JPN
"The Unyielding Girl" Saori Anno made a triumphant return to her hometown. She competed in two matches at "STARDOM in OTSU 2026 Feb." (February 20th, Ukaru-chan Arena, Shiga). As the event's subtitle read, "Thank you Ukaru-chan Arena, I am Saori Anno of STARDOM," she appeared in the ring to thunderous applause from her local fans
First up, in the second match, she faced Saki Kashima, who has announced her retirement from professional wrestling at the Yokohama Arena on April 26th, in a singles match. However, she was defeated in just 7 seconds, and in the rematch, which was arranged at her own request, she was again pinned with the same last-ditch move..
In the main event, she teamed up with her close friend Natsupoi to face Starlight Kid and Mitsuyoshi Amasaki. She was wrapped in blue paper streamers when she was introduced
In her hometown ring, where a huge "Saori" chant erupted, Anno volunteered to be the first to start, but was immediately caught by the opposing team, a tough situation. Kid congratulated her on her triumphant return, saying, "Saori, congratulations on your homecoming!" while she was still tied to the ropes, and the seconds from both sides gathered for a photo shoot. For some reason, her partner Natsupoi didn't come to her aid, but was also in the frame..
The match saw neither side giving an inch, with a back-and-forth battle unfolding, and Kyoto native Tensaki engaged in a fierce elbow exchange. When Anno threw an elbow, shouts of "Shiga!" were heard, and when Tensaki threw an elbow, shouts of "Kyoto!" were heard, and the "Shiga vs. Kyoto debate" continued in the ring
At a crucial moment, Anno successfully executed a combined brainbuster with Natsupoi, and then quickly pressed her advantage. Finally, she hit Tensaki with an Omi Ohashi Suplex (a modified German suplex) to secure a convincing three-count victory
After the match, Anno took the microphone and said, "I was able to win at the last Ukaru-chan Arena event. Thank you very much!" She then added, "Kid, you're the best. Natsumi, thank you for protecting my back. That's what you'd expect from a partner."
However, only Tensaki asked, "We've always competed in Kyoto and Shiga, but this time you've really helped spread the word about Shiga. Have you come to like Shiga?" to which she received a cold reply, "Of course not!"
Regaining her composure, Anno said, "Did you enjoy Stardom's pro wrestling? Did you come to like pro wrestling? I'm so happy that my dream of holding a pro wrestling tournament here at Ukaru-chan Arena, the place of my youth, has come true. I received so much support. My family, friends, and even my high school teachers are here. I grew up here. I love Shiga Prefecture. I will continue to be the only active pro wrestler from Shiga Prefecture, bridging the gap between pro wrestling and Shiga Prefecture," expressing her gratitude to the assembled crowd
Finally, she shouted, "Thank you so much to everyone who created the best space for us. Thank you, Ukaru-chan Arena, I am Saori Anno of Stardom!" and the homecoming show came to a grand finale