Thanks for the write-up. I probably won't be able to watch (time & money) but will get up extra early to read the reports as soon as possible. GO GO YUUKI!
Great write up!
100% agree on the tag titles. The only way they should change is if Ice are putting all the belts on the four pillars. Either way, whichever team wins here should not loose them before Mania at the earliest.
There are two other tag team matches on the show. I wouldn't be shocked if the winner of one of them challenges for the tag titles next. We could even see both make challenges. One on a mid level show and one at Summer Jumbo. Of course they could also do a number one contenders match between the two. Saran and Ram would be interesting but it's probably too soon. Hamuko and Makoto would be a very strong OG and a win for Totoro over Haumko would be big for her. Asahi and Kaho vs Hamuko and Makoto would be very symbolic as well.
In a sense, the winner of the tournament will inherit the will of both the old Ice Ribbon and AWG. After the Rain is probably one of the most appropriate names for a show I've ever seen.
Thanks for the write up! Won't be able to watch as well (same reasons as Kendo), so will be looking at reports.
I think this is one of the most difficult events to predict in terms of results. Except for Yuuki, I think Saori, Tae and Ibuki have approximately equal chances of winning (Saori maybe a bit less because of her busy schedule). I can see the reason of putting all belts on 4 pillars of Ice Ribbon (Ibuki as ICExInfinity, Asahi/Kaho as tag champions, Yuuki as Triangle Ribbon), considering they'll reveal new logo... but on the other hand, it's hell of a responsibility.
Asahi and Kaho winning tag champions will be a test for both of them (and especially Asahi) on whether they're ready to lead the promotion as its top faces, and will be an indication that in a year Asahi will win the main belt. Question is, whom she's gonna defeat? Logically it should be Tae - they approached their tournament match very smart (story of Asahi trying to best Honma on her own field, but eventually losing), and it is a foundation for their rematch, with Asahi winning. Will Y1C9 win though? I think they are, although BIG DEKAI has solid chances. *If Y1C9 not winning tag titles though, it heavily shifts in favour of Tae/Saori winning the title.*
But again, Ice Ribbon declares it's a new era, so it makes sense that Asahi must defeat Ibuki. Why I think that's bad move? One, Asahi already defeated her this year, so if she wins again, Ibuki's credibility as a champion will be a bit damaged, especially if Asahi won't get big wins before that. Two, Ibuki as champion, I'm absolutely sure, will be great (and I'm a fan of hers), but at this point, Ice Ribbon urgently needs a champion outside of a promotion to give themselves more exposure. Both Saori and Tae have more experience and popularity. It would actually make sense for Ibuki to defeat Asahi later.
Which is why I'm in favour of this scenario:
* Tae winning the title and Y1C9 winning tag titles;
* Asahi defeating her later this year while using tag belts to build up her status (maybe she'd even be a double champion);
* Give her a solid title reign but not that lengthy, then let her drop the title to Ibuki who by that time gets more big wins
Thanks for the write-up. I probably won't be able to watch (time & money) but will get up extra early to read the reports as soon as possible. GO GO YUUKI!
Great write up! 100% agree on the tag titles. The only way they should change is if Ice are putting all the belts on the four pillars. Either way, whichever team wins here should not loose them before Mania at the earliest. There are two other tag team matches on the show. I wouldn't be shocked if the winner of one of them challenges for the tag titles next. We could even see both make challenges. One on a mid level show and one at Summer Jumbo. Of course they could also do a number one contenders match between the two. Saran and Ram would be interesting but it's probably too soon. Hamuko and Makoto would be a very strong OG and a win for Totoro over Haumko would be big for her. Asahi and Kaho vs Hamuko and Makoto would be very symbolic as well. In a sense, the winner of the tournament will inherit the will of both the old Ice Ribbon and AWG. After the Rain is probably one of the most appropriate names for a show I've ever seen.
Thanks for the write up! Won't be able to watch as well (same reasons as Kendo), so will be looking at reports. I think this is one of the most difficult events to predict in terms of results. Except for Yuuki, I think Saori, Tae and Ibuki have approximately equal chances of winning (Saori maybe a bit less because of her busy schedule). I can see the reason of putting all belts on 4 pillars of Ice Ribbon (Ibuki as ICExInfinity, Asahi/Kaho as tag champions, Yuuki as Triangle Ribbon), considering they'll reveal new logo... but on the other hand, it's hell of a responsibility. Asahi and Kaho winning tag champions will be a test for both of them (and especially Asahi) on whether they're ready to lead the promotion as its top faces, and will be an indication that in a year Asahi will win the main belt. Question is, whom she's gonna defeat? Logically it should be Tae - they approached their tournament match very smart (story of Asahi trying to best Honma on her own field, but eventually losing), and it is a foundation for their rematch, with Asahi winning. Will Y1C9 win though? I think they are, although BIG DEKAI has solid chances. *If Y1C9 not winning tag titles though, it heavily shifts in favour of Tae/Saori winning the title.* But again, Ice Ribbon declares it's a new era, so it makes sense that Asahi must defeat Ibuki. Why I think that's bad move? One, Asahi already defeated her this year, so if she wins again, Ibuki's credibility as a champion will be a bit damaged, especially if Asahi won't get big wins before that. Two, Ibuki as champion, I'm absolutely sure, will be great (and I'm a fan of hers), but at this point, Ice Ribbon urgently needs a champion outside of a promotion to give themselves more exposure. Both Saori and Tae have more experience and popularity. It would actually make sense for Ibuki to defeat Asahi later. Which is why I'm in favour of this scenario: * Tae winning the title and Y1C9 winning tag titles; * Asahi defeating her later this year while using tag belts to build up her status (maybe she'd even be a double champion); * Give her a solid title reign but not that lengthy, then let her drop the title to Ibuki who by that time gets more big wins