DREAM STAR FIGHTING MARIGOLD
MARIGOLD FIELDS FOREVER
MAY 20TH, 2024
KORAKUEN HALL
TOKYO, JAPAN
WATCH: WRESTLE UNIVERSE
Nanae Takahashi def. Victoria Yuzuki
Alex Richards (@LWOSPWAlexR): When Yuzuki strolled out emblazoned in golden yellow along with her new blonde hair I knew what we have been in for to begin Marigold Fields Without end. That is the place to begin for his or her new ace. That is episode one of many anime the place the protagonist exhibits up and will get taken down a notch by a extra gifted veteran, assume Shoyo and Kageyama from Haikyuu if you’ll.
There’s maybe no higher opposition on your future ace than Nanae Takahashi. Takahashi is a veteran of the scene, a multiple-time world champion, and one of many few energetic Joshi to say she held the illustrious WWWA Championship. Takahashi offered the antagonist to our eventual ace of Marigold and did so with the experience she’s turn out to be recognized for.
This did show that Victoria Yuzuki nonetheless has room to develop, the moments of the match the place it was on her to fireside again and fireplace up the group have been missing a bit, one thing that she’ll have to enhance if she desires to meet her huge potential.
General, Match 1 of Marigold was a mix of the longer term and the previous and a style of what sort of wrestling we are able to count on from Rossy Ogawa’s latest endeavor. ***½
Scott Edwards (@ScottEWrestling): And right here we go. I’m an enormous fan of repeating historical past when it is sensible. The primary match of Marigold’s historical past was the proper place to do exactly that.
The primary STARDOM match ever noticed Nanae Takahashi and Yuzuki Aikawa on reverse sides in a tag staff match. That was an opportunity for Takahashi to get Aikawa prepared in a match that’d ultimately result in Yuzupon taking the position as ace of STARDOM quickly after. Quick ahead to Marigold Fields Without end, it’s clear that this was Takahashi as soon as once more getting somebody able to be an ace down the road — this time Victoria Yuzuki.
What benefitted this match was that the group was sizzling. Like one of the best Joshi crowd in years sizzling. Yuzuki confirmed a few of her inexperience on this match, however I’ll minimize her some slack after taking a two-month break and solely having debuted again in November. What’s clear is that she’s going to be particular, she simply needed to get the Ardour Injection from Takahashi firsthand.
Even when Yuzuki could not have been on her sport, she nonetheless benefitted from Takahashi taking the lead — the group was clearly invested within the Future Ace of Marigold due to the beating she took on this match. She’s going to be among the finest on the earth, and this was simply the beginning. The proper match to open Marigold Fields Without end. ***½
Miku Aono def. Nao Ishikawa
Alex: Nao Ishikawa I didn’t know you had this in you. I totally anticipated this to be a one-sided win for Aono, somebody who I believe has the potential to be a world champion in nearly any main promotion. I used to be pleasantly stunned that it turned out to be extra of a showcase of Nao Ishikawa who appeared fully reinvented.
Gone was the underdog idol babyface with a loopy German Suplex and in her place was an entire wrestler, one with the flexibility to kick the crap out of her opponent, toss her round with some loopy suplex variants, and somebody who may not be a lot of an underdog anymore.
They nonetheless went out of their manner to ensure we all know Aono is the true deal as she bought the win and by no means actually regarded like she was on the verge of shedding however I truthfully got here away from this yet one more impressed by Ishikawa and her potential trajectory. ***½
Scott: Miku Aono goes to win the world in Marigold. That may imply the Marigold World Championship, the United Nationwide Championship — or each so far as I’m involved.
Heading into this match, I believed this was all the time going to be a showcase for what’s seemingly the crown jewel of the six Actwres lady’Z to go over to Marigold. It was in some methods, nevertheless it was additionally one for Nao Ishikawa — a member of the OG7 whom Marigold launched at their opening press convention.
They didn’t get plenty of time, with the match going sub-10 minutes, nevertheless it didn’t matter. It packed the whole lot they wanted.
Out of all of the matches on this card, this match felt probably the most private and it regarded prefer it. Whether or not it was Aono hitting her signature kicks or Ishikawa paying tribute to the late Asahi, this match actually checked all of the packing containers for 2 wrestlers that not many are aware of.
Aono is a star and Ishikawa deserves reward too after her efficiency. Easy as that. ***½
MIRAI def. CHIAKI
Alex: They’re already leaning into CHIAKI being a pure heel with how she labored this match. Not solely was she a stable stylistic match for MIRAI however her pure heelish nature allowed MIRAI to play the valiant babyface for an adoring crowd. MIRAI was OVER and he or she has a brand new lease on life right here in Marigold. Her new gear is an enormous improve on her STARDOM outfits and her hair is nice, she appears to be like just like the star that Rossy Ogawa has wished to be.
This isn’t to disregard CHIAKI who’s an excellent acquisition for Marigold however till she settles right into a spot both as a heel or antagonist I don’t assume we’ll actually see her at her full potential. ***½
Scott: I actually loved this match. And the primary cause was that MIRAI bought her mojo again.
For the numerous (and there have been many) followers who thought that MIRAI wasn’t somebody followers appreciated and that she wasn’t a star, boy have been they proved unsuitable. Streamers aren’t used almost as a lot anymore, however Marigold introduced them again and nobody had as many as “The Youngster of the Soul.” She felt like a distinct individual — a brand new look and extra confidence. Her in-ring confirmed that towards CHIAKI.
As I wrote in my preview, CHIAKI wished to be the “rudo” of Marigold and it didn’t take lengthy for her to indicate a few of that mindset. Past that was wrestling that impressed me, particularly as somebody who had solely seen her wrestle a handful of occasions prior. CHIAKI carries a confidence that can convey her a great distance in professional wrestling, and MIRAI was the best matchup for her to indicate that.
There was a headbutt on this match, some nice slams by each, however nothing was higher than the echoing Southpaw Lariat that MIRAI gained the match with. My jaw dropped when it occurred and locked this match in as my second favourite of the night time. MIRAI rocks, CHIAKI goes to be somebody nice, and this was value watching. ***¾
Zayda Metal & Mai Sakurai vs. Nagisa Nozaki & Myla Grace resulted in a 15-minute draw
Alex: Lookup sabotage within the dictionary and also you may see an image of this match graphic. There was no cause to ask these 4 to do a 15-minute draw and it went off the rails as one may count on. Grace and Metal will want time to regulate to the tempo in Japan to shave off these moments of awkwardness that we noticed on this match.
Mai Sakurai and Nagisa Nozaki have been tasked with making an attempt to hold the match and it didn’t actually work. I like Sakurai however she has her limitations and being a hoop common isn’t one thing I’d affiliate along with her.
Reserving sensible this was odd too, Nozaki is a star, somebody who ought to be within the dialog for the highest titles, an prolonged feud with Mai Sakurai doesn’t actually do a lot for Nozaki. Heaps to enhance on right here from an in-ring and reserving perspective. **¾
Scott: Nicely, there was a match that didn’t hit the degrees I hoped for and that was this one. Probably not anybody’s fault, only a resolution to go to a time-limit draw that I don’t assume labored for these 4 on this state of affairs.
After all, the story was between Nagisa Nozaki and Mai Sakurai. Nozaki is decided to get to Giulia, however Sakurai is taking part in protector. Add within the query marks of Zayda Metal and Myla Grace, it was onerous to make this match work to the extent it could have in a month or so in.
Nozaki and Sakurai didn’t click on within the match, so it should take a while to know what sort of match they’ve in them once they ultimately go one-on-one. **
Kouki Amarei & Chika Goto def. Natsumi Showzuki & Misa Matsui
Alex: Our first upset of the night time!! On what had been a somewhat paint-by-numbers present thus far with the entire extra established names successful now we have a shock to the system with Kouki Amarei getting the win for her staff right here. I anticipated the extra skilled duo of Showzuki and Matsui to win.
When he desires to be, Ogawa may be ballsy and an enormous day 1 win for Kouki is correct up his alley. She is somebody who has the potential to be a high star sometime and it appears to be like like she’ll be given each probability to reach Marigold.
Stable outing from these 4 to indicate what they’ll do to a brand new viewers. Showzuki probably impressed probably the most and can presumably be probably the most pushed one of many 4 out of the gate however the different three have plenty of time to develop. ***¼
Scott: In a match the place the losers shined greater than the winners, it was completely high-quality as a result of all 4 of those wrestlers have an amazing future in Marigold.
My first thought popping out of this match was the affirmation that Misa Matsui goes to be particular for Marigold. She had the underdog babyface enchantment that nobody else has within the promotion — giving her an edge within the long-term sport. The subsequent thought was this — Natsumi Showzuki may be positioned right into a high program in a short time and sustain with one of the best expertise within the firm. She’s that good and has been since returning to wrestling for Actwres lady’Z.
And the true realization is that I ought to have recognized — Kouki Amarei goes to be pushed as a star in Marigold as quickly as humanly potential. That’s why she bought the win. The Twin Towers, as they referred to as themselves, should be the early favorites to win the Marigold Twin Star Championships this summer season after the win. Exhausting to argue after this efficiency.
All in all, a superb match for all 4 who every will shine in their very own methods as members of this promotion. It was nice to see them within the semi-main occasion. ***¼
Sareee & Bozilla def. Giulia & Utami Hayashishita
Alex: If I could…. BOZILLLLLLLLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Okay now that that’s out of the best way. This was an amazing tag staff match and a very good first predominant occasion for Marigold. Not solely did this present a glimpse on the monstrous presence of Bozilla, who got here away wanting just like the star of the present, nevertheless it additionally offered a preview for Giulia vs Sareee which is already introduced for Marigold’s journey to Sumo Corridor.
Giulia and Sareee’s exchanges constructed plenty of pleasure for his or her singles match, they appear to have a really comparable mentality and strategy to wrestling that prioritizes the extra violent side of the game.
Whereas Utami Hayashishita did really feel like extra of an afterthought than I’d count on she did arrange a long-term aim of besting Bozilla, harking back to her use in late 2023 STARDOM. She additionally had a number of exchanges with Sareee that I assume will result in an enormous singles match down the road. IMO, Hayashishita will likely be simply high-quality, particularly is the Iyo/Kairi stuff does come to fruition and he or she will get an enormous match with THE Io Shirai.
Now, for the breakout star of the match. Bozilla! This 20-year-old who has been doing the low circuit indies in Germany got here to Japan and stole the present. What I like about Bozilla is she is aware of what she is and works to it. She’s tall, she’s jacked, she’s imply, and he or she works to it. So few wrestlers these days really now the way to wrestle once they’re a “big” however Bozilla is aware of what to do. It’s evident within the little issues like her not even bothering to run on a double Irish whip try and as an alternative utilizing her energy benefit to toss each of her opponents.
I do assume Bozilla has room to enhance and refine her sport however her presence alone added one thing distinctive to this match and it bought tremendous over with the group who chanted for her repeatedly post-match. I don’t wish to go overboard with the comp as a result of Monster Ripper is among the most underrated hosses in wrestling historical past, however Bozilla is likely to be the closest factor we get within the modern-day to the Monster Ripper archetype.
Sareee pinning Giulia does tip their hand relating to the upcoming singles match however that’s OK, it’s an enormous match both manner and Sareee was unlikely to return away with the title so giving her this win is sufficient. ****¼
Scott: I don’t assume that this match may have gone any higher than it did. The primary basic in Marigold historical past as a star was formally born.
That star, in fact, is known as Bozilla. The monster who screamed “dimension does matter” right into a social media promo left everybody questioning — what does she really convey to the desk? Nicely, it was the whole lot you may have hoped for and extra. Bozilla captured the “monster” really feel greater than possibly any wrestler has in a protracted, very long time. If Giulia and Utami Hayashishita tried to take her down, she laughed on the thought and ran by them. And the moments when Utami lastly took her down, the group went loopy. “BOZILLA BOZILLA BOZILLA” echoed by Korakuen not as soon as, however twice — should I say extra about her star-making efficiency. Let’s discuss concerning the others.
Giulia and Sareee have been magic. Full magic. Sareee wasn’t going to accept the Giulia who was on autopilot for a lot of her closing months in STARDOM — she was going to hit her tougher and tougher till she got here again. These two teased their match for Summer season Future to perfection — and the group responded. These two set Marigold up for the following few months. “The Solar God” is one of the best on the earth and everybody ought to need her booked — Marigold appears to be the winner there, making us winners.
Lastly, let’s speak about Utami Hayashishita. She felt like she was free. Free to be herself. Free to be whoever she wished to be. This was probably the most pure she’s ever been, from constantly exhibiting off her tongue ring to utterly crushing it within the ring towards each Bozilla and Sareee. Every time they run the singles matches with Utami towards both of these wrestlers, it’s going to be particular. She is the ace and that wasn’t in any respect disputed in my view on this sh
The end of this match was excellent. Sareee dropped Giulia on her head so many occasions along with her Uranage that I misplaced monitor. When Giulia regarded to have survived, Bozilla hit Giulia with a pounce and a rattling Moonsault earlier than Sareee put an finish to Marigold’s high star as soon as and for all.
Marigold Fields Without end was a superb present thus far however the primary occasion was spectacular. A favourite of mine this 12 months, capturing the magic they plan to create for years to return. Watch this.
Remaining Ideas on Marigold Fields Without end
Alex: Marigold made a press release. You ever see a peacock strut its stuff? Simply unsheath the feathers and showcase as a result of it could actually? I bought that form of vitality from Marigold’s debut occasion. They’d a sizzling crowd, improbable manufacturing, a roster the place everybody bought an opportunity to shine of their match, and a few brand-new stars able to be made. I come away from this present determined to see what’s subsequent, to see the place Bozilla goes from right here, the place Victoria Yuzuki goes, whether or not Kouki Amarei continues to defy expectations.
There will likely be higher exhibits to return, and I hope to see some extra order established and separation between the celebs and the non-stars, however this debut was their probability to inform the world they’ve arrived and they’re right here to trigger issues. Marigold seems to be the whole lot I hoped for and Joshi can as soon as once more boast a correct Massive 3 for the scene to function round.
Scott: Marigold Fields Without end was the proper first present for this firm. It didn’t give something main away. The promotion arrange their rapid future with Summer season Future 2024 at Ryogoku Sumo Corridor — which felt just like the flex potential for a model new promotion. And the primary match introduced would be the greatest potential, a singles bout between Giulia and Sareee. They managed to introduce their current and future to an viewers who could not have recognized a majority of the wrestlers who competed on this present. Oh, and the primary occasion was their first real basic that can go down in historical past when considering of Marigold’s historical past sooner or later. Possibly most significantly although, the group was buzzing from begin to end — one of the best Joshi crowd in a LONG TIME! That’ll make something higher. If that isn’t an ideal first present, I don’t know what’s.
Like Alex stated, there’s going to be higher exhibits to return and far more to look out for, however when you’re not enthusiastic about the way forward for Marigold then you definately’re selecting to hate it for no cause. This was the start of one thing particular, and it has me wanting ahead to one thing in wrestling for the primary time in a bit — a mandatory enhance to the scene.
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