NJPWxStardom: Historic X-Over
Marie Shadows has the scoops for the NJPWxStardom press conference that happened earlier today!
New Japan Pro Wrestling held an exclusive livestreamed press conference discussing the exciting matchups for the NJPWxStardom show and the tournament to crown the first ever IWGP Women’s Champion. For years Japanese wrestling has been separated. Ever since Bushiroad acquired Stardom under its banner, it has come to the attention of both Kidani and Rossy, Executive Producer of Stardom, that the fans really want to see the women compete alongside the men. In the most recent press conference that announced the first ever creation of the IWGP Women’s Championship, it was also mentioned that the numbers for Stardom memberships increased by 200%. The numbers are there. Fans are watching the wonderful ladies of Stardom.
The press conference opened with Bushiroad chairman Takaai Kidani, NJPW Chairman Naoki Sugabayashi, and Stardom Executive Producer Rossy Ogawa.
Kidani addressed the viewers first by mentioning four major events that Bushiroad is running for the 15th anniversary. That includes 50 years of New Japan Pro Wrestling and 10 years for Stardom.
We cannot expect to try new things while adhering to the status quo. I often talk about the courage to take a step in the face of that status quo. That’s the spirit I started NJPW with.
NJPW Chairman Sugabayashi gave us more details surrounding the IWGP Women’s Championship. The IWGP Women’s Championship is to bring together NJPW and Stardom to a global prominence.
The first champion will be determined in a tournament which will begin on October 2 on night two of Royal Quest II in London. The first champion will be crowned on November 20 in Ariake Arena at Historic X-Over, with the first title defence taking place on January 4 at Wrestle Kingdom 17 in the Tokyo Dome. Moving forward, title matches will take place at major NJPW events both internationally and in Japan, as well as at major STARDOM cards.
Read more here: Historic X-Over Press Conference 1
The Ace of NJPW, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Mayu Iwatani speak on the epoch event of NJPWxStardom on November 20th.
Tanahashi remarked that he became excited about the announcement of having NJPW wrestlers and Stardom wrestlers in the ring at the same time doing what they love: wrestle. Tanahashi likes the idea of fandoms crossing over during this event.
Mayu Iwatani cheerily greeted the viewers and press expressing her excitement to sit next to Tanahashi and in front of the Lion Mark. She reminded press that when asked who she’d like to team with for the NJPWxStardom event she said Tanahashi. However, things didn’t work out as such. NJPW and Stardom chose to team Tanahashi with Utami Hayashishita. Mayu then stated that if she isn’t booked to have a mixed tag match, she has her eyes set on the IWGP Women’s Championship. She wants to enter in the tournament even if she doesn’t know what this title stands for just yet. She’s SWA Women’s Champion.
Read more here: Historic X-Over Press Tana and Mayu Speak
Three Massive Mixed Tag Matches Announced Plus IWGP Women’s Tournament update!
First, we start with the IWGP Women’s Championship tournament.
October 2 is night two for the Royal Quest II event over in London.
Quarter Finals will be held at
Royal Quest II - October 2nd
Stardom’s October 22 event at Kourken Hall
The semi-finals taking place at
Stardom’s October 23 event in Tachiawa
The first ever women to be crowned the new IWGP Women’s Champion will be held on November 20th in Ariake.
Tom Lawlor & Syuri vs Zack Sabre Jr & Giulia
Syuri:
World of Stardom Champion
Split from Giulia’s faction: Donna Del Mondo
Formed God’s Eye stable
Pro-wrestling and MMA background
More here: More on Syuri
Giulia:
Ice Ribbon
International Ribbon Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Tequila Saya
World Wonder Ring Stardom
Artist of Stardom Championship (1 time) – with Maika and Syuri
Goddess of Stardom Championship (1 time, current) – with Syuri
Wonder of Stardom Championship (1 time)
Cinderella Tournament (2020)
5★Star GP Award (1 time)
5★Star GP Best Match Award (2020) vs. Tam Nakano on September 13
Stardom Year-End Award (4 times)
MVP Award (2020)
Shining Award (2020)
Best Unit Award (2020) with Maika, Syuri, Himeka and Natsupoi
Best Match Award (2021) vs. Tam Nakano on March 3
Tokyo Sports
Joshi Puroresu Grand Prize (2020)
Zack Sabre Jr looks to get revenge on Tom Lawlor during the G1 Climax 32. While they didn’t have a G1 match but rather a tag team match, Tom Lawlor thought it would be cute and funny to gift Zack Sabre Jr a George Michael vinyl record while also screaming out that Boy George is Ichiban!
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Utami Hayashishita vs Hirooki Goto & Maika
For anyone not familiar with Hirooki Goto, I do a livestream community twitch show called: Tape Study Tuesdays. I look at matches from a wrestler and provide commentary, explaining character and story, and everything wrestling related.
Tanahashi and Utami represent the Ace combination for NJPW and Stardom as both have legendary status well documented in wrestling.
Utami:
409 day regin as World of Stardom Champion through 2020 - 2021
Current top spot in the Red Stars Block of Stardom’s 5★Star GP.
Maika:
Donna Del Mondo stablemate
Traditional Japanese aesthetic and warrior mentality
Powerhouse
Yoshinobu & Taichi & Natsupoi & Tam Nakano vs El Desperado & Douki & Starlight Kid & Momo Watanabe
Suzuki-Gun will be in eight-man action but will be on opposite sides. During the summer, Natsupoi turned on her teammate in Donna Del Mondo. That was an emotional betrayal. Now Natsupoi joined up with Tam Nakano after their amazing cage match. Natsupoi is now part of Cosmic Angels. Teaming up with Yoshinobu and Taichi is a contrast, but Taichi gave them praise during a recent commentary spot during Stardom’s recent StardomxStardom pay per view.
Starlight Kid is an amazing athlete in the ring. Very similar and creative as El Desperado. Momo has a mean streak just like Douki. The pairing of these teams fits well.