JPN
Former World Champion Sayaka Kurei is already facing a "yellow light." On Sunday, July 26th, she faced AZM in a Red Stars A official match at "Sammy presents STARDOM 5★STAR GP 2026" held at Duo Cerezo in Niigata
AZM extended her hand, but Kurei immediately threw an elbow at her. AZM then lectured her, saying, "That's not polite. Professional wrestlers always start with a handshake!" and extended her hand again, saying, "Nice to meet you."
This time, Kyurei gripped his hand back with both hands, but shortly afterward, she learned about the harsh realities of society, much like a German suplex
The match unfolded with both competitors seemingly aiming for a quick victory, engaging in a swift exchange of pinning attempts. After landing a spear-style Tokimeki Spear, Kyurei attempted a swan dive body attack, but it was countered with a kick
So he tried to force a pinfall with a standard Tokimeki Spear followed by a prawn hold, but he couldn't get the three count. Immediately after, he went for another Tokimeki Dan, but it was dodged with a jump, and at 3 minutes and 2 seconds, he was rolled up with a lightning-fast Azumi Sushi
With a triumphant look on her face, AZM slung the Goddess Belt diagonally across her body and briskly left the ring. Meanwhile, Kyurei expressed her frustration, saying, "Ahh! Damn it! Today, I went into the match thinking I absolutely couldn't afford to lose any more points, but how many minutes into the match was it? I was beaten by Azumi Sushi. It's so frustrating! And what's more, the initial handshake was like, 'I won't fool you,' she was really toying with my feelings! How awful! I can't forgive her! But a loss is a loss, so..."
After winning consecutive matches against Tetsu Akira and Rina at the start of the tournament, she suffered three straight losses to Inaba Tomoka, Maika, and AZM, putting her with a 2-3 record. It's true that dark clouds have gathered over her chances of advancing from the block. Nevertheless, she vowed, "I can't afford to lose any more matches from here on out. But there's still Korakuen the day after tomorrow, and then Hokkaido after that, so if I win those matches I think there's still hope. I'm so frustrated! I'll definitely get my revenge!" But..
In addition, in Red Stars A, Maika faced Tomoka Inaba (JTO). As Maika entered down the aisle, Tomoka, who had entered earlier, walked towards her from the ring, and the battle began immediately
Maika was on the defensive, falling victim to a barrage of elbows, middle kicks, and a face lock. But she turned the tide with a powerful power slam followed by a sliding D. She then followed up with three consecutive brainbusters
They then unleashed a superplex and a lariat. Tomoka, who got back up like a zombie, landed a kick, and there was a moment when both were downed
Despite struggling against Tomoka and showing great tenacity, he dodged her kicks, delivered a spinning lariat, and finally secured the victory with a Michinoku Driver II
Backstage after the match, she sent a message to Tomoka saying, "Wow, I'm a wreck. That's what you'd expect from a contemporary. Are you trying to kill me? Ow, it hurts... But I can't lose to Tomoka just yet. I'm going to keep showing her my back more and more, so you better keep up the good work. And let's both do our best so that one day we can stand shoulder to shoulder again."
In her next match, on July 28th at Korakuen Hall, she will clash with Tora Natsuko. Maika said, "That's great. I've had quite a few matches with Natsuko, and I think I know how to stop you. I'm looking forward to it. So let's make Korakuen Hall a blast!"