Opinion

Sarpraicone: Farewell, Kagetsu (Top 5 Kagetsu Matches)

Mathew takes a look at the Top 5 matches of the soon to be retired, Kagetsu.

Published

5 years ago

January 30, 2020

As I’m sure everyone that follows Joshi scene or just Stardom for that matter, Kagetsu has had her final match with Stardom and is now one month away from her actual retirement from professional wrestling.

Kagetsu has been wrestling for eleven years and had her start at Sendai Girls when she was trained by the legendary Meiko Satomura when she was sixteen. Kagetsu would do shows for various promotions around this time until she left Sendai Girls in 2014 to venture off on her own for a bit, leading into OZ Academy. She would then officially become a Stardom regular in 2016. Kagetsu was apart of Oedo Tai but wasn’t until 2017 where she would be the leader of the dying faction after her potential retirement, which Io Shirai would prevent her from doing so.

Kagetsu would make Oedo Tai one of the top units in the company with their dancing, antics, colorful personalities from each member while still being considered the heel faction. She would hold the Goddesses of Stardom, Artists of Stardom, and the World of Stardom Championship during her time in Stardom. The day after Hazuki retired, Kagetsu would announce her retirement as well (what a terrible Christmas gift) and would leave Stardom on January 26th while producing her retirement show on February 24th where she will fight her teacher, Meiko Satomura as her final match.

The Joshi world won’t be the same without Kagetsu and I’m not sure about the rumors spurring around about being forced out of Stardom, but all I can do is wish her the best of luck with whatever she decides to do next. She’s had a great career and if she doesn’t make a comeback, she left a hell of a legacy during her time. Thank you for everything, Kagetsu and you will be missed.

Anyway, before we end this, I will be doing a small countdown of her five best matches throughout her career. So let’s take a look without wasting any time.

5. Kagetsu vs. Hiroyo Matsumoto (OZ Academy Sakura Hanasaku 4/12/2017)

– This from the OZ Academy show where Hiroyo Matsumoto was the OZ Academy Openweight Champion and was set to defend it against Kagetsu and this was a very impressive match that showed Kagetsu’s potential to be a top star in any company. A lot of people know how great Hiroyo is in the ring and this was more about Kagetsu than anything else and she would deliver some stiff strikes throughout the match that make you wanna go ow. Kagetsu may have failed to get the title but she still left a damn big impression for the fans in Stardom and all over. It was a great match to watch and worth viewing.

4. Kagetsu vs. Jungle Kyona (Stardom 8th Anniversary 1/14/2019)

– Much like the previous match with how it felt like Kagetsu could be a big star going forward, this match made me feel the same thing with Jungle since she never seems to catch a break with the top spot. The match was for the World of Stardom Championship and while Kagetsu had an underwhelming reign at times, this would be my favorite defense from her and showed she needed to have these types of matches to help elevate the belt but Stardom had more focus with the Wonder of Stardom Championship at that time. This also made me believe that Jungle could’ve won the belt there but it didn’t turn out to be the case. It was technical, stiff, and was able to tell a good story throughout the match.

3. Io Shirai vs. Kagetsu (Stardom Queen’s Quest Produce 5/5/2018)

– This would be the last time these two would face each other in a singles match due to Io on her way out of the promotion and it would be for the Wonder of Stardom Championship. One month after the Exploding Death Match, they would agree to do the match as promised and both of these women would deliver. You had two of the best Stardom had to offer go at it in a wrestling match without the need for tricks or anything like that as the two just told a story in the ring with their great wrestling. Io Shirai would defeat Kagetsu to break the record for successful title defenses for one reign but Kagetsu looked like a bigger star out of this and was able to win the World of Stardom Championship a month later. Great match that leads to more for Kagetsu to elevate her to that next level.

2. Io Shirai & Tam Nakano vs. Kagetsu & Natsu Sumire (Stardom Dream Slam in Nagoya 4/1/2018)

– This would be Stardom’s first and probably only Exploding Bat Death Match and this was all thanks to Tam Nakano for making this match happen. This wasn’t a good wrestling match by any means but what sold the match than anything was the actual story behind the match and the people involved. Tam was betrayed by Oedo Tai when she was kicked out and the build-up for Tam on her own was a struggle but also the ultimate test for her as she wanted to make an impact. The build-up with the match during the whole match was even suspenseful that you didn’t know if it was ever going to happen it was all for show with all the teasing with turning it off before it would hit each other. When they did hit each other with the bat finally, it made it feel like it was worth the wait. Great story, very enjoyable match with what they worked with, and will most likely never happen again.

1. Mayu Iwatani vs. Kagetsu (Stardom Year-End Climax 12/24/2019)

– These two have had a hell of a rivalry over the past couple of years and this match would be the final chapter of their story. The last couple of times they fought for the World of Stardom Championship, they were both champions in separate matches, so it seemed fitting for it to end for the championship with Mayu being the champion again this time around. All three matches are great but this one would be the better match for me and the one that was more enjoyable for what it means to the two of them. The selling, drama, storytelling, and just the intensity of the wrestling these two had that they were at the top of their game and felt like they couldn’t be topped for a while. Mayu was able to win the match to end the rivalry and retain her title as it left a great moment for them. Great match and the last time Kagetsu would fight for the red belt before her departure.

That’s it for my top 5 matches of Kagetsu and I’m sure they’re other great matches she’s had but these were the ones that I’ve personally enjoyed. Kagetsu had great matches and the wrestling world won’t be the same without her and she will be missed.

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
Andrew – @IWCWarChief
Dave – @AttitudeAgg
DJ – @TheMindlessPod
DPP – @itsmeDPP
Jason – @JediFett
Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
Rey – @itsreycash
Rob – @rbonne1
Greg – @gregdemarco44
PC – @PCTunney
TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

1 month ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1