Stardom Review And Analysis: January 14 at Korakuen Hall

SWA Title & Eve International Title: Viper (c) vs Utami Hayashishita

Both members of Queen’s Quest, Viper and Utami, were sure to have a match on the level without the shenanigans that often accompany a faction like Oedo Tai. Utami had the chance to continue steam rolling through the new year, adding one more title to her collection – but not without a fight.

Viper easily overpowered Utami early on as she forced her to the mat with several pin attempts. When Utami did find an advantage, she looked to use what has worked so well for her in the past – her power. Unfortunately for the Big Rookie, Viper put a quick stop to an attempt at lifting the champion into the Torture Rack.

As the action spilled outside of the ring, Viper got a little cocky and slapped Utami before sitting her in a chair at ringside. Viper crashed and burned as Utami dodged her attempt at a cannonball, but back inside; Utami’s attempt at another Torture Rack allowed Viper to regain control and finally crush the challenger in the corner with her third-attempted cannonball.

With her eyes on retaining the title, Viper climbed to the second rope for a Viper Bomb but was caught by Utami before she could execute the move. Utami finally lifted Viper from the second ropes onto her shoulders in the Torture Rack, but spilled her to the canvas in a scary moment that could have gone wrong quickly.

Finally, Utami was able to trap Viper in a standing rear naked choke. She wore Viper down as she cut off her air supply before dropping the champion back with an incredible stalling German suplex. Holding onto the bridge with Viper on her shoulders, Utami scored the three count to capture the victory and the gold!

Thoughts: Viper’s physical dominance was on full display throughout this match. With her reportedly on her way to NXT UK, this will likely be one of her final matches in a Stardom ring and she went out in a good one.

Utami’s perseverance and tenacity proved to be the determining factors in this one, as she refused to be stopped by her larger and more experienced opponent. Utami has now added two more belts to her collection, coming to a grand total of four – the Future of Stardom Title, the Goddesses of Stardom Tag Titles, the SWA World Championship, and the EVE International Championship.

Not bad for her first year in the business.