JPN
Kyoto native HANAKO returns to her hometown for a match against fellow E neXus V stablemate Rian. HANAKO challenged for the white belt for the first time at Korakuen Hall on May 21st. Although she didn't make a triumphant return by winning the title, she hopes this match will be a new starting point.
The two women, with their height difference, stare each other down before shaking hands. They lock up, but HANAKO pushes her away. HANAKO taunts Rian, saying, "Come on." She blocks Rian's tackle and delivers a series of stomps. Rian puts her leg out to counter HANAKO's charge and performs an arm whip. HANAKO dodges the dropkick and delivers a series of stomps. HANAKO pulls Rian up and delivers a body slam. She repeatedly shouts, "Not yet," as she slams her onto the mat. Rian kicks out, dodges HANAKO's charge, and attempts a hurricanrana. HANAKO stops her and goes for a reverse Boston crab. Rian escapes, then counters HANAKO's body slam attempt and jumps on her with a sleeper hold. HANAKO drives her into the corner and charges. Rian dodges and goes for a hurricanrana followed by a neckbreaker and a sleeper hold. HANAKO gets up and throws her forward. Rian hits a stunner and jumps from the corner for a diving body attack. HANAKO kicks out, but Rian goes for cover after cover. Rian lands a series of elbows on HANAKO who manages to hold on. HANAKO stops Rian's charge and lifts her up for a brainbuster attempt. Rian counters and goes for a series of roll-ups. Rian dodges HANAKO's lariat and rolls her up again. HANAKO kicks out and hits Rian with a counter big boot. Rian kicks out and goes for a small package. HANAKO kicks out and Rian jumps on her from behind and puts her in a sleeper hold. HANAKO collapses, and Rian continues to apply the hold. HANAKO climbs up using the ropes, but Rian continues the sleeper hold. HANAKO pushes her away and applies a reverse Boston crab. Not letting Rian escape, HANAKO takes her to the center. Rian somehow manages to reach the ropes. HANAKO declares the finish and delivers a brainbuster. "Rian, get up!" shouts HANAKO. As Rian gets up, HANAKO delivers a big boot. It looked like it was over, but Rian kicks out. HANAKO pulls Rian up and delivers an Argentine backbreaker followed by a JP Coaster. The referee counts to three, and HANAKO defeats Rian.
HANAKO: "Hey Rian, there are only three of us in E neXus V. But it was really great to have a singles match with you at this time when we're all working hard towards our own goals, and to be able to see how much you've grown. I think there will be tough times ahead, but let's keep working hard together as a group of three."
Rian: "I want to get stronger too! I will definitely win on my own! So, I want HANAKO, Tsukiyama, Maika, and all the fans who come to see Stardom to see me more and more. So please support me!"
HANAKO: "Let's all get stronger together as a group of three. Come on, Tsukiyama. (Tsukiyama enters the ring)
Well, I'll come back to Kyoto even stronger, so please support me! E neXus V is here!"