Tag: Mayu Iwatani

Daily Update: Mercedes Mone update, Mayu Iwatani, Matt Striker

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Daily Update

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • What people thought of Worlds End and Stardom Queendom
  • Roman Reigns vs. The Rock
  • All the AEW news and controversies from the past week
  • Worlds End rundown
  • MJF future
  • AEW departures
  • Business numbers
  • Full coverage of New Japan at the Tokyo Dome
  • Kevin Dunn’s WWE departure
  • Breakdown of WWE and AEW attendance in 2023 and how it compares to other companies historically
  • 2023 WWE Iron Man award winner
  • Pro Wrestling NOAH’s big show
  • Stardom show at Sumo Hall rundown
  • Giulia future
  • Nakajima vs. Miyahara II
  • The most detailed look at the TV ratings of all the shows, rankings, demos, competition and comparisons with one year ago
  • What AEW may have done this past week for the first time in its history
  • What Japanese wrestler drew more major crowds in the U.S. than anyone in history
  • Andrade’s last match at Arena Mexico draws a sellout
  • The unique show this week at Arena Mexico
  • Lots of international groups coming to Philadelphia for WrestleMania
  • Story behind the departures and changes in All Japan
  • Annual New Year’s Eve trio tournament coverage
  • Takeshita comes to All Japan
  • Surprise as far as popularity of Iron Claw in week two
  • The story of World Class in Israel
  • Mil Mascaras and Hulk Hogan speak
  • Thoughts on Mad Kurt
  • Grandfather of NJPW star will be honored by the King Charles
  • Danielson talks his future
  • International TV deals for WWE and AEW
  • International TV ratings
  • Streaming numbers for the past week
  • UFC PPV experiment
  • Lots of newcomers to WWE
  • Advanced tickets for upcoming WWE & AEW & NJPW shows

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter

Sunday Update

Bryan and I will be up tonight covering the weekend wrestling news and taking questions that you can send to [email protected]. We’re looking for reports on these shows:

  • NXT from Friday night in Melbourne, FL
  • NXT from last night in Sebring, FL
  • WWE tonight in Wenatchee, WA

We’re looking for results, finishes and highlights to [email protected]

Because Collision wasn’t taped last week due to the PPV, in the U.K. airing this week and in international markets they aired a Best of 2023 show hosted by Renee Paquette and RJ City airing Bryan Danielson vs. Ricky Starks in a bullrope match from 9/23, FTR vs. Jay White & Juice Robinson in a 2/3 fall match from 7/15 (best match in show history), and Kris Statlander & Willow Nightingale vs. Mercedes Martinez & Diamante street fight from 12/16. The FTR match went almost an hour and thus they only needed three matches to fill the show (thanks to Stephen Lyon)

On last night’s show there were no teases for Mercedes Mone or for her appearing Wednesday in Jacksonville. What I know is that AEW does expect her to start on TV soon, but as noted, until it happens and the contract itself is signed, I wouldn’t consider anything 100 percent. One would think there would be some sort of a tease of a surprise if she was to appear, since that’s been the case with most major signings. But Sting’s original debut in Jacksonville came out of nowhere.

The Sting & Darby Allin vs. Konosuke Takeshita & Powerhouse Hobbs match for Wednesday is a tornado match and Ric Flair on his promo talked about being there in Sting’s corner.

The Tennessee Titans upset the Jacksonville Jaguars 28-20 today which knocked the Jaguars out of the playoffs that they seemed destined for a few weeks ago.

WWE from last night in Spokane, WA:

  • LA Knight b Jimmy Uso with the BFT. Solo Sikoa got involved. Knight said he was winning the title at the Royal Rumble
  • Julius Creed b JD McDonagh
  • Omos b Akira Tozawa. Same match they’ve been doing.
  • Becky Lynch & Shotzi & Bianca Belair b Asuka & Iyo Sky & Kairi Sane when Lynch pinned Asuka with the man handle slam. Lots of action.
  • Cody Rhodes b Shinsuke Nakamura in a street fight. A fan held up a sign and asked Rhodes if he would be his best man for his wedding. Rhodes asked if the fan had any felonies on his record and he said no. He asked how long you’ve been dating and the fan said two years. Rhodes said this would be a logistical nightmare but said he would do it.
  • Nia Jax b Ivy Nile with the annihilator
  • Randy Orton b Dominik Mysterio with the RKO
  • Seth Rollins b Drew McIntyre to keep the world title. The crowd was 50/50 at the start but McIntyre worked heel and got the people to cheer for Rollins to where it ended up closer to 80/20. He cut a promo playing a whiny heel saying everything he’s done is justified. Rollins won over two curb stomps (thanks to Stephen Heath and Dylan K)

Oregon State on Friday night set a state attendance record for amateur wrestling with 8,000 fans at Reser Stadium for a dual meet with Penn State. (thanks to Ashkon Nowtash)

The long-awaited movie on the life of Mayu Iwatani will be released in Japanese theaters on 5/17. The movie is the key reason she is the current IWGP women’s champion per Bushiroad decision making. Iwatani went from being a teenager who wouldn’t even leave her home to being one of the biggest women’s pro wrestling stars of the modern era in Japan.

Matt Striker apologized for comments he made last night during the Jacob Fatu vs. Matt Riddle match at the MLW show in Philadelphia. Striker said on the air, “Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. The court of public opinion would love to see Jacob Fatu slap the taste out of Matt Riddle’s mouth. But the court of public opinion does not convict, I’m sorry. I know it’s the world in which we live but, it’s not the case.” Striker then wrote this morning, “I’ve given this a lot of thought. Could not sleep. My critics are right. I was wrong. Tone deaf. Trying to use the guise of art or character portrayal is self preservation. Thank you to those that shone light on this. It is now on me to stand in that light. I will be better.”

For Riddle’s debut, we were told there were some boos for him but it was mostly dueling “Uce” and “Bro” chants. One person said it was a small amount at the start but never returned during the match and the crowd was hot with “bro” chants once the match started. Riddle’s debut with New Japan is this coming Saturday night in San Jose. Right now he’ll be doing indies, NJPW and MLW for the time being and will be on several NJPW tours in Japan this year including the next tour.

At last night’s show in Philadelphia, they announced Mistico vs. Averno on the 2/3 return at the 2300 Arena.

Oskar Leube and Yuto Nakashima of New Japan, who were announced as leaving on Friday, were announced for the 2/4 RevPro show in London. Leube will also be in the 16 Carat gold tournament in Oberhausen, Germany.

Raul Rosas Jr., the youngest UFC fighter, faces Ricky Turcios on the 2/24 show in Mexico City.

TNA announced dates on 3/22 and 3/23 in Philadelphia at the 2300 Arena. It’s notable that date and not Mania week. NJPW, which also usually runs Mania week, hasn’t yet announced anything for Philadelphia.

Besides New Japan, Nick Nemeth was announced for the 1/20 show for the WWC in Bayamon, PR, against island legend Ray Gonzalez. Also on the show Universal champion Intelecto Cinco Estrellas defends against Chris Masters and Caribbean champion Xavant defends against Matt Cardona, while Puerto Rican champion Gilbert faces Ryan Nemeth. The show will air on PPV from FITE (thanks to Michael Morales)

Raw tomorrow has Kofi Kingston vs. Ludvig Kaiser, JD McDonagh vs. The Miz, Cody Rhodes vs Shinsuke Nakamura, Finn Balor vs. Tommaso Ciampa and Katana Chance & Kayden Carter vs. Chelsea Green & Piper Niven for the women’s tag title. The game goes against the national championship college football game and CM Punk will be on the show.

Kurt Angle, who is under contract to WWE, did a video on the AEW angle with Stokely Hatahway trying to recruit Kris Statlander.

U.K. wrestler Sam Betts died on Saturday at the age of 91. He wrestled mostly under the name Dwight J. Ingleburgh, with the gimmick of being an American. He worked for many of the top promotions of the time. (thanks to Bradley Craig)

Tomoko Watanabe and Ai Houzan from Japan will be wrestling for West Coast Pro on 3/23 in San Francisco at the Irish Cultural Center. The special guest at the show will be Bull Nakano.

Mascara Dorada vs. Templario, which headlined Arena Mexico on Friday, will headline a 3/1 IWC Legacy show in Denver.

House of Glory from last night at the NYC Arena in New York: Encore Moore b JJ Boujji, Joey Silver won over Darren Richardson, Jay Armani and KC Navarro, Idris Jackson b Raheem Royal, Nolo Kitano b Gringo Loco, Carlos Ramirez b Krule, Midas Black & Jay Lyon d Chris Bey & Ace Austin over 20:00 (said to be really good), Mike Santana b Josh Alexander to keep the HOG title in another match reported as really good. Next show is 3/2 with the debut of Mustafa Ali.

Mayu Iwatani to defend IWGP Women’s title at NJPW Lonestar Shootout

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The IWGP Women’s Champion is coming to NJPW Strong Lonestar Shootout.

NJPW has announced that Mayu Iwatani will be in action at Lonestar Shootout in Garland, Texas on Friday, November 10. Iwatani will be defending her title at the show, but her opponent has not been announced yet.

NJPW wrote:

Lonestar Shootout on November 10 has gained a huge matchup, as Mayu Iwatani is set to defend the IWGP Women’s Championship at the Curtis Culwell Center.

The last time IWGP Women’s gold was defended in the US was at Battle in the Valley, when Mercedes Mone defeated KAIRI to lift the title.

Who will Mayu take on, and can she retain the gold in Texas?

Iwatani is the third-ever IWGP Women’s Champion. She won the title from Mercedes Mone at Stardom’s All Star Grand Queendom this April.

Earlier this week, it was announced that Stardom will hold a show in Tokyo on January 4 prior to NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18. The Stardom event will be headlined by an IWGP Women’s Championship match.

NJPW’s next two events in the United States are Fighting Spirit Unleashed on October 28 and Lonestar Shootout on November 10. Both shows will be available as pay-per-views via Fite TV.

Pacific Rim: Stardom All Star Grand Queendom review

Posted on by Jim Valley

The Pacific Rim Pro Wrestling Podcast is back with a review of this past weekend’s Stardom All Star Grand Queendom which was an excellent show from top to bottom.

Fumi Saito was at the Yokohama Arena in person to witness Stardom’s biggest show in company history. He and I run down the matches, the outcomes and some of the factors that lead to those outcomes.

Was Rossy Ogawa happy with the show? What might the future hold for Stardom and Mercedes Mone? You might be surprised at what Fumi has to say.

Get lots of insight into the biggest women’s wrestling show of the year that you won’t get anywhere else.

Click Here to Listen for free

Stardom All Star Grand Queendom live results: Mercedes Mone vs. Mayu Iwatani

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Stardom holds the biggest event in company history today at Yokohoma Arena, All Star Grand Queendom. 

IWGP Women’s Champion Mercedes Mone defends her title against Mayu Iwatani on the show. 

In the main event, Giulia defends the World of Stardom title against Tam Nakano.

Saya Kamitani defends the Wonder of Stardom title against Mina Shirakawa in the semi-main. 

The undercard: 

  • Syuri vs. Chihiro Hashimoto
  • Artist of Stardom Championship: Risa Sera, Suzu Suzuki & Hiragi Kurumi defend against KAIRI, Saori Anou & Natsupoi
  • Goddess of Stardom Championship: Nanae Takahashi & Yuu defend against Mirai & Ami Sourei
  • Himeka’s retirement match: Himeka vs. Maika
  • Starlight Kid & Mei Seira vs. Mei Sugura & AZM
  • Jessie, Mariah May, Xena &Thekla  vs. Natsuko Tora, Saki Kashima, Momo Watanabe & Ruaka
  • Fuwa-chan & Hazuki vs. Utami Hayashishita & Miyu Amasaki
  • Yokohoma Rumble: Announced participants –Momoe Nakanishi, Lady C, Yuna Mizumori, Saya Iida, Chanyota, Hanako, Momo Kohgo, Sakura Aya, Ram Kaicho, Hanan, Hina, Koguma, Mai Sakurai, Waka Tsukiyama, Fukigen Death, Rina, Super Strong Stardom Machine, Super Strong Stardom Giant Machine, Super Strong Stardom Big Machine 

Our live coverage begins at 2 a.m. Eastern time.

**********

Mai Sakurai won Yokohoma Rumble

Pins, submissions, or throws over the top rope resulted in elimination. Every 60 seconds, give or take, a new wrestler entered the match.

Waka Tsukiyama and Hanako started the match. Koguma, Momo Kohgo, and Saya Iida, all of Stars, entered the rumble before any eliminations. Lady C entered next, and Yuna Mizumori followed her.

Aya Sakura entered the match before a scuffle on the apron eliminated Iida, C, and Yuna. Twins Hina and Rina joined following the triple elimination, and their third sister, Hanan, was the next to walk out.

RAM Kaichow, from 666, entered the match during a multi-woman submission spot, and Chanyota from PPP was next. Rina, Ram, Hanan, and Hina were all eliminated as Fukigen Death made her way to the ring.

Mai Sakurai, Momoe Nakanishi, Super Strong Stardom Machine, Super Strong Stardom Giant Machine, and Super Strong Stardom Big Machine all entered before Koguma was eliminated. Nakanishi pinned Hanako and Chanyota and helped Strong Machine pin Death. Tsukiyama ended Nakanishi’s reign of terror by eliminating her with a pinfall, only for all three machines to target her with a triple bomb and a pin.

Being alone with all of the Machines, Sakurai seemed to be in trouble, but she held on, eliminating all three by knocking them out of the ring.

Oedo Tai (Momo Watanabe, Natsuko Tora, Ruaka & Saki Kashima) defeated Club Venus (Jessie, Mariah May, & Xena) & Thekla

Club Venus gained the lead early by isolating Ruaka, but Oedo Tai fought back with tandem offense. For some time, the teams went back and forth, with momentum favoring the team had the most wrestlers in the ring.

Eventually, the chaos played to Oeado Tai’s advantage. Mariah May tried to have Thekla use one of Oedo Tai’s weapons, and, after a back-and-forth, she conceded. When Thekla tried to use the box, she missed, hitting Jessie instead. Kashima then pinned Jessie to win the match.

Mei Seira & Starlight Kid defeated AZM & Mei Suruga

This match opened with a competitive back-and-forth between teams. The Meis took each other out on the floor before an AZM dive left both Meis laid out. The teams continued to battle on the floor, with SLK and Seira struggling to gain an advantage.

Back in the ring, SLK turned things back around before attempting a second dive. Once returning to the ropes, the teams traded pin attempts for an extended period. Eventually, Seira scored the pin over AZM.

Queen’s Quest (Miyu Amasaki & Utami Hayashishita) defeated Hazuki & Fuwa-chan

Utami and Miyu gained an early lead over Fuwa, isolating her for some time. Once the tag came, Hazuki was able to turn the match around.

Once Hazuki gained a significant lead, Fuwa tagged back in and gained some offense of her own. A top rope double knee facebreaker from Hazuki left Fuwa in position for a high fly cross. Fuwa landed a pair of suplexes for a nearfall.

Utami answered Fuwa’s advance with a slam and a choke. A colossal lariat forced Hazuki to make a save. Miyu landed a DDT and Utami a German on Fuwa, leading into the pin and the Queen’s Quest victory.

After the match, Fuwa cut a promo. She said she was taking time away to reconsider he future in pro wrestling. Hazuki encouraged her, saying she would be waiting, if she does, in fact, choose to return. 

Maika defeated Himeka

This was a fantastic, emotional match.

The match started with a brawl outside the ring. Maika landed a suplex on the floor. Back in the ring, Himeka was able to turn things around. She wasted no time, landing a dive to the floor.

Once both women returned to the ring again, Maika landed a superplex to retake her lead. Maika landed a lariat, and Himeka answered with one of her own. Himeka landed JP Coaster for a nearfall.

Maika reversed Himeka’s follow-up attempt into a slam, which blossomed into an extensive offensive sequence of her own. A Michinoku driver scored her a nearfall.

A jumbo knee and a powerbomb from Himeka seemed to mark the end, but Maika kicked out once more. Maika answered with another Michinoku driver, staying alive long enough to land a headbutt and Enka Otoshi to win the match. Before landing the finishing blow, Maika begged Himeka to kick out.

After the match, Himeka cut a promo, thanking the fans for supporting her on this journey.

Goddesses of Stardom Championship: God’s Eye (Ami Sourei & MIRAI) defeated 7Upp (Nanae Takahashi & Yuu) (c)

Yuu is one of my favorite tag wrestlers in the world. This pairing of Nanae and Yuu has worked surprisingly well so far, and this match was no exception. While many will not be fond of the finish, I think this was another great match.

God’s Eye tried rushing 7Upp early, but the strength of Yuu proved too much, at least at the beginning. Yuu tossed MIRAI to the floor and threw Ami onto her partner to establish an early lead. Nanae continued to make advances after tagging into the match, isolating MIRAI.

Eventually, MIRAI reversed a lariat, sending Yuu to the floor. Ami followed up by throwing Nanae onto Yuu, returning the favor from earlier in the match. Then, as the referee’s count climbed, MIRAI landed a dive to the floor. Seeing a chance to close, God’s Eye fought to keep Yuu on the floor, eventually resulting in a count out to win the match.

Artist Of Stardom Championship: REstart (KAIRI, Natsupoi & Saori Anou) defeated Prominence (Hiragi Kurumi, Risa Sera & Suzu Suzuki) (c)

This match opened at a blistering pace. After a prolonged opening sequence, Kurumi landed a slam, resetting the match in Prominence’s favor. The Prominence advance continued when Kurumi landed a triple powerbomb from the top rope.

An air raid crash led to a double tag, leaving Suzuki and Anou alone to trade strikes. Suzuki won out and landed a tandem double knee drop with Risa.

REstart rushed the ring to stop Suzuki’s attack. Anou landed a German suplex, but Risa broke up the pin with a kendo stick strike. The match then devolved into a brawl favoring REstart.

Anou and Suzuki traded Germans and nearfalls. Ultimately, Anou won out with a backslide pin, which she used to win the match and the belts.

Wonder of Stardom Championship: Mina Shirakawa defeated Saya Kamitani (c)

The match opened with a scramble, Mina won out and began to focus Saya’s legs. Saya eventually landed a dropkick to put Mina on the back foot, which she followed with a dive to the floor.

Back in the ring, Mina landed a dropkick to the knee, continuing her focused attack, but Saya answered with a leg lariat, a suplex, and a big boot. Saya climbed to the top rope, but Mina caught her, landing a leg whip from the top before locking in the figure four.

Mina landed a suplex, a rolling forearm, and a pair of DDTs for a two-count. After holding on, Saya landed a suplex of her own and a star crusher for a nearfall.

Saya finally landed the phoenix splash, but Mina kicked out. Saya climbed to the top again, but Mina met her on the ropes. From the top, Mina landed her DDT once more; Saya survived.

The pair began trading kicks, but Mina caught Saya with another leg whip. Mina held onto the leg, securing the figure four once more. After Saya escaped with the ropes,

Mina landed a pair of glamorous drivers to win the match and the belt. 

Submission, Knockout, or Stoppage Match: Syuri defeated Chihiro Hashimoto

This was an amazing match.

The match opened with a standard grappling sequence, which Hashimoto ended with a suplex and a slam. The pair then traded strikes, with Syuri landing a leaping knee that put Hashimoto on the mat for all of two seconds. Hashimoto then climbed to her feet and landed multiple lariats before throwing Syuri across the ring.

Syuri caught Hashimoto rushing in with a knee strike and a swift kick. She laid the boots to Hashimoto before attempting an armbar, but Hashimoto powered out and landed another lariat.

Hashimoto met Syuri on the top rope, where Syuri secured a kimura, sending Hashimoto crashing to the mat. On the mat, Syuri maintained the hold, forcing Hashimoto into the ropes.

Syuri climbed to the top, but Hashimoto cut her off with a lariat to the leg that sent her to the floor. Outside the ring, Hashimoto landed a spear.

While the pair continued to fight on the floor, Syuri landed a DDT to retake the lead. Back in the ring, Hashimoto answered with a powerbomb and a German, but Syuri held on landing a kick before a double strike knocked down both women.

A strike exchange left Hashimoto in control again, but Syuri reversed her powerbomb attempt into a guillotine. From the choke, Hashimoto landed a suplex.

Syuri landed a headbutt, opening Hashimoto up for a Syu-sekai. After landing her go-to finish, Syuri followed with a buzzsaw kick. Hashimoto almost beat the referee’s count but crashed to the floor at the end of the referee’s count, leaving Syuri with a TKO victory.

After the finish, Syuri thanked Hashimoto for the match. She then offered to fight Sendai Girls at any time.

IWGP Women’s Championship: Mayu Iwatani defeated Mercedes Mone (c)

This was another remarkable match.

Mayu started the match with a flurry of strikes that forced Mone to the floor. Mayu continued her attack with a tope and a brief period on the floor.

Back in the ring, Mone landed multiple knees to establish control. Mone led an impressive sequence, complete with three amigos, but Mayu reversed Mone Maker into a crucifix bomb.

Mayu continued to fight back with a dragon suplex and a beautiful splash from the top rope for a near fall.

After eating a pair of pump kicks and a slap, Mone slammed Mayu into the mat from the corner. Mone landed Mone Maker, but Mayu found the ropes.

After surviving Mone’s finish, Mayu landed a dragon suplex. Mone tried to fight back, but Mayu caught her with a tombstone piledriver. Then, Mayu hit the moonsault, but Mone kicked out. Finally, Mayu was able to bring things to an end with the two-step dragon suplex into the pin. Another new champion has been crowned.

After the match, both women thanked each other. Mone asked for one more match on her way out.

World Of Stardom Championship: Tam Nakano defeated Giulia (c)

The match opened with a scramble, but it quickly escalated as Giulia landed a northern lights bomb. Tam rolled to the outside, to escape the pressure. While on the outside, Giulia set up a table but failed to drive Tam through it.

Back in the ring, the struggle for control continued. Tam gained an advantage, but Giulia held on as the action approached the apron’s edge. Giulia then whipped Tam through the table.

Giulia continued to escalate, even after the table spot, attempting a glorious driver on the ramp. Tam reversed and landed a pair of running knees that sent Giulia rolling.

Back in the ring, the pair traded strikes. Giulia rocked Tam with a closed fist before landing another northern lights bomb and a glorious buster for a nearfall.

Tam landed a pump kick to stay in the match before locking in a leg choke that forced Giulia into the ropes. To follow up, Tam landed three running knees and a twilight dream for a nearfall.

Tam tried for a violent screwdriver, but Giulia escaped. To establish a lead, Giulia landed another closed-fist strike to a chorus of boos. Giulia landed a northern lights bomb for another near fall.

Giulia hoisted Tam to the top rope, but Tam reversed, landing a super tiger suplex that took out both women. Tam landed another tiger suplex after both women returned to her feet, but Giulia was quick to respond with one of her own. Tam held on, landing a northern lights bomb and another twilight dream for a convincing near fall. Finally, Tam hit the violent screwdriver to win the match and crown herself World Of Stardom champion.

After the match, Tam took her chance to taunt Giulia. Giulia answered with “bye for now”. Tam ended the show with a passionate send-off. 

Wrestling Observer Live: WWE SmackDown, AEW Collision, Stardom

Posted on by Jim Valley

It’s Wrestling Observer Live Saturday with Jim Valley. 

On Smackdown, The Usos interfere in a match – AGAIN! Like death, taxes, and Groundhog Day, The Usos interfering in a match seems inevitable these days. 

With the draft coming next week, how can any new talent move up when there’s no path to upward mobility. That’s why Roman Reigns needs to lose at least one title in the near future, as it will create more feuds and new matches. 

How much more wrestling programming will media executives want? If AEW Collision isn’t a hit, will it affect the whole industry? Plus talk on the AEW pillars, Stardom, Steve Maclin, and more. Check it out.

Right click save as

Wrestling Observer Live: WWE SmackDown, AEW Rampage, Stardom

Posted on by Jim Valley

It’s Saturday and that means it’s time for Wrestling Observer Live.

Does it feel like we’re in the middle of a post-WrestleMania lull? WWE is somewhat spinning its wheels waiting for the draft in two weeks and Backlash after that. It’s hard to tell what has consequence and what will be reset with the draft. 

Meanwhile, it feels like AEW is awaiting the impending return of CM Punk. 

Plus, I talk about Stardom, Friday’s SmackDown and Rampage, Sunday’s Impact Rebellion, and I remember the late Butch Miller from his time in Portland Wrestling. You’ll hear him like you probably have never heard him before.

Click Here to Listen

Mercedes Mone makes surprise Stardom debut

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Mercedes Mone wasn’t waiting until All Star Grand Queendom to make her first appearance for Stardom.

Mone made her surprise Stardom debut at Saturday’s Cinderella tournament finals, attacking Mayu Iwatani. Mone ran into the ring wearing a disguise as Iwatani was cutting a promo following a six-woman tag team match.

An IWGP Women’s Championship match with Mone defending against Iwatani is set for Stardom’s All Star Grand Queendom on Sunday, April 23. The pay-per-view is being held at the Yokohama Arena.

In backstage comments after Saturday’s attack, Mone called Iwatani “stupid.” Mone said she always has a plan in order.

Mone also tweeted a video of herself laughing after the attack:

After debuting for NJPW at Wrestle Kingdom 17, Mone won the IWGP Women’s Championship from Kairi at Battle in the Valley this February. Mone successfully retained the title against AZM and Hazuki in a three-way match at Sakura Genesis earlier this month.

Iwatani congratulated Mone immediately after that title defense but vowed to take the IWGP Women’s Championship from her. Mone responded by slapping Iwatani.

Daily Update: NXT notes, Mercedes Mone, Eva Marie

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Daily Update

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

Latest Free YouTube Video:

Join us in Las Vegas for our annual F4W Convention

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

Highlights include:

*It’s one of the biggest issues of the year, given we have coverage of what will be the biggest story of the year, the Endeavor/WWE/UFC merger with all the details of how it happened and what it means, plus coverage of WrestleMania and all the major events of WrestleMania week

*The story behind the merger

*The new power structure of WWE and UFC

*All the financial details of the merger including stock, what stockholders will be getting

*How the deal went down and when

*Who will be negotiating WWE TV deals

*Vince McMahon’s worth based on what they are pitching valuation at and his actual stock worth as of right now

*How much top WWE execs were bonused from the sale and new contract for the top two guys in the company and its valuation

*How Vince McMahon changed Raw

*What are the big questions going forward regarding creative

*What employees and wrestlers were told

*Investigation of the deal

*Can WWE get out of the deal

*Financial benefits of the deal

*What it means going forward

*What happened internally in UFC from the deal

*Profits and revenue for UFC and WWE last year

*The history of Vince McMahon and UFC and secret story about a WrestleMania main event that never happened

*Coverage of WrestleMania

*Examining Rhodes vs. Reigns and the finish

*Real attendance figures and other business figures

*PPV numbers and which show had the most viewers

*What were the most watched matches after the fact

*Social media numbers and who drew the biggest and where there are contradictions

*Match-by-match coverage with star ratings as well as poll results

*AEW trying to run Wembley Stadium and more history of such

*A look at a famous period in wrestling history with the death of U.K. promoter Max Crabtree, and the debate over whether the Big Daddy era killed wrestling in that country or it was killed earlier and he just gave it a last life

*A look at the ROH Supercard of Honor, business notes, match-by-match coverage

*A look at NXT Stand & Deliver

*What happened with Gisele Shaw and Rick Steiner

*The most detailed look at the ratings over the past week and what they mean

*Arena Coliseo 80th anniversary event

*Build to the biggest show in Stardom history

*New Japan/Impact dual show

*One of the best bouts of the year took place this past week

*Jay White signing

*Injury updates

*Another major AEW hiring

*WWE Hall of Fame coverage

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter:

Ordering Info:

Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

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Tuesday Update

WWE

AEW

  • This week’s Road to Dynamite, focusing on Swerve Strickland vs. Darby Allin, Chris Jericho vs. Keith Lee, and more.
  • Marina Shafir is on the Swerve City Podcast.
  • Dustin Rhodes and Ari Daivari are celebrating birthdays today.

Other Wrestling

  • Mercedes Mone attacked Mayu Iwatani during a press conference ahead of their IWGP Women’s title match on April 23 at Yokohama Arena.
  • Former WWE star Eva Marie expressed interest in a return to the company in an interview with WrestleZone. “Of course,” she said when asked. “That door is always open. I mean, we’re in constant talks. When I had originally left, I was filming my first lead action movie, so that door is definitely one of those things that is always open. I’m definitely down to always cause some trouble and stir up some things, that’s for sure.”
  • The full match between New Japan World Television Champion Zack Sabre Jr. and Shota Umino that took place at Sakura Genesis this past weekend.
  • GCW announced they will be returning to Tokyo for shows taking place July 17 through 20.
  • Jordan Oliver vs. Shigehiro Irie for the JCW title has been added to GCW’s Scene of the Crime event on April 22.
  • El Hijo Del Vikingo vs. Komander has been added to DEFY’s Heathens event on June 24.
  • It was announced that Freddie Prinze Jr. has joined the Premier Streaming Network as a co-owner.
  • Samuray del Sol (Kalisto) is the guest this week on The Sessions with Renee Paquette.
  • Just 5 Guys’ entrance video and theme.

Wrestling Observer Live: SANADA finished the story

Posted on by Jim Valley

It’s a Saturday edition of Wrestling Observer Live.

At last night’s NJPW Sakura Genesis, SANADA did what Cody Rhodes didn’t at WWE WrestleMania 39: finish the story. Wy? Because there’s a difference in storytelling in New Japan vs. WWE which I discuss this week.

Paul Heyman said Rhodes is a bigger star for losing. Is he? Is Drew McIntyre? Is Brock Lesnar? Is Matt Riddle? Is Edge? WWE is just loser after loser after loser.

On SmackDown in Portland, OR, Dominik Mysterio got a louder, more organic reaction than Roman Reigns. Considering the WWE corporate machine has been behind him for over a decade, why isn’t Reigns the most over wrestler of all-time? 

Plus, let’s talk Mercedes Mone, Aussie Open, AEW to Wembley Stadium, and more.

Click Here to Listen

Mercedes Mone vs. Mayu Iwatani set for Stardom All Star Grand Queendom

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Mercedes Mone’s next challenger for the IWGP Women’s Championship is set.

Mone will defend her IWGP Women’s title against Mayu Iwatani at the Stardom All Star Grand Queendom pay-per-view in Yokohama at the Yokohama Arena on Sunday, April 23. 

The match was made official today following Mone’s successful title defense in a three-way at NJPW Sakura Genesis, where she defeated Hazuki and AZM. Iwatani came to the ring and issued the challenge, and Mone responded with a slap to the face. 

Stardom then officially announced the match on social media: 

Mone responded on Twitter: 

All Star Grand Queendom will air live on pay-per-view, but ordering details have yet to be announced for the event. 

Here is the announced lineup: 

Stardom All Star Grand Queendom, Sunday, April 23, 3 a.m. Eastern time on pay-per-view —

  • World of Stardom Championship: Giulia defends against Tam Nakano
  • Wonder of Stardom Championship: Saya Kamitani defends against Mina Shirakawa
  • IWGP Women’s Championship: Mercedes Mone defends against Mayu Iwatani
  • Syuri vs. Chihiro Hashimoto
  • Artist of Stardom Championship: Risa Sera, Suzu Suzuki & Hiragi Kurumi defend against KAIRI, Saori Anou & Natsupoi
  • Goddess of Stardom Championship: Nanae Takahashi & Yuu defend against Mirai & Ami Sourei
  • Himeka’s retirement match: Himeka vs. Maika
  • Starlight Kid & Mei Seira vs. Mei Sugura & TBA
  • Mariah May, Xena, Thekla & TBA vs. Natsuko Tora, Saki Kashima, Momo Watanabe & Ruaka
  • Fuwa-chan & TBA vs. Utami Hayashishita & Miyu Amasaki
  • Yokohama Rumble match: Momoe Nakanishi vs. TBA

Two women’s matches added to NJPW Rumble on 44th Street

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Update —

Dave Meltzer notes that the reason the two women’s matches were announced today is because the visas for the Stardom wrestlers just came through. NJPW knew they were coming through but didn’t know if it was going to happen in time for Rumble on 44th Street, so it was a photo finish. They had stopped advertising the Stardom women because of that and were going under the impression the debuts would be on a later date.

**********

Two women’s matches are set to take place at NJPW Rumble on 44th Street.

NJPW has announced that Stardom’s Mayu Iwatani will defend her SWA World Championship against KiLynn King at Rumble on 44th Street in New York City this Friday (October 28). The SWA World Championship is a title where the champion can only accept challenges from wrestlers who are from countries other than their own.

A kickoff match has also been announced for Rumble on 44th Street, with Waka Tsukiyama & Mina Shirakawa teaming against Kylie Rae & Tiara James to open the show. The kickoff match will air for free on Fite TV and NJPW World.

It was announced this July that Stardom wrestlers would be competing on NJPW cards in the United States going forward.

Rumble on 44th Street is being held at the Palladium Times Square. A Halloween-themed event titled The Night Before Rumble on 44th Street will also take place at the venue this Thursday. Both pay-per-views will be available live via Fite TV. The Night Before Rumble on 44th Street will have a mystery card with matches not announced until wrestlers make their way to the ring.

The updated card for Rumble on 44th Street is listed below:

NJPW Rumble on 44th Street (Friday, October 28) —

  • Kazuchika Okada & Eddie Kingston vs. Jay White & Juice Robinson
  • KOPW 2022 New York City Street Fight: Shingo Takagi defends against El Phantasmo
  • SWA World Champion Mayu Iwatani defends against KiLynn King
  • Minoru Suzuki vs. Clark Connors
  • Wheeler Yuta, Homicide & Shota Umino vs. Tom Lawlor, Jorel Nelson & Royce Isaacs
  • NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions Aussie Open defend against Motor City Machine Guns and Kevin Knight & The DKC in a three-way match
  • Rocky Romero & YOH vs. Yujiro Takahashi & SHO
  • Waka Tsukiyama & Mina Shirakawa vs. Kylie Rae & Tiara James (kickoff match)

IWGP Women’s title tournament finals set for NJPW x Stardom Historic X-over

Posted on by Ian Carey

The IWGP Women’s Championship tournament finals are set. 

Mayu Iwatani vs. Kairi will determine the first-ever title holder. They will meet in the tournament finals at NJPW x Stardom Historic X-over on November 20 from Tokyo’s Ariake Arena.

Iwatani defeated Utami Hayashishita and Kairi defeated Jazzy Gabert in the tournament semi-finals held Sunday on the first night of the Goddesses of Stardom Tag League 2022. 

This will be the sixth time the two have met in singles competition. The last came in 2017 when Iwatani defeated Kairi to win the Wonder of Stardom title. Iwatani leads their all-time head-to-head singles match series 3-2. 

IWGP Women’s Championship tournament results:

  • Jazzy Gabert defeated Ava White (October 2) (Quarter-final)
  • Mayu Iwatani defeated Momo Watanabe (October 22) (Quarter-final)
  • Utami Hayashishita defeated Himeka (October 22) (Quarter-final)
  • Kairi received a bye to the semi-finals
  • Mayu Iwatani defeated Utami Hayashishita (October 23) (Semi-Final)
  • Kairi defeated Jazzy Gabert (October 23) (Semi-Final)
  • Mayu Iwatani vs. Kairi (November 20) (Finals)

The lineup for NJPW x Stardom Historic X-over is as follows:

  • Mayu Iwatani vs. Kairi in the IWGP Women’s Championship tournament finals
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Utami Hayashishita vs. Hirooki Goto & Maika
  • Tom Lawlor & Syuri vs. Zack Sabre Jr. & Giulia
  • El Desperado, DOUKI, Starlight Kid, and Momo Watanabe vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Taichi, Natsupoi, and Tam Nakano

Stardom reveals participants for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 match

Posted on by Ethan Renner

A drawing was held at today’s Stardom event to determine which competitors will take part in the company’s match at night two of NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16. 

After drawing straws, it was announced that Mayu Iwatani and Starlight Kid will team against Tam Nakano & Saya Kamitani on January 5, 2022. 

This will be the third consecutive Wrestle Kingdom appearance for Iwatani, and the second consecutive for Kamitani. While not yet announced, the assumption is that this year’s match will also be a pre-show match. 

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 will be held over three nights, with nights one and two being held in the Tokyo Dome on January 4 and January 5. Night three will feature NJPW vs. Pro Wrestling NOAH at the Yokohama Arena. Nights one and two will air live on NJPW World, while night three will be a live Abema pay-per-view. That show will also air on NJPW and NOAH’s streaming services on a one-week delay.

The full cards have yet to be announced for all three events. 

Stardom announces two dark matches for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Stardom has announced two matches for the second night of Wrestle Kingdom 15.

During tonight’s Stardom Year End Climax 2020, the promotion announced onsocial media that not one, but two dark matches will be held on the second night of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Wrestle Kingdom 15 on January 5. The two matches will be Mayu Iwatani and Tam Nakano vs. Giulia and Syuri in a tag match, and Saya Kamtani, Azumi, and Utami Hayashishita vs. Maika, Natsupoi, and Himeka in a six-woman tag team match.

Stardom held their first dark match at the Tokyo Dome during last year’s Wrestle Kingdom 14 on the January 4 card. In that match, Mayu Iwatani and Arisa Hoshiki defeated Hana Kimura and Giulia.

For 2021, Stardom will hold their 10th anniversary show on March 3 at Budokan Hall, a much bigger venue for their anniversary show. It will also serve at Mayu Iwatani’s 10th anniversary.

Stardom American Dream in the Big Apple results: STARS vs. Oedo Tai

Posted on by Antonio Garza

The Friday night show from the NYC Arena in Jamaica, NY, opened with all the participants coming down to the ring for the introduction. Kagetsu and Mayu Iwatani got the biggest ovation. Momo Watanabe opened the show thanking the fans and hyping them up.

Pacific Rim’s Jim Valley and Fumi Saito were on commentary. Saito had so much interesting points, insights, and trivia throughout the show. Ring introductions were done by Yurie Kozakai, so they were exactly like a normal Stardom show.

Jungle Kyona & Natsuko Tora defeated Violette & Sonya Strong

Kyona and Strong started the match in a power vs. power battle doing shoulder tackle challenges where Strong got the advantage. Violette came in and worked on Kyona’s head with a nice looking guillotine. Jungle slowly started a comeback when she got enough space to gather speed and shoulder tackle Strong down.

Tora came in and both Violette and Strong tried to gang up on her, but took them down with a double spear. Strong regained control of the match on Tora, and she and Violette hit a flurry of kicks until Tora landed a desperation spinebuster on Violette and got the hot tag to Kyona.

Violette hit a codebreaker on Kyona for a close two fall. Strong and Violette hit a kick combo for another two count. Kyona took them out with a double lariat and a sliding clothesline on Violette for a two count. Both Kyona and Tora climbed the ropes and hit stereo Superflies for a two count. Jungle landed a sitdown powerbomb to finally finish off Violette for the win. This was a good kickoff for the show.

Bobbi Tyler & Hana Kimura defeated Dr. Britt Baker & Brittany Blake and Bea Priestley & Konami

The rules are three women in the ring at all times.

Baker, Kimura, and Konami started the match with a three-way test of strength that turned into a quick exchange of arm drags and roll ups. All women got cleared out leaving Hana and Konami with the latter being thrown around by her hair and stomped on. Hana and Tyler locked in a double Romero Special on Konami, but Baker broke it off when she pinned both Kimura-gun girls. Queen’s Quest came in and worked on Kimura until Blake came in to break up the pin.

Kimura (who looked like a superstar) and Konami got into a striking battle that ended with Konami’s signature kicks taking out Kimura for a two count. Konami went for a guillotine, but Kimura powered herself out with a deadlift suplex. They kept trading submission attempts until Priestley interrupted them. Baker got a couple of near falls on Tyler with a Slingblade, but after some miscommunication, Blake hit an Enzugiri on Blake.

Kimura took advantage, hitting a dropkick on Blake for the pin.

High Speed Champion Hazuki defeated Dust to retain

This started with a series of reversals and counters, a quick pace that lived up to the name of the championship. Hazuki gained control of the match early on, stomping Dust out of the ring. Back in the ring, Dust started to level out things with running lariats before starting a striking battle where Hazuki once again got control after a springboard dropkick and running knee for a two count.

Dust hit a DDT on the apron and a top rope plancha for a two count. Dust hit a running knee and a codebreaker for another two count. Dust hit a backstabber for another (almost late) two count. Out of nowhere, Hazuki locked in La Magistral, or, as Hazuki calls it, Hazukistral for the flash pin to finish a good match.

Dust looked really good. I would have liked for an extra five minutes as they were barely hitting second gear when it ended.

Wonder of Stardom Champion Momo Watanabe defeated Utami Hayashishita to retain

I’m surprised that this match didn’t close the show. Utami getting a shot at Momo’s championship and their first time meeting had been hyped and anticipated since the announcement of the match. The crowd was split between both wrestlers.

It started with both women fighting for wrist control with good, crisp reversals. Utami was the first to up the ante and slapped Momo straight in the face, which Momo answered, landing a set of hard kicks to the back and a fake out to the front. From here on, Momo started working on Utami’s torso. Momo would challenge Utami to hit her and quickly cut her off, getting two counts in between.

Utami finally dodged Momo’s offense, locked in the Camel Clutch, and started going after Momo’s back with a series of stomps and a Boston Crab. Whenever Momo would hope for a comeback, Utami would reverse back into the Boston Crab. Utami finally started chasing the Torture Rack while Momo chased the Peach Sunset, but they kept blocking each other.

They went back and struck each other until they simultaneously knocked each other down with slaps. They started exchanging stiff looking dropkicks. Momo hit an Uranage and a double knee for a two count. Momo hit two Meteoras for another two count. Momo went for a chicken wing and Sleeper, but Utami reversed into a judo throw and locked in a sleeper with a body scissors for a near submission, but Momo managed to roll to the ropes.

Utami put Momo in the Torture Rack right before the feed unfortunately went off. Momo would win minutes later with the a Tequila Sunrise. Even with the gap in time, this was easily the match of the night.

In an elimination match, STARS (Mayu Iwatani, Tam Nakano, Saki Kashima & Arisa Hoshiki) defeated Oedo Tai (Kagetsu, Session Moth Martina, Jamie Hayter & Andras Miyagi) w/Hazuki

Oedo Tai did their dance entrance and looked like superstars. Kagetsu and Mayu Iwatani had the biggest pops.

STARS offered the opening handshake, but Oedo Tai ignored and instead jumped the babyfaces to start the match. Both teams brawled around the arena with Kagetsu and Mayu making it all the way into the crowd. When they made it back to the ring, Oedo Tai had taken control of Iwatani, who they worked on for a while with a series of quick tags and quick moves. Andras did her headbanging spot and a DDT for a two count. Mayu hit a quick Slingblade to get the tag to Saki who ran wild on all the Oedo Tai women, hitting a couple of Angel’s Wings on both Kagetsu and Andras. Oedo Tai hit their running combo on Saki, and after a spinning piledriver by Andras, Saki was eliminated.

Arisa came in against Martina, who hit her with the beer mist. Martina hit a lariat and went for the Electric Chair, but was rolled into a two count. All of Oedo Tai got suplexed by the remaining STARS, leaving Session Moth opened for a STARS combo of sentons that ended with a triple dropkick and one of Hoshiki’s killer kicks to be eliminated.

Kagetsu called out Tam Nakano next. They got into a strikefest that ended with a cutter by Nakano on Kagetsu. Nakano hit a great German Suplex Pin for a two count. When Nakano went for the kill, Jazuki hit her with a chair, giving Kagetsu the opening for the Oedo Coaster and a DVD to eliminate Nakano.

Andras went against Mayu and Arisa. Andras got a near fall on Mayu before Mayu hit a top rope Frankensteiner on her. Andras set up a powerbomb to eliminate Mayu with an over the top rope elimination, but Mayu caught the ropes, headscissored Andras, and pulled her out the ring for the elimination.

Kagetsu and Hoshiki started kicking each other, but at the end, it was Hoshiki that landed the final kick for a two count. Hoshiki went for the flying kick, but all of Oedo Tai came back to stop her, leaving an opening for Kagetsu to throw water on her. As she went to throw her out of the ring, they ended up eliminating each other.

That left Hayter and Iwatani as the final two. Kagetsu hit the green mist on Hayter by mistake, giving Iwatani the opening for the moonsault and pin for the STARS win. This was a pretty great match as all women got to shine even if it was just for a few minutes.

STARS closed the show thanking the fans and saying goodbye. Jungle Kyona invited all the factions to come out to close out the show. Momo, Jungle, Kagetsu, and Mayu all agreed that tonight’s it was about STARDOM. Oedo Tai obviously didn’t comply.

**********

This was a great, easy to watch and short show by Stardom. They had a good debut in the United States, showing what they bring to the table in terms of wrestling. The show itself didn’t fully feel like a normal Stardom show since there were no pre-match promos or the younger talent, but when it came to the everything inside the ring, it was just like watching a show on Stardom World.