Yesterday, indie star Kimber Lee (formerly Abbey Laith in NXT) announced that she will be making her Japanese debut with Stardom in the upcoming 5*STAR Grand Prix tournament, one of Stardom’s most prestigious tournaments, akin to NJPW’s G1 Climax Series.
Kimber Lee Making Japan Debut With Stardom
Guys I can finally reveal my big secret……. IM GOING TO STARDOM!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️ @wwr_stardom #Japan #STARDOM #CrownJewel ?? pic.twitter.com/6ZEiDCGOxn
— Kimber Lee (@Kimber_Lee90) June 16, 2018
Stardom’s 5* Star Grand Prix tournament began in 2012, and is held annually, with Yuzuki Aikawa winning the inaugural tournament. Since then, winners have included Nanae Takahashi (2013), Io Shirai (2014), Kairi Hojo (2015, aka NXT’s Kairi Sane), Yoko Bito (2016) and last year’s winner, Toni Storm.
Winner of the 2017 5 STAR GRAND PRIX – First gaijin to win this tournament, maybe bit proud. This year has been cool ??? #STARDOM #ToniTime pic.twitter.com/GrhfNKRJiV
— Toni Storm トニー・ストーム (@tonistorm_) September 18, 2017
With perennial favourites Io Shirai and Toni Storm not entered this year (both are expected to be a part of the WWE Mae Young Classic II around the same time), the field is wide open. Alongside many of Stardom’s top stars, several international talents will also be joining the tournament this year, including ICW Women’s Champion Viper, SHIMMER Champion Nicole Savoy, RevPro British Women’s Champion Jamie Hayter, as well as Women of Honor’s Kelly Klein and indie star Rachael Ellering.
