Preview: Gatoh Move ChocoPro #23 (6/18/20)

Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling returns to the intimate venue of Ichigaya Chocolate Square for the twenty-third episode of ChocoPro. This YouTube show has picked up considerable steam since the first episode, featuring everything from interesting stories to fun guest stars to quality matches. Clearly, the purple-and-yellow promotion of Japan has found a unique formula and its “No Pay Wall” initiative has only enticed fans that much more.

This upcoming ChocoPro will be a two-match show but make no mistake: the competitors involved are talented and hungry. Furthermore, by the end of the show, they will participate in the janken tournament that has become a ChocoPro tradition of sorts. Who will end up claiming the celebratory chocolate in the aforementioned tournament? Regardless, one should hope that they don’t find themselves on the receiving end of a sneak attack before indulging in the chocolatey treat.

本日20時のチョコプロ参戦します！
メイちゃんとシングル！！！！
わくわくわくわくわくわくっ( 'Θ' )https://t.co/8Xxlie1F7U#chocoPro #gtmv https://t.co/oUYhPLyH78 pic.twitter.com/9W5owW8zdi

— 米山香織／フキゲンです★ (@kaori_yoneyama) June 17, 2020

Kaori Yoneyama vs. Mei Suruga

This past weekend, Kaori Yoneyama made her ChocoPro debut. More importantly, she made a statement, defeating Mitsuru Konno in a competitive main event. For long-time fans of Yoneyama, this should come as no surprise. In addition to being one half of the current Asia Dream Tag Team Champions, she boasts roughly two decades of experience in professional wrestling. Pro Wrestling WAVE and World Wonder Ring Stardom were just a few areas she developed her craft. Simply put, she’s one of the most formidable competitors Gatoh Move has brought in.

This upcoming match won’t be a walk in the park, however. On this show, Stardom’s “Death Yama-san” finds herself against a formidable opponent. Enter Mei Suruga, one of the top stars in Gatoh Move. The upbeat, apple-loving “Mei-chan” has enjoyed considerable success, whether on her own or alongside fellow Best Bro, Baliyan Akki. Furthermore, she earned a bit of traction on social media as of late due to her rendition of “Judas” by Fozzy, the band headed by AEW star Chris Jericho. Perhaps this boost of confidence will aid her in this upcoming match.

本当にカレーとなわとびしか頭にないのよ。カレーのツイートばかりになって気まずいから、縄跳びもアップしてる　#chocopro Queenは、日本でブームだったからあの時書きやすかったけれど、カレーならいつも誰でも悪い気はしないかなって https://t.co/qorse1WHJg

— Emi Sakura🍫 (@EmiSakura_gtmv) June 16, 2020

Emi Sakura and Baliyan Akki vs. Mitsuru Konno and Tokiko Kirihara

To say that Emi Sakura has had her fans full as of late would be an understatement. Much of this arose from her feud with Yuna Mizumori. At almost every opportunity, Mizumori expressed her hatred toward Sakura, the woman who trained her to become a wrestler. Feelings of animosity arose, albeit more so on the part of Yunamon. Recently, Sakura has been preparing for a singles match with her at the end of this month. Before fans can see this ChocoPro showdown, however, she will team with Baliyan Akki, who’s usually partnered alongside Mei Suruga, to challenge Mitsuru Konno and Tokiko Kirihara.

On the surface, the duo of Mitsuru Konno and Tokiko Kirihara appears thrown together. However, one commonality they share is their recent lack of success. Despite being a formidable fighter as a former kickboxer, Kirihara has struggled to pick up singles victories. On the other hand, Konno found herself falling to the likes of Antonio Honda and Chris Brookes since her recent return. It’s safe to say that Konno and Kirihara will be motivated to pick up a collective victory in the hopes of building momentum for the future.

ChocoPro #23 will air on June 18th at 8 PM JST (7 AM ET.)

It will air live on the Gatoh Move YouTube channel for free before being available for on-demand viewing afterward. To support the company, you can sign up for their Patreon, which features multiple tiers, or their own on-demand streaming service linked below.