The Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan, witnessed a night of drama and change on June 22nd, 2024, as Stardom presented its “The Conversion” event. The show delivered on its name, with unexpected victories, a heartbreaking faction collapse, and title changes that reshaped the landscape of Joshi wrestling.
Veterans and Newcomers Shine:
The night kicked off with established tag teams setting the tone. FWC’s Hazuki and Koguma retained the Goddess of Stardom Championship against the youthful duo of Hanan and Saya Iida (wing*gori) in a match showcasing both experience and high-flying action. Meanwhile, the future of Stardom showcased their potential with exciting singles matches. Starlight Kid cemented her rising star status with a victory over the talented Mei Seira, while Tomoka Inaba displayed her dominance against Ranna Yagami.
Oedo Tai Claims Victory, Queen’s Quest in Ruins:
The brutality of the Elimination Match between Oedo Tai and Queen’s Quest captured the emotional core of the night. Each faction knew losing meant members would be forced to leave. The match was a roller coaster of intense action, shocking eliminations, and moments of desperation. Ultimately, Oedo Tai emerged victorious, leaving Queen’s Quest in disarray. The post-match scene saw emotional tears flow, with the potential for new alliances forming in the aftermath.
Underdogs Rise, Championship Picture Transformed:
The biggest surprises came in the championship matches. In a stunning upset, Mika Iwata defeated the dominant Saori Anou to capture the Wonder of Stardom Championship. This victory marked a significant moment in Iwata’s career and opened the door for exciting future title defenses.
The main event saw Maika retain the World of Stardom Championship against her EXV stablemate Xena. However, the post-match developments stole the show. Tomoka Inaba, fresh off her dominant victory earlier in the night, challenged Maika for the title. Additionally, Natsuko Tora emerged as another potential contender. This sets the stage for a thrilling title chase in the coming months.
A New Era Dawns for Stardom:
Stardom Conversion was a night of transformation. Upsets shuffled the championship landscape, established factions fell apart, and potential new alliances hinted at an uncertain future. Yet, one thing remained clear – Stardom’s talented roster is poised to usher in a new era for the promotion. Young stars like Starlight Kid and Tomoka Inaba displayed their potential, while established champions like Maika refused to relinquish their hold. With unexpected twists and exciting rivalries brewing, the future of Joshi wrestling promises to be captivating for fans worldwide.