Stardom 5 Star Grand Prix 2024: Full Guide & Preview
- Rajja
- Aug 4, 2024
- 25 min read
Updated: Aug 7, 2024
August 4, 2024
The biggest tournament of the year for Stardom is upon us. It's time for the 2024 5 Star Grand Prix! In this guide, you will find all the information you need to know to get you ready for the tournament. From an introduction to the participants and a complete breakdown of the night one matches to some fun info and facts, we've got it all. There are even some nice, clean brackets you can print out and use to make your own picks before the whole thing kicks off on August 10th!
Before we get started, in case you'd like to see something specific, you can navigate through this preview with ease using this handy-dandy table of contents:
So, let's jump right in and talk about the Stardom 5 Star Grand Prix 2024!
The Basics
The 5 Star Grand Prix is a round-robin style tournament that's run by Stardom every single year since its inception in 2012. This is the 13th tournament and the largest to date, featuring 28 wrestlers separated into 4 blocks of 7 wrestlers each. This is the first time that the 5 Star has been broken up into more than 2 blocks. Usually, it's only the Red Stars and the Blue Stars. This year, we have Red Stars A, Red Stars B, Blue Stars A, and Blue Stars B.
This year's 5 Star Grand Prix is also unique because each event will mainly be focused on tournament action and will feature either only Red Star matches or only Blue Star matches. The only events that feature both are opening night on the 10th, Korakuen Hall on the 15th, and the final three events on the 25th, 28th, and 31st.
Every wrestler will compete in 6 singles matches with the other members of their blocks, earning them up to 12 possible points in an effort to be one of the two highest-scoring people in their block. The first and second-place wrestlers from each block will then face off in a single-elimination style tournament to determine the overall winner of the 5 Star Grand Prix. (More info in the bracket section.)
How to Keep Up With the 2024 5 Star Grand Prix
If you're interested in watching the 5 Star Grand Prix for yourself, you'll need to sign up for Stardom World. Unlike previous years, every single night of tournament action will be streamed live either on Stardom World or PPV. The opening night on August 10th and the final night on August 31st will be the only two PPVs, with the remaining 12 events streamed live on Stardom World. It only costs 920 yen per month to subscribe to Stardom World, and this year, the 5 Star takes place in only one month, so it's a steal for a little more than $6 for 12 full events.
Outside of watching it for yourself, you will want to follow Stardom on X. They have their main Stardom account as well as the invaluable English We Are Stardom account that shares all the helpful information you'll need to keep track of the 5 Star before, during, and after the tournament. They will always post show dates, start times for multiple time zones, and links to both Stardom World and PPV streams for international customers where applicable. PPV events for Stardom generally cost around $30 to purchase.
5 Star Grand Prix 2024 Brackets
If you've never seen a bracket for a round-robin tournament before, this is what they look like! Every wrestler in a block will wrestle every other wrestler one time throughout the course of the tournament. Filling out these brackets before the tournament is a fun way to predict who you think is going to win. It can also be a challenge to balance all of the points totals to equal out to what you think is going to happen by the end of the tournament.
Using these brackets is pretty straightforward. You simply use circles to track wins and losses across rows. An open circle means a win, a closed circle means a loss, and a triangle is a draw. Each wrestler's wins and losses will be recorded in the row moving horizontally to the right of their name. Once you have all of the matches filled in, you add up the total number of points each wrestler has earned and put the total in the last column on the right.
You can download a PDF version of these brackets I created for my own tracking if you want to print them off for yourself. Here's a quick look at what the brackets for each block look like, as well as the bracket set up for the playoff-style finals after block competition.
Participants in the 2024 5 Star Grand Prix
Years of Participation: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Notable Performance: Finalist in 2023 with 12 points
Current Championships: None
Maika spent the entirety of 2024, up until July 28th, as the World of Stardom Champion. After suffering at the hands of Saya Kamitani's heel turn and then losing the Artist of Stardom titles a week later to Cosmic Angels, she comes into the 5 Star Grand Prix with a lot to prove. It will be interesting to see if Saya's betrayal motivates her to return to the top in order to reclaim the red belt or if it affects her performance this year in a big way.
Years of Participation: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023
Notable Performance: Scoring 14 points in 2022
Current Championships: None
This year has been full of incredible performances from Hazuki, notably alongside her tag team partner Koguma in FWC. The only reason they lost their Goddess of Stardom titles was because Konami hit Hazuki over the head with a chair to steal the belts in her plan to eventually turn on Syuri. Her match against Konami will definitely be one to watch as she tries to make up for that loss and get back on the winning track throughout the 5 Star Grand Prix. Hazuki is always hard-hitting and puts on performances in singles matches that are consistently can't-miss.
Years of Participation: 2021
Notable Performance: Scoring 0 points in 2021
Current Championships: None
Ruaka completely blew her chance to be in the 5 Star Grand Prix this year when she got herself disqualified by slamming her black box over Yuna Mizumori's head in the qualifiers. However, she was granted another chance when Natsuko Tora decided the tournament wasn't worth her time and nominated her young protege to take her place.
Years of Participation: 2016, 2021, 2022, 2023
Notable Performance: Scoring 11 points in 2023
Current Championships: Wonder of Stardom Champion, Artist of Stardom Champion
Natsupoi has been patiently biding her time all year. She waited for her best friend Saori Anou to be ready to give her a shot at the Wonder of Stardom title so that she could finally stake her claim to it. One week after winning the white belt, she and her Cosmic Angel teammates claimed the Artist of Stardom titles as well. She promises to make this the Summer of Fairy Awakening and has a hot lead-in to make it happen.
Years of Participation: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
Notable Performance: Finalist in 2019 with 11 points
Current Championships: None
Konami was the catalyst for the formation of H.A.T.E. By turning on Syuri and costing the tag team their Goddess of Stardom titles, she added the perfect amount of fuel to the Oedo Tai fire. Back where she belongs, Konami will bring her vicious, unforgiving style into the tournament in an attempt to come out on top.
Years of Participation: N/A
Notable Performance: N/A
Current Championships: None
Manami hails from Sendai Girls' Pro Wrestling, where she's a former Sendai Girls Juinor Champion and two-time Sendai Girls Tag Team Champion. She might be young, but she's full of fire and exciting to watch in the ring. Her presence in the 5 Star Grand Prix is interesting, as it presents the opportunity to play spoiler to a roster of talent that may not know what to expect in the ring with her.
Years of Participation: N/A
Notable Performance: N/A
Current Championships: None
Yuna has been a strong and steady member of Cosmic Angels ever since she had to fight her way through the application process last year. She's used to grueling and she knows what she's doing in between the ropes. While she's up against some stiff competition in her block, she can't ever be counted out once the bell rings.
Years of Participation: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Notable Performance: Winner in 2018
Current Championships: IWGP Women's World Champion
Mayu Iwatani is synonymous with the 5 Star Grand Prix. Racking up more tournament matches than anyone else, she has consistently given stellar performances and made it clear why she's the Stardom Icon. She won't have it easy this year in such a stacked block, but when you're in the ring one-on-one with Mayu, you better be ready to work from bell to bell if you want to beat her.
Years of Participation: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Notable Performance: Finalist in 2022 with 16 points
Current Championships: Artist of Stardom Champion
Tam's been a little lost since returning from injury. Her focus has mainly been on rebuilding Cosmic Angels into one of the strongest factions in Stardom, which she has done beautifully. However, she has yet to challenge for the World of Stardom title after having to drop it due to said injury. Just one week before the tournament, she and her teammates won the Artist of Stardom titles, only for H.A.T.E. to attack, taking out one of Tam's legs and cutting off her hair. It's safe to say we'll see a new look from Tam Nakano in this year's tournament, and maybe this is the fuel she needed to really push her to the top this year.
Years of Participation: 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Notable Performance: Finalist in 2021 with 12 points
Current Championships: Goddess of Stardom Champion
The Black Peach has had one hell of a year. She challenged for the World of Stardom Championship in a Three Stages of Hell match, she put on a crazy hardcore performance with Dash Chisako in Sendai Girls' Pro Wrestling, and now she is one-half of the Goddess of Stardom champs alongside Thekla. She is right up there with the top dogs in her block, with those brutal kicks to back her up. Let's just hope she can handle her business in these matches without that bat.
Years of Participation: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Notable Performance: Scoring 14 points in 2022
Current Championships: None
AZM comes into this tournament with a lot of feelings to deal with. First, being forced to leave Queen's Quest, and then getting betrayed by Saya Kamitani, who promised to protect the faction they both once called home. Top that off with her opening night match being against Momo Watanabe, the one to leave AZM laying in her own exit from Queen's Quest. AZM's emotions are either going to help her or hurt her during this tournament. Regardless, her matches will be a source of nonstop action, as always.
Years of Participation: N/A
Notable Performance: N/A
Current Championships: Highspeed Champion
This will be Mei Seira's first time competing in the 5 Star Grand Prix, but that's no reason to believe she won't do amazing things. She's recently been racking up wins over people like Xena. Plus, she pinned Saya Kamitani to win the Highspeed title only two weeks before the start of the tournament. She's fast and extremely accurate, and when she hits you with the Rolling Star or Checkmate, there's no kicking out.
Years of Participation: 2020, 2022
Notable Performance: Scoring 4 Points in 2022
Current Championships: None
Saya Iida has been on fire this year in tag team competition alongside her partner Hanan. But in the 5 Star Grand Prix, there are no partners. She's going to have to do it on her own. We will have ample opportunity to see how one of the strongest competitors in Stardom stacks up against some of the best in the ring. She'll be able to flex those new Highspeed muscles a few times too!
Years of Participation: N/A
Notable Performance: N/A
Current Championships: Queen of JTO Champion
Tomoka Inaba has certainly made a name for herself in her young career. She has won all of her singles matches this year, except for her World of Stardom Championship challenge against Maika. She has recently been competing in the Stardom ring more often with the rest of God's Eye, and even helping them capture some wins. But this is the 5 Star Grand Prix. She will have to be at the top of her game to rack up the points she needs to face down this challenge.
Years of Participation: 2023
Notable Performance: Scoring 10 points in 2023
Current Championships: Sendai Girls World Champion, Artist of Stardom Champion
Saori Anou has had quite the year. Starting on top as the Wonder of Stardom Champion with everyone at her heels, she was the most popular thing since sliced bread. It wasn't until Mika Iwata beat her for the white belt at Stardom the Conversion that she started to question things. With the help of Natsupoi, Saori was able to regain the white belt and finally give her best friend the chance she had been waiting for. Saori comes into this tournament without the white belt, but free of questioning herself. When she's standing face-to-face with someone in the ring, it's bound to be an intense affair.
Years of Participation: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Notable Performance: Winner in 2021 with 12 points
Current Championships: None
It's fair to say that Syuri is starting her 5 Star Grand Prix with a brand new fire lit under her. Not even a month ago, she was betrayed by her tag team partner Konami, losing a friend and the Goddess of Stardom titles to Oedo Tai. This act has fanned not only Syuri's flames but the entire fire of God's Eye. I think we're going to see something really special out of Syuri this year. I wouldn't want to be the one standing across the ring from her after everything that's happened.
Years of Participation: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Notable Performance: Scoring 14 points in 2022
Current Championships: Spark Joshi Champion
It's a brand new year, and we're looking at a brand new Starlight Kid. Last year was plagued with frustration for the Sky Tiger, constantly losing her matches due to her letting her emotions get the best of her. She only ended up with a whopping 4 points in 2023, but things are set to change pace this year. After being kicked out of Oedo Tai, she has since formed Neo Genesis with her fellow 2002 babies and seems to be having the time of her life. Look to SLK to really make an impression in this year's tournament.
Years of Participation: N/A
Notable Performance: N/A
Current Championships: None
Xena has been a standout in her performances since returning to Stardom. She has already shown her metal in a World of Stardom championship match against fellow eXv member Maika, proving that she has what it takes to stand toe-to-toe with Stardom's top talent. The 5 Star Grand Prix is its own beast, though, and she'll have to dig deep and throw a lot of chops to forge her way to the top of her block.
Years of Participation: 2014, 2021, 2022
Notable Performance: Scoring 14 Points in 2022
Current Championships: None
Koguma missed out on the trimmed-down participant list for the 2023 5 Star Grand Prix, but she's back this year to show her stuff. She has put some amazing performances in the books in 2024 alongside Hazuki as FWC. But these aren't tag team matches and her bear dance won't save her from this incredibly stacked block of opponents. She's going to have to pull out the same kind of performance she gave in her singles match against Hanan to really get ahead.
Years of Participation: N/A
Notable Performance: N/A
Current Championships: None
It's incredibly cool to have a wrestler from AEW competing in this year's 5 Star Grand Prix, and Anna Jay makes all the sense in the world. Having become fast friends with AZM during her times in AEW, Anna Jay is looking to show what she can do in a Stardom ring. This tournament is no joke, and while it's going to be a much more difficult schedule than Anna's used to, it's also likely to sharpen her skills and bring out the best in her by the end.
Years of Participation: N/A
Notable Performance: N/A
Current Championships: None
Miyu Amasaki had to earn her place in this year's 5 Star Grand Prix, her debut performance. After beating Aya Sakura and Lady C, she punched her ticket into the tournament, making sure all five members of Neo Genesis were set to represent their brand-new faction. All set with a new look, Miyu will undoubtedly give some exciting performances in each and every match, even if she doesn't end up with many points by the end.
Years of Participation: 2022, 2023
Notable Performance: Winner of 2023 with 12 points
Current Championships: None
After a two-month hiatus, Suzu Suzuki is back and better than ever with her new crew in Neo Genesis. Suzu is the defending champion of the 5 Star Grand Prix after winning the 2023 tournament against all odds. Things haven't really gone her way since then, though. She lost her challenge for the World of Stardom title and couldn't hold onto the Goddess belts with teammate Mei Seira. But she's full of grit and ready to get back on track with this year's tournament. She'll have her work cut out for her to reach the finals once more.
Years of Participation: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Notable Performance: Scoring 14 points in 2022
Current Championships: None
While Saya Kamitani is technically listed as competing in the 2023 5 Star Grand Prix, an injury on the opening night took her out of the tournament before it even started. A lot of people believed that last year was supposed to be Saya's year, and that was taken from her because of one move. Following her return, she lost her tag team partner, her faction, her Highspeed title, and, apparently, her mind. Saya made a big statement when she cost Maika her World of Stardom title and joined the newly formed H.A.T.E. as the Phenex Queen. Now, she has a lot to prove in this tournament to show that she's still in the red belt conversation.
Years of Participation: 2022, 2023
Notable Performance: Scoring 6 points in 2023
Current Championships: None
Hanan is the next big thing in Stardom. A future ace through and through. She won the 2024 Cinderella tournament, earning her a Wonder of Stardom title shot against Saori Anou. While she didn't win the white belt, she was able to hang onto the New Blood Tag Team titles for almost 300 days with Saya Iida before dropping them to her younger sister Rina and Azusa Inaba just recently. That frees up her mind to focus on the 5 Star Grand Prix, and with a pin over Tam Nakano on July 28th under her belt, she's heading into this tournament with a lot of momentum.
Years of Participation: 2012, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022
Notable Performance: Scoring 12 points in 2022
Current Championships: None
The last thing Saki Kashima wanted was to be entered into the 5 Star Grand Prix. But here we are. Ever since being forced to leave Oedo Tai, she has made it clear she's very much for working smarter, not harder, in the ring. But don't be fooled. Saki Kashima is probably one of the scariest people to step into the ring with thanks to the Kishikaisei! She can throw that thing on you and get a win in under one minute, something that earned her the fastest pin in 5 star history. She's also the only person in this year's tournament who competed in the very first 5 Star Grand Prix all the way back in 2012. She knows what she's doing, and she's made it clear that any members of H.A.T.E. will receive her full wrath for what they did to Syuri.
Years of Participation: N/A
Notable Performance: N/A
Current Championships: None
Ranna Yagami is the only rookie in this year's 5 Star Grand Prix, earning her spot because Ami Sourei had to bow out due to injury. Ami chose Ranna as her replacement because of her incredible performance and growth this year. Having just competed in the Catch the Wave tournament, Ranna was the only person to go undefeated in block action, making it all the way to the final of the young block. While she didn't win, she'll certainly be looking to recreate some of that success in the 5 Star Grand Prix.
Years of Participation: N/A
Notable Performance: N/A
Current Championships: Goddess of Stardom Champion
Thekla was originally set to perform in the 2022 5 Star Grand Prix, but had to bow out due to injury and ended up being replaced by Momo Kohgo. She has made the most of her time since Donna Del Mondo disbanded at the beginning of the year, making a statement by joining Oedo Tai on her return in April. She now holds the Goddess of Stardom Championship with Momo Watanabe and is a threat to anyone who wants to make it to the top of the block.
Years of Participation: 2022
Notable Performance: Scoring 15 points in 2022
Current Championships: None
Risa Sera is a deathmatch specialist, representing the Prominence brand each and every time she's in Stardom. Her size and viciousness give her an instant advantage over unsuspecting opponents, which will absolutely see her gain points in this year's tournament. One of the biggest points of interest is the fact she shares a block with former faction mate Suzu Suzuki. When these two collide, it's always fireworks.
A Breakdown of Opening Night Matches
Maika vs Natsupoi
Number of Singles Matches: 0
Record: N/A
It's hard to believe that these two have never faced one-on-one in the ring before. As a first-time match-up, there will be a lot of unknowns for both competitors. This match pits the speed of Natsupoi against the power of Maika, showcasing two of the best in the company. Before the recent rendezvous PPVs, Maika was coming in as the champion here. Now the roles are reversed. Natsupoi has to prove her place as the Wonder of Stardom and Artist of Stardom champion and Maika has to prove that she hasn't completely lost a step after dropping both of her titles.
Hazuki vs Manami
Number of Singles Matches: 0
Record: N/A
Another first-time match-up for more obvious reasons. Manami is coming in from Sendai Girls' Pro Wrestling to face a brand-new roster of girls that she has no experience with. But the Stardom girls don't have experience with her either, which gives her the potential to get one over on them. Hazuki and Manami are both tag team standouts that can also go in singles matches. There's a good chance that Hazuki will get the win to start her tournament off strong, but it's never a good idea to look past a newcomer. You never know when they might steal the win out from under you.
Konami vs Ruaka
Number of Singles Matches: 2
Record: Konami - 2; Ruaka - 0
In their previous two meetings in 2021, Konami came out the victor in a pretty quick fashion. There's no reason to expect anything different here. Konami is making a run straight at the throat of Stardom after turning on Syuri. She's one of the figureheads of the newly formed H.A.T.E., which Ruaka is also a part of. I don't think Ruaka will lay down and give her faction mate the win by any means, but Konami is out for blood, and I don't think she cares where it comes from.
Mayu Iwatani vs Tam Nakano
Number of Singles Matches: 6
Record: Mayu - 3; Tam - 0; Draw - 3
The fact that the last three matches these two have had against each other have ended in time-limit draws just goes to show how evenly matched they are. That includes their last meeting in last year's 5 Star Grand Prix. This match has another layer added to it, thanks to Mayu offering Tam an IWGP title shot if she can beat her in the tournament this year, something Tam has never done 1-on-1 before. But will Tam be ready on opening night after being attacked by H.A.T.E. not even a full week beforehand? The Stardom Icon is never an easy out, but a strong win for Tam right out of the gate could solidify her as a real challenger for the top prize this year.
AZM vs Momo Watanabe
Number of Singles Matches: 10
Record: AZM - 1; Momo - 8; Draw - 1
These two have a long and incredibly rocky history that would take forever to go into detail about. Former Queen's Quest teammates, Momo's exit from the group was done by directly betraying AZM, her longtime tag team partner. Since then, Momo has had a hand in helping to destroy Queen's Quest altogether, including possibly swaying Saya Kamitani to the dark side. The tension here is as intense as it gets, and you're absolutely going to feel it the moment they get in the ring together. AZM will have to pull out all of the stops if she wants to start her tournament with a win over Momo and Momo will have to be careful not to see AZM as some easily beatable little sister.
Mei Seira vs Tomoka Inaba
Number of Singles Matches: 0
Record: N/A
Not only have these two never faced off in a singles match; they've never been in the ring together period. That makes this match almost completely an unknown entity, which only adds to the fun of it all. Mei's speed will get her ahead early in this match, but Tomoka has the discipline and swift kicks to cut her off at the quick. These two are the same age with equal amounts of potential, which means this match could easily steal the night from out of nowhere.
Saori Anou vs Anna Jay
Number of Singles Matches: 0
Record: N/A
All of Anna Jay's matches in the tournament will be first-time match-ups for her. She's completely new to the Stardom ring and a fresh wrestling perspective for the Stardom roster. She's got a massive test ahead of her on night one when she steps in the ring with Saori Anou, who has just come off of a huge program with Mika Iwata and Natsupoi. Saori is smart enough not to take Anna Jay lightly, but it will be interesting to see how these two work together in the ring.
Syuri vs Starlight Kid
Number of Singles Matches: 2
Record: Syuri - 2; Starlight Kid - 0
Syuri has a win over Starlight Kid from the 5 Star Grand Prix last year, but she'll be facing off against a very different SLK this time around. As a brand-new faction leader, Starlight has a lot of momentum behind her going into the 5 Star Grand Prix. Syuri, on the other hand, is still fuming from Konami's betrayal and the behavior of H.A.T.E. toward God's Eye ever since. This match will see two of the major favorites in Stardom go head to head in an impossible-to-pick contest that's sure to blow everyone away thanks to the sheer ability of both wrestlers involved.
Xena vs Miyu Amasaki
Number of Singles Matches: 0
Record: N/A
Another first-look matchup between two wrestlers who have really impressed and improved over the course of this year. Xena has made strong strides under the eXv banner, making it clear that she's not here to play. Miyu Amasaki stepped into her confidence after the dissolution of Queen's Quest to take up a spot in the newly formed Neo Genesis. Earning her way into the tournament at all is already a big deal for Miyu. I expect both of these performers to give it their all in this match because they both need this win to start them off strong.
Suzu Suzuki vs Hanan
Number of Singles Matches: 1
Record: Suzu - 1; Hanan - 0
These two met once before in the 2022 5 Star Grand Prix, where Suzu was able to pick up the win. A lot has changed since 2022, though. Hanan has since won the Cinderella tournament and made her name as a New Blood Tag Team champion. She's no slouch and she's no young girl. She's a young, hungry lioness who wants to make it clear that she's the future of the top of the card. Standing in her way is last year's 5 star winner, Suzu Suzuki, who will be looking to capitalize on that title to propel her to a quick victory this year. This one is going to be extremely hard-hitting and I wouldn't put it past Hanan to pull another surprise victory here. Not that it would be that surprising.
Risa Sera vs Saya Kamitani
Number of Singles Matches: 2
Record: Risa - 1; Saya - 1
Some people might not know that this is a rubber match coming off of the Catch the Wave tournament. After Risa beat Saya in block competition, they were both at the top of the block. In the deciding match for the block, Saya came out with the win over Risa, propelling her to the finals and, eventually, winning the entire thing. Saya is looking to avenge her inability to compete last year, and she's bringing an entirely new attitude with her. As the newest member of H.A.T.E. and the self-proclaimed Phenex Queen, she's going to be out to make an example of Risa. Too bad Risa Sera is not the person to try in between the ropes. Expect this one to be massively entertaining, and if it doesn't end in a draw, whoever ends up winning is in a great place to start their tournament.
Saki Kashima vs Ranna Yagami
Number of Singles Matches: 1
Record: Saki - 1; Ranna - 0
Ranna went on a bit of a run of facing all of her God's Eye stable mates in singles matches after joining the faction. She lost every single one, but it was a great learning experience for the young rookie. This opening night match is going to tell us a lot about how Saki plans to play this 5 Star Grand Prix. She didn't want to participate, so there's a good chance she'll look for the quick win using the Kishikaisei so she can get out with her points with as little work as possible. Since Ranna isn't a member of H.A.T.E., we probably won't get a chance to see Saki really turn it on in this match, but it's bound to be all sorts of entertaining.
Other Matches
Because of the layout of the 5 Star Grand Prix this year, not everyone has a block match on opening night, even if they're taking part in the tournament. With seven people per block, that leaves four people out of the mix at every show. On opening night, that's Yuna Mizumori, Saya Iida, Koguma, and Thekla. They will be competing in a pair of multi-mans along with the roster members who aren't in the tournament at all. These matches will likely break up the tournament competition throughout the night, or one will be a pre-show match to kick us off!
Who Has the Most Winning Potential?
Literally anyone can win the 5 Star Grand Prix. We saw it last year when unlikely underdog Suzu Suzuki took home the trophy. That being said, there is a short list of people who I, personally, believe have the highest chances of winning it all this year. Of course, this is only my opinion based on current storylines and card positioning. Here are my top 5 to win the 2024 5 Star Grand Prix.
Saya Kamitani
If rumors are to be believed, last year was supposed to be Saya Kamitani's year to win it all. Her elbow injury stole that from her, and after her return, she fought tooth and nail to get back to that position. Now she's turned to the dark side. With her new hateful persona, Saya has even more reason to break through to the playoff rounds after block competition and even more to win the tournament entirely. That would place her right where everyone thinks she should be - in line for the World of Stardom Championship.
Tam Nakano
Would you believe me if I told you that Tam Nakano has never won the 5 Star Grand Prix? She came close, making it to the finals in 2022, only to lose to Giulia. Tam is one of the main eventers in Stardom and a beloved wrestler in her own right. Not to mention, she never got her chance to regain the title she never lost. With the added dimension of Natsuko Tora attacking her just one week before the tournament starts to hurt her leg and cut off her beautiful violet hair, Tam Nakano has all the pieces she needs to put together a beautiful win for herself in this year's tournament.
Maika
Maika was completely screwed out of her World of Stardom Championship by Saya Kamitani and Natsuko Tora. That's all the reason she needs to make it back to the top of the 5 Star after her performance in the finals last year. In Korakuen Hall recently, she promised Saya Kamitani that they would meet in the finals of the tournament, much like she did Suzu last year. Could her vision prove true all over again? Is this her chance to take revenge on those who did her wrong? Or will losing both of her titles so soon before the tournament be her undoing in competition?
Mayu Iwatani
I will never count Mayu Iwatani out of the running for winning anything. She is the Stardom Icon, after all. No one has ever won the 5 Star Grand Prix twice, and if anyone was going to do it, I think it would be Mayu. This is her eleventh year in the tournament, with her only win dating back six years. She's a champion, she's a fierce competitor, and she's terrifying in that ring. There's always a chance that Mayu decides to turn it up a notch and take it all for herself. Never count her out.
Starlight Kid
As the leader of a newly formed faction, Starlight Kid is rightfully at the top of the world. She gets to do what she loves with her best friends, all of who are in the tournament with her. After her less-than-stellar performance in last year's 5 star, I think it's entirely possible that SLK has the comeback of a lifetime this year and runs through the rest of her block in glorious fashion. Even if it's not this year, it won't be long before the Sky Tiger is claiming the 5 Star Grand Prix trophy as her own.
Fun Facts and Other Tidbits
About the 2024 Tournament:
With 28 participants, this is the largest 5 Star Grand Prix to date.
This is only the 2nd time that the World of Stardom Champion isn't participating in the 5 Star Grand Prix. The first was Meiko Satomura in 2015.
There are 9 people making their debut in this year's tournament - including the first year for AEW participation.
There are 3 former winners (Mayu, Syuri, and Suzu) and 4 former finalists (Tam, Konami, Momo, and Maika) in this year's tournament.
This is the first time the 5 Star Grand Prix has been split into 4 different blocks for competition.
In the 12 previous years of the 5 Star Grand Prix:
There has never been a 2 time winner.
Toni Storm is the only wrestler in Stardom's history to win the Cinderella Tournament and 5 Star Grand Prix in the same year. She’s also the only foreigner to ever win the tournament.
Only 4 of 12 winners have gone on to win the championship they’ve decided to challenge for
10 winners have challenged for the World of Stardom Championship
Io Shirai challenged for the Goddess of Stardom Championship in 2014
Mayu Iwatani challenged for the Wonder of Stardom Championship in 2018
Other than the first tournament, only one person has won the 5 Star in their first year of participation - that was Yoko Bito in 2016
Mayu Iwatani has participated in the most tournaments, this year will be her 11th - having competed every year since 2014. The second most belongs to Momo Watanabe and Tam Nakano with 7 entries, this year being their 8th.
The Full Stardom 5 Star Grand Prix 2024 Schedule
August 10, 2024 - Yokohama Budokan - 4 pm JST / 3 am EST
Red Stars A
Natsupoi vs Maika
Hazuki vs Manami
Konami vs Ruaka
Red Stars B
Mayu Iwatani vs Tam Nakano
AZM vs Momo Watanabe
Mei Seira vs Tomoka Inaba
Blue Stars A
Saori Anou vs Anna Jay
Syuri vs Starlight Kid
Xena vs Miyu Amasaki
Blue Stars B
Suzu Suzuki vs Hanan
Risa Sera vs Saya Kamitani
Saki Kashima vs Ranna Yagami
August 11, 2024 - Shibuya - 1 pm JST / 12 am EST
Red Stars A
Maika vs Yuna Mizumori
Hazuki vs Ruaka
Konami vs Manami
Red Stars B
Tomoka Inaba vs Momo Watanabe
AZM vs Mei Seira
Mayu Iwatani vs Saya Iida
August 12, 2024 - Utsunomiya (Day) - 1 pm JST / 12 am EST
Blue Stars A
Starlight Kid vs Anna Jay
Koguma vs Xena
Saori Anou vs Syuri
Blue Stars B
Suzu Suzuki vs Saki Kashima
Saya Kamitani vs Thekla
Risa Sera vs Hanan
August 12, 2024 - Utsunomiya (Night) - 5:30 pm JST / 4:30 am EST
Red Stars A
Natsupoi vs Yuna Mizumori
Konami vs Hazuki
Manami vs Ruaka
Red Stars B
AZM vs Tomoka Inaba
Tam Nakano vs Saya IIda
Mei Seira vs Momo Watanabe
August 15, 2024 - Korakuen Hall - 6 pm JST / 5 am EST
Red Stars A
Manami vs Yuna Mizumori
Natsupoi vs Ruaka
Maika vs Konami
Red Stars B
Tam Nakano vs AZM
Saya Iida vs Tomoka Inaba
Mayu Iwatani vs Momo Watanabe
Blue Stars A
Saori Anou vs Starlight Kid
Koguma vs Miyu Amasaki
Syuri vs Anna Jay
Blue Stars B
Ranna Yagami vs Thekla
Hanan vs Saki Kashima
Suzu Suzuki vs Risa Sera
August 17, 2024 - Kyoto - 1 pm JST / 12 am EST
Blue Stars A
Saori Anou vs Miyu Amasaki
Starlight Kid vs Koguma
Xena vs Anna Jay
Blue Stars B
Saya Kamitani vs Ranna Yagami
Hanan vs Thekla
Risa Sera vs Saki Kashima
August 18, 2024 - Hyogo - 1 pm JST / 12 am EST
Red Stars A
Maika vs Ruaka
Hazuki vs Yuna Mizumori
Natsupoi vs Konami
Red Stars B
Mayu Iwatani vs AZM
Tam Nakano vs Momo Watanabe
Saya Iida vs Mei Seira
August 20, 2024 - Osaka - 6:30 pm JST / 5:30 am EST
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 23, 2024 - Sendai - 6:30 pm JST / 5:30 am EST
Red Stars A
Maika vs Hazuki
Natsupoi vs Manami
Konami vs Yuna Mizumori
Red Stars B
Mayu Iwatani vs Mei Seira
Tam Nakano vs Tomoka Inaba
Saya Iida vs Momo Watanabe
August 24, 2024 - Fukushima - 1 pm JST / 12 am EST
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, 2024 - Yamagata - 1 pm JST / 12 am EST
Red Stars A
Maika vs Manami
Hazuki vs Natsupoi
Ruaka vs Yuna Mizumori
Red Stars B
Mayu Iwatani vs Tomoka Inaba
Tam Nakano vs Mei Seira
Saya Iida vs AZM
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
August 28, 2024 - Shinjuku - 6:30 pm JST / 5:30 am EST
Quarter Finals
August 31, 2024 - Tokyo - 3:30 pm JST / 2:30 am EST
Semi-Finals
Red Star vs Red Star
Blue Star vs Blue Star
Finals
Red Star vs Blue Star
