Stardom kicked off the 2026 Cinderella Tournament today, the annual spring tournament where the winner literally becomes Cinderella with a gown & crown among other prizes. It’s a single-elimination bracket tournament with unique rules, namely over-the-top-rope is a winning method and a draw/no contest means both wrestlers are out of the tournament. Also different this year is almost the entire roster participates except single champions Saya Kamitani and Konami.
Today’s event was held at Chunichi Hall in Nagoya and can be watched on demand on Stardom World. You can also watch the first 2 matches FOR FREE on YouTube.
The announced paid attendance was 560, a legit sellout.
All matches were Cinderella Tournament Round 1 matches.
Match 1: Rian beat Yuna Mizumori.
Match 2: Aya Sakura beat Fukigen.
Match 3: Ranna Yagami beat Waka Tsukiyama.
Match 4: Natsupoi beat Tabata (CMLL).
Match 5: HANAKO vs. Yuria Hime went to a double countout. Both are OUT. Afterwards, Hime challenged HANAKO For the Future Of Stardom Championship, which I’m guessing may happen at this month’s NEW BLOOD event after the tournament ends. If so, that would mean 3/25 at Shin-Kiba 1st Ring in Tokyo.
Match 6: Maki Itoh beat Kikyo Furusawa by submission.
Match 7: Saori Anou vs. Fuwa-chan ended in a draw due to both over the top rope. Both are OUT.
Main Event: Hanan beat Momo Kohgo.
Day 2 is tomorrow. Live streaming on Stardom World will begin TONIGHT at 8:30 PM PT/11:30 PM ET.
UPDATE: A Japanese website I am unfamiliar with is reporting that Bozilla had successful surgery to repair an ACL injury that has kept her out of action the last few months. Sounds like she will be out at least a few more months.