Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Children of all ages, the time has come once again for the most anticipated event in Women’s Professional Wrestling. As summer rolls in, we are just around the corner from the 13th Annual 5 ★Star GP! This year’s tournament promises to be the most unique in Stardom’s history, marked by significant changes in both the promotion and roster since last year. While the classic two-color block structure remains, this year introduces a twist: each color block is divided into two distinct brackets, splitting the participants in half. Red Stars & Blue Stars.
The 2024 tournament is absolutely stacked, featuring a blend of 5 Star rookies and seasoned veterans. With 28 participants, this year’s competition is wide open—anyone could emerge as the champion. While there are a few standout names who are clear favorites, it’s difficult to pinpoint who holds the true advantage.
The tournament kicks off on August 10th, with block matches running through August 25th. The top wrestlers from each block will advance to the quarterfinals on August 28th. From there, the winners will progress to the semifinals and ultimately to the final, all of which will unfold on the thrilling last night of action on August 31st.
Who has won the tournament in the past?
In the twelve-year history of the tournament, seven of the past winners have come from the Blue Stars, giving them a 7-5 advantage. History tells us that it pays off to be among the Blue Stars. Will the crown go blue again this year? Time will tell for sure, but regardless, the tournament is going to be exciting and action packed like always.
It is a prestigious list of names that have been crowned 5 Star Champion since its inception in 2012. Even if you’ve never watched STARDOM before, you’ve probably heard of some of these names: Io Shirai (Iyo Sky), Kairi Hojo (Kairi Sane), Toni Storm, Hana Kimura, Giulia, and Mayu Iwatani. Last year’s winner was the young prodigy Suzu Suzuki, who has more than proved herself after signing with the company earlier in the year. While previous years tested a wrestler’s long-term endurance, the more condensed schedule this year will prove to be a very different challenge this time around.
How can I watch the tournament?
For the first time ever, every single show will be broadcast live either on PPV or on Stardom World, making it easier than ever to follow along with the tournament. So, the easiest, most convenient way to follow along with the tournament will be to sign up for an account at Stardom World. Stardom World currently costs 920 yen a month (that’s less than $6 USD right now), so it is very affordable when compared to other streaming services like Netflix or Hulu.
Perhaps the best part of subscribing to Stardom World is that you have access to a massive back catalog of content, going all the way back to Stardom’s earliest days. You can watch old 5 Star GP tournaments, the debuts of Azumi and Starlight Kid, see Mayu Iwatani grow into the ICON that she is today, all for just 920 yen a month. One thing to keep in mind: payment for a new cycle will be taken from the 1st of the month no matter when you initially signed up, so for maximum value sign up at the start of the month.
For shows that fall under the PPV distinction, these will be made available to watch live for about 4400-yen (or approximately $30 USD) Links to buy the PPV will be offered on their Twitter accounts in the days ahead of the show. Because of PPV rights these shows generally have a delay of about 4-5 days until they are uploaded onto Stardom World for subscribers. Unlike previous years all shows during this period will be solely dedicated to the tournament.
All of that being said, let’s get into the actual preview for this year’s tournament and see what the Blue Stars have to offer us this year.
Blue Stars Block A
- Representing: Neo Genesis
- Best Performance: 2022: 14 points (7-5)
- Former High-Speed and Future of Stardom Champion
The 2023 tournament was not kind to SLK as she managed to win only one match and grab another two points due to Saya Kamitani being injured. She’s hoping to turn things around this year, and it very well could happen. With the formation of Neo Genesis, Kitto has a lot of hype behind her and the momentum to match. It’s a fresh start for the former High-Speed Champion and one that she desperately needed.
She’s in a very top-heavy block with some big names to get through, so she will need to bring her A game to each and every match if she wants to mirror her 2022 performance, or even surpass it. That said, if anyone can do it, it’s Starlight Kid. She’s got the speed and technique to beat anyone in the block and I foresee a great tournament for her this year.
Match to watch: Vs Syuri, August 10. With no Giulia in this year’s tournament, Kid’s toughest match is arguably Syuri and it’s going to be a fun one to watch. Kid’s never been afraid to punch above her weight, so expect her to go straight for Syuri’s head in this opening match and start off as strong as possible.
- Representing: Cosmic Angels
- Best Performance: 2023: 10 points (4-3-2)
- Former 2x Wonder of Stardom Champion
Saori Anou’s coming into the tournament with a serious lack of momentum on her side. She lost her White Belt to Mika Iwata, before winning both it back and the Sendai Girls World Championship mere weeks later, only to lose the White Belt again in record time. Yes, she lost the white belt to her close friend Natsupoi, but at what point does this start/stop momentum catch up to someone?
On paper, Anou is one of the tournament favorites, especially coming out of the A block. But we all know that tournaments aren’t won on paper. She needs to put her recent struggles behind her and focus on what’s important, and that’s a chance to fight for the World title with a win in the Grand Prix.
Match to watch: Vs Xena, August 20. In a classic styles clash, the technically savvy Saori Anou facing off against the powerhouse Xena is peak Grand Prix action. It’s a match that you don’t normally get to see and that’s the beauty of this tournament.
- Representing: God’s Eye (Leader)
- Best Performance: 2021: Tournament Winner (5-2-2)
- 15-year veteran, Martial Arts Technician
If Saori Anou has it rough coming into the tournament, then Syuri is coming into it nearly broken. The 5 Star Grand Prix couldn’t be coming at a worse time for Syuri, whose faction is suddenly looking incredibly weak after the brutal one-two combo of Ami Sohrei’s injury and Konami’s betrayal. The addition of Lady C and Hina are helpful bodies, but she now stands as the group’s lone main heavy hitter and trying to manage the group’s future while simultaneously mounting a 5 Star campaign is going to be a tough ask.
On paper, Syuri is coming into the tournament as one of the top favorites, especially for the Blue Stars. As a former tournament winner, she has the track record of success behind her. One just has to wonder if the distractions from the past few weeks will have a detrimental impact on her success this year.
Match to watch: Vs. Saori Anou, August 12. It’s been over four years since these two have squared off one on one, and it’s never happened in a Stardom ring. That makes the match even more exciting and must see. Both women come in with the wrong kind of momentum, so this match could very well right one of their ships and propel them towards the crown.
- Representing: All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
- Best Performance: Debut Appearance
- The Gaijin Allrounder
Not the first person that I would have picked to be the AEW representative for the Grand Prix, but it’s one that I understand. Anna Jay has all the potential in the world but has yet to capitalize on any of it. She’s been a solid mid-card talent for AEW but that’s all she’s been. A solid showing in the Grand Prix could really turn her fortunes around, even in her parent company.
That said, Anna Jay could be in a worse position than this. Just imagine if she was in the Red Stars B Block for a moment, having to face off against the likes of Mayu Iwatani, Tam Nakano, Tomoka Inaba and AZM. Anna Jay would likely not get a single win if she was over there. Being in the Blue Stars gives her a chance to shine and prove that she deserves to be more than a mid-card placeholder.
Match to watch: Vs Starlight Kid, August 12, Tochigi (DAY). While there are many interesting matchups this year for Anna Jay, to me there’s none more exciting than a match with Starlight Kid. Kid’s got a unique style of offense that can give Anna Jay fits and take her to the limit. This match will be one of the best tests for Anna Jay this year.
- Representing: ExV (Empress Nexus Venus)
- Best Performance: Debut Appearance
- The Australian “Touch of Thunder”
In a rare moment where there was a significant lack of challengers, Xena got to step up and challenge her stablemate, Maika, for the World of Stardom championship. While coming up short certainly hurt her momentum, it also proved that Xena could hang with the top talent in the company. In her losing effort, proved a lot of doubters wrong, and her stock has never been higher heading into the tournament.
She’s not going to be surprising anyone now and that’s a good thing for her. Everyone knows what she is truly capable of and can see how far she has come since debuting for the company. She might be the A blocks dark horse this year, but her wins won’t come off as upsets at all. If anything, Xena should be viewed as one of the tournaments favorites.
Match to watch: Vs. Syuri, August 24. It’s going to be late in the tournament, but this match could pit two of the tournament’s top points holders against each other and determine who heads to the semifinals. Xena and Syuri won’t surprise anyone with their match, it is going to be hard hitting and physical, making it a must watch match.
- Representing: STARS
- Best Performance: 2021: 11 points (5-2-2)
- Fukuoka’s High Speed Genius
The Blue Stars A block is filled with a wide array of different challenges, but Koguma presents her own unique test, a High-Speed wrestler with a penchant for mind games. She is precisely the type of challenger that could derail someone’s hopes of reaching the crown this year. There is no way to properly prepare for Koguma since she likes to screw with people’s heads and keep them disoriented.
Stardom’s Kuma should be on everyone’s radar as one of the tournament favorites. She’s proven, time and again, that she has the tools and talent to succeed in this kind of tournament. All that said, Koguma is as true a threat as any contender in the block. Koguma will ruin someone’s night, ruin someone’s tournament, and she’ll do it with a smile on her face. The important thing is that can do it enough times to potentially advance and take the crown.
Match to watch: Vs. Starlight Kid, August 17. We don’t get AZM or Natsupoi as potential opponents for Koguma this year, but we do get the Sky Tiger Starlight Kid. Whenever Kid and Koguma step into the ring together, it’s magical every single time. Mark your calendar for this one, it could steal the entire tournament.
- Representing: Neo Genesis
- Best Performance: Debut Appearance
- Potential Sleeper Assassin
The former Queen’s Quest standout didn’t get to automatically step into the tournament this year, she had to claw and scratch her way into it by defeating Lady C and Aya Sakura. With the dissolution of the Queen’s, Miyu and her friend AZM had to take a serious look at themselves and decide what was best for their future. As it turns out, that was in the newly formed Neo Genesis unit alongside Starlight Kid, Mei Seira and Suzu Suzuki.
Sporting a new look and a new attitude, Miyu Amasaki enters this year’s tournament with more momentum than she realistically should have. Sure, she’s got a really tough schedule ahead of her, and even has to face off against Starlight Kid, but that shouldn’t stop people from picking her as a sleeper favorite. She’s got enough talent and skill to upset the top performers this year.
Match to watch: Vs Starlight Kid, August 24. History has shown that certain groups treat these inter-faction matches as an excuse to go extra hard, and a group of hungry youngsters seems ripe for that kind of attitude. Starlight Kid and Miyu Amasaki have a lot of chemistry together and can really put on a great match for us all. Expect a seriously fun match on August 24th.
Blue Stars Block B
- Representing: STARS
- Best Performance: 2023: 6 points (3-6)
- 2024 Cinderella Tournament Winner
Up first for the B Block is the 19-year-old Judoka from Tochigi, Hanan. She’s this year’s Cinderella Tournament winner so she has a lot of momentum on her side coming into the Grand Prix. She’s also looking to be second woman to win both the Cinderella and Grand Prix in the same year, a feat only done by current AEW Women’s Champion Toni Storm.
While her record in the Grand Prix isn’t exactly stellar, Hanan has more than come into her own since turning eighteen last year. She’s embraced her personality, improved in the ring and turned into one of the most subtle threats I’ve ever seen. You might see that smile and think she’s just another pretty face, but this young woman has the skills to really ruin someone’s tournament.
Match to watch: Vs Suzu Suzuki, August 10. “The Future Ace” facing off against one of the truest Prodigies in professional wrestling? Sign me up every single time. Hanan facing Suzu Suzuki is a match that we should get used to seeing for years to come, and it’ll only get better as these two women come into their primes. Enjoy these early matches between the two, they’re something special.
- Representing: Neo Genesis
- Best Performance: 2023: Tournament Winner (6-3)
- The Violent Prodigy
After making her name in Hardcore and Death Matches, Suzu Suzuki came onto everyone’s radar when she and Prominence invaded Stardom to get revenge on Giulia. Since then, she has really come into her own and showed the world why she is called a prodigy. She’s one of the most naturally gifted professional wrestlers that I’ve seen in a long time, breathing the same prodigal air as AZM and Roxanne Perez.
Two weeks after turning 21, Suzu Suzuki won the 5 Star Grand Prix, joining Toni Storm as the youngest ever winners of the tournament (and technically Suzu was ten and a half months younger when she won it). Not only that, but her record so far in the tournament is exemplary. When you look at the favorites in this year’s tournament, the name Suzu Suzuki better be near the top of your list. She could very well be the first woman to ever win the tournament in back-to-back years.
Match to watch: Vs Saya Kamitani, August 24. The last time these two faced off it felt particularly brutal, with Saya’s athleticism trying to outmatch Suzu’s brutal style. But both women have changed a lot since that match and things are not going to be the same this time around. What happens when the Deathmatch Prodigy comes up against the Phenex Queen, only time will tell.
- Representing: H.A.T.E (formerly Oedo Tai)
- Best Performance: 2022: 14 points (6-4-2)
- 2024 Catch the Wave tournament winner
Perhaps no single woman comes into this year’s tournament with as much intrigue as Saya Kamitani. The once “Golden Phoenix of Stardom” has now dubbed herself the “Phenex Queen” and has joined the very faction that destroyed the once mighty Queen’s Quest. With a new attitude and the backing of H.A.T.E., Kamitani should be viewed as one of this year’s top favorites. Especially as she looks to bounce back from her injury last year.
While the match that everyone wants to see won’t potentially happen until the finals, that being against Maika, Kamitani has a lot to prove this year. She needs to prove herself to H.A.T.E., to Natsuko Tora and to herself most of all. Expect a new look and a new style from the Phenex Queen in this year’s Grand Prix, and also the heel shenanigans that we’ve come to expect from Natsuko Tora and her gang.
Match to watch: Vs Risa Sera, August 17. These two faced off twice during the 2024 Catch the Wave tournament, and this third meeting can serve as the tie breaker. Of course, those matches happened before Kamitani embraced the dark side, so this could potentially be a very different match than the two previous ones.
- Representing: Prominence
- Best Performance: 2022: 15 Points (7-4-1)
- The Queen of the Death Match
Risa Sera makes her second tournament appearance this year after having an insanely good showing back in 2022. A lot has changed in Stardom recently and it’s not the same place, but Risa Sera will always be the violent threat she has been. She’s got to face her former protege Suzu Suzuki, amongst others, so she has a tough road ahead of her. If anyone can do it though, it’s Risa Sera.
Since she debuted in Stardom, she has become more familiar to fans around the world. She left Ice Ribbon, formed Prominence, and has worked her ass off to become a household name. A win in the Grand Prix would cement her legacy as one of the top talents in the Joshi queendom. She’s just got to get through some seriously high caliber talent to do so.
Match to watch: Vs. Suzu Suzuki, August 15. The history these two share is no secret. Risa was a mentor for Suzu, leaving Ice Ribbon together to build the deathmatch troupe Prominence. Sometimes the best of friends make the greatest enemies and that should hold true in this match. Expect a violent, hard-hitting affair that will be one people talk about for a long time to come.
- Representing: H.A.T.E (formerly Oedo Tai)
- Best Performance: Debut Appearance
- Self-Professed Idol Killer
Losing both her faction and her close friend Giulia at the start of the year left Thekla seemingly with a lot of questions as to her future. Like a lot of lost souls before her, she drifted in with the villainous Oedo Tai (now H.A.T.E). Unleashing a more vindictive and colder attitude, Thekla’s struck gold quite literally – winning the Goddess of Stardom Tag Titles alongside Momo Watanabe a couple of weeks before the tournament.
The “Toxic Spider” has her work cut out for her this year, but she isn’t one to shy away from a fight, or from using underhanded tactics to pick up victories. We have to wonder about how lenient the referee’s will be however, since an untimely disqualification could lead to disaster for her. If she wants to earn a title shot, and the crown, she will need to keep her tendencies in check and try to fight by the rules for once.
Match to watch: Vs. Risa Sera, August 24. These two have faced off twice before back in Ice Ribbon – the last time in 2021 – but both times Thekla came up short. So much has changed since 2021, both for Thekla and for Risa Sera, so it’ll be interesting to see what these two women bring to the ring against each other.
Ranna Yagami (replacing Ami Sohrei)
- Representing: God’s Eye
- Best Performance: Debut Appearance
- The only rookie in the tournament
On the outside looking in, no one expected a rookie to step up to the plate and enter the Grand Prix since it never really happens. Yet that’s exactly what we get this year as Ranna Yagami steps in to replace an injured Ami Sohrei. She’s got vicious strikes and has the martial arts background to stand out amongst the other hard hitters she will have to face this year.
Younger talents tend not to do well in the Grand Prix. Whether it’s a lack of experience, nerves or just bad luck, most younger performers tend not to win many points. We can only hope that isn’t true for Yagami, but history is not on her side. She’s the underdog of underdogs this year and it’s a mantle she will have to accept and overcome.
Match to watch: Vs Saki Kashima, August 17. Ranna will have a tough time picking up wins this year, but she hopes that she can be intimidating enough to topple the tournament spoiler that is Saki Kashima. It’s a contrast of styles if there ever was one and it’s a match that could end in seconds if Ranna isn’t careful.
- Representing: God’s Eye
- Best Performance: 2022: 12 points (6-6)
- The Queen of the Flash Pin
Saki Kashima made it clear before anyone else of her intentions regarding this year’s tournament…she didn’t want to enter it unless she had an easy road to the crown. Despite her wishes, she was listed as one of the 28 women who get to compete. Kashima is going to be playing the role of the underdog this year and it’s a role she will have to reluctantly embrace.
One thing that she has going for her is that she excels when people let their guard down. Saki Kashima holds the record for the fastest pin in tournament history, defeating Hana Kimura in a mere eight seconds back in 2019. With her greatest weapon, the Kishikaisei, Saki Kashima is an unrealistic threat to every single woman in the tournament this year. I guarantee that she will pick up at least one surprise victory that no one expects.
Match to watch: Vs Suzu Suzuki, August 12. Suzu Suzuki has an aggressive style that intimidates Saki and causes her to be a nervous, timid wreck. The problem with that is that it opens Suzuki up to one of Saki’s trademark flash pins. On paper, Saki Kashima should get absolutely destroyed in this match, but I think it’s going to be one of the most entertaining in the entire tournament.
5 Star GP Blue Stars Schedule
August 10th, Yokohama Budokan
Blue Stars A:
- Saori Anou vs Anna Jay
- Syuri vs Starlight Kid
- Xena vs Miyu Amasaki
Blue Stars B:
- Suzu Suzuki vs Hanan
- Saya Kamitani vs Ranna Yagami
- Saki Kashima vs Risa Sera
August 12, Tochigi (DAY)
Blue Stars A:
- Syuri vs Saori Anou
- Starlight Kid vs Anna Jay
- Xena vs Koguma
Blue Stars B:
- Suzu Suzuki vs Saki Kashima
- Saya Kamitani vs Thekla
- Hanan vs Risa Sera
August 15, Korakuen Hall
Blue Stars A:
- Saori Anou vs Starlight Kid
- Syuri vs Anna Jay
- Koguma vs Miyu Amasaki
Blue Stars B:
- Suzu Suzuki vs Risa Sera
- Hanan vs Saki Kashima
- Ranna Yagami vs Thekla
August 17, Kyoto
Blue Stars A:
- Saori Anou vs Miyu Amasaki
- Starlight Kid vs Koguma
- Xena vs Anna Jay
Blue Stars B:
- Saya Kamitani vs Risa Sera
- Hanan vs Thekla
- Ranna Yagami vs Saki Kashima
August 20: Osaka
Blue Stars A:
- Xena vs Saori Anou
- Syuri vs Koguma
- Anna Jay vs Miyu Amasaki
Blue Stars B:
- Suzu Suzuki vs Thekla
- Saya Kamitani vs Saki Kashima
- Ranna Yagami vs Risa Sera
August 24: Fukushima
Blue Stars A:
- Syuri vs Xena
- Starlight Kid vs Miyu Amasaki
- Koguma vs Anna Jay
Blue Stars B:
- Saya Kamitani vs Suzu Suzuki
- Hanan vs Ranna Yagami
- Thekla vs Risa Sera
August 25: Yamagata
Blue Stars A:
- Saori Anou vs Koguma
- Syuri vs Miyu Amasaki
- Xena vs Starlight Kid
Blue Stars B:
- Suzu Suzuki vs Ranna Yagami
- Saya Kamitani vs Hanan
- Saki Kashima vs Thekla
