JPN
On Wednesday, June 17th, God's Eye formed an emergency alliance with Josh Barnett, a mixed martial artist and professional wrestler known as "Kenshiro with the Blue Eyes."
During his visit to Japan, Josh visited the Stardom dojo in Tokyo and coached IWGP Women's Champion Syuri, Artist of Stardom Champions Sorei Ami, Hinami & Lady C, and Future of Stardom Champion Ranna Yagami. He started with basic training and gave detailed lectures on techniques such as joint locks
Josh has been active in mixed martial arts, competing in organizations such as UFC, Pancrase, and PRIDE. In 2002, he won the UFC World Heavyweight Championship. He has also competed in professional wrestling, challenging for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship (held by Yuji Nagata at the time) at a New Japan Pro-Wrestling event at the Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2003. He has also competed in IGF and Noah, and since 2019, he has been running his own professional wrestling event, "Bloodsports."
The God's Eye members worked with serious expressions, and Josh's instruction gradually became more passionate. Intense messages such as "Wrestling is a battle!" and "Show your power and bring victory!" were heard throughout the dojo
After a fulfilling training session, Josh said, "I've known Stardom since it was founded. That's why I sent my protégé Shayna Baszler to Stardom to 'learn Japanese pro wrestling.' (The God's Eye members) have the basic techniques down, so today I taught them things they didn't know from my own experience. It's simple, but I think that even something as small as what to do from a lock-up can change the whole movement. Changing small things can change the whole movement. I believe that because they are talented wrestlers, they will continue to change their style by giving them small ideas."
Hinami reported her progress, saying, "I learned techniques to defeat bigger opponents. I'll do my best to be able to defeat Josh someday!" Sorei added, "Everything was a learning experience that was an added bonus to what I've learned so far. I would love to be instructed again," expressing her hope for the event to continue
Lady also said, "It opened up new options for me. I learned so much, so I would love to do it again," to which Yagami replied, "I learned how to move the human body in this way, so I feel like my potential for growth has expanded."
Shuri said, "I used to do things like how to take someone down, but I was able to learn again. I was happy to be taught so many things. I want to be taught even more techniques and improve my level as I aim for the Best Unit Award." She added, "I will definitely defend my title on June 20th, and (next time) I will show the belt to Josh during our training and ask him to teach me so that I can improve," to which Josh readily agreed
This could be a boost for titleholders who have title defense matches scheduled at "STARDOM THE CONVERSION 2026," which will be held on Saturday, June 20th at the National Yoyogi Gymnasium No. 2 in Tokyo
Artist Champion Hinami, who will face the Ito Respect (RG) Army consisting of Ito Maki, Furusawa Kian, and Rian, stated firmly, "(Ito RG) has incredible momentum right now. They are attracting a lot of attention, but the pro wrestling I'm looking for is to entertain in the match. I don't think we're inferior in terms of pro wrestling, so we will definitely defend our title at Yoyogi and show everyone that we are strong."
Lady said, "(Ito RG) is very good at taking control of the stage and is good at attracting attention, but I feel like it's a false image. I don't know what he's thinking, but I want to have a match where we can clash our emotions. I'm happy that he's coming to challenge an artist, but I don't see why he wants to, so I hope we can clash in the ring and come to understand each other."
Sorei said with a determined expression, "I think Ito RG and God's Eye are units that are complete opposites. Ito RG is all about the entrance, while we are the type that believes in practicing a lot and mastering pro wrestling, so I think it will be a clash of what we believe in. I don't deny what Ito RG is saying, and I think it's great. Even so, I want to clash with each other's ideas and win."
Shuri, who will face Rina Yamashita in her fourth title defense at the Yoyogi showdown, also seemed highly motivated. "Today's practice will be very useful for the actual match. I was able to relearn the basics, so I was able to return to my roots as a professional wrestler. I want to organize everything once more and go into the match on the 20th," she said, and immediately set off for a run