Iwatani third holder of IWGP title
Mayu Iwatani is the new IWGP Women’s Champion, gelling Mercedes Mon? to lift the title at STARDOM’s All Star Grand Queendom event on April 23.
After press conferences that turned physical in recent weeks, the most recent exchange leaving Mon? with a swollen eyebrow heading into the bout, Mayu set a fast pace early, taking the champion to the mat and then soaring with a tope suicida. A Meteroa from the arpon to the floor however would see Mon? gain control of the match, as the Yokohama crowd chanted for the ‘CEO’.
An unforced error from the champion saw a top rope splash only find empty canvas; Iwatani would fire through the pain of more crushing knees to the mid section to land the Dodonpa for two, and showed dogged determination in working for a Dragon Suplex, following up with a frog splash for along two.
In return, Mon? was dogged in trying time and again for the Mon? Maker, eventually landing the move, but only finding two as Iwatani found the ropes. A ragged challenger would land a Tombstone to the champion, and hard shots to the head would lead to a stunning Moonsault for another nearfall. A Two Step Dragon Suplex followed, and Iwatani unseated Mon? to capture the IWGP gold.
Post match, Iwatani would call the fallen Mon? back to the ring, the two women embracing as Mercedes had to admit defeat and respect for the new champion. As Iwatani stated that Mercedes had shown love to the championship and Japan, so too would the Icon moving forward, and with a sign for ‘one more time’ it seemed as if Mon?’s time around NJPW, STARDOM and the IWGP title scene is not done yet.
Originally posted at Read More