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11/25/98 CORRESPONDENT: Yukiko Obarra and Miwa Hi again! This is Yuki, as usual joined by Miwa. We just finished watching Champ TV and got right on to do the report. I even had Miwa help this time! For those of you who don't know what Champ TV is, I will tell you. Champ TV is a show that spotlights independent promotions like RINGST*RS that have no TV coverage. Every week they have a couple different promotion's matches. I only wrote about the RINGST*RS though. This show had a big RINGST*RS main event between Holly Volley and Keiko Sakura to find a #1 contender for Erin Solie's JNW title. the other two matches they showed had three debuts! The very first match was a double debut match between "The Arcane" Nina Miyagi and Princess Yamaguchi. Nina is rather unusual for RINGST*RS but it is always good to see new talent on their roster. She was once WSIW Pacific champion, and it was her who donated that belt to help form the ST*R-Crown. Princess Yamaguchi was having her first match ever here but like Sakura was well trained in a good dojo. We didn't know exactly what to expect from her. First Fight: Nina Miyagi versus Princess Yamaguchi "Sad but True" by Metallica played in the hall and the lights got lower and Nina Miyagi stepped out from the curtain. She has long, jet black hair and her face was covered with white paint. She was wearing a black sleeveless shirt with the word "Arcane" on the front, black tights, and black thigh high boots. She looked very odd! She looked right at the ring and nowhere else as she slowly walked to the ring and took her place in the corner. The fans there were not quite sure what to think either! The lights came back up and Madonna's "Ray of Light" began to play. Princess came out is elaborate white, satin and lace , sleeveless gown with a waist length cape and a string of pearls that went all the way to her waist! Kooka na desu ne! (very expensive huh?) Her long black hair(with purple streaks!) was held up by a beautiful tiara too! she got in to the ring and looked over Nina as she took off the dress to reveal her ring gear, a white, lacy two piece outfit with white boots and kicking pads. Her boots had "princess " written on the side in gold letters. Referee Odaka gave them both instructions and called for the bell. Yamaguchi didn't wait, and charged at Nina as she walked from the corner. She aimed a front kick to Nina's stomach, then a DDT! She quickly went for a one leg Boston crab and tried for a fast win. Nina got to the ropes very quick though so Yamaguchi stomped on her back and kept her down. She ran to the ropes and aimed a kick to the kneeling Nina's face but Nina swatted her foot away and stood up. Nina showed no emotions but we could tell she was not too happy. Yamaguchi tried a lariat, but Nina didn't move. at 147 pounds, Nina is 27 pounds heavier and she was much stronger so it was too early for Yamaguchi to try those power moves. She still aimed another but was stopped when Nina threw an elbow in to Yamaguchi's arm! She reeled around the ring in pain and Nina grabbed her for backdrop suplex. Nina pinned, but only got 1 count. Nina dragged Yamaguchi up and put her in the corner where she flurried chops and forearms in to her chest. Yamaguchi slumped in the corner, then Nina whipped her toward the opposite one. But Yamaguchi was quick and turned so she could hop on to the second turnbuckle and drop kick Nina in the chest as she ran toward her! Yamaguchi ran to another corner and perched on the second rope, only to hit another kick as Nina stood. Yamaguchi went to the last two corners and got two more kick in before going for a cover. Only 2 counts. Nina was stunned as she got to her feet again. Yamaguchi ran to the ropes and ran in to a spin kick from Nina! Nina followed quickly by picking Yamaguchi up and bodyslamming her back down, then leg driving her right across the face. Nina was slow, and very methodical in her attack now. She showed no emotions as she tried to destroy the young Princess. A Michinoku Driver#2 at 5: 16 *almost* got three counts but Yamaguchi was near the ropes. The fans applauded her as she still tried to fight back, but it looked like Nina was too overwhelming. At 6:30 Nina whipped Yamaguchi to the ropes and aimed for a spinebuster but Yamaguchi turned it in to a spinning DDT! She was hurting, but could pull Nina back up for a Locomotion German suplex! She hit 4 before going for a pin, but only got 2 counts again. Before Nina could get up Yamaguchi was on the top rope and aimed a big splash that got 2 counts again. She slapped the mat and screamed at ref Odaka because she thought it was 3 counts. Odaka said only 2 though. While Yamaguchi argued, Nina could get up and when Yamaguchi turned around Nina's roundhouse kick hit her right in the head! She held Yamaguchi up and whipped her to the ropes for a flying lariato, then aimed a brutal fisherman buster! As Yamaguchi lay on the mat, Nina drew her thumb over her throat to signal the end. she set Yamaguchi for a power bomb and lifted her, but Yamaguchi was fighting it! Yamaguchi was able to lean backwards and take Nina in a hurricanrana! She hooked Nina's legs and got 3 counts!! Nina was shocked!! Winner: Yamaguchi - 8:03 Yamaguchi ran to each corner and jumped up to wave to the crowd. She was SO happy she was almost crying! Nina just sat on the mat in shock during this. She stood up and Yamaguchi ran to her to shake her hand and bow. Nina returned this, but then just left the ring quickly as Yamaguchi continued her celebration. Miwa is going to try reporting on the second match, so I will turn things over to her now! Hello all, this is Yuki's friend Miwa. She is letting me write one of the match reviews for RINGST*RS. I want to thank Yuki for letting me do this. I have to admit to being a little envious when she started these reports, and then really envious when she became a regular contributor to Puroresuingu Nikki Magazine! I think Yuki felt bad that I was left out, and now I she is letting me write part of the report. She is such a good friend! Second Fight - Samantha Bryant versus April "Coldfire" Shimoda Samantha Bryant came out first to "No Limits" by 2 Unlimited and she was wearing black gi pants and a black sports bra. She is such a big girl! She looks bigger in person, but even on TV you can tell how tall she is. She looked really focused and ready for this match. Next two younger looking women, looking like RINGST*RS juniors came down to the ring, but instead of the white and purple jumpsuits they wore jumpsuits that were black, white and lightning blue. As the entered the ring, the camera got a shot of the backs of the jumpsuits which read "Team Coldfire". They bowed to the audience and then one of them asked for the microphone, and she yelled "Coldfire ga shimasita!". Then, "Under a Glass Moon" played and the camera showed the entrance where two firewheels started spinning sending blue, green and gold sparks into the air. Then two flares went off from the top of the entrance to the floor with blue flaming tails. I fans where cheering as two more "Team Coldfire" girls walked out followed by Shimoda herself. I was really excited by this as I have looked forward to seeing her after reading about her in PN Magazine. She stood there amongst the blue flames wearing a jacket similar to the ones the juniors were wearing over a V-necked singlet with the same black, electric blue and white color scheme. The other two juniors came down, and all four escorted Shimoda to the ring as the fans cheered her on. Her entrance was truly amazing, and I can't wait to see it live. While I was impressed, Samantha Bryant wasn't. The camera got a shot of her back in a corner in the ring shaking her head, and smiling a little. Shimoda stepped into the ring, and took over her ring jacket to reveal bare shoulders but long sleeves that where frayed and cut in various ways down her arm. Shimoda handed her ring jacket to one of the "Team Coldfire" juniors and then bowed to them. They returned the bow, and went to the back. The match was about to begin and Yuki and I were very excited. Referee Tammy Odaka had checked both girls for weapons, and then they came together and shook hands and the crowd applauded. As the bell rang, Shimoda showed her quickness by racing across the ring with a Dropkick, but Sammy was able to step out of the way. Sammy attempted to grab Shimoda's legs, but she slipped free, and got to her feet. Shimoda fired in with quick kicks to the back of Sammy's knee and then circled away out of the bigger girl's reach. Sammy took a defensive stance, and tried to move in, looking like she wanted to trap Shimoda, but she was always circling away, ducking in for a quick kick and then spinning away before Sammy could lock her up, or connect with a strike of her own. This kept up for awhile, and finally Sammy managed to grab a hold of Shimoda's wrist, but she didn't hold it for long as Shimoda spun free, and locked on a wristlock of her own, and then fired in with punch after punch to Sammy's elbow and shoulder. She even headbutted her elbow! Shimoda had really come to fight. Sammy managed to over power Shimoda back to the ropes, and as Odaka called for the break, Sammy whipped Shimoda across the ring. Sammy attempted a lariato, but Shimoda ducked under it, hit a high bodypress. Odaka dropped down for the count, but Sammy kicked out before a one count. Shimoda was back up quickly and off the ropes, and she connected with a running Dropkick that knocked Sammy back. Shimoda again came off the ropes, this time with a running lariato of her own, but Sammy still was on her feet. Shimoda aimed a thrust kick, but Sammy caught her leg, and swept the other one, and went for her Hiza Jujigatame and the fans where cheering, but Shimoda was ready, and she blocked the move, and managed to roll to the ropes. The fans applauded as both women got to their feet. Sammy landed a hard kick to the body on Shimoda, and then a spinning wheel kick to the face that caused me to cringe. The camera got a close-up of Shimoda lying on the mat, and she was holding her jaw. Sammy hits so hard! Shimoda didn't stay down though, and she quickly got to her feet, but Sammy again came back with her kicks and drove Shimoda back to the ropes. Sammy whipped Shimoda across the ring, but Shimoda reversed it. Sammy came back with a lariato attempt, but Shimoda countered with a Wakigatame and the fans cheered, but Sammy fought it, staying on her knees, and not allowing Shimoda to get the move on right. Shimoda surprised her by spinning into a La Majistral! He was a great move, and Sammy was nearly pinned, but she managed to escape and the fans applauded. The commentators talked about Shimoda's training with her aunt and how she had great experience and pose for a youngster. I have to agree. Sammy seemed to be favoring her right arm as she got to her feet, and Shimoda must have noticed because she once again locked on the wristlock, and yelled out before raining punches down on the arm and shoulder of Sammy. Sammy is a fighter though, and she came back with forearm shots that staggered Shimoda, and then a spinning back kick that knocked her to the mat. Shimoda would again not stay down though, and as Sammy attempted another spinning kick, Shimoda avoided it and at about the 4 minute mark, Shimoda jumped up and locked on a sleeper hold. Sammy fought it, and Odaka was asking her "Give up? Give up?" but Sammy was still too strong and backed up to the ropes, trying to squash Shimoda against the turnbuckles. What happened next, I am still amazed by. Shimoda managed to catch the top rope with her feet, and then push herself over the top of Sammy, and as she rolled forward, she locked on a Juji Gatame! It was so cool. The announcer called it her "Shimoda Special" and I thought the match might be over, but Sammy was able to keep her hands clasped together, and she reached out with her long legs and reached the ropes. The fans applauded as Shimoda got to her feet. She looked out to them and she nodded like she knew she had the match in control, but Sammy charged at her looking for a Lariato. Shimoda saw her coming though, and ducked under it, and then spun around and hit a Uraken to the back of Sammy's head and she dropped down to the mat. Shimoda showed she could be a dangerous striker with that move, and then quickly went out to the apron, and up to the top rope. Sammy got to her feet, but she looked dazed as Shimoda jumped off with a Missile Kick right to the back of the head. Sammy fell forward, and crashed to the mat as Shimoda got back to her feet. Sammy rolled out of the ring, and dropped to one knee, holding the back of her head, and she was in a lot of pain. I saw Shimoda walking to that side of the ring, and as she stepped out they changed to a different camera, and when I saw Shimoda again, she was on the apron with her back to Sammy as Sammy got to her feet. I thought I knew what was coming, and told Yuki so. She nodded and with both let out a cheer as Shimoda jumped up and hit a beautiful Asai Moonsault. The fans were on their feet cheering as both girls stayed down on the floor. It was a great move and soon Shimoda was back up, and drinking in the cheers. Shimoda pulled Sammy back up at about the 6 minute mark, and rolled her back into the ring. Shimoda climbed to the top rope again as Sammy got to her feet. The announcer said she was going for her Cold Shot but as she jumped off, Sammy suddenly spun around and hit a kick right to Shimoda's knee! Shimoda went down in pain, and Sammy quickly went for an ankle lock, but Shimoda fought it, and tried to get to the ropes. Sammy pulled her to the center of the ring, and was looking for the Hiza Juji Gatame, but Shimoda kicked her right in the face with her free leg. Shimoda got free, and got back up, and aimed another Uraken, but Sammy ducked this one, and then caught Shimoda with a Belly-To-Belly Suplex. Sammy only got a two count though. Sammy pulled Shimoda up, and hit a backdrop and but only got two again. Sammy looked frustrated, and pulled Shimoda up once more. She aimed a thrust kick, but Shimoda ducked under it. Shimoda went for Uraken, but Sammy blocked it with her arm, and spun around with a heel kick to the back of Shimoda's head that put her down. Sammy did not cover though, as she was holding her arm. She had used her bad arm to block Shimoda's Uraken! Sammy did manage to pull Shimoda up, and went for another Backdrop, but Shimoda slipped free, and landed behind her, and as Sammy turned, she hit her Uraken and Sammy went down. The fans cheered as Shimoda pulled Sammy up, and then scooped her up, showing great strength, and then ran a few steps before driving Sammy down with a Michinoku Driver II! The announcer called it the Winter Machine and Shimoda really connected with it. Shimoda did not go for the cover though, she stood up, limping slightly and climbed up to the second rope. She stood their for a moment, and then leapt off twisting in the air and landing a Moonsault Press... That is her Coldfire Splash. Odaka dropped down, and counted the three! Winner - 8:24 April "Coldfire" Shimoda The fans cheered as Odaka raised Shimoda's arm and she jogged around the ring, pumping her hands in the air. She looked so happy and excited. I saw the "Team Coldfire" juniors come back out, and they politely applauded as Shimoda pumped her arms in the air, smiling. After a few moments, Shimoda went over to Sammy Bryant who was just getting up, and she hugged her and they two shook hands and the fans cheered even louder. It is great to see such a hard fought match, but still see respect between the girls at the end. Shimoda was escorted to the back by "Team Coldfire" and Sammy went back on her own, both women receiving applause. Right after this match they cut to a special video package. It was a feature on current Japan National Women's champion Misae Suzuki! It showed several shots of her in action in the ring, and some of her training with Sato Kiyoko. I thought it was just a tribute video, and then the cut to new footage of Misae. She was holding her JNW belt, and wearing a RINGST*RS T-shirt. She smiled and waved to the camera and then said she was very grateful that the fans, promoters and other wrestlers in RINGST*RS allowed her to take time off during her family emergency. She then said that all was well with her family, and that she would be back very soon! Yuki and I were so happy! Misae congratulated Erin Solie on her great win becoming the interim champion. She said Solie was a great representative for RINGST*RS and she looked forward to meeting her in the ring. So, Misae will be back soon and her and Erin will not only fight for the JNW title, but the unified ST*R Crown. It should be a great match. I am very happy to see Misae is back and very excited for the future of RINGST*RS. Okay! Yuki here again with the main event of the RINGST*RS segment. Thanks to Miwa for reporting the second match, she did a good job ne? This match was to find the #1 contender for Erin Solie's title. Keiko Sakura came out first to "angel Blue" by Naoko Hamasaki. Strobe lights flashed and Keiko ran to the ring with a big smile, then jumped right over the ropes. Holly was not far behind her. "May Be Angels" by Sheryl Crow played and Holly made her way to the ring wearing her red and gold letter jacket. Holly took off her jacket and her shoulder was taped heavily. She may have been hurt worse than we thought, or she was just trying to be safe. They both wore their normal outfits and got right to center ring with Ref Odaka. Keiko was practically bouncing up and down waiting to start the match! Holly smiled at her as they shook hands and the bell rang. Main event! Keiko Sakura versus Holly Volley Holly came out in a more amateur wrestling stance but Keiko was on her faster than I have ever seen! She screamed and shot across toward Holly, spinning behind her and rolling her up. Not even a one count, but Keiko was up first and dropkicked Holly right in the shoulder while she was kneeling! Holly cringed and Keiko did an arm wringer before throwing her to the ropes. Holly ran back in to another dropkick to the shoulder and went down to one knee holding her shoulder. Keiko kicked at the shoulder some more, then slammed Holly to the mat and drove a knee there. Keiko kept right on the shoulder and didn't even give Holly a chance to do anything! Not that she was acting bad, but she really wanted to win the match! Holly is a good wrestler, but she was caught off guard and just couldn't seem to get going. Keiko worked on her shoulder for several minutes and things didn't look good. Holly used her wrestling to get out of a wakigatame, but could only escape and not counter. She kept her arm close to her body, a sure sign that she was really hurting, but Keiko didn't let up. She sent Holly to the corner and ran in after her aiming a shoulder attack, but Holly moved! Keiko flew into the turnbuckle pad and hit her own shoulder very hard! She was going so fast she must have hurt herself a lot because Odaka stopped to check her. Holly even kneeled down to see if she was okay but Keiko wouldn't quit. This was around the five minute mark and now both their shoulders were hurt. Keiko got up, but Holly was on her now. Holly grabbed Keiko's arm and drove elbows in to her shoulder then did a modified ipponzeio arm throw that must have been really bad on her shoulder. As soon as Keiko hit the mat Holly went in to juji gatame and tried for a submission. Keiko screamed and pounded the mat, wriggling to try and get free but it was no use! She had to reach for the ropes. Now Holly was stomping and kicking at *Keiko's* shoulder. She threw Keiko to the ropes and dropkicked her down. She covered but only got a two count. She hit an elbow drop and got another two count but couldn't get three so she picked Keiko back up. She aimed a backdrop suplex and Keiko hit her head but that was not all... Holly did one more, then tried a fisherman's suplex... But still only got a two count! At 6:25, Holly hit a Northern lights suplex and we thought it was over, but Keiko kicked out. Holly aimed a powerbomb, but Keiko rolled over her shoulders and in to a sunset flip for a two count! She jumped up, Holly aimed a lariato but Keiko ducked. Keiko aimed a super kick, but Holly ducked! Holly grabbed Keiko and lifted her for a tombstone piledriver but Keiko kicked her legs and reversed it so she could piledriver Holly, but she didn't! She did a move more like a shoulder breaker right on Holly's hurt shoulder!!! Somehow, Holly kicked out from the Keiko's cover but I don't know how! Keiko waited for Holly to get up and hit a superkick to her shoulder! It spun Holly around so Keiko could get a full nelson and a dragon suplex! But only a two count again! Keiko hit a Ligerbomb but didn't go for a pin. She ran up to the corner and hopped on to the top for a moonsault, but Holly moved! Keiko landed on her feet though! Holly was up and moved toward Keiko. Keiko aimed a uraken but Holly ducked and Keiko spun all the way around! Before she could turn back, Holly rolled her up from behind and got a two... no! A three count??!! We weren't sure what happened! It looked like Keiko's shoulder may have been up at the last second but Odaka didn't see it and counted three! Keiko didn't think the match was over and was about to keep fighting when Odaka stopped her. Winner - 7:37 - Volley Keiko didn't believe it but when she finally realized, she looked heartbroken. Holly was happy to win, but was in a lot of pain too. They hugged though, and Keiko bowed to Holly before she left the ring. Holly even bowed to the fans too! The ending to this match was kinda weird... We weren't expecting it and I dunno if Keiko's shoulder was down or up a little. It could have been either really, so there is a good case for Keiko to ask for a rematch. Anyway, Holly won this time and gets to face Erin for the interim belt very soon. Maybe at the next show (Miwa and I will try to go to that!). That's it for this one though so see you next time! --Yuki 
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