The time has finally arrived for Stardom and New Japan Pro Wrestling’s “Historic X-Over!” Event. Since the show was announced in July and the matches were booked over four months, November 20th is long overdue. Talent from both companies is looking to put on the crossover show of a lifetime at Ariake Arena.
Since Wrestle Kingdom 14, the sibling promotions have collaborated on matches. Now, the companies have shared an event for viewers around the world, including six matches (three mixed tag-team matches) featuring Stardom’s women’s wrestlers.
The first of the matches to take place is a 15-woman Stardom Rambo, or royal rumble match. While the participants are still to be determined, rumble matches are always highly anticipated in Stardom for their chaos and antics. This battle will take place on the pre-show but is set to be an entertaining bout.
Once X-Over officially begins, members of Queen’s Quest will take on Donna del Mondo in a six-woman tag match. Thekla, “Jumbo Princess” Himeka, and Mai Sakurai face off against AZM, Lady C, and Future of Stardom Champion Saya Kamitani.
After the women, “Filthy” Tom Lawlor and World of Stardom Champion Syuri face Giulia and Zack Sabre Jr. Giulia’s collision with her ex-teammate is inevitable after she won the 5-Star Grand Prix last month, but they must first face each other with the help of New Japan’s best foreign talents.
The ruthless and notorious Suzuki-gun faction will split in two for the next match, paired with rather interesting Stardom counterparts. El Desperado and Douki are joined by Oedo Tai’s killer tag team Black Desire, which consists of Starlight Kid and Momo Watanabe, Io Shirai’s (now Iyo Sky) fallen pick to lead Queen’s Quest. They’ll face Taichi and Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Cosmic Angel’s Natsupoi, and Tam Nakano, known as meltear. Natsupoi added that they “cut a lot of onions” to prepare for the match. This bout will likely feature a unique blend of styles and artistry, making it a memorable moment on the card.
Last night’s mixed tag team match features Utami Hayashishita, Hiromu Takahashi, Maika, and Hirooki Goto.
The tournament final to crown the inaugural IWGP Women’s Champion is one of both companies’ most anticipated events. KAIRI (fka Kairi Sane in WWE) and “The Icon” Mayu Iwatani of STARS will battle for this grand prize. Mayu leads their singles matchup record 3-2 over Io Shirai/Iyo Skye. This will be the women’s first time crossing 1-on-1 paths since 2017. Iwatani beat Watanabe and Hayashishita to qualify, while KAIRI beat Jazzy Gabert.
KAIRI is returning to Stardom this year after a five-year hiatus, and Iwantani wants to prove herself as the ace once more.
On the pre-show, members of NJPW’s LA Dojo, which has been suggested as a future destination for Stardom competitors, will compete. NJPW and Stardom World will stream Historic X-Over at 5 pm Japanese time (3 am EST).
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