
The joshi wrestling scene is about to get a major shake-up as Bea Priestley makes her highly anticipated return to STARDOM. The former WWE superstar, who competed under the name Blair Davenport before her February release, has officially entered the upcoming 5STAR Grand Prix tournament.
The Top Gaijin Makes Her Declaration
STARDOM made the announcement during their July 5 press conference, complete with a fiery video message from Priestley herself. The Australian wrestler didn’t hold back in her trademark confident style, sending a clear message to the entire joshi division.
“This is the Top Gaijin, Bea Priestley, and I’m entering myself into this year’s Stardom 5STAR Grand Prix. Now, win or lose, I’m aware of how tough these tournaments can be, but I’m going to show how every one of these joshi girls is shopai (weak/pathetic), and that Bea will forever be ichiban (number one/the best). See you soon, Japan.”
The provocative promo showcased Priestley’s fluency in wrestling Japanese terminology while establishing her heel persona for the tournament. Her use of “shopai” and “ichiban” demonstrates the cultural immersion that made her previous STARDOM run so successful.
Tournament Structure and Competition
The 5STAR Grand Prix launches on July 23 with Priestley assigned to the Red Stars A Block. This placement puts her in direct competition with some of STARDOM’s most talented performers in what promises to be a grueling tournament format.
Red Stars A Block Lineup
Priestley’s block features a diverse mix of established stars and rising talent. The complete Red Stars A Block roster includes Saya Kamitani, Hanan, Mei Seira, Yuna Mizumori, Lady C, Waka Tsukiyama, Azusa Inaba, and Priestley herself.
This block presents unique challenges, with Kamitani representing one of STARDOM’s top champions and Hanan showcasing the promotion’s incredible young talent development. The international flavor continues with Lady C, creating potential dream matches for wrestling fans worldwide.
Additional Tournament Blocks
The Red Stars B Block boasts equally impressive competition with Starlight Kid, AZM, Natsupoi, Sayaka Kurai, Tomoka Inaba, Rian, Natsuko Tora, and Rina. Meanwhile, the Blue Stars blocks feature standout performers like Sareee, Momo Watanabe, and Konami, though one qualifying match remains to determine the final Blue Stars A Block participant.
Priestley’s STARDOM Legacy
This return marks a significant homecoming for Priestley, who established herself as one of the premier gaijin wrestlers during her previous STARDOM tenure from 2017 to 2021. Her championship résumé speaks volumes about her impact on the promotion.
During her initial run, Priestley captured multiple prestigious titles including the Artist of Stardom, Goddesses of Stardom, and World of Stardom championships. These accomplishments positioned her as a main event player and helped elevate STARDOM’s international profile during a crucial growth period.
Post-WWE Career Momentum
Since her WWE departure in February, Priestley has wasted no time re-establishing herself on the independent wrestling scene. Her first post-WWE match took place at NJPW Resurgence on May 9, where she defeated Viva Van in impressive fashion.
This STARDOM return represents a strategic career move that allows Priestley to rebuild her momentum in a promotion where she previously found tremendous success. The 5STAR Grand Prix provides the perfect platform to remind wrestling fans worldwide of her exceptional in-ring abilities.
With the tournament set to begin later this month, all eyes will be on whether Priestley can back up her bold claims and reclaim her position atop the joshi wrestling hierarchy. Will the self-proclaimed “Top Gaijin” prove that she’s still ichiban, or will STARDOM’s incredibly talented roster have something to say about her championship aspirations?
