by JCH
I have watched 6 Stardom shows since the last Korakuen Hall show, they are a mix of the multi person tags, Natsu and Jamie banter and some top-class bangers at the top end of the card. Rather than run through every match I will write a little piece about what each faction has been up to and point out anything I definitely recommend.
If you missed the review of J.A.N's month you can find it here
https://rossandrewcasey.wixsite.com/wrestlingshouldbefun/blog/stardom-diaries-19-1-19-10-2-19-j-a-n-edition
With J.A.N out of the way, let us look at STARS. Leader and STARDOM mainstay Mayu Iwatani made a successful return at the Korakuen Hall show and she has been at the forefront of STARS performances since. Kashima and Alex Gracia picked up an early tag win, but Mayu, Tam and Starlight Kid were defeated by the Tokyo Cyber Patrol in a 6-woman match setting up an Artist of Stardom title match for the TCP. There was a heart-breaking moment when Tam got no STREAMERS and looked so sad, the tension was broken by Hana Kimura (who’d also gotten no STREAMERS) telling her to Suck It.
Hoshiki was disappointingly absent from this show. From some research I believe she is in a band and splits her time between that and wrestling. Like a more talented Chris Jericho.
The Artist of Stardom match was postponed due to Gibbs’ absence but Tam and Mayu got revenge defeating the TCP in a tag match. Tam pinning Bobbi Tyler with the running knee. After the match Mayu and Hana flipped each other off a lot.
Following Queens Quest’s successful Goddesses defence out came Arisa Hoshiki! At last! She challenged Momo and the Best Belt Machine to a title match at Korakuen Hall. Momo and Utami completely disregard Hoshiki and only address Momo, continuing the theory that STARS are nothing without Momo. After they both ignored Hoshiki’s handshake, the legend that she is offered her hand to the big Trophy in the ring. Brilliant.
STARS picked up multi person wins over J.A.N, following a Hoshiki roundhouse, and Queens Quest when Mayu made AZM tap with that crazy submission. All in all, it was a good month for the top end of stars with Kashima also picking up a singles win over Ruaka.
The lower end of STARS did not fare so well. Starlight Kid and Alex Gracia both seem to be in the middle ground, if they’re in with an established wrestler, singles or multi person, they are good candidates for the pinfall. However, when in with the younger members of the roster they are the favourites.
Hanan, Rina and Hina I’m not sure have won a match yet. Although during the Natsu/Ruaka/Rina potential child abuse match I found out that Rina was 12. 12 years old. Bloody hell.
There is still something going on between Tam and Hoshiki as Tam cheered when Mayu said Arisa wasn’t here during one pre-match promo. Watch this space.
Mayu Iwatani – Undoubted leader of the group, the only one Queens Quest take seriously and the most popular with the crowd. Kills it every time and looking forward to the big tag team match at Korakuen
Tam Nakano – Good bounce back month for Tam following the defeat to Momo, seems to be in a holding pattern right now.
Arisa Hoshiki – Queen of the Kicks. I love watching this woman kick people in the head, and she does it all with enthusiasm and a smile on her face. Can’t wait to see her and Momo kick each other’s heads off.
Saki Kashima – Kashima has been working with the youth a lot this month, picking up victories and leading STARS into battle in the absence of the 3 above. Has formed a semi-regular tag team with Alex Gracia based around wearing pink.
Starlight Kid and Alex Gracia – As mentioned before. Defeat children defeated by established members.
Hanan, Rina and Hina – Lots of defeats. Hanan got a fair bit of offence in against Utami in the Future of Stardom title match. The three of them beat up Hazuki for a long time in a 6 woman with Oedo Tai, before Hazuki finally tapped out Hanan. Gaining experience though, good for the future.
There is nothing that absolutely stands out here, but Mayu is always killing it and Hoshiki kicks a lot of people in the head so I would say match of the month for STARS is
STARS vs J.A.N from Kyoto 2/2/19.
I am expecting big things of the Goddesses Title match coming up
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