JPN
Wonder of Stardom champions Hanan and Iida Saya have invited Hamabe Matoi and Hayashishita Utami, who is returning to the Stardom ring after about two years, to join STARS
At "STARDOM in KYOTO 2026 May." held at KBS Hall in Kyoto on May 31st (Sunday), Hanan and Iida teamed up to face Utami and Hamabe. Hanan and Iida will clash in a Wonder Championship defense match at the Yoyogi event on June 20th, but on this day they fought together as members of the same STARS
After being subjected to a spear attack by Utami, who had returned to the Stardom ring at the Kobe event the previous day, both of them were sent flying with a dropkick
However, Iida engaged in a head-on elbow exchange and delivered a heavy chop to Utami's chest. Looking back, it was Iida who ultimately pinned Utami in her final Stardom match at Korakuen Hall on April 12, 2024
Hanan, seemingly enjoying the feeling after a long time, attacked Shimi relentlessly, and finally subdued Hamabe with a blockbuster hold
After the match, Iida and Utami shared a warm embrace, expressing their joy at being reunited. All four appeared backstage. Iida asked, "First, Matoi, how's it going? How's your trauma from the chops? There's only one way to avoid the pain. Join STARS. You won't have to take my chops anymore, what do you think?"
Suu and Hamabe reserved their decisions, saying, "We don't want to join just because the chops hurt. We want to think it through properly and decide which unit to join."
Furthermore, Iida addressed Utami, saying, "I'll be honest. I've been waiting for this. I'm so happy that Utami Hayashishita has returned to the Stardom ring. However, I'm a new Iida, different from the one I was two years ago, and I'm going to beat you."
Utami also smiled and said, "I'm happy to be able to stand in the same ring as Iida again, and it feels strange. I'm glad I was able to fight today."
Seeing this exchange, Hanan chimed in, "I'm also happy they're back. Since the four of us are lined up together, why don't we all become STARS?"
Shimi only said, "Right now I'm doing my best, so please let me think about it once I've gotten used to the environment," but Hanan sent a message to the two of them saying, "STARS will always be waiting for you."
STARS, led by Hanan, is facing a major crisis. Bea Priestley left the group after their performance at Yokohama Arena on April 26th. Currently, Momo Kogo and Yuria Hime are also absent, leaving only Hanan and Iida as active members
Utami, who debuted in August 2018, joined Queen's Quest (QQ, now defunct). She also served as the leader and remained dedicated to QQ until her departure in March 2024. We'll be keeping an eye on Utami and Hamabe's future activities