Stardom: Title Challenges, Injuries, and High-Speed Showdowns
Maika faces off with Natsuko Tora, Ami Sourei announces injury hiatus, and Saya Kamitani talks High-Speed defence against Mei Seira
At Stardom’s 16 July press conference, World of Stardom Champion Maika ignited a heated exchange with Natsuko Tora, the leader of the villainous Oedo Tai. Fresh off her sixth successful title defence, against former JUST TAP OUT colleague Tomoka Inaba, Maika is set to face Tora at the Sapporo event on the 28 July at Chateraise Gateaux Kingdom Sapporo. During the contract signing, Tora criticised Maika, suggesting her initial impact as champion had waned. Maika retorted by highlighting Tora's lack of results despite her bold behaviour and confidently declared, "As the champion with the red belt, I will accept any challenge, no matter who the opponent is." Further asserting her dominance, Maika questioned if Tora still found genuine joy in wrestling. She challenged her to bring her best to Sapporo, displaying unwavering confidence.
Stardom also announced Ami Sourei (27) will undergo surgery for her injured left knee, which she damaged during practice on the 11 July. Sourei, who had been sidelined from the Kansai region matches from the 12th to the 14th, detailed her situation at the press conference. She explained that her anterior cruciate ligament had been a long-term issue, compounded by a recent meniscus injury. "It's frustrating, but I see this break as positive and intend to heal properly," Sourei stated, acknowledging the necessity of a long-term hiatus. Her injury and subsequent surgery mean she will miss the upcoming 5★STAR GP singles league, set to begin on the 10 August in Yokohama. Ranna Yagami, her fellow "God's Eye" member, will take her place in the tournament. Sourei encouraged Yagami to seize this opportunity for personal growth, while Yagami committed to honouring Sourei and the God's Eye faction with her performance.
Meanwhile, High-Speed Champion Saya Kamitani (27) issued a bold challenge to former champion Mei Seira (21), ahead of their title match at the Sapporo event. Seira, who previously held the title and defended it four times before losing it in April, expressed her eagerness to wrestle Kamitani and change the High-Speed division's history. Kamitani, who now fights solo as the lone member of Queen's Quest after their recent defeat to Oedo Tai, emphasised the emotional significance of her title. "Currently, as I am operating alone in QQ, this High-Speed belt is my emotional support. Therefore, I want to defend it firmly and make it a significant step forward in pursuing the path I believe in," Kamitani declared. She vowed to retaliate against any challenge from Seira, confident in her ability to maintain the phoenix’s reign.
The upcoming event in Sapporo promises to be pivotal, showcasing the resilience and determination at the heart of Stardom.