Match Point is an ongoing series at Last Word on Pro Wrestling, where we look at intriguing matchups. They may be dream matches, first-time matchups, or hotly anticipated rematches. In this edition, we focus on the double title match for the World of STARDOM Championship and STRONG Women’s Championship on September 27th at Korakuen Hall, between Saya Kamitani & AZM.
At the recent STARDOM TO THE WORLD event on September 6th, Saya Kamitani successfully defended her World of Stardom Championship against Bea Priestly. Following the match, current NJPW STRONG Champion AZM would challenge the champ to a match. Saya accepted, with the condition that AZM’s title must also be on the line. She agreed, and now the match is set for the September 27th show in Korakuen Hall.
How Did We Get Here?
During the 5-STAR GRAND PRIX, Kamitani suffered a loss to both Priestly and AZM, which prompted both women to challenge for the title. However, AZM’s win came during the semifinals, and although she didn’t win the tournament, a semifinal loss is still a significant loss to take. Additionally, Kamitani also holds a singles win over AZM, making the upcoming match the tie-breaker.
Their story goes much further back, however. Both women were once a part of the stable Queen’s Quest, before disbanding due to a match stipulation in 2024. Kamitani would then align herself with the H.A.T.E. faction only a month later. AZM has since become a founding member of the new Neo Genesis unit.
However, the two had a brief reunion in April of 2025. For one night, a small part of Queen’s Quest came back together when AZM and Saya Kamitani teamed up to take on Tam Nakano and Starlight Kid. The match built intrigue for the following All-Star Grand Queendom. It also showcased the two rivalries going into the show.
What Does It Mean For Momo Watanabe?
Momo Watanabe, who won this year’s 5 Star GRAND PRIX, has taken her time in deciding how to invoke her tournament win. If she chooses to use this win for a shot at the World of Stardom Championship, she may not be facing Saya Kamitani. Instead, we may see a rematch from this year’s tournament finals. Additionally, it may prompt the match to be for both championships instead of just one.
On the other hand, Momo may play the long game and wait until the time is right to set out a challenge. Regardless, Watanabe will want to pay very close attention on September 27th. If Kamitani wins, it will make her a more formidable opponent to beat. But if AZM wins, she may be more confident in her abilities to win the World of Stardom title.
What Does It Mean For The World of Stardom Championship?
Many fans online have voiced their opinions about this match. Many are excited, while some don’t really care. However, this match is vital for all STARDOM fans as it will change the way the World of Stardom Championship is presented. Since NJPW STRONG is the company’s American branch, lots of fans feel this is a way to get the Red Belt onto American soil. While some are all for this, others aren’t. Some fans think this is the company’s way of fast-tracking the World of Stardom Championship onto Mercedes Mone.
This claim has risen after Mercedes Mone’s promo on Dynamite, where she stated she is coming for every title in the industry. Otherwise, this holds no other weight to it. Fans also suspect the match will end in a double-countout. Giving both Saya Kamitani and AZM a strong showing, the ability to set up another match, and both women retain their respective titles.
Conclusion
More than anything, this match has gotten fans to start talking, and it will undoubtedly draw many eyes. This will be Saya Kamitani’s sixth title defense, and AZM’s second. The match was set for the September 27th show in Korakuen Hall. As the days draw closer, fan anticipation only grows more and more.
Who do you think will win this double title match? Saya Kamitani or AZM? Let us know!
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Header photo – World Wonder Ring STARDOM (@saya_h_a_t_e on X) – Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on STARDOM Nighter in Korauken and other stories from around the world of wrestling as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. If you want to see more from Stardom, you can check out their subscription service Stardom World for all your wonderous Joshi needs.
