Mayu Iwatani vs. Utami Hayashishita (Stardom, 9/24/2018)

Stardom - 5STAR Grand Prix 2018 (9/24/2018)

5STAR Grand Prix 2018 Finals: Mayu Iwatani vs. Utami Hayashishita

This was a star-making performance for Utami in her first ever Korakuen main event. The dismissive veteran versus the cool super-rookie dynamic was played well. Mayu does a splendid job bumping (as usual) for Utami's power-based offense when the tide turns and her comebacks were well obtained. Excellent match to cap off a great tournament.

****1/2

Hazuki vs. Mayu Iwatani (Stardom, 9/16/2018)

Stardom - 5STAR Grand Prix 2018 (9/16/2018)

5STAR Grand Prix 2018 Block A: Hazuki vs. Mayu Iwatani

Hazuki goes after Mayu like a relentless wolverine, and Mayu being the bump technician she is sold and bumped like a madman. Great flow in general, with nice counters and armwork (the way Mayu switched her wrist band from the healthy arm to the injured arm was a nice subtle touch). Mayu scores some savage head kicks, including a gnarly axe kick.

****1/4

Tokyo Joshi Pro - How Do You Like Shinkiba? (9/22/2018)

4. Mizuki vs. Maki Ito

These two put together a strong match with great storytelling. Ito is at her best in these story-driven matches, this was easily her best singles bout.

***1/2

5. Hikari & Yuka Sakazaki vs. Yuki Aino & Nodoka Tenma

No clue why this was given the semi-main spot, but the work justified its placement. The MVP of the match was unironically Hikari, she's getting so much mileage out of that cobra twist.

***1/2

6. Azusa Takigawa vs. Miyu Yamashita

Enjoyed this a lot. I'm not a fan of Azusa's gimmick of interrupting the action to cut a promo, but it's over with the crowd so I'll tolerate it. They worked a big match pacing and the match had some nifty counters. Miyu reversing a crucifix hold into an Attitude Adjustment was very nice.

***3/4

Stardom - 5STAR Grand Prix 2018 (9/9/2018)

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

Great slugfest, these two brought the fire and raw emotion. The opening was ugly, in a good way, they're tussling, covered in streamers, beating the hell out of each other. Tam has been having captivating singles performances lately, I wouldn't mind seeing her get a run with one of the belts.

***3/4

7. 5STAR Grand Prix 2018 Block B: Jungle Kyona vs. Utami Hayashishita

This was basically an upgraded version of Utami's debut match. Great layout, pacing and some excruciating submission struggles. Kyona's been having such a great run in this tournament.

****

8. 5STAR Grand Prix 2018 Block A: Hazuki vs. Momo Watanabe

Another great timeout draw on this show, it hardly felt like they were killing time, and the soldout Shinkiba crowd gave it good atmosphere. I liked the intense urgency from Hazuki, she was unrelenting with her rabid offense. Momotaro holds up her end of the bargain with punishing reprisals.

****

ASUKA vs. Hana Kimura (WRESTLE-1, 9/2/2018)

WRESTLE-1 - Wrestling LOVE in Yokohama 2018 (9/2/2018)

ASUKA vs. Hana Kimura

Outside of WAVE is where ASUKA is at her most interesting since she shows personality, her heel work and the way she played to the crowd at the start gave the match depth. Hana returns from an excursion in Mexico with a couple of new techniques, including a very wacky submission hold.

***3/4

Avid Rival (Misaki Ohata & Ryo Mizunami) vs. Hiroe Nagahama & Miyuki Takase (WAVE, 6/30/2018)

WAVE - Osaka Rhapsody vol. 41 (6/30/2018)

Avid Rival (Misaki Ohata & Ryo Mizunami) vs. Hiroe Nagahama & Miyuki Takase

Avid Rival can do no wrong, they're so good at creating exciting tag matches with just about anyone. Hiroe & Miyuki are developing better chemistry and growing as a team, showing off some new double teams maneuvers. 

***1/2

Stardom - 5STAR Grand Prix 2018 (9/1/2018)

1. AZM vs. Sumire Natsu

***1/4

6. 5STAR Grand Prix 2018 Block B: Kagetsu vs. Utami Hayashishita

A 10-year veteran vs. an undefeated super rookie, the story writes itself. Utami's kill moves have been so well established that the crowd was sold on her possibly making the Red Belt champion submit. I liked how Utami got desperate with that illegal chokehold as she felt victory slipping from her grasp.

***3/4

7. Goddesses of Stardom Championship: STARS (Mayu Iwatani & Saki Kashima) (c) vs. STARS (Starlight Kid & Tam Nakano)

This is one of the best Goddesses matches in recent history, some very exciting tag team action and a great emotional segment between Mayu and Tam as the action began to slow down. I would like to see more StarTam as they have promising chemistry and are both very cute.

***3/4