JPN
"World's cutest" Maki Ito has been struck by tragedy once again. The "banner problem" at the venues has suddenly attracted attention during the Golden Week series, which started with the Fukuyama tournament on April 29th. Among the banners of each unit, a banner reading "Ito Respect Army" has been displayed
Moreover, the poster was displayed in a way that overlapped with COSMIC ANGELS' (Cozuen) poster, causing problems in some circles. Ito, who is scheduled to challenge World of Stardom Champion Sayaka Kurei at the May 23rd Inazawa, Aichi event, has declared her goal to "defeat the evil heel unit COSMIC ANGELS," so this is clearly an act of harassment against Cozuen
Then, at the May 2nd Kochi tournament, the situation took a turn. This time, a banner for Kozuen was erected, covering the banners of the Ito group. Ito reacted strongly to this, accusing Sakura Aya, Kurei's partner, of being the "mastermind."
However, on May 3rd, the situation took another dramatic turn. The organization's official "X" account posted an image showing the positioning of the Ito group's banners being adjusted before the Kochi tournament the previous day. Ito immediately responded to this, posting a statement titled "Report" on her own X account, concluding that "it has been revealed that the true party involved in this matter is Sayaka Kurei." She further apologized to Sakura for the suspicion she had cast, and stated that "from now on, I will strive to make even more responsible statements."
The following day, on May 4th, at the Kumamoto tournament, Ito teamed with AZM and Gina to face Mizumori Yuna, Kurei, and Sakura in a six-person tag team match. On this day, a banner for Ito's group was displayed above Kozuen's banner, but Kurei tore it down when they entered the ring
After the match, Ito grabbed the microphone and began by saying, "Sakura Aya!" and then, in front of everyone, bowed her head again and said, "I couldn't help but suspect that Sakura Aya was the one who vandalized the Ito Respect Army flag at the last tournament. But the real mastermind was Kurei Sayaka. I am truly sorry for doubting you."
Sakura seemed to accept the apology without resistance, but then took a surprising action. She grabbed an Ito Army banner and forcibly tore it down, causing quite a commotion. The arena erupted in boos, and Ito burst into tears, crying loudly. However, judging from her prompting the audience to chant "Apologize!", it seems she was faking it. When she tried to stick her tongue out at Kurei, the situation became extremely tense. In the end, she left the ring while appealing to Kurei by saying "Cute!"
Backstage, Ito said, "Sakura Aya tried her best to tear it, but the material was surprisingly good and she couldn't tear it much. Too bad, Sakura Aya! The Ito Respect Army has strong hearts, along with their flag. You'd better wear black clothes and turn heel! Pupupu!"
She further declared, "Kurei Sayaka, apologize to Ito Maki! You coward!"
Sakura and Kurei of Sakura & Kurei have a title defense match for the NEW BLOOD Tag Team Championship coming up at the Fukuoka tournament on May 6th (against challengers Matoi Hamabe & Anne Kanaya). We can only hope that this incident won't affect them..