JPN
The World of Stardom Championship was held on Saturday, May 23rd at "STARDOM QUEENS DYNASTY 2026 ~Tenka Fubu~" (Toyota Gosei Memorial Gymnasium, Aichi), where champion Sayaka Kurei defeated "the cutest in the world" Maki Ito to successfully defend her title for the first time
At the Yokohama Arena on April 26, Kurei defeated Saya Kamitani to become the new champion, but standing in her way was Ito, who had risen to the top championship stage just four months after joining Stardom. The venue was filled with loud "Ito" chants that overshadowed the "Kurei" chants, forcing Kurei into an "away" battle despite being in her hometown
The match continued to be a tough one for him. During the brawl outside the ring, he was slammed to the floor with a body slam, hitting his lower back hard. Nevertheless, he didn't relinquish control, connecting a dropkick on the apron with a plancha
He then used a flying body-scissors sleeper hold to drain the challenger's stamina. After enduring the reverse DDT and the Ito Special, he dodged a diving headbutt and unleashed a Tokimeki Spear. He then followed up with a Shiranui and a Falcon Arrow
The tenacious challenger launched another fierce attack, but after 20 minutes, she unleashed her second Tokimeki Dan of the match. She then delivered a Violet Screwdriver, drowning out the "Ito" chants, and at 21 minutes and 51 seconds, she finished him off with a Tokimeki Dan for the three count
After the match, Kurei grabbed the microphone and said, "Ito Maki, even after fighting you, I still don't understand you at all. But, I do know that I like you, Ito Maki," and extended her hand
Ito shook his hand back, but did not reciprocate the hug, instead responding with a stunner. He then left the ring
Just as Kurei was about to say, "I'm from Aichi Prefecture...", Suzu Suzuki appeared and said, "Stop!" She had won the 4-way battle to determine the next challenger for the World Championship held that day, defeating Tora Natsuko, Maika, and Starlight Kid in a fierce battle
Suzuki continued with a series of provocative remarks, saying, "Are you happy you defended the title? That's great, but it doesn't suit you at all. I mean, you got that belt with just feelings like a curse or obsession, right? The belt isn't just an ornament to make you look strong. This guy's peak is already over. He looks like he's about to cry. It must be tough, right? You can't carry that burden anymore, can you? Suzuki Suzu will help you out."
Nevertheless, Kurei countered, "I didn't take this belt out of a curse or obsession or anything like that. I'm wearing it with the intention of carrying the future of Stardom and my own future on my shoulders." She continued, "Suzuki Suzu has never worn the red belt. Kurei Sayaka is wearing it now. I think that says it all. Even after winning and being congratulated by everyone, there have been times when I felt frustrated, and I love this ring, I love professional wrestling, with all of that taken into account!" She concluded the local tournament with this shout. It is highly likely that the decisive battle will take place at the National Yoyogi Gymnasium No. 2 in Tokyo on June 20th
[Ito's comments] I've realized that Stardom is a tough hurdle to overcome. But it's incredibly fun. I definitely want to make the Ito Respect Army official and challenge for the red belt again and win it. Today, my shoulder only touched the ring for 3 seconds, so Ito Maki didn't lose