Stardom returns to Korakeun Hall for the first time in months for Stardom Explode In Summer. While no major titles are on the line at this show we do have the semi-finals of a tournament to crown the new Wonder Of Stardom Champion, which was set up on Stardom’s July 12th show. This show will also see the vacant Future Of Stardom Championship also get a new home after Utami Hayashishita vacated it back in February. Let’s jump into the preview.
Hina vs Rina
The twin sisters do battle again on the undercard. In singles competition, Queen’s Quest member Hina has a 4-2 lead in their singles meetings. Rina has recently taken on Hana Kimura’s Hydrangea submission and got a win over Hina so this new move may swing the tide back in Rina’s favor.
Oedo Tai (Saki Kashima & Natsu Sumire) vs Riho & Utami Hayashishita
The unusual team of Hayashishita and Riho is a real power duo in Stardom and they take on Oedo Tai here. Oedo Tai is being built up for an Artist Of Stardom title match so they could win here but we might also see Riho get the win to keep her strong as she is set to defend her High Speed Championship at Stardom’s next Korakuen Hall show.
Donna Del Mondo (Himeka & Syuri) vs Tokyo Cyber Squad (Jungle Kyona & Death Yama-San)
As much as things change there will always be something that stays the same and the hatred between DDM and TCS is still there despite TCS losing their leader. Kyona has a World Of Stardom Championship match coming up so a win for her makes the most sense. That would provide us with a picture of DDM’s pecking order as we aren’t sure where Himeka slots in yet, we assume shes below Giulia and Syuri. DDM may shock us though and Death Yama-San is right there to take a pin if needed.
STARS (Mayu Iwatani & Starlight Kid) vs Queen’s Quest (Momo Watanabe & AZM)
STARS battles QQ as Kid and AZM prepare to compete for the High Speed Championship at Stardom’s next visit to Korakuen. While it’s possible we see a draw, Stardom has liberally used draws recently, we could also see SLK or AZM pin the other to get a leg up going into their title match.
Future Of Stardom Championship: Maika vs Saya Iida vs Saya Kamitani
The vacant Future Of Stardom Championship gets a new holder as two of Stardom’s top prospects battle it out with JUST TAP OUT’s Maika. Kamitani and Maika were the final two challengers of Hayashishita’s reign and while Kamitani was expected to dethrone Hayashishita she fell short. Kamitani is definitely the favourite in this match as Stardom is clearly high on the former idol.
Semi-Final: Giulia vs Konami
DDM and TCS clash once again this time it is for the coveted Wonder Of Stardom Championship. Giulia won the Cinderella Tournament earlier this year and her desire was to face Arisa Hoshiki for the title. Hoshiki was unfortunately forced to retire due to injuries so now, thanks to Konami’s suggestion, we have a tournament! This is a big semi-final clash between two of Stardom’s best and while Konami will be the fan-favorite it’s hard to see anything other than a Giulia win in this match. This will still be a hard-hitting and fearsome match but there’s little doubt who will win.
Semi-Final: Natsuko Tora vs Tam Nakano
A rematch from the Cinderella Tournament semi-final when Tora defeated Nakano. Ever since taking the reigns of Oedo Tai Natsuko Tora has been one of the best things about Stardom and she needs wins to establish her but that would mean Stardom going to Tora vs Giulia again, with Tora likely losing. Nakano winning makes too much sense given her and Giulia have been building to this match in tag matches ever since Stardom’s return but it will be interesting to see if it’s a clean win or if Tora’s temper costs her.
Note: The final of this tournament takes place at the June 26th Korakuen Hall show
Despite having a limited roster and despite the two huge losses they suffered during the Covid-19 break Stardom once again presents an exciting lineup at Korakuen Hall. Stardom Explode In Summer should be a fantastic show with big implications going forward as Stardom are running Korakuen Hall twice this month.
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