JPN
Maika, aiming for her second championship in two years, showed her determination. In the second round of the "5★STAR GP 2026" final tournament, Maika, who had advanced as the top seed in Red Stars A, faced Iida Saya, who had defeated AZM in the first round
The match turned into a brutal physical battle. From the start, they engaged in a shoulder tackle exchange, with Maika focusing her attacks on the left arm
After winning the lariat exchange and mercilessly landing a right arm strike, he followed up with a superplex
Even after taking a retaliatory avalanche brainbuster, spinebuster, and Iida Rocket, he wouldn't allow himself to be pinned for the three count
After escaping the Flying Dragon Naked Choke, she unleashed two Michinoku Driver IIs. Still not enough to finish the match, it turned into a fierce battle of attrition. It was Maika who emerged victorious. After a Rolling Lariat, she landed a Michinoku Driver II, and finally brought the fierce battle to an end with a wrist-clutch Michinoku Driver II
This win secures her a place in the semi-finals (on the 23rd at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo). She will face the winner of the match between Rinami and Konami, which will take place later
[Maika's comments]
Iida, we've been clashing ever since I joined Stardom. The reason we were able to have such an intense match in this exciting tournament is because you made it to the top today. It was so much fun. You might be annoyed to hear this, but I love fighting against you. I beat Iida, and now, who knows what's next? I've just returned from elbow surgery, and I haven't achieved any great results yet. I want to win the 5★STAR tournament and go to Mexico. So, if I win, I want to have a title match at Ryogoku Kokugikan at the end of the year. I'll make sure you're looking forward to it. I'll make Ryogoku incredibly exciting, so look forward to it!
[Saya Iida's Story]
My semi-final hopes were dashed, damn it. I was eliminated in the second round of the tournament. This is where I am now. But, I wonder how many years it's been since I had a singles match against Maika. I think, as far as I can remember, it was since Future. I can't remember how many years it's been since then, but after all this time, I was finally able to fight against Maika again, and honestly, it was incredibly fun. But, you know, losing means nothing. Now that I'm facing Maika again after so many years, it means nothing if I don't win, this Saya Iida. My dream of reaching the 5★STAR finals has been dashed, and I've been defeated by Maika, so I'm facing a pretty cruel reality right now, but there's no way I'm going to give up here, this Saya Iida. Next year at 5★STAR, I'll show you an even more improved Iida spirit, along with these muscles!