JPN
The E neXus V Goddess of Stardom Tag League runner-up team, Maika & HANAKO, faced the Cosmic Angels team, Sakura Aya & Kurei Sayaka, in a tag team match. At the 2/5 Itabashi "NEW BLOOD 18" event, NB Tag Champion HANAKO challenged Sakura, demanding that she "decide on a partner, either Yunamon (Mizumori Yuna) or Kurei Sayaka." In this match, Sakura appeared with Kurei, and it was anticipated whether Sakura would give her answer.
Sakura intimidated HANAKO with a low kick, and in a test of strength in a lock-up, HANAKO was driven to the ropes, but Sakura reversed and delivered a series of elbows. HANAKO refused to be thrown to the ropes, and Sakura followed up with a low kick and then a headlock. Sakura hits HANAKO with a dropkick, but Maika interferes and teams up with HANAKO for a double big boot that sends Sakura flying. HANAKO stomps on Sakura repeatedly. Maika hits Sakura with a series of body slams. HANAKO also hits Sakura with a series of body slams. When Sakura kicks out, HANAKO applies a reverse Boston crab. Sakura manages to reach the ropes. Maika stomps on Sakura's face in her corner. Sakura charges in with a series of elbows, but Maika taunts her and accepts the challenge. Maika knocks Sakura down with one hit and charges forward. Sakura hits her with a dropkick. Kurei hits Maika with a corner dropkick. Maika dodges her second attempt. However, Kurei hits her with a body attack. Maika kicks out, and Kurei goes for a neckbreaker. Kurei is countered, but jumps on and applies a sleeper hold. Maika pushes Kurei into the corner, but Kurei doesn't let go. On the second attempt, Maika breaks free and charges. Kurei dodges and hits a neckbreaker. Maika counters with a powerslam and a lariat. HANAKO hits Kurei with a shoulder tackle and an Argentine backbreaker. She slams her into the corner and hits a running body attack. Kurei anticipates the second one and hits a dropkick. Sakura hits HANAKO with a dropkick, a knee drop, and a triangle choke. HANAKO lifts her up and slams her onto the mat. However, Sakura hits a series of middle kicks, and HANAKO sends her flying with an elbow. Kurei and Sakura hit a double dropkick. Sakura hits HANAKO with a middle kick, but it's only a two count. Sakura pulls HANAKO up and hits a running knee kick. However, HANAKO catches her. Kurei makes a cut, but Maika and HANAKO team up and deliver a series of spear lariats and a big boot in a duel. HANAKO goes for a brainbuster on Sakura. Sakura counters, and HANAKO lands an elbow. After an exchange of elbows, HANAKO stands tall, and Sakura lands a series of blows. HANAKO lands a lariat, and Sakura jumps in for a triangle choke. However, HANAKO's foot reaches the ropes. Sakura screams and attempts a diving knee attack from the corner, but Maika makes a cut. Sakura shouts "I'm going to finish this!" and lands a series of high kicks. HANAKO dodges them and lifts her up. Sakura calls in Kurei, but HANAKO dodges the spear, causing them to hit each other. HANAKO hits Sakura with an Argentine backbreaker followed by a JP Coaster. In the end, HANAKO pins Sakura.
HANAKO: "Right now, I'm holding the NEW BLOOD Tag Team belts with Tsukiyama, who's currently out of action, but there's another belt that Maika and I are aiming for. We'll definitely win the belts together, so please look forward to it! It's been a while since we've had a Cup HighMate, so let's raise a toast. Cheers to everyone in Yamaguchi and to Cup HighMate!"