After a short break post-Korakuen, Stardom made their way to Osaka for a double bill. With two new champions on top and Tokyo Cyber Squad continuing to make their impact, it’s an exciting time for the company. Let’s see if they can keep that momentum going.
Before we get into my review of Stardom’s latest trip to Korakuen, I want to talk about My Hobby, a series on Stardom World detailing wrestler’s, well, hobbies. So far, it has followed Mayu Iwatani and Saki Kashima hanging out with Mayu’s dog Pochi at a doggy day care, and it is the greatest thing that has ever existed. I was having a miserable day when I watched it, and it put an almost painful smile on my face. More videos of wrestlers having a good time with their pets, please. In fact, if Stardom wishes to ditch the wrestling business and transition into the wrestlers hanging out with pets business, I would probably be okay with it. Pochi is my Ace.
Anyway, let’s get onto what we are actually here to talk about.
Our final Golden Week show saw our future overlords, Tokyo Cyber Squad take the book and give themselves the chance to win some cash in the main event. Who needs titles when you can top up the Korean BBQ fund?
May 5th was Oedo Tai’s chance to take up the book as Stardom’s Golden Week fun continued. I don’t have anything else to say. Why don’t we get on with it? Yes, lets.
Stardom’s second show from Golden Week placed Queen’s Quest in charge of proceedings. STARS set a high bar with their efforts, so can the cops leap over it? Time to find out.
Hina replaced AZM in this match due to injury. Credit: Stardom
It was recently Golden Week in Japan and Stardom ran a gimmick where each unit was handed an opportunity to produce a show. Up first were STARS, who put together a card headlined by the Costume Change Battle Royal. I shall be judging all the units based on their booking, so they better deliver quality throughout.
It’s time for my first proper Stardom tournament! Well, that’s not technically true, they ran a trios contest in January, but it’s my first big one. Cinderella, which I was genuinely delighted to hear gives the winner, among other things, the right to wear a pretty dress. God, I love wrestling. Anyway, I’m going to split this review up into chunks because otherwise, it will be massive, so here are my thoughts on the first round.
Stardom’s second show from the 21st continued the theme of the day as they bed in their new look units. There were a lot of first-time tag teams on this card, and that had the potential to lead to all sorts of interesting dynamics. Oooh, how exciting.
Stardom has mixed things up, and one glance at the card for this show suggests they are already reaping the benefits. Our main event has two old JAN pals facing off plus the debuting of Hana’s new-look faction. Where will it lead? I guess it’s time to find out.
It’s draft time! Well, it was draft time a week ago, and I presume all of you are well aware where the various cogs in Stardom’s wheels ended up, but I’m going to write about it anyway. It’s what I do. Not all I do, though. I have some other hobbies… maybe. Shut up, Stuart, and get on with it.