Rian Officially Joins Maki Itoh’s “Itoh Respect Gundan” at STARDOM IN KYOTO 2026 MAY

By: Lewis Carlan

On May 31st, STARDOM held its STARDOM IN KYOTO 2026 MAY event at Kyoto KBS Hall in front of yet another sold out crowd.

One of the matches during the event featured Maki Itoh, Kikyo Furusawa, Waka Tsukiyama & Rian taking on the Artist of STARDOM Champions Ami Sohrei, Hina & Lady C plus their partner Kiyoka Kotatsu. The bout was evenly fought throughout but was ended at the 11:34 mark when Hina hit a modified jackhammer on Rian for the pin.

After the bout, Rian addressed the crowd and told Itoh that she wanted to join the “Itoh Respect Gundan” and was keeping Itoh’s ribbon safe after she went missing. Rian & Kikyo Furusawa placed the ribbon back onto Itoh’s hair and this caused her to break out of the depressed state she had been in lately much to the delight of the fans in attendance. Itoh took the mic and proudly accepted Rian into the faction.

From Rian:

“I’ve been cherishing this ribbon ever since Itoh-san left it behind when she disappeared. Please let me earn money alongside you!” (English translation via Deepl.com)

From Maki Itoh:

“Listen up, everyone! These three are the Itoh Respect Army, and the Itoh Respect Army is the light of Stardom! The Ito Respect Army!” (English translation via Deepl.com)

With Rian now an official member of Itoh Respect Gundan, Itoh took to X and issued a challenge to the Artist of STARDOM Champions Ami Sohrei, Hina & Lady C.

From Maki Itoh:

“I want to challenge for the Artist belts! Now is the exact time I want to challenge for the Artist belts with IRG! Kikyo, Rian, we are going into special training! (English translation via meraWRESTLING)

Here are the full results for STARDOM IN KYOTO 2026 MAY courtesy of purolove.com:

• Saya Kamitani, Natsuko Tora, Konami, Bea Priestley & Rina defeated Syuri, Natsupoi, Tomoka Inaba, Yuna Mizumori & Aya Sakura (11:41) after the Star Crusher of Kamitani against Sakura.
• Hanan & Saya Iida defeated Utami Hayashishita & Matoi Hamabe (11:29) after a blockbuster hold by Hanan against Hamabe.
• Ami Sohrei, Hina, Lady C & Kiyoka Kotatsu defeated Maki Itoh, Kikyo Furusawa, Waka Tsukiyama & Rian (11:34) after a modified jackhammer from Hina against Rian.
• Suzu Suzuki & Akira Kurogane defeated Sayaka Kurara & Anne Kanaya (12:21) after a Yokubari*Lock by Kurogane against Kanaya.
• Saori Anou & Fuwa-chan defeated Ruaka & Azusa Inaba  (11:08) after a Jikiden Hazukistral by Fuwa against Inaba.
• Maika, HANAKO, Koguma & Ranna Yagami defeated AZM, Starlight Kid, Miyu Amasaki & Ema Maishima (16:50) after a JP Coaster by Maika against Maishima.