Tokyo Joshi Pro - '17 (1/4/2017)

2. Hyper Misao vs. Maho Kurone vs. Rika Tatsumi

This was exactly what you'd want from these wrestlers, a match based mostly around character-work. This also served as farewell to Minami, the kigurumi ring announcer. I'm uncertain how Maho is still alive after that surfboard hip attack.

***

3. Konkatsu-gun (Azusa Takigawa & Nonoko) vs. Ai Shimizu & Laura James (Special Referee: Joey Ryan)

People give Joey a lot of flack, but I appreciate him. This was mostly comedy that built up to a fun spot involving Zexy magazine.

**

4. Ito Maki vs. Reika Saiki

Man, the crowd was going absolutely bonkers for Maki Ito, popping for every single thing she did. Ito has a lot of heart and keeps getting back up for more and more, and the fans loved every second of her comeback sequences.

***3/4

5. Candice LeRae vs. Mil Clown

Mil Clown dresses up like the long lost member of Los Psycho Circus, but incorporates little clown antics into her moveset. I wish she would have incorporated more character work. This was decent; the Ballplex spot was great.

**1/2

6. Miyu Yamashita vs. Saki Akai

Saki Akai's tall, lanky body gives her kicks a whip-like effect and they look especially devastating. Yamashita isn't the most charismatic wrestler, but you can feel her intensity through body language and when she's had enough of Akai's shit, you can definitely sense her frustration. These two are the perfect opponents, wonderful match.

****1/2

7. TOKYO Princess of Princess Championship: Yuu (c) vs. Shoko Nakajima

This was a big improvement over their 2016 match. The groundwork was tighter with smoother transitions, but still has that roughness to it that makes the struggle look genuine. Yuu was amazing as the aggressor, she tosses and drops Nakajima with reckless abandon. Nakajima hits the best Nothern Lights suplex I've ever seen, the torque, the speed, the impact. This was an excellent clash.

****3/4