Tuesday, July 13, 2021

SEAdLINNNG - Nanae Takahashi 25th Anniversary ~ Arigatou (7/11/2021)

4. SEAdLINNNG Beyond The Sea Championship: ASUKA vs. Ryo Mizunami

This was a great match. It turned into a total firefight where they were exchanging heavy blows. The striking was diverse and dynamic so it never felt repetitive. ASUKA shined on offense, using her natural athletic ability to attack from various angles. Mizunami, a veteran of more than 10 years, seems to have gained a new vigor after returning from AEW. The armwork was just a way to build the match and get the crowd into it and I think it worked. Even though ASUKA's reign ended without a successful defense, she went out with a bang.

****

5. Nanae Takahashi vs. Arisa Nakajima

I don't know if it's because of her age or if her body is in shambles, but Nanae has slowed down and her physical condition doesn't look good. I thought Arisa's offense was amazing, especially the downward elbows to the head, but I would like to see her break away from this repetitive pattern of wrestling. If you've seen the previous matches between these two, it's more of the same. This is easily my least favorite type of Japanese women's wrestling. Directionless move exhibition with little buildup between moves, little regard for selling, and of course, a million finisher kick-outs.

**

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