Saori Anou: The Ultimate Girlfriend Experience (3/6/2016~10/30/2016) (Stardom)

Stardom - Grows Up Stars 2016 (3/6/2016)

Saori Anou stArt Challenge Match #1: Saori Anou vs. Kairi Hojo

This was Saori's first high-profile singles match in Stardom. It's a struggle for the rookie against the veteran. She uses her height advantage well, but the Real Pirate is just on a another level.

**

Stardom - Stardom Grows Up Stars 2016 (3/12/2016)

Saori Anou stArt Challenge Match #2: Saori Anou vs. Io Shirai

Bully Io is my favorite Io. The flipping Muta lock transitioned into a sidewalk slam was a cool move from Saori. Step above the performance against Hojo.

**1/2

Stardom - Premium Star Wars 2016 (6/16/2016)

Saori Anou stArt Challenge Match #3: Saori Anou vs. Hiroyo Matsumoto

Another big match for Anou. There's some heat that stemmed from Hiroyo not taking Anou seriously at the presser. Saori shows off more of her flexibility with a figure-eight leg lock and nearly getting folded in half by a backbreaker.

**1/2

Stardom - Stardom X Stardom 2016: Osaka Summer Solstice Celebration (7/24/2016)

Saori Anou stArt Challenge Match #4: Saori Anou vs. Yoko Bito

This match had some damn fine slugging between two ladies in blue. I like what Saori does with the figure-four and the way she goes into a bridge to add pressure as Bito tries to crawl for the ropes was great. Good match, sick ending.

***1/2

Stardom - October Showdown (10/30/2016)

Saori Anou stArt Challenge Match #5: Saori Anou vs. Mayu Iwatani

Bully Mayu puts a beating on Saori in this match. There's an urgency and desperation to Saori's movements that I liked here. There's also a nice spot where Anou counters a head-scissors into a slidewalk slam.

***1/2