Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Stardom - Fukuoka Goddess Festival 2022 ~ Batten Stardom (5/5/2022)

4. SWA Championship: Thekla (c) vs. Mayu Iwatani

Thekla getting blasted with superkicks was the theme of the match. Thekla started off strong, but once Mayu got into her stride, she seemed unable to gain a clear advantage. It was a simple and straightforward match, but superbly executed and Mayu's charisma shone through. ***3/4

5. Elimination Match: Syuri, MIRAI, Ami Sourei & Konami vs. Giulia, Himeka, Natsupoi & Mai Sakurai

A dense unit battle that showcased a wide variety of personalities and styles. All of the key encounters were enjoyable and well delivered, with MIRAI and Mai Sakurai, who formed a bond together when they were members of the same unit, getting a big spotlight. ****

6. Goddesses of Stardom Championship: Starlight Kid & Momo Watanabe (c) vs. Hazuki & Koguma

This started out chaotic and never quite slowed down. All four competitors have been involved in the high speed division at one point or another and this was wrestled like a high speed match, both teams going back and forth with dizzying offense and defense. It was light on substance and emotion but an easy watch. ***3/4

7. Wonder of Stardom Championship: Saya Kamitani (c) vs. Maika

While most promotions in Japan are veritable gerontocracies still relying on the same aging and established veterans, Stardom entrusted young rivals of less than 3 years experience Saya Kamitani and Maika with a big venue main event. Both wrestlers showed how much they’ve grown as individuals and opponents since their last singles title encounter, taking or reversing each other’s best moves. The pacing was excellent, dynamic ebb and flow with the big sequences given time to settle. Like any great champion's road, Kamitani has shown growth in each defense. Here she unleashed a thrust headbutt and a phoenix press barrage en route to victory. The normally stoic Maika shed tears in her hometown after failing to win a belt known to bring out complicated emotions from its competitors. ****1/2

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