With former Wonder of Stardom champion Arisa Hoshiki retiring on the 20th of May and vacating the title, there has been much discussion about who will be the next champion.
Today I give one wrestler from each faction in Stardom. For me, these may not be the best picks but it’s who I think can give the fans a good reign with the Wonder of Stardom Championship.
Saki Kashima
With Saki Kashima turning her back on Mayu Iwatani and Stars to join Oedi Tai early this year in January it has breathed new life into her. She has become one of the most entertaining parts of Stardom in 2020.
Her main event with Mayu Iwatani at the no people gate show in March was considered the coming-out party for Saki Kashima for many people, including myself, as she showed just how good she was. Although she was on the losing end of the match it was a very good showing and got fans wondering where she would go from here.
If Saki was to capture the Wonder of Stardom title it would be her first singles title in Stardom. With the No People Gate main event under her belt, she has shown that she can step up to the plate in big matches. While some people may think that Natsuko Tora may be better suited, I think that she should be competing for the World of Stardom championship as the new leader of Oedo Tai.
I think if Saki were to win the title it would be an interesting run.it would bring back another title to Oedi Tai as it continues to rebuild after Hazuki’s and Kagetsu’s retirement.
Utami Hayashishita
Utami has less than 3 years’ experience and has already become a big player in Stardom. She so far has had 2 title reigns that has been longer than 1 year (Future of Stardom and SWA Undisputed World Women’s Championship). As well as a lengthy reign as one half of the Goddesses of Stardom champions alongside fellow Queens Quest stablemate Momo Watanabe.
Utami has been getting prepped for the main event scene since she debuted. While not quite there yet she has all the tools to step up in my opinion. While at the no people gate show she seemed to make it clear that she is looking at recapturing the Goddesses of Stardom championship I think that she could capture the Wonder of Stardom championship instead.
Utami has held singles championships before, although they haven’t been close to the calibre of the Wonder of Stardom Championship. Some remain sceptical of Utami’s ability, not just in-ring but also her promo ability. I feel Utami has the tools to be a good Wonder of Stardom champion, and a good reign will help cement her place as a main event talent.
Not only will this improve her place on the card but also her wrestling skills in general. It is easy to forget that Utami only debuted in 2018. So she is still quite young. Pitting her against all types of opponents will only improve her skills.
Her stablemate Momo Watanabe had a record-breaking run as Wonder of Stardom champion. While I don’t think Utami’s reign will be like her stablemate’s, it would be a good run and allow someone to step up and fill the void that Stardom has currently.
Konami
Konami has to be one of the best in ring talents Stardom has. She is a technical wizard between the ropes and as well as a great striker. She has the in-ring ability to not only be a great Wonder of Stardom champion but also a great World of Stardom Champion.
However, many people believe that Konami’s lack of a clearly defined character is holding her back. I personally that she already has one. She is a badass. When steps into the ring you know that her opponent maybe tapping out and getting hurt.
If Konami was to win the Wonder of Stardom championship, I feel that this can help bring this character out more. While some people grow the championship sometimes the championships helps the holder grow and there is plenty of times this has happened. She has the in-ring ability of a champion and can put on match of the night and match of the year performances.
Konami is only 23 so she has plenty of time to work on her so-called weaker points. personally, I believe Konami is more than ready to capture her first singles title in Stardom and think that the Wonder of Stardom belt would be a great start.
Giulia
Giulia signed for Stardom in November. This wasn’t without its controversy. Her former promotion Ice Ribbon learned of Giulia signing for Stardom through social media. They were not happy with the way it had been handled.
Since debuting in December, she has been elevated to the top of the card. She has formed her on faction in Stardom (Donna Del Mondo). She hasn’t even been pinned since coming to Stardom.
After winning this year’s Cinderella tournament. It seemed like Giulia’s “wish” was to challenge for the Wonder of Stardom championship. Now the belt is vacant and there is a good chance that she will be the next Wonder of Stardom champion
Giulia has all the tools. She has the speaking and character and the in-ring skill to back it up. This is coming from someone who isn’t the biggest Giulia fan. Stardom certainly have a diamond on their hands here.
While I think that she is destined to hold the World of Stardom title. To do it within her first year for me would be too soon. Stardom are clearly positioning Giulia as one of their pillars going forward. She already has a faction and has captured the Artist of Stardom championships (trios title).
Giulia has a lot of upside and potential. I think her winning the Wonder of Stardom championship seems a question of when rather if.
Tam Nakano
Tam Nakano had a breakout 2019. Involved in a great rivalry with former Wonder of Stardom champion Arisa Hoshiki .Which lead to one of the best matches of the year. Tam also won the Goddesses of Stardom Tag League with Arisa Hoshiki.
Tam Nakano has become the best storyteller in Stardom in my opinion. She always tries to forward the story and most of the actions she does fits into the current story she is involved in. This is great trait for a champion to have. Stories can enhance a match. Turn a good match into a great or even excellent match.
With this Tam has transformed into the total package. She has the in-ring, promo and storytelling skills. The only thing that may hold that may be held against her is that she is one of the older members of the stardom roster.
Tam has the ability to tell convincing stories which would help the rivalry that she is in. this will enhance the matches that she will have with the belt. which would ultimately raise the prestige of the belt.
Tam winning the title can help fill the void that has been left in Stardom recently. The ability she has can only help improve the others around her as well. Unfortunately for Tam and people who are fans of her like me. It would seem that the Wonder of Stardom title is her ceiling in the company.
However, this doesn’t have to be a bad thing as I truly believe if Tam Nakano was to capture the Wonder of Stardom championship it could go down as one of the best title reigns in Stardom’s recent memory
Over to you
So that’s what I think, but what do you guys think? Let us know. Who do you think will capture the vacant Wonder of Stardom Title?
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