats, and a neckbreaker. Sorei kicks out, and Mizumori lands a lariat. Mizumori kicks off the corner and lands a lariat. Mizumori attempted a shoulder throw but couldn't lift her, and was hit with a lariat and a brainbuster by Sorei. Mizumori also attempted a lariat, but Sorei countered. Sorei then hit a lariat and a Blue Thunder. He finished with a Lightning Strike and got the three count.
Magnificent comments
"Mizumori, what was that lariat? I thought my head was going to fly off. Ouch... But you know, you're not the only one who's changed in the last year. Me too. I'm never going to let you surpass me. But let's have another singles match anytime. Oh, I almost forgot to mention. Lately, you might feel like you have to show off your skills to the new recruits and juniors in the unit, but if you keep showing them how hard you're trying, won't your juniors just naturally follow you? At least, that's the kind of senior I've always wanted to follow. So don't worry too much, and just keep fighting your own battles. Then let's have another match."
Mizumori's comment
"Ami Sorei, you've ended my Cinderella Tournament again. I'm so frustrated. Even with the Tropical Sunshine I used yesterday, I couldn't even lift you up at the very end... I'll definitely use this frustration to train even harder and keep working hard, and I won't give up until the day I can take you down in the ring. I'll keep working hard. Yunamon's mobility and increased strength have definitely been a positive experience in this Cinderella Tournament. I believe that myself and will continue to work hard towards the next challenge. I'm going to become a tropical power fighter!"
| ◆Cinderella Tournament 2024, Round 2, 15-minute single fall match | ||
| ○ Hanan |
10 minutes and 17 seconds |
MIRAI● |
In the first round, Hanan defeated HANAKO, and in the second round, she faced seeded MIRAI. MIRAI wanted to get off to a good start in her quest for a third consecutive championship, but Hanan's momentum was not to be underestimated.
After some feeling each other out, MIRAI took Hanan's back. They fought for back control on the ground, and MIRAI applied a neck lock. Hanan countered, and they exchanged covers in a stare-down. They worked the ropes, and Hanan executed an outer leg sweep, a knee attack from behind, and a running elbow smash. MIRAI countered, dodged a lariat, and delivered a shoulder tackle. MIRAI took Hanan to the corner, but Hanan dropped her and sent her onto the apron. MIRAI blocked Hanan's elbow and applied a tarantula. MIRAI returned and delivered a face crusher, but Hanan countered, and MIRAI applied a wing-breaking hold before going for the Miramare. As Hanan escapes, MIRAI lifts her up. Hanan rolls her up for a pin, but only gets a two count. MIRAI goes for a back drop, but Hanan counters with a series of elbows. MIRAI retaliates and takes Hanan down. Hanan lands a series of elbows, but MIRAI doesn't allow her to charge. As MIRAI charges, Hanan hits a hip throw, a running elbow smash, and a Famouser. MIRAI kicks out, and Hanan goes for a back drop. MIRAI counters and gets in position for a back drop. Hanan dodges, and MIRAI rolls her up for a Miramare. Hanan's feet reach the ropes. Hanan stops MIRAI's charge and throws her away. Hanan pulls MIRAI up and gets in position for a back drop. She tries again, but MIRAI counters and slams her backwards. She gives the command "Get up!" after a modified back suplex. As Hanan gets up, MIRAI hits a lariat, and Hanan rolls her up. MIRAI slams her forward, but it's only a two count. MIRAI pulls Hanan up and hits a Miramare Shock, but Hanan counters and rolls her up. MIRAI kicks out at the last moment, and Hanan hits an elbow smash and a blockbuster hold. MIRAI kicks out, and Hanan hits a back drop, and after hitting another one, the referee counts to three.
Hanan's comment
"Finally, finally I managed to get a three-count victory over MIRAI with a backdrop hold. Today was the second round of the Cinderella tournament, but I really wanted to have a singles match against MIRAI, and I was really nervous. I've been losing so much lately, I've been getting beaten so badly, so I'm really happy to finally win. I'm definitely going to win the tournament! I'm going to win. I have to win. My next match is between Kid and Suzuki Suzu (the winner), so I'll watch that match, not to cheer for her, but I'll be facing Kid in the next match, the third round. I'll make sure to go and see Kid win."
MIRAI's comment
"For the first time, for the first time, I lost in this Cinderella Tournament. But seeing everyone's reaction at that final moment, I felt that what I had been doing up until now, and what Hanan had been doing up until now, wasn't wrong. To be honest, I'm disappointed that we couldn't achieve the first-ever three-peat, but I also feel a sense of relief right now. I hope Hanan will keep going strong. And as for myself, well, I don't have a lot of time, so I want to think about what I need to do here and now and act accordingly."
| ◆Cinderella Tournament 2024, Round 2, 15-minute single fall match | ||
| ○Starlight Kid |
12 minutes 32 seconds |
Suzuki Suzu |
In the first round, Starlight Kid defeated Yumizuki, and in the second round, she faced her rival, Suzu Suzuki, in a one-on-one match. Suzuki was last year's 5★STAR GP champion and was starting her bid to win the singles tournament again.
They exchanged elbows, and Kid sent Suzuki out of the ring. The fight continued outside the ring, with Suzuki slamming Kid's forehead into the signboard. She then delivered a body slam onto the mat outside the ring. Suzuki brought Kid back into the ring and covered her with one leg, asking the audience to clap for Kid's name. Then, she stole Kid's signature move with a standing moonsault. Kid got on the ropes, but Suzuki interfered and delivered a German suplex, then kicked her from outside the ring, but Kid dodged and delivered a 619-style kick, and then stole Suzuki's signature move with a face kick from outside the ring. She followed up with a diving body attack and another standing moonsault. After dodging kicks, Kid delivered a stretch muffler. As Kid charges, Suzuki delivers an elbow, and Kid retaliates, but Suzuki stops him and slams him to the mat. In an exchange of elbows, Suzuki takes Kid down. Kid gets up and delivers a series of elbows. Suzuki delivers a soccer ball kick, sends Kid to the apron, and tries another kick from outside the ring. Suzuki climbs to the corner and attempts an arm whip on Kid, but doesn't let him. Kid delivers a slap from below, climbs to the corner and delivers a series of slaps from both sides, then jumps on Kid with a Casadora and slams him down. Kid lands a Shiranui, but only gets a two count. He also lands a moonsault press, but it's not enough for a three count. Kid attempts a star suplex, but Suzuki counters with a back drop and a kick to the face. Kid attempts a stretch muffler, but Suzuki counters again with a middle kick. Suzuki delivers a knee attack from behind. Kid lands a fisherman suplex. Suzuki gets up and delivers a tequila shot, but Kid's shoulder is raised. Suzuki attempts a German suplex, forcefully lands it, and goes for another one. Kid endures and rolls up. Three minutes remaining. Suzuki attempts a German suplex, but Kid counters and gets hit with a thrust kick. Kid sends Suzuki to the apron and delivers a sliding kick. Suzuki falls out of the ring, giving Kid the victory. Kid calls over Hanan, who was watching from the back. Hanan grabs Kid's mask, says something to him, and then leaves the ring.
Kid's comment
"Hey Suzu Suzuki, you finally got a win in your fourth singles match? It seems like it took quite a while, but I was planning to get a three-count victory over you today. However, at the end, you were pushed into a bit of a critical situation, and with only 15 minutes and one fall remaining, there wasn't much time left, so a draw wouldn't have been fun at all. I think your quick recovery here is what won you today. It's a shame you couldn't wear your pretty dress, Suzu. But I'm satisfied because you won over the top rope. I didn't do that. You pinned me twice for the three count, so I won't be satisfied until I get my revenge. So, next up, the quarterfinals, Hanami! You also beat MIRAI to get here. (Before the tournament pairings were decided) We said we'd meet in the finals, but that was inevitably impossible, so let's settle this properly here. Right now it's one win and one loss. Hanami, the woman closest to Cinderella? I'm going to knock you out and turn the tables here."
| ◆6-person tag match 20 minutes 1 match | ||
| Anno Saori |
10 minutes 34 seconds |
Yagami Ranna● |
| ○ Summery | Kashima Saki | |
| Nakano Tam | Juri | |
The day before, Natsupoi made her return at the Yokohama Budokan. She teamed up with Anno and Natsupoi, former Goddesses of Stardom champions, to face Sareee and Hashimoto Chihiro. Now, while the excitement is still fresh, she's back for her second comeback match, bringing together the best members of Cozuen. The trio of Nakano, Anno, and Natsupoi will face the God's Eye team of Shuri, Kashima Saki, and Yagami Ranna. Although God's Eye is one unit, these three have very different styles, so it looks like it will be a tough match for Natsupoi, who has just returned...
Kashima volunteers to start the match and points to Nakano. As the match begins, Kashima lies down on the ring and mimics Nakano's pose. When Nakano tries to respond, Kashima attacks. Nakano gets behind Kashima, but Kashima rolls her up. Nakano hits Kashima with a shoulder tackle, Kashima hits a hurricanrana and a big boot. Yagami hits Nakano with a soccer ball kick. Nakano delivers a dropkick, then teams up with Natsupoi, and Anno joins in. The trio delivers a dropkick to Yagami from behind. Anno puts Yagami in a sickle hold, Natsupoi delivers a dropkick, and Anno applies a reverse Boston crab. With Shuri's interference, Yagami delivers a dropkick to Anno. Shuri delivers a dropkick to Anno. Shuri hits Nakano with a back cracker and Anno with a suplex. Anno counters with a neckbreaker and a bravebuster. Natsupoi hits Shuri with a neckbreaker and a dropkick. Natsupoi dodges Shuri's soccer ball kick, showing her dislike for it. Nevertheless, Shuri delivers another soccer ball kick. Shuri goes for cover on Natsupoi repeatedly. Yagami requests a tag and delivers a series of dropkicks to Natsupoi. Nakano and Natsupoi attack Yagami in combination. Natsupoi and Yagami exchange elbows. Yagami cornered Natsupoi and landed a high kick and a soccer ball kick. When Natsupoi kicked out, Yagami went for an armbar. Natsupoi escaped and countered with a spinning kick. Yagami dodged Fairial Gift and went for an armbar, but Kozuen broke it up. Yagami landed a series of middle kicks. Nakano and Anno assisted, and Kozuen delivered a heel drop as a trio. Natsupoi landed Fairial Gift, but Shuri made the save. 10 minutes had passed. Natsupoi landed a thrust kick, a neckbreaker, and a flying armbar. Yagami gave up, and Natsupoi won.
Comments from Nakano Tam, Anno Saori, and Natsupoi
Comments from the team of Akari, Kashima Saki, and Yagami Ranna
| ◆8-Man Tag Team Match, 20-Minute Time Limit, One Fall | ||
| Gina |
13 minutes 20 seconds |
Amasaki Mitsuyu |
| Gassan Kazuka | Lady C● | |
| Shirakawa Mina | Kamiya Saya | |
| ○Maika | AZM | |
EXV's Maika, Shirakawa Mina, Tsukiyama Wakana, and Gina teamed up with Queen's Quest's Kamitani Saya, AZM, Lady C, and Amasaki Mitsuyoshi in an eight-person tag team match. At the Yokohama event the previous day, Maika had named Hayashishita Utami as her challenger for the red belt, and scheduled the title match for March 20th in Nagoya. However, Utami was absent from two events, including this one, due to illness. Maika vented her frustration at the absence of QQ's leader. And so the all-out battle between EXV and QQ began. Will Maika send a message to Utami through her strength? Or will Kamitani and the others be able to protect QQ in the absence of their leader?
AZM and Gina started the match. When Amasaki entered, Tsukiyama delivered a dropkick. Lady C interfered with Tsukiyama's charge with a big boot, and QQ attacked Tsukiyama in a coordinated attack. AZM hit Tsukiyama with a corner dropkick and a series of soccer ball kicks. Tensaki hits Tsukiyama with a body slam and a series of elbows. Tsukiyama hits a face crusher and hands the ball to Shirakawa. Shirakawa grabs Tensaki, but Lady interferes. Shirakawa dodges Lady and hits Tensaki with an elbow, a neckbreaker, and rolls up Lady. Tensaki hits Shirakawa with a dropkick. Shirakawa hits Kamitani with a tornillo press from over AZM. Maika hits Kamitani with a lariat and a shoulder tackle. Kamitani dodges the lariat and hits a knee kick. As she climbs to the corner, Tsukiyama interferes, and Maika hits a superplex. Gina slams Shirakawa onto Kamitani. Kamitani counters Maika's attempt at a Flame Drop with a double kick. Lady hits Maika with a series of big boots. She hits them from both the front and back and goes for a cover, but it's only a two count. Lady goes for a neckbreaker and a chokeslam. Maika counters with an armbar, but QQ interferes. Maika hits Lady with an armbreaker. QQ attacks Maika with a series of kicks, followed by a dropkick from all of them. Lady hits Maika with a chokeslam, but EXV breaks it up. Lady charges forward, but Maika hits a powerslam, an armbar, and an armlock. However, Tensaki successfully breaks it up. QQ works together to separate them, and Kamitani swan dives out of the ring. Shirakawa hits Kamitani with a missile kick. In the ensuing scramble, Lady attempts a back drop on Maika. Maika counters and hits her with a Michinoku Drive for the three count.
QQ's comments
Lady: "It's the same as always... I need to practice more and change... I'm off to practice!"
Lady leaves.
AZM: "Practice?! Us too?"
EXV's comment Maika: "After yesterday's Yokohama Budokan event, today too E neXus V has won."
Shirakawa: "She's in good form.
" Maika: "I think so."
Tsukiyama: "I'd like to say Cinderella if she keeps this up, but her next opponent is Gina. OK. Double Cinderella." Shirakawa:
"It'll be a little difficult unless we make up new rules."
Tsukiyama: "Please lend us your strength somehow. Both of you."
Shirakawa: "I can't."
Tsukiyama: "Oh, really?"
Maika: "We're all really looking forward to seeing these two face off... but (to Shirakawa) you!"
Shirakawa: "No, don't say that!"
Maika: "How many years have you been wrestling? What do you hope to achieve by pinning someone who doesn't even have the right to wrestle?"
Shirakawa: "Well, you know, I'm in a fighting high? You know, fighting high. FH. I was in a fighting high today. My tension is high! I'm going to carry out my top-secret plan in this state of tension. There's a bit of talk about whether it's okay to go ahead in this state of tension, but Chanmina, who loves surprises, is going now."
Shirakawa leaves the stage.
Maika: "She ran away (laughs). We're really free, aren't we? Well, I'll do as I please too. Hayashishita Utami, you rested again today, I wonder if you're feeling better now. We'd be happy if you could come back next week. It's a bit strange to go for the red belt without even having a preliminary match. You haven't fallen that low, have you? I'm looking forward to it. And Watanabe Momo? You haven't used any tricks at all, so I had forgotten about you. Sorry, I decided (the challenger for the red belt) first. If I defend this belt, I'll consider you as the next challenger or the one after that. Until then, you'd better just wait patiently."
| ◆STRONG Women's Championship Match: 30-minute single fall match | ||
| <Challenger> |
11 minutes 30 seconds, |
<Champion> |
| ○ Stephanie Bakkel | Julia ● | |
*Second champion Giulia failed in her 10th title defense. Stephanie Buckel becomes the third champion
Giulia, the second-generation STRONG Women's Champion, is on the verge of achieving double-digit title defenses. Her opponent for her 10th title defense will be Stephanie Buckel, the two-time CMLL champion from Mexico who is also active in the United States. Giulia has defended her title against various types of wrestlers both domestically and internationally, but this will be her first title match against a full-fledged luchadora. Given her limited experience in lucha libre matches, she will certainly not be an easy opponent. Although they had a preliminary match in Yokohama the day before, it's hard to say that Giulia has read her opponent's tactics. Giulia has been reported to be leaving Stardom at the end of March, but she intends to keep the belt and continue her defense activities. As it is a title originating from New Japan Pro-Wrestling, it would not be surprising for the champion to compete in New Japan's American events with the belt. Furthermore, she may have the opportunity to face Stardom wrestlers. Will Giulia really leave Stardom while still holding the STRONG Women's belt, or will Buckel become a triple champion and expand her range of activities even further?
Buckel quickly gets behind her and pins her. Giulia counters and rolls her up. When Buckel retaliates, Giulia applies a headlock, and when he is thrown into the ropes, she delivers a shoulder tackle. After some rope work, Buckel delivers a backbreaker, and Giulia delivers a dropkick. Giulia picks up Buckel and throws him backwards, shouting "Fuck you!" Buckel puts him on the corner and slams him down, then delivers a running double knee attack, followed by a figure-four neck lock and repeatedly slams his head into the mat. She attempts a running guillotine drop, but only gets a two count. Giulia stops Buckel's charge and puts him on the corner. However, Buckel hangs on and applies an armbar, sending them both tumbling to the outside. Giulia pulls Buckel's leg on the apron and delivers a knee to his face, then goes for a neckbreaker. Back in the ring, Buckel delivers an armbreaker. She does a plancha from the apron, and Giulia applies an STF. Buckel escapes, and Giulia delivers a missile kick and a Falcon Arrow from the corner. Buckel kicks out, and Giulia goes for a Glorious. Buckel goes for a Package Piledriver. They both dodge, and Giulia delivers a headbutt. Buckel retaliates with a headbutt exchange. Giulia lands an elbow, Buckel lands a back kick, and Giulia lands a back drop. Buckel lands a brainbuster (snap suplex), Giulia lands a knee, and Buckel lands another back drop. Both are down and exchange no-hands headbutts. They stand up and continue to exchange headbutts. Giulia avoids Buckel's package but takes a series of thrust kicks. Buckel lands a dropkick. Buckel climbs to the corner and Giulia follows up with a superplex. Buckel kicks out and Giulia goes for a triangle choke, then grabs her arm and lands an armbreaker on the ground. Buckel escapes the STF. 10 minutes have passed. Giulia pulls Buckel up and goes for a back drop. She dodges Buckel's high kick and lands a back drop. Buckel kicks out and Giulia announces her finish and goes for a Glorious Driver. However Buckel kicks out. Giulia goes for another one but Buckel hits a DDT and rolls her up. The referee counts to 3 and Buckel wins.
Giulia tries to return the belt, but Buckel attacks her and shows it off.
Buckel: "I am the STRONG Champion now. From now on I am the Strong Champion."
Giulia: "Hello everyone at Korakuen Hall!"
At that moment, the Oedo Tai storm in en masse and attack Giulia. Nakano intervenes to stop them.
Natsuko: "Giulia's sycophant, scum, scum, scum! Hey Giulia, you're leaving the company, right? You've lost the belt, so you're useless now. Get lost!"
Giulia leaves the ring alone.
Natsuko: "Shut up! We Oedo Tai are going to destroy this ring! We're going to give you nightmares. Tremble in fear!"
Comments from Julia and Nakano
Nakano: "What's the matter? I went to all the trouble of lending you my shoulder! Look, wherever you go is none of my business, it's none of my business, and I think you can do whatever you want. But to me, you're my one and only rival, and there's no one I can fight more seriously than you. And I'm sure it's the same for you. You'll never find a rival who's a better rival than me. If you go off somewhere and find a rival who's a better rival than me, I'll never allow it!" You'll have to live with Nakano Tam for the rest of your life. And finally, I'll put a curse on you. We'll fight one-on-one."
Giulia: "...First of all, welcome
" Nakano: "I'm late."
Giulia: "I thought you weren't coming back. Well, I guess we have to do it. Let's do it. With a mentally unstable, cutesy girl like you, you really worry about when she's going to disappear. But right now, with Nakano Tam and me in Stardom, we have to do it. No, I wanted to do it."
Nakano: "I'll never forget Nakano Tam for the rest of my life. Hehehe." Giulia:
"Go home, go home."
Nakano: "I'll never let you forget me for the rest of your life!"
Giulia: "Go home, I get it, you're really ugly!"
Nakano: "I'm not ugly."
Giulia: "Haa... I lost. Stephanie Buckel was strong, very strong. But honestly, I feel like I didn't get a chance to do more." I hadn't thought about what would happen if I lost, so I'm kind of at a loss for words, but the moment I understood that I had lost, I thought I would entrust it to Buckel. But I didn't shake his hand. I'm sure we'll meet again in the ring. But I thought I wanted to properly hand it over to him, but I guess that was too naive of me. But I'm really frustrated, and I don't know what to say, but this isn't the end for pro wrestler Giulia. This is just the beginning. I'll never forget any of the different guys who have challenged me for the STRONG title up until now. I have all of them firmly imprinted in my mind. And Buckel, I'll forget you too. And Tora Natsuko, and everyone in Oedo Tai, you too. This isn't the end for Giulia. This is just the beginning. Watch out, you guys. It's not over yet. Watch carefully, you guys."
Backel's comments
--Congratulations on winning the title. You're now the new STRONG Women's Champion, what was your match against Giulia like?
"Today I made history. Because I've become the first Latin American to hold this New Japan women's belt. And here in Japan, no less. It's a dream come true, and it's a newly rewritten piece of history."
--You've become a triple champion, holding the CMLL Women's World Championship and the CMLL Women's World Tag Team Championship as
well. "A triple champion. I think I've proven my strength. I'm so happy to have won the STRONG Women's belt. I think I've proven that I'm a really great luchadora."
--What does winning the STRONG Women's title mean to you
? "I think it means a lot. I've made history, and I'm so happy about this moment. This belt is a symbol of strength. I want to pour my spirit, my passion, into this belt. 100%."
--Who would you like to face as your challenger in your first title defense? From Stardom? Or from America, Mexico, etc.?
"Well, anyone is fine. Gracias, arigato gozaimasu."