JPN
Suzuki, who defeated Sayaka Kurei to become the new champion at Yoyogi on June 20, has challenged Utami, who joined Stardom on June 22, to her title defense match. The title match has been suddenly scheduled for the Korakuen Hall event on June 30
In this first preliminary match, the two rivals faced each other after just over seven minutes. They engaged in a fierce elbow exchange, and a high-level battle of wits ensued, with neither giving an inch
After Shimi hit her with a Komouri hanging drop, Suzuki shifted gears and launched a fierce attack on Rian. With Rian isolated, she and her two teammates performed a triple thrust kick, then blew away Shimi and Iida with a spear
Despite taking a lariat from Utami in return, she landed a counter elbow on Rian. Finally, she secured a magnificent three-count victory with her signature Tequila Shot
After the match, Suzuki, holding up the belt, challenged his next challenger, saying, "The view is quite different from what you saw when you were younger, isn't it? I'm still got it."
Shimi wasn't backing down either. "Aren't you being a little too complacent? It's true that this is a completely different sight from what I was seeing. That's precisely why I, who just returned, have to take it!" she retorted
Nevertheless, the champion poked them with the belt and said, "Try and take it if you can," and then warned them, "You guys have a title defense against Utami Hayashishita at Korakuen Hall on June 30th, in three or four days? That's all you have, but at this rate it'll be easy, so study her thoroughly." After taking Utami out of the ring, the three of them concluded the event