On Saturday, it was revealed by Stardom (Saya Kamitani mostly) that Marvelous’ Takumi Iroha will be entering the 5 STAR Grand Prix tournament as the mystery X in the Blue Stars Block. The addition of Iroha adds to a block that already features the top two champions in all of Stardom in Utami Hayashishita and Tam Nakano. Iroha’s addition to the 5 STAR is also a surprising one as she will be returning from a serious knee injury on July 19. Seeing that the 5 STAR resembles NJPW’s G1 Climax, this will be a grueling way for Iroha to show that her knee is ready to go. That being said, she’s one of the best in the world – she will be fine.
The reveal of Takumi Iroha being in the tournament is one of the best accidents you will see. At the 5 STAR Grand Prix press conference, Saya Kamitani was discussing the opponents she was most looking forward to facing in the tournament. That’s when the name of Iroha slipped out, revealing that she would be in the tournament. The gasp of the crowd made her realise it and she instantly melted down and apologised for spoiling the big surprise. Rossy Ogawa, Stardom’s booker, made the official announcement later in the conference.
With Iroha officially announced, the schedule as to who she will be facing and when is live. Here are the shows that Iroha will be competing in with the matches attached as well.
- August 29 — Iroha vs. Maika
- September 4 — Iroha vs. Konami
- September 5 — Iroha vs. Unagi Sayaka
- September 6 — Iroha vs. Tam Nakano
- September 11 — Iroha vs. Saya Kamitani
- September 12 — Iroha vs. Ruaka
- September 18 — Iroha vs. AZM
- September 20 — Iroha vs. Utami Hayashishita
- September 25 (Final day) — Iroha vs. Syuri
What’s interesting is that Iroha will not be competing as part of the tournament until nearly a month after it begins, which should give her plenty of time to continue rehabbing the knee. With her final two matchups being against Utami Hayashishita and Syuri, anything can happen and by then, it could look as though Iroha is closing in on a win in the tournament.
While she is a Marvelous talent, Iroha is now a favourite with her entry.