Queen's Quest (AZM & Momo Watanabe) vs. Tokyo Cyber Squad (Jungle Kyona & Konami) (Stardom, 11/25/2019)

Stardom - Goddesses of Stardom Tag League 2019 (11/25/2019)

Goddesses of Stardom Tag League 2019 Red Goddess Block: Queen's Quest (AZM & Momo Watanabe) vs. Tokyo Cyber Squad (Jungle Kyona & Konami)

Both teams have been effectively eliminated from contention, but that didn’t stop them from having one of the most dramatic bouts of the tournament. This wasn’t about points, it was about showing who the strongest team is and gaining momentum. Kyona’s a pro at drawing in the venue and creating "meaning" in her performance. The final stretch between her and AZM was spectacular.

***3/4

Riho & Starlight Kid vs. Tokyo Cyber Squad (Jungle Kyona & Konami) (Stardom, 10/27/2019)

Stardom - Goddesses of Stardom Tag League 2019 (10/27/2019)

Goddesses of Stardom Tag League 2019 Red Goddess: Riho & Starlight Kid vs. Tokyo Cyber Squad (Jungle Kyona & Konami)

This was my most anticipated match of the tag league and it delivered to my expectations. A hotly contested tag team match that heated up Shinkiba. Riho was able to show her true ability in the Stardom ring.

****

Yuna Mizumori vs. Hagane Shinno (Gatoh Move, 11/10/2019)

Gatoh Move - gtmv #16 (11/10/2019)

Yuna Mizumori vs. Hagane Shinno

This match reminded me of Hagane’s match against Emi on 9.6.14. It was a slow build into some explosive strong style exchanges and counterattacks. The lariat and dropkick trade was amazing. Emi and Mei were busy overseas, so Yuna and the rest were left to carry the promotion, and Yuna worked hard to have a great singles main event.

***3/4

Arisa Nakajima vs. Nanae Takahashi (SEAdLINNNG, 11/2/2019)

SEAdLINNNG - Dynamic Show Case! ~ Kawasaki Monogatari (11/2/2019)

SEAdLINNNG Beyond the Sea Championship - Hair vs. Hair: Arisa Nakajima (c) vs. Nanae Takahashi

From a technical standpoint, this is a very accessible match as it maintains an exciting pacing and there isn't any significant downtime outside of a stalemate placed towards the end. But in terms of storytelling, it falls short of expectations. The crowd was barely responsive to the action and there was little sense of drama or desperation from the performers despite the stipulation. It just felt like a good, competitive title match.

***1/2

Kenny Omega & Riho vs. Antonio Honda & Miyu Yamashita (DDT, 11/3/2019)

DDT - Ultimate Party 2019 ~ DDT Group Big Set ~ (11/3/2019)

Kenny Omega & Riho vs. Antonio Honda & Miyu Yamashita

This was an incredible mixed match for Kenny Omega's return to DDT. The atmosphere of Ryogoku Kokugikan changed completely for this match and everyone felt like superstars. Omega & Riho have refined their team since the show in Singapore and were amazing, but Antonio & Miyu also held up their end.

****1/4

Tokyo Joshi Pro - Fall Tour '19 ~ Best Regards! ~ (11/23/2019)

1. Mahiro Kiryu, Yuki Kamifuku & Yuna Manase vs. Mirai Maiumi, Mizuki & Yuki Aino

This was a hot opener where everyone looked great. Mahiro seems to have become a “character” recently. Her performances are becoming interesting. Yuna and Mirai’s exchanges were everything you'd want them to be. Mizuki's assisted double foot stomp was a great moment. Aino’s facial expression before she hit her side suplex finisher was intense. She came off stronger than usual. My personal best bout of the show.

***3/4

4. Hikari Noa & Mina Shirakawa vs. Maki Ito & Raku

The provocations between Itoh and Hikari were the focus of the match (and we learned why afterwards), but the finishing stretch between Hikari and Raku, who is still fighting to get her first direct fall, was hot. Raku’s sleeper technique is becoming dangerous.

***1/2

Maki Itoh vs. Nightshade (Tokyo Joshi Pro, 11/16/2019)

Tokyo Joshi Pro - Fall Tour '19 ~ Best Regards! ~ (11/16/2019)

International Princess Championship: Maki Itoh (c) vs. Nightshade

I wasn’t sure about Itoh-chan as a singles champion, but watching her work underneath with the crowd chanting “Itoh!” in support of her was very compelling. Itoh has the crowd connection a champion needs to be successful in title defenses against foreign outsiders. Itoh's wrestling has also become surprisingly physical. Nightshade established the type of wrestler she is from her entrance, and played her role well.

***1/2