Stardom - 5STAR Grand Prix 2018 (Noon) (8/26/2018)

2. Handicap: Hanan & JAN (Leo Onozaki & Ruaka) vs. Oedo Tai (Hazuki & Kagetsu)

The opening of this was WILD with Hazuki getting outnumbered, taking big bumps for the juniors.

***

6. 5STAR Grand Prix 2018 Block B: Jungle Kyona vs. Tam Nakano

Kyona exploits the damage done to Tamu by Utami's Judo and Tamu does a really great job selling. These two are probably the most emotive on the roster so this was a passionate battle with a lot of screaming.

***3/4

7. 5STAR Grand Prix 2018 Block A: Jamie Hayter vs. Mayu Iwatani

The dynamic of this was strange because Mayu was working agressively and subtly heel even though she's facing an outsider. Dug her work on top, in any case. Solid stuff from these two.

***

Aoi Kizuki & Mei Suruga vs. SAKI & Yuna Mizumori (Gatoh Move, 8/8/2018)

Gatoh Move - Japan Tour ・371 (8/8/2018)

Aoi Kizuki & Mei Suruga vs. SAKI & Yuna Mizumori

Suruga continues to look impressive in her cute tag with Aoi~chan and the power-based team of SAKI & Yuna were a lot of fun. Strong structure with great momentum shifts; those last-second pin break ups added tension.

****

Stardom - 5STAR Grand Prix 2018 (8/19/2018)

4. 5STAR Grand Prix 2018 Block B: Jungle Kyona vs. Kimber Lee

Strong underdog performance from Kyona, and Kimber Lee held her own.

***3/4

6. 5STAR Grand Prix 2018 Block B: Konami vs. Tam Nakano

Cohesive little clash based around limb damage and many kicks.

***1/2

8. 5STAR Grand Prix 2018 Block A: Mayu Iwatani vs. Saki Kashima

Mayu has certain idiosyncrasies in her performance that I enjoy watching, everything she does is uniquely Mayu Iwatani. 

***1/4

9. 5STAR Grand Prix 2018 Block B: Kagetsu vs. Rachael Ellering

This had a big match feel and strong storytelling centered around Kagetsu's damaged neck. Ellering was a nice powerhouse aggressor, though I wish her striking was stiffer.

***3/4

Stardom - 5STAR Grand Prix 2018 (8/18/2018)

4. 5STAR Grand Prix 2018 Block B: Tam Nakano vs. Utami Hayashishita

I loved Tam's selling of the back here after Utami's throws, it effectively put over the danger of Utami's Judo and made the loss to the rookie credible.

***3/4

5. 5STAR Grand Prix 2018 Block A: Hazuki vs. Saki Kashima

***1/4

6. 5STAR Grand Prix 2018 Block B: Jungle Kyona vs. Rachael Ellering

***1/2

8. 5STAR Grand Prix 2018 Block A: Kelly Klein vs. Mayu Iwatani

Mayu tried to overwhelm the powerhouse, in nifty fashion, and while Klein didn't get much in offensively, she made it count when she did. The Speed vs. Power story was told well.

***3/4

9. 5STAR Grand Prix 2018 Block B: Kagetsu vs. Konami

***3/4

Miyu Yamashita vs. Yuu (Tokyo Joshi Pro, 8/25/2018)

Tokyo Joshi Pro - Brand New Wrestling 2 ~Now It's Time to Attack~ (8/25/2018)

TOKYO Princess of Princess Championship: Miyu Yamashita (c) vs. Yuu

Yuu takes her vile chops to the next level when she starts chopping Miyu on the back and hitting double arm chops! This was a vicious back and forth where the hits got harder and the beatdowns more violent as the match progressed. Pure barbarism on display from the two best wrestlers in the promotion.

****3/4

Tokyo Joshi Pro - Go Ahead, Hot Guys of Nagoya (8/18/2018)

2. Maki Ito, Miu & Reika Saiki vs. magical sugar rabbits (Yuka Sakazaki & Mizuki) & Yuki Aino

I thought this was great, you're seeing the best of what all six performers can do, and to cap it off Reika goes King's Road on Aino and spikes her on the head (!!!). 

***3/4

5. Hikari vs. Saki-sama

I liked the brawling segment on the outside leading up to the PK on the apron. Sama does her usual great work on top and character work, and Hikari makes good use of her Cobra twist with a ground variation of the move.

***1/2

6. Azusa Takigawa & Miyu Yamashita vs. Nodoka-Oneesan & Yuu

The spot where Yuu used Azusa as a human weapon to batter Miyu was neat.

***1/2