By: J. Curbelo
One of STARDOM’s longest running storylines in recent times was Waka Tsukiyama’s personal royal road to her first victory. Today, we can finally say that it reached an emotional conclusion. Throughout her career prior to, and into STARDOM, Tsukiyama only had one win in her stats, belonging to a tag team partner. Otherwise, she was always on the losing end of matches.
Last December, Tam Nakano told Waka that she had to directly earn a victory within three months, or else she had to be expelled from Cosmic Angels. Initially, fans were confused by Tam’s cold demeanor, but it would later be explained by her that she only vouched for her improvement. “I don’t want her to leave. But If Waka can shine brighter somewhere other than Cosmic Angels, then I want her to follow that path,” Nakano said on Twitter.
.@Waka_Mm3: “If I don’t win this match, I will not only quit Cosmic Angels, but I will quit STARDOM."#STARDOM #スターダム #高橋奈七永 #月山和香 #中野たむpic.twitter.com/mjTNAvD9nF
— Himanshu Doi (@Himanshu_Doi) March 7, 2023
New Blood’s Premium pay-per-view show just happened to be the deadline for Waka, and she expressed her desire to face the inaugural World of Stardom champion Nanane Takahashi on the event. After inquiring Tsukiyama about her determination, Tam decided to personally help her, turning the encounter into a tag team match involving Takahashi’s long time partner, KAIRI. Tsukiyama decided to put extra pressure on herself, announcing that if she didn’t win, she would also have to quit STARDOM as a whole.
With that in mind, Tam started a special training schedule with Waka, ranging from the most basic exercises to walking across the city while wearing Dragon Ball inspired turtle shells made by Tam with her own hands. It was a painful, extensive path, but Waka was determined to go all the way through, even when she was taunted by the likes of Ram Kaicho and Maika Ozaki.
.@ramkaichow and @sister_plus find @Waka_Mm3, who is absent from her mountain asceticism, lying by the side of the road.#STARDOM #スターダム #月山和香 #ラム会長 #尾﨑妹加 #コズエン #COSMICANGELSpic.twitter.com/6ZgRzsUMs2
— Himanshu Doi (@Himanshu_Doi) March 19, 2023
March 25th had come, and fans across the internet were as excited as they were anxious. Despite stories like these usually ending on a happy note in pro-wrestling, STARDOM’s competitiveness and unpredictability make it known for its sometimes bitter conclusions. On top of that, Tam and Waka would have to best two former World of Stardom Champions.
The duo was accompanied by most of their Cosmic Angels teammates. Even Mina Shirakawa, who isn’t in the best of terms with Tam right now, had to put differences aside to support Tsukiyama. The match itself did not help easing up the nervousness of spectators, both online and in the arena. Fans were loduly cheering for the “little devil”, as she tried her best for nearly 22 minutes of constant action and breathtaking near-falls before she managed lock Nanae into an Aussie Suplex Roll-up to score a win.
Waka!!!!! pic.twitter.com/ZviCf3nWTn
— We Are Stardom (@we_are_stardom) March 25, 2023
With this, Tsukiyama emerged victorious in a sea of tears. Takahashi and KAIRI didn’t seem to take it too well at first, with KAIRI showing the darkest aspects of her personality throughout the match, but eventually conceded. Takahashi acknowledged Tsukiyama as a worthy rival, and told her to cheer up. Nakano thanked Tsukiyama for joining Cosmic Angels and embraced her as permanent member. It was finally time for vindication, as Waka claimed she is the “True NEW BLOOD” before celebrating with the rest of Cosmic Angels. Now the question is, what’s next for Waka Tsukiyama?
.@Waka_Mm3: "I'm glad to be alive.
It has been 2 years and 7 months since my debut. I was called a failure and all kinds of other things. I will never forget being able to have this match today."#STARDOM #月山和香pic.twitter.com/vPhIGxSMsI
— Himanshu Doi (@Himanshu_Doi) March 25, 2023
Date:
March 25, 2023
Category:
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