JPN
Having avenged her defeat from a year ago, Rinami has secured her ticket to the final tournament (opening on the 18th at Korakuen). In the final official match of the Red Stars A series, she faced AZM. A win would have secured Rinami's advancement, while a draw or loss would have meant elimination, guaranteeing Itsuki Aoki's place in the final tournament
The match began with both competitors displaying fierce determination and pride, but time passed without either of them being able to seize a decisive opportunity. After 10 minutes, Rina unleashed Pink♥Devil, but she couldn't get the three-count
With less than three minutes remaining in the match, the battle between the two intensified. Rina blocked Azumi Sushi, and a series of pinning attempts ensued, but neither could secure a victory. Finally, summoning her last reserves of strength, she unleashed a big boot followed by a missile kick, and at 14 minutes and 7 seconds, she won the hard-fought battle with a package piledriver
After the match, Rina grabbed the microphone and shouted, "Finally! Finally! Finally, we beat AZM!"
He then called out to AZM, "Hey, wait a minute. I lost to you twice in a row at last year's 5★STAR! You have to come up again! I'll beat you twice and become the champion!"
Finally, he concluded the tournament by saying, "I made it to the final tournament last year. I made it to the top four last year. The only way to surpass last year's result is to win the championship. At19 years old, I will be the youngest champion. This is my goal and a stepping stone. I will definitely make the 5★STAR mine. You guys look forward to it. That's all!"
In last year's 5★STAR tournament, Rinami got revenge against AZM, who had defeated them twice in both the official matches and the semi-finals of the knockout tournament. With this result, Rinami now has 4 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, for a total of 9 points. They are now tied with AZM in points, but because they won the head-to-head match, they have secured second place in the tournament
[Red StarsA-Cut Players]
1st place Maika
2nd place Rinnan
3rd place AZM
[Rinami's comments]
I think AZM is the best opponent I could ask for. Last year, I lost to AZM twice in a row at 5★STAR, but I made it to the top four and won four titles. Just when I thought I was on a roll, I couldn't really get into a good rhythm. Last year was called the year of HATE, but I couldn't get involved in any big matches or title fights. I was only in the corner, so of course I was frustrated. If I had lost here this past year, I would really wonder what I had been doing with myself. With today's result, I feel like I've been able to prove that it wasn't all in vain. This isn't the finish line, it's just a stepping stone. But beating AZM is such a big deal to me, and I've realized more than anyone that she's not an opponent that can be easily overcome. It really wasn't easy to overcome her, and I don't think I've overcome her at all. I lost to her twice in a row last year, and I've only won one match this year. I want to make it to the 5★STAR finals again and have an even more amazing match than today. However, the final tournament is in just two days. I need to win two matches in one day to win the championship. I'm going to put all my effort into it and give it my all again. The winner will be me, Pink♥Devil, a 19-year-old and the youngest ever champion. Look forward to it!
[AZM's Story]
I was already guaranteed a spot in the 5★STAR final tournament, but that doesn't mean I have a reason to lose to Rinami, nor does it mean I don't have a reason to win. I fought with the intention of beating Rinami properly, but I lost today. Rinami said things like "Let's do it again" and "I can't give it my all," but I lost today, so I don't feel happy when my opponent, who beat me, says things like that. It's not like I'm not going to be able to participate in the tournament. I'll get results and go and beat Rinami again. Don't forget about AZM.