Tag: Stardom

IWGP Women’s title match set for NJPW x Stardom Historic X-Over II

Posted on by Ian Carey

The IWGP Women’s World Championship will be defended at NJPW x Stardom Historic X-Over II.

Mayu Iwatani will defend her title against Momo Watanabe on the show. The match was revealed on today’s Stardom show at Sumitomo Hall, which was the opening night of the Goddess of Stardom Tag League.

Watanabe attacked Iwatani after Iwatani and her partner Momo Khogo (collectively known as Peach Rock) defeated Starlight Kid & Suzu Suzuki.

Stardom would later make the match official.

Four matches are now confirmed for the second edition of Historic X-Over. The first show took place in November 2022, but the event was not held in 2023. This year’s event is scheduled for Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the EDION Arena in Osaka, Japan.

NJPW x Stardom Historic X-Over II announced lineup — 

  • IWGP Women’s World Champion Mayu Iwatani defends against Momo Watanabe
  • Zack Sabre Jr. & Maika vs. El Desperado & Starlight Kid
  • Great-O-Khan KOPW Championship open challenge to any member of the Stardom roster
  • Natsupoi & Taichi vs. Thekla & Clark Connors

New match set for NJPW & Stardom Historic X-Over

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A new match announcement has been made for next month’s NJPW x Stardom joint event.

NJPW confirmed today that Natsupoi will team up with Taichi against Thekla & Clark Connors in a mixed tag match at Historic X-Over 2024. The show is taking place from the Edion Arena in Osaka on Sunday, November 17.

This mixed tag is being billed as a “hate-fueled” grudge match involving Natsupoi and Thekla, who were formerly tag team partners and stablemates in Stardom.

“There is a long history of animosity between these former friends. Once a tag team, Natsupoi’s eventual betrayal left a lasting mark on Thekla, who knows how to exploit her former partner’s vulnerabilities. The bad blood between them has only intensified until an elimination tag in Korakuen Hall. While Thekla had promised no interference from her H.A.T.E faction, she didn’t rule out help from others, leading to Clark Connors taking out Natsupoi with a devastating spear, leaving the crowd stunned,” NJPW wrote.

“In their ensuing Wonder of STARDOM bout, Natsupoi was able to emerge victorious, but there is still undeniably business that remains unsettled. Now Natsupoi will team with one of her partners from the first Historic X-Over in Taichi to face Thekla and Connors in a hate fueled grudge bout.”

Historic X-Over first took place in November 2022 and is now returning after the event was not held in 2023. Three matches have been confirmed for this year’s show so far:

NJPW x Stardom Historic X-Over 2024 (Sunday, November 17) —

  • Zack Sabre Jr. & Maika vs. El Desperado & Starlight Kid
  • Great-O-Khan KOPW Championship open challenge to any member of the Stardom roster
  • Natsupoi & Taichi vs. Thekla & Clark Connors

First matches revealed for NJPW x Stardom Historic X-Over II

Posted on by Ian Carey

The first match has been revealed for NJPW x Stardom Historic X-Over II and an open challenge has also been issued for the event.

G1 Climax winner Zack Sabre Jr. will team with 5Star Grand Prix winner Maika against El Desperado & Starlight Kid on the November 17 show in Osaka. The match was announced today at Stardom Nagoya Golden Fight.

Desperado has been out of action since July with a knee injury. He and Starlight Kid teamed together at 2022’s Historic X-Over as well.

Starlight Kid had originally challenged Desperado to a singles match for the show, calling him out back in June.

The Great-O-Khan has also issued an Open Challenge to any wrestler on the Stardom roster for his King of Pro Wrestling title at NJPW x Stardom Historic Over-X. He also appeared on today’s Stardom show in Nagoya.

NJPW x Stardom Historic X-Over II takes place on Sunday, November 17 in Osaka. The announced lineup is below:

  • Zack Sabre Jr. & Maika vs. El Desperado & Starlight Kid
  • KOPW Champion Great-O-Khan Open Challenge

Big Audio Nightmare: Queen of Villains, Stardom, NJPW, GLEAT

Posted on by Adam Summers

The Big Audio Nightmare is back as Adam Summers and Mike Sempervive talk about everything happening in the very busy world of Japanese wrestling.

This week’s topics include:

  • The greatness of Netflix’s Queen of Villains show
  • Thoughts on recent Stardom and Marigold shows
  • A full preview of NJPW’s King of Pro Wrestling show
  • We try to game out the possibilities of Naito vs ZSJ and the booking for the rest of the year
  • A look at GLEAT’s intriguing and truly unhinged lineup at Osaka’s Edion Arena

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa victorious in Storm’s Stardom return match

Posted on by Ian Carey

Toni Storm wrestled her first match back in Stardom after five years today.

She teamed with Mina Shirakawa at Korakuen Hall on Saturday in a win over IWGP Women’s Champion Mayu Iwatani and AZM. The finish saw Storm pick up the win for her team after hitting Storm Zero on AZM.

Storm will challenge Iwatani for the IWGP Women’s title at Stardom Nagoya Golden Fight on Saturday, October 5. The two had a staredown after today’s match.

Shirakawa and Storm were interviewed backstage after their win, and it appears Storm no longer has any memory of AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May.

“I think we are the best tag team, no no, the best friends. You are like family,” Storm said to Shirakawa.

“We are good family, you and Mina and Mariah,” Shirakawa responded.

“I’ve never heard that name in my life,” Storm responded before staring off into the distance for a period.

Shirakawa returned to AEW at Grand Slam earlier this week, embracing May after her successful title defense against Yuka Sakazaki.

The main event of today’s Stardom show saw the Goddess of Stardom Champions Momo Watanabe & Thekla successfully defend their belts against Syuri & Saki Kashima.

Announced for Stardom Nagoya Golden Fight on Saturday, October 5, 2024 —

  • World of Stardom Champion Tam Nakano defends against Suzu Suzuki
  • IWGP Women’s Champion Mayu Iwatani defends against Toni Storm

Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa vs. AZM & Mayu Iwatani set for Stardom show

Posted on by Ian Carey

Toni Storm’s first match for Stardom in five years has been announced.

Storm & Mina Shirakawa vs. AZM & Mayu Iwatani is now scheduled for the promotion’s show at Korakuen Hall on Saturday.

Storm will then challenge Iwatani for the IWGP Women’s Championship at Stardom Nagoya Golden Fight on October 5. The former AEW Women’s World Champion appeared via video at Namba Grand Fight in Osaka two weeks ago and issued a challenge to the champion.

Storm has not returned to AEW since dropping the title to Mariah May at All In. May has been calling for Shirakawa to return to the company in recent weeks on AEW programming as well.

Lineup for Stardom’s event at Korakuen Hall on Saturday, October 28, 2024 —

  • IWGP Women’s Champion Mayu Iwatani & AZM vs. Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa
  • Goddess of Stardom Champions Momo Watanabe & Thekla defend against Syuri & Saki Kashima
  • Hazuki & Hanan vs. Koguma & Saya Iida
  • Tam Nakano, Saori Anou & Saya Kurei vs. Natsuko Tora, Saya Kamitani & Ruaka
  • Natsupoi, Yuna Mizumori & Sakura Aya vs. Konami, Rina & Azusa Inaba
  • Momo Kohgo vs. HANAKO
  • Maika, Xena, Waka Tsukiyama & Rin vs. Suzu Suzuki, Mei Seira, Starlight Kid & Hikari Amase vs. Tomoka Inaba, Hina, Lady C & Ran Yagami

Announced for Stardom Nagoya Golden Fight on Saturday, October 5, 2024 —

  • World of Stardom Champion Tam Nakano defends against Suzu Suzuki
  • IWGP Women’s Champion Mayu Iwatani defends against Toni Storm

Big Audio Nightmare: NJPW Destruction in Kobe preview, Stardom, Jake Lee injured

Posted on by Adam Summers

It’s a SOLO EXPRESS edition of the Big Audio Nightmare as I talk about everything happening in the very busy world of Japanese wrestling.

This week’s topics include:

  • Ryohei Oiwa’s final match in NOAH and impending return to NJPW
  • Jake Lee’s injury and where that leaves Gabe Kidd
  • NJPW Destruction in Kobe preview
  • Thoughts on the Ayabe vs. Honda AJPW Royal Road Tournament Final
  • A look at the latest news in Marigold and STARDOM…and much more~!

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

Toni Storm challenges Mayu Iwatani to IWGP Women’s title match at Stardom event

Posted on by Ian Carey

Toni Storm has a shot to win the IWGP Women’s Championship next month.

Storm has challenged Mayu Iwatani for a title match at Stardom Nagoya Golden Fight on October 5 at the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium in Nagoya, Japan.

She appeared via video at Stardom’s Namba Grand Fight in Osaka today after Iwatani & Hanan defeated AZM & Miyu Amasaki.

Storm said:

“Did you forget about me? Stardom, do you remember who I am? Because I have never forgotten you. I have done a lot in your land and I will always respect Japanese pro wrestling but there is one thing that I must do. In 2017, I became the World of Stardom Champion. Some say it was a mistake. I must prove that it wasn’t. October 5, Nagoya, I challenge you Mayu Iwatani for the IWGP Women’s Championship.”

NJPW’s Walker Stewart announced today that he will start as the new Stardom English play-by-play commentator beginning with the show in Nagoya on October 5.

Iwatani has held the IWGP Women’s Championship since defeating Mercedes Mone to win it at All-Star Grand Queendom on April 23, 2023. In the over 500 days she’s held the belt, Iwataini has successfully defended it against Utami Hayashishita, Stephanie Vaquer, Syuri, Mina Shirakawa, Sareee, and Tsukasa Fujimoto.

Stardom Namba Grand Fight 2024 results from September 14, 2024 —

  • World of Stardom Champion defeated Maika to retain her title
  • Wonder of Stardom Champion Natsupoi defeated Hazuki to retain her title
  • Mayu Iwatani & Hanan defeated AZM & Miya Amasaki
  • Suzu Suzuki defeated Tomato Inaba
  • Thekla, Momo Watanabe & Konami defeated Lady C, Saki Kashima & Syuri
  • Starlight Kid & Mei Seira defeated Momo Kohgo, Saya Lida, & Koguma
  • Saori Anou, Yuna Mizumori, Aya Sakura & Sayaka Kurara defeated Natsuko Tora, Rina, Ruaka & Azusa Inaba
  • Waka Tsukiyama & Hanako defeated Hina & Ranna Yagami
  • Saya Kamitani defeated Mina Shirakawa
  • Zena defeated Rian

Wrestling Observer Live: WWE Bash of the Bottom Line & Swerve’s new AEW contract

Posted on by Jim Valley

Image: AEW

It’s Saturday and that means Wrestling Observer Live.

It was another packed Friday with Stardom, TNA Resurgence, NJPW Capitol Collision, AEW Rampage, and WWE SmackDown.

Then, there’s tonight’s AEW Collision and WWE Bash in Berlin which is happening as I record the show.

Plus, WWE comes up against maybe its biggest opponent: the free market. There’s a feeling some new contracts likes Swerve Strickland’s are more than market value and what WWE wants to pay.

Plus, I talk about memories of Sid Vicious, All In and more.

Click to listen (sub required)

Anna Jay: ‘The best is yet to come’ after first Stardom tour

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Anna Jay is on her way back to AEW after competing in her first tour for Stardom.

The 26-year-old Jay wrapped up her first Japan tour on Saturday with a victory over Momo Kohgo. In post-match comments, Jay reflected on the rewarding experience she had competing for Stardom. Jay feels better than she’s ever felt and believes the best is yet to come.

“Well, my last match of my first Stardom tour. I feel a lot of things. I feel good. I feel tired, obviously. And I feel a little sad, you know? I’m leaving this experience, and while it’s been the most challenging experience of my wrestling career, it’s also been the most fulfilling [and] the most rewarding. The girls here are incredible, and I can’t believe that I got to work with them,” Jay said.

“And let me say this: I might not be on their level — not yet — but I hung in there with the best of them. And that was my goal, to get better. To be doing my best here while I’m here. And the best is yet to come. AEW, I’ll see you soon. And everyone’s on notice because I feel the best I’ve ever felt and I’m gonna use it.”

Jay debuted for Stardom earlier this month as an entrant in the 5 Star Grand Prix, finishing with a 3-3 record in her tournament matches.

Kohgo said she was honored to be Jay’s last opponent of the tour and would like to team up with her in the future.

In Saturday’s main event, the 2024 5 Star Grand Prix concluded with Maika defeating Saya Kamitani in the tournament finals.

Big Audio Nightmare: G1 final thoughts, Stardom, NXT & NOAH, Giulia departs Marigold

Posted on by Adam Summers

Image: NJPW

The Big Audio Nightmare is back as Adam Summers and Mike Sempervive talk about everything happening in the very busy world of Japanese wrestling.

This week’s topics include:

  • Giulia’s departure from Marigold and what it means for their future
  • A look at Stardom’s 5 Star GP and differences in booking from the previous regime
  • The NXT presence in Pro Wrestling NOAH’s N1 Victory tournament
  • The end of Yuma Anzai’s first Triple Crown reign
  • Final thoughts on the G1 Climax, who stepped up & the significance of ZSJ’s win

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

Mercedes Mone’s challenger for NJPW Capital Collision revealed

Posted on by Joseph Currier

NJPW Strong Women’s Champion Mercedes Mone looks to have her challenger for Capital Collision.

For the first time ever, Mone will face off against Stardom wrestler Momo Watanabe. Stardom shared a promo to social media today with Watanabe challenging Mone to face her at Capital Collision. The show is taking place from Washington, D.C. on Friday, August 30.

At AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door this June, Mone won the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship from Stephanie Vaquer. She has not made any title defenses since becoming champion.

Mone is currently a double champion, but that could change at AEW All In. She has a TBS title defense against Britt Baker set for the Sunday, August 25 pay-per-view.

Capital Collision will air live as a PPV on NJPW World. NJPW also posted a video last night with Mustafa Ali responding to Hiromu Takahashi’s challenge for the event. Ali accepted the challenge — as long as Takahashi agrees to publicly endorse Ali as the greatest junior heavyweight in the world if Ali wins their match.

NJPW Capital Collision (Friday, August 30) —

  • NJPW Strong Women’s Champion Mercedes Mone defends against Momo Watanabe
  • NJPW Strong Openweight Champion Gabe Kidd defends against Lio Rush
  • NJPW Strong Tag Team Champions TMDK (Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls) defend against Hechicero & Virus
  • NJPW Strong Tag Team title number one contender’s match: TMDK (Robbie Eagles & Bad Dude Tito) vs. Grizzled Young Veterans (James Drake & Zack Gibson) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii
  • Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Titan
  • Tom Lawlor & Fred Rosser vs. Jorel Nelson & Royce Isaacs
  • Trish Adora vs. HANAKO
  • Hiromu Takahashi vs. Mustafa Ali

AEW’s Anna Jay wins Stardom debut

Posted on by Ian Carey

Anna Jay kicked off her 5STAR Grand Prix tournament with a win.

Stardom’s annual round-robin tournament started today with a show in Yokohama. Anna Jay pulled off an upset in her first round-robin bout, countering a backslide into a pinning combination to get the win over two-time Wonder of Stardom Champion, Saori Annou.

Anna Jay is now tied atop the Blue Stars A Block with Syuri and Miyu Amasaki at two points.

“Well, my first day in Japan, I got my first win in Stardom and I cannot wait to keep going. This is exactly what I came here for. To get better, to win, finally, and this is where to do that,” Anna Jay said after the match. “I feel good already right now. Out of breath, I’m a little tired, I arrived here at 4 AM but here I am, I’m doing it and this is exactly what I wanted to do all along, do the work, and be here with the best.”

Stardom 5Star Grand Prix 2024 night one results —

  • Red Stars B Block: Mayu Iwatani defeated Tam Nakano
  • Red Stars A Block: Maika defeated Natsupoi
  • Blue Stars B Block: Saya Kamitani defeated Risa Sera
  • Red Stars B Block: AZM defeated Momo Watanabe
  • Blue Stars A Block: Syuri defeated Starlight Kid
  • Red Stars B Block: Mei Seira vs. Tomoka Inaba went to a 15-minute time-limit draw
  • Red Stars A Block: Hazuki defeated Manami
  • Blue Stars B Block: Suzu Suzuki vs. Hanan went to a double-count-out
  • Blue Stars B Block: Ranna Yagami defeated Saki Kashima
  • Blue Stars A Block: Miyu Amasaki defeated Xena
  • Red Stars A Block: Konami defeated Ruaka
  • Blue Stars A Block: Anna Jay defeated Saori Anou
  • Azusa Inaba, Thekla, Natsuko Tora, & Rina defeated Aya Sakura, Sayaka Kurara, Yuna Mizumori & Waka Tsukiyama
  • Momo Kohgo, Saya Iida & Koguma defeated Lady C, Rian, & Hina

The official tournament standings after night one:

Blue Stars A Block:

  • Anna Jay: (1-0) 2 points
  • Miyu Amasaki: (1-0) 2 points
  • Syuri: (1-0) 2 points
  • Koguma: (0-0) 0 points
  • Saori Anou: (0-1) 0 points
  • Starlight Kid: (0-1) 0 points
  • Xena: (0-1) 0 points

Blue Stars B Block:

  • Ranna Yagami: (1-0) 2 points
  • Saya Kamitani: (1-0) 2 points
  • Hanan:  (1-1) 1 point
  • Suzu Suzuki: (1-1) 1 point
  • Thekla: (0-0) 0 points
  • Saki Kashima: (0-1) 0 points
  • Risa Sera: (0-1) 0 points

Red Stars A Block

  • Maika: (1-0) 2 points
  • Hazuki: (1-0) 2 points
  • Konami: (1-0) 2 points
  • Yunamon: (0-0) 0 points
  • Ruaka: (0-1) 0 points
  • Natsupoi: (0-1) 0 points
  • Manami: (0-1) 0 points

Red Stars B Block:

  • Mayu Iwatani: (1-0) 2 points
  • AZM: (1-0) 2 points
  • Mei Seira: (1-1) 1 point
  • Tomoka Inaba: (1-1) 1 point
  • Saya Iida: (0-0) 0 points
  • Momo Watanabe: (0-1) 0 points
  • Tam Nakano (0-1) 0 points

Big Audio Nightmare: NJPW G1 check-in, Stardom 5 Star GP preview

Posted on by Adam Summers

Image: NJPW

The Big Audio Nightmare is back as Mike Sempervive and I talk about everything happening in the very busy world of Japanese wrestling.

This week’s topics include:

  • A deep dive into the NJPW G1 Climax thus far
  • Thoughts on each wrestler’s performance and whether their stock has been raised or lowered
  • Best match of the tourney thoughts
  • Praise for the incredible match between Kaito Kiyomiya and Ryohei Oiwa from the N1 Victory tournament
  • A preview of Stardom’s 5 Star GP
  • Thoughts on the state of Marigold with Giulia on the way out

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

AEW’s Anna Jay announced for Stardom 5STAR Grand Prix

Posted on by Ian Carey

Anna Jay is headed to Stardom.

The promotion announced on Saturday that the 26-year-old will participate in the 5Star Grand Prix. The round-robin tournament kicks off on August 10 and concludes on August 31.

Anna Jay’s last match in AEW took place on June 26. She teamed with Harley Cameron, and Saraya in a loss to Stardom alumni Mariah May, Toni Storm, and Mina Shirakawa.

Ice Ribbon’s Risa Sera was the other surprise entrant announced for the tournament on Saturday.

The full tournament groupings are listed below:

Blue Stars A Block:

  • Saori Anou
  • Syuri
  • Starlight Kid
  • Xena
  • Koguma
  • Anna Jay
  • Winner of Miyu Amasaki vs. Lady C (scheduled for July 28)

Blue Stars B Block:

  • Suzu Suzuki
  • Saya Kamitani
  • Hanan
  • Ranna Yagami
  • Saki Kashima
  • Thekla
  • Risa Sera

Red Stars A Block:

  • Maika
  • Hazuki
  • Natsuko Tora
  • Konami
  • Manami
  • Natsupoi
  • Yuna Mizumori

Red Stars B Block:

  • Mayu Iwatani
  • Tam Nakano
  • Momo Watanabe
  • AZM
  • Mei Seira
  • Saya Iida
  • Tomoka Inaba