Preview: Gatoh Move ChocoPro #31 (7/12/20)

Following a “Mystery Episode” of ChocoPro last week, Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling will get things back on track with episode thirty-one. This show will feature a singles match between newly-formed tag team partners and a shot at redemption for an unorthodox tandem. What will these matches have in store for viewers? Here is a rundown of what to expect on this show, including the closing janken tournament that may spur chaos by the end.

Mitsuru Konno vs. Tokiko Kirihara

Those that have been watching ChocoPro regularly since last month have undoubtedly watched the tag team efforts of Mitsuru Konno and Tokiko Kirihara. Together, the beer-loving and kickboxing duo of Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling have proven themselves as a formidable pair. Despite starting things on the wrong foot with a number of losses, they had a breakthrough on episode twenty-nine. It was here that Konno and Kirihara bested the Pencil Army tandem of Emi Sakura and Lulu Pencil. To say that this did wonders for the confidence of Konno and Kirihara would be an understatement.

チョコプロ初勝利ー🍫
美鶴さんとタッグを組む事が多くなり、嬉しい反面いつも私のせいで負けてたので申し訳ない気持ちでいっぱいだった。
やっと勝つ事が出来たが、まだ一歩。
2勝目があげれるように、もっと打倒極ガンガン行くぞ！#gtmv #ChocoPro pic.twitter.com/FN6fLmSXN9

— 桐原 季子 Tokiko Kirihara (@KiraRi_1104) July 5, 2020

On this show, tag team partners will clash in what is sure to be a hard-hitting, athletic contest. One of the hallmarks of Konno’s offense is her flexibility. This has been invaluable, especially in terms of her submission game, which has been yet another hallmark. On the other side of the equation, Kirihara has been able to parlay her strikes into a more charismatic way of fighting. Her dance move known as “The Twist” is indicative of her embracing of Japan’s Showa Era, which has been a clear influence on the aforementioned team.

In order for Kirihara to pick up a much-desired singles victory, however, she will have to keep fun and games to a minimum. Konno is nothing short of formidable and if she is given an inch, she will respond by taking a mile. Expect this bout between partners to entertain.

Pencil Army (Emi Sakura and Lulu Pencil) vs. Best Bros. (Mei Suruga and Baliyan Akki)

Episode twenty-eight of ChocoPro saw Emi Sakura defeat Yuna Mizumori in a highly-anticipated match. Since then, the career of Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling’s founder has taken a unique form. Instead of continuing as a singles wrestler, she joined forces with Lulu Pencil, becoming a member of the “Pencil Army” in the process. However, as a team, there have been a few caveats that prevented them from picking up victories.

Pencil Army #ChocoPro #aew #pencilarmy https://t.co/96Prli6fht

— Gatoh Move / ChocoPro🍫 (@gatohmove) July 11, 2020

First, Lulu Pencil’s offense has been lacking, to say the least. Despite being one of the most popular stars in Gatoh Move, especially given how little time she’s been in the industry compared to her peers, she struggled to pick up victories. Second, Sakura has suffered from back issues. While her back has been a sticking point for quite a few years by this point, it has been especially prominent in the last few weeks. Maneuvers she was once able to pull off have become struggles, which has led to her coming up short.

This week on ChocoPro, the challenge factor will prove to be that much greater when Sakura and Lulu Pencil take on Best Bros. Mei Suruga and Baliyan Akki have been the most dominant duo in Gatoh Move as of late. Furthermore, their charisma and wrestling acumen alike have made them immensely likable. Can they continue their momentum, as a tag team, by defeating the underdog Pencil Army? Tune into this week’s show to find out.

ChocoPro #31 will air on July 12th at 10 AM JST (July 11th at 3 AM CET and 9 PM EDT.)

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.