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⭐STARDOM TO THE WORLD 2025 PREVIEW

Old gold World Wonder Ring Stardom logo with moving sparkles

This is a part of my blog series covering the events in STARDOM (Japanese women's pro-wrestling organization)

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STARDOM WEBSITE

STARDOM YOUTUBE

STARDOM WORLD

MY STARDOM

STARDOM ROSTER

Promotional graphic for STARDOM TO THE WORLD 2025 featuring World Of Stardom champion Saya Kamitani on the left side and Wonder Of Stardom champion Starlight Kid on the right side.

CONTENTS

TO THE WORLD 2025 PREVIEW

HOW TO WATCH

STARDOM TO THE WORLD 2025 will be streamed live as a pay per view on September 6 at 4PM JST (12AM PST/3AM EST/7PM NZST/5PM AEST). Match 0 starts at 3:15PM JST (11:15PM PST/2:15AM EST/6:15PM NZST/4:15PM AEST) on the YouTube free stream and then the 5★STAR GP 2025 awards ceremony begins afterwards before the main show. The archived stream will be available for unlimited viewing until September 15 at 11:59PM JST (7:59AM PST/10:59AM EST/2:59AM NZST/12:59AM AEST). The replay for STARDOM WORLD subscribers should be released some time after the PPV viewing period.

PPV LINKS:

MATCH CARD

Match card as of September, 2, 2025 (The order could change on the day)

V# = refers to their current defense number of the title reign (eg. V2 = 2nd title defense match)

5★STAR GP 2025 AFTERMATH

H.A.T.E.'s Momo Watanabe on her 9th attempt has won this year's 5★STAR Grand Prix for the first time after defeating her former tag partner turned rival AZM in the final. A final between the two people who have had the most history in the promotion. Momo prevented H.A.T.E. from intruding the match in her favor and was craving to finish the job herself. While she has earned her shot for STARDOM's red belt as a reuslt, she didn't mention her intention to win the World Of Stardom championship specifically. Instead, Momo in their winning statements called out all champions in Japan, America, Mexico, and the rest of the world to bring the belts and face her.

5★STAR GP 2025 AWARDS & STANDINGS

These awards were selected by STARDOM and were taken from Weekly Pro-Wrestling's special issue for the 5★STAR.

Complete finals bracket for the 5★STAR GP 2025

BLOCK RESULTS


WORLD OF STARDOM - KAMITANI VS BEA

On the first night of this year's finals for the 5STAR Grand Prix, the World Of Stardom champion Saya Kamitani's dominant run surprisingly fell short in the quarter finals as AZM got the 3 count in a dominant fashion.

As the red belt champ sat backstage in disappointment and having to bear another bad memory of the 5★STAR, the "Top Gaijin" Bea Priestley who was the only to beat the Phenex Queen in the blocks decided that it was her time to take a shot at the World Of Stardom title and reclaim it.

Bea Priestley returned to STARDOM at the 5★STAR after 4 years since joining WWE (under the ring name Blair Davenport). She has now re-joined the promotion as a full-time member. The landscape has changed a lot while she was gone.

Currently, Saya Kamitani hasn't beaten Bea in past 4 singles matches they've had. The first three bouts were during Kamitani's days as a rookie. Both of them were also part of Queen's Quest for a short while before Bea betrayed Momo Watanabe when she was the faction's leader at the time. Bea has been portraying herself as a more complete wrestler than she ever was in the past with all the experience she has gotten overseas and will make sure that the result for this match will be the same as the last.

In regards to Kamitani, this will be the actual proving ground to display her strength as the top champion in a form of a nightmare.

WONDER OF STARDOM - SLK VS TOMOKA

At the opening night of the 5★STAR, the Wonder Of Stardom champion Starlight Kid was in high spirits for this 5STAR just coming out of a huge win against Saori Anou the week before with the goal of a flawless run.

However....

Tomoka Inaba tapped the white tiger out clean with an Achilles lock on the first day.

Starlight Kid was very close to reaching the top 3 for RED STARS-B, but was stopped dead on tracks by Natsupoi during the last day of the group stages.

On the final night of the 5★STAR, Starlight Kid teamed with Miyu Amasaki against Tomoka Inaba & Ami Sourei. Tomoka used the same Achilles lock on Miyu to secure the win.

After the match, Tomoka rightfully took the opportunity to claim her shot at Kid's Wonder Of Stardom championship. She wants Kid to only focus on her and no else heading into this match. SLK's loss to Tomoka in the 5★STAR was the most frustrating she has felt in a while. There was no excuse for her to say no. Starlight Kid accepted the match with a planned target of revenge on Tomoka's legs.

Since she started competing in STARDOM back in 2022 while still carrying JTO on her shoulders, Tomoka Inaba hasn't achieved much results. SLK called her "half-baked" for that same reason. Tomoka thinks it's time to change that and finally win something big to bring back home. On the other hand, SLK is more inclined to keep carrying the weight of STARDOM via the white belt and prove her top position as a STARDOM-born wrestler.


IWGP WOMEN'S - SAREEE VS SUZU

Since winning the IWGP Women's title, the crowd reception for Sareee as an outsider has been a rollercoaster. There has been a lot of opposition within the roster about her stances on what constitutes as "real wrestling" and her verbal attacks to those who she sees to be fake like Saya Kamitani. Her first time entry into this year's 5★STAR GP was a test to prove her style is superior.

H.A.T.E. has been the main opposition so far in Sareee's conquest within the wonder ring. Sareee did have the advantage at first when she teamed up with Takumi Iroha and defeated Saya Kamitani & Natsuko Tora during her produce show, but Konami whom she didn't even acknowledge before as a possible threat, knocked her out in the first day. They really want her out of STARDOM.

Another road block she encountered in the blocks was on August 9 when Suzu Suzuki brought a lot of fight. It was a very intense exchange of blows that resulted in a time limit draw as Sareee was going for the kill.

Sareee ended up on top of BLUE STARS-B and advanced straight into the quarter-finals. However, Momo Watanabe who was considered Sareee's main target in the blocks whom she has also beaten already, got her revenge with all the help from H.A.T.E.. Knocking her out of the tournament as a result. Momo made fun of her own words relating to "real pro-wrestling" to huge applause. I'm sure that this will not be the end of her feud with Momo specifically.

Konami then declared herself the next challenger for the IWGP Women's title.

On the final night of the 5★STAR GP, Sareee successfully defeated Konami on her first defense of the IWGP Women's title with mixed reaction. A little more cheers than before, but still many boos from the crowd. Sareee made a comment towards Konami saying that if Konami wants to kick her out of STARDOM, Sareee herself can banish her away from pro-wrestling. That didn't resonate well with the building.

Finally, Suzu came out to claim her shot at Sareee for tonight. Sareee quickly accepted the challenge with excitement to finish the job. Suzu fired at Sareee claiming that her words don't make any sense and is a lame champion who is only strong and nothing else. That didn't matter for Sareee as she saw strength as the most important in pro-wrestling in the first place and also the foundation for the other things that makes a great IWGP champion. After all, she believes that she's got more to offer.

Suzu expanded her words in a recent interview with Tokyo Sports claiming that Sareee is simply dumb and is only pretending to be a bad guy by lashing out with remarks that don't suit her like Saya Kamitani. Suzu thinks that Kamitani actually makes things exciting, so she intends to stop the act if they do beat Sareee. A request to have no time limit for this upcoming match has also been demanded (the current time limit for IWGP Women's title matches is 60 minutes). The leader of STARDOM's newest faction is looking forward to defend the IWGP title in the Tokyo Dome and making it the main title to headline the future shows over the red and white belts.

As for Sareee, the reception she's been getting she believes is already what "real pro-wrestling" represents. It may not be perfect yet, but she thinks that we are gradually moving towards the right direction. Sareee also responded to the claim that she has "no respect" for her opponents by responding with, "I fight with genuine emotions, so if I do have any respect, those words should come out naturally". Right now, nothing is breaking Sareee's fighting spirit as those boos will eventually turn into cheers.


TORA VS OZAKI

During the main event of OZ Academy's annual Plum No Hanasaku show, H.A.T.E. disrupted the match by attacking everyone and isolating Mayumi Ozaki. Natsuko Tora was looking for Seiki-gun (OZ Academy's prime heel faction), but the only left in it is Ozaki. The faction itself fell apart around last year and this match between Ozaki, Saori, and Kakeru for the OZ Academy Openweight Title was a continuation of the conflict with its former members. She thinks Ozaki is an eyesore and should be eradicated from wrestling along with the old guard.

The former members of Seiki-gun then helped Ozaki temporarily to clear out H.A.T.E. and isolated Tora.

While that was going on, Ruaka stole the OZ Academy Openweight belt and ran away with it.

Ozaki thought the reason why H.A.T.E. had raided OZ Academy was because of Saya Kamitani having beef with her after teaming in Jaguar Yokota's recent anniversary show caused by friendly fire. I heard Kamitani accidentally hit Ozaki with a big boot while Ozaki misfired a chain attack on Kamitani later on in that match.

The raid seemed to have been more of a Tora decision. Ozaki really had no idea who she was and thought Kamitani was the leader of H.A.T.E. all along. Both have come into an agreement for a singles match that will be chaotic in nature. Tora then said that she will dig and bury Ozaki in her own grave which exploded into a short brawl before calling it a day.


OTHER STARDOM NEWS

SLK 10 YEARS ANNIVERSARY

Starlight Kid will be running her 10th debut anniversary show called "SLK 10 YEARS ANNIVERSARY キッちゃんファミリー危機一髪！？ (Kicchan Family Kikiippatsu / Kid Family in Crisis!?)" on October 20 and will be held in Shinjuku FACE.

This was announced during a live press conference on STARDOM's official YouTube channel involving New Japan Pro Wrestling's El Desperado and DRAGONGATE's Dragon Kid. Only match announced so far has been the main event where Starlight Kid teams up with El Desperado & Dragon Kid in a trios tag match against another trio still yet to be decided. Tickets will go on sale from September 13. A separate social media account has only been set up for this show.

BOAT RACE COLLABORATION

STARDOM will have a collaboration event with New Japan Pro Wrestling and BOATRACE on September 20. There will be matches taped for the event according to the STARDOM World schedule. People attending in-person will get to watch for free (100 yen entrance fee in the BOATRACE venue), but congestion is expected so there will be numbered tickets distributed.

HISTORIC X-OVER IN CHINA

STARDOM & New Japan Pro Wrestling in conjunction with INFIN Wrestling will hold a collaboration wrestling event in Guangzhou, China on October 5 as part of the "Historic X-Over" series. The show was originally announced in Bushiroad's Expo In Shanghai during this year's Bilibili World last July.

List of STARDOM & NJPW talent in the show:

Bushiroad EXPO 2025 IN MEXICO

Maika along with NJPW's Jyushin Thunder Liger will appear as guests for the Bushiroad EXPO happening within the AniMole Anime convention. Both of them will be available for autograph and photo sessions on September 27 & 28. You can find more information about the expo in the Bushiroad website.

2DAYS WITH DIANA & WAVE

STARDOM, DIANA, and Pro Wrestling WAVE will be running shows on October 15 & 16 in Gateaux Kingdom Sapporo. One show in the afternoon and the evening will be held during the 2 days.

Schedule


OUTSIDE STARDOM

SENDAI GIRLS

The team of DASH Chisako & Aja Kong had defeated Hazuki & Risa Sera in a hardcore match during SENDAI GIRLS' "SENJO THE BIGGEST" show.

YUNA also finally beat Aya Sakura to be crowned the new SENDAI GIRLS World Junior Champion.

Rian came out to confront YUNA afterwards to become the next challenger.

Additionally, Team Mutual Love (Starlight Kid & Natsupoi) reunited for one night in a tag match and defeated Yurika Oka & Unagi Sayaka.

The full VOD for SENJO THE BIGGEST is available on WRESTLE UNIVERSE.

WAVE

Cohaku has defeated the Regina Di Wave champion Saya Kamitani during WAVE's 18th anniversary show . Cohaku previously challenged for Kamitani at the start of the year, but was defeated to give the Phenex Queen her 1st defense. Since then, Cohaku went on to win the Catch The Wave tournament a week before to regain her shot and finally finished the job. This was also Kamitani's first singles loss since becoming World Of Stardom champion.


On September 1st, WAVE started their annual "DUALSHOCK WAVE" tag team tournament. The tournament is held in a single-elimination format featuring 20 minute matches where the winning tag team earns a shot at the WAVE Tag Team titles. The tourney is spread throughout 7 shows from September 1 till September 28. A total of 11 teams entered the tournament with only 7 remain after the opening day. A very abnormal bracket going forward was prepared based on a raffle conducted by the representatives.

The bracket:

OZ ACADEMY

Hazuki was defeated in a singles match against AKINO during this year's OZ Academy's Plum No Hanasaku show on August 17. The show is available for viewing on GAORA On Demand (if you have a JP VPN).

AKINO carries Hazuki on her left for a backdrop

Syuri will be reuniting with AEW's Hikaru Shida in a tag match against Sonoko Kato & Aja Kong for OZ Academy's Shinjuku FACE show tomorrow (September 7). Syuri will only be returning for one night as she continues to recover from her injuries. This is part of Sonoko Kato's retirement road series of matches.

Actwres girl'Z

Natsupoi & Saori Anou made their one-night return to Actwres Girl'z during their 10th anniversary show in Korakuen Hall on August 13. They went against the duo of Natsuki & Yukina Uehara in a tag team match. The full replay of the show is currently available on AWG Nets.

Tae Honma's 10th Anniversary

Tae Honma who is about to retire next month held her own 10th anniversary produce show for the first and last time on August 30 in Shinkiba 1st Ring. Starlight Kid defeated Tae in the main event.

Natsupoi & Saori Anou also participated in the rumble match where everyone was wearing old versions of Tae's own wrestling gear.

Both were defeated by a red & blue demon in the end.


SEAdLINNNG

BMI2000 (Natsuko Tora & Ruaka) defeated Honori Hana & Unagi Sayaka in a tag match during SEAdLINNNG's 10th anniversary show on August 22.

P.P.P. TOKYO

HANAKO is scheduled to face Echika Miyavi in a singles match for P.P.P. TOKYO's Shinjuku FACE show on September 11. As far as I know, the show will be available on P.P.P. TOKYO's official Youtube channel, but not sure if it will be available for free or paywalled via their membership.

STRONG STYLE PRO WRESTLING

Starlight Kid will be participating in a trios tag match scheduled for Strong Style Pro-Wrestling's Vol.36 Korakuen Hall show on September 11. She will team up with Jaguar Yokota & Megumi Yabushita against the team of Risa Sera, Kurumi Hiragi, and Mochi Natsumi from Prominence.

Sareee & Takumi Iroha (Marvelous) as Spark Rush will also team up against NØRI (LLPW-X) & Miria Kouga (SEAdLINNNG).

This show will be live on PPV (via ZAIKO) and starting at 6:30PM JST (2:30AM PST/5:30AM EST/9:30PM NZST/7:30PM AEST) with the archived replay being available for unlimited viewing until September 17 (11:59 JST). The price for the PPV is at 3,480 JP yen, but there's currently a 500 yen discount until the midnight of the 10th (11:59PM JST). I would assume that some of the full matches from this will end up on the TB3 YouTube channel membership.

JUST TAP OUT

Sayaka Kurara will challenge Azusa Inaba for the JTO Girls Title on October 15 for Azusa's own produce show.

RANMARU FIESTA

Natsupoi and Saori Anou will be taking part in the Ranmaru Fiesta show on October 13. Other names mentioned so far include: Unagi Sayaka, Risa Sera, Maya Yukihi, Kurumi Hiragi, Maika Ozaki, Tae Honma, Miyuki Takase, Yuu, and Hibiscus Mii.

Mochi Natsumi 15th Anniversary

Suzu Suzuki has been announced for Mochi Natsumi's 15th Anniversary show to have a hardcore match against Jun Kasai. The show is called "MochiMochi JET SKY" and it will take place on October 11 in Shinjuku FACE with the tickets currently on sale the Prominence website.


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EXTRAS

Front covers of the three recent Weekly Pro-Wrestling issues featuring STARDOM including the 5★STAR GP special placed in the middle - BBM

ShuPro Issues: No.2372, No.2373 (5STAR Special), No.2374

5★STAR GP Highlights

Videos

Readings

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