JPN
At "STARDOM in TAKASAKI 2026 May." held at the G Messe Gunma Main Hall on Saturday, May 16th, a total of six matches were held, including preliminary bouts for the May 17th Korakuen Hall event and the May 23rd Inazawa, Aichi event
In the first match, Hanami, Iida Saya, and Kogo Momo, who will challenge for the Artist of Stardom Championship the following day (the current champions are Konami, Rina, and Fukigen★), faced Konami, Kamitani Saya, and Rina in a six-person tag team match. STARS wanted to gain momentum for the championship match, but Kogo was defeated by former World Champion Kamitani's Star Crusher
After the match, Rina grabbed the microphone and began by saying, "Is that really okay? We did this last September, and the members haven't changed at all, their skills haven't changed at all. It's not fun. So I have a suggestion for you." She then announced, "The team that loses tomorrow will never be able to challenge the Artist again as a team. If you can accept that condition, I'll be waiting for you in the ring tomorrow."
Nevertheless, backstage Iida said, "All we have to do is win it tomorrow, the three of us, so we won't give up. We'll make them cry and win it for us." Unit leader Hanan also showed her strong determination, saying, "We're completely different from when we challenged last time, and we've all had various experiences. As the shining STARS, we'll win that shining belt and make this the year of STARS."
In the second match, Ami Sorei, Wakana Tsukiyama, and Emma Tanashima faced off in a 3-way battle. Sorei defeated Tanashima with a Blue Thunder and commented, "Right now I'm aiming for the Artist, Goddess, and White belts, so I absolutely had to win here. I'm really glad I won!"
The third match, a six-person tag team match (AZM, Amasaki Mitsuyoshi, and Mizumori Yuna vs. Hazuki, Koguma, and Gina), served as a double preview for the Goddesses of Stardom Championship match at the May 23 Aichi event (champions AZM and Amasaki vs. Hazuki and Koguma) and the High Speed Championship match at Korakuen Hall on May 17 (champion Mizumori vs. Gina). In the end, Hazuki secured the victory directly over AZM with her Hazukistral
Backstage, Mizumori declared, "I'm definitely going to beat you, Tropi!" to which Gina responded with a confident smile, "Today was the final preliminary match, and my team emerged victorious. When I win tomorrow, they'll announce, 'High-Speed Champion, Gina!'"
In the fourth match, a six-person tag team match, Sakura Aya, Natsupoi, and Hamabe Matoi faced God's Eye's Hinami, Lady C, and Toraryu Kiyoka. Toraryu, a native of Gunma, forced Hamabe to tap out with an armbar submission. "I was so happy to win on my homecoming. When I have another homecoming next year, I want to come back even stronger."
In the semi-main event, a 4-way tag team match, four teams clashed: Suzu Suzuki & Akira Tetsu, Starlight Kid & Rian, Maika & HANAKO, and Natsuko Tora & Ruan. This match served as a preview for the 4-way battle to determine the next challenger for the World Championship, which will be held at the Aichi event on May 23rd. In the end, HANAKO defeated Rian with a JP Coaster, giving Maika's team the victory
When Kid vowed, "I already know what I want to do and what kind of Stardom I envision once I win the red belt. There are things I absolutely want to accomplish, so I will become the center of Stardom," Suzuki responded with a competitive spirit, "I've said this many times, but I was the first to say I would challenge for the red belt! But like in rock-paper-scissors, Maika, Natsuko, and Kid have all changed their minds after me. Me too, me too, me too... It's not like you can just ride the wave!"
In the main event, World Champion Sayaka Kurei and Future Champion Ranna Yagami teamed up. They clashed in a double preliminary match against Maki Ito and Kian Furusawa, who will challenge for their respective titles on May 23rd in Aichi. Yagami won the match by defeating Furusawa with a Beat Buster
Grabbing the microphone, Yagami called out, "Career doesn't matter in this ring. I think that because my contemporary standing next to me today embodies it. We're going to show the whole world a fight worthy of young wrestlers, worthy of the future, right here in Aichi." However, Furusawa didn't respond, instead defiantly declaring, "Listen up, everyone. Furusawa Kian is going to smash Yagami Ranna's knees and legs to pieces!"
Then Ito praised her protégé, saying, "That's wonderful!" She then announced that from that day on, a giant banner for the Ito Respect Army was displayed at the venue along with each unit's banner, and declared, "Now it won't be torn down by someone somewhere, and it won't be harassed by someone somewhere, so I'm happy. Ito Maki will definitely take that red belt and make the Ito Respect Army official. And we will make lots of great merchandise and make money."
As usual, she delivered her speech, "The Ito Respect Army is the true justice of Stardom, and Maki Ito is the light of Stardom! Ito Respect Army, forever!" and the venue erupted in loud "Ito" chants
Next, the red champion Kurei took the microphone and said, "It doesn't matter what Maki Ito says. The Stardom I wanted was one where no matter what strange things anyone says, no matter how big their dreams or ambitions are, no one would deny them, and everyone could proudly talk about their dreams. That's the kind of Stardom I wanted to create. So Maki Ito, I don't deny what you're saying either; I think it's wonderful. Let's give them a round of applause!"
She added firmly, "But Aichi is my home. I can't lose to Maki Ito, so I'll defend this belt and bring an even bigger blue sky to Stardom!" She renewed her determination for the decisive battle just one week away
