Friday, May 31, 2019

Masahiro Takanashi & KAWILD (SAKI & Yuna Mizumori) vs. Mitsuru Konno, Riho & Sawasdee Kamen (Gatoh Move, 5/21/2019)

Gatoh Move - Japan Tour #429 (5/21/2019)

Masahiro Takanashi & KAWILD (SAKI & Yuna Mizumori) vs. Mitsuru Konno, Riho & Sawasdee Kamen

Despite so many bodies in such a small space, the spots and double teams in this were impressively well arranged and there's some great near-falls too.

****

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Anchamu vs. Mei Suruga (Gatoh, 5/21/2019)

Gatoh Move - Japan Tour・#429 (5/21/2019)

Anchamu vs. Mei Suruga

The story behind this match is a feud over YouTube views so both competitors are appealing to the camera. The tone eventually shifts from comedy to a straight wrestling match and it is quite good. Chamu showed impressive hip attack ability with some heavy looking hip attacks.

***1/2

Sunday, May 26, 2019

Azure Revolution (Maya Yukihi & Risa Sera) vs. Makoto & Miyako Matsumoto (Ice Ribbon, 4/14/2019)

Ice Ribbon - #954 In SKIP City (4/14/2019)

International Ribbon Tag Team Championship: Azure Revolution (Maya Yukihi & Risa Sera) (c) vs. Makoto & Miyako Matsumoto

This was a great defense from Azure Revolution, there was a lot of flashy spots, with Miyako providing nuance to the action with her shtick. A nice showcase of Makoto as well, who isn't often given an opportunity to show how good she is.

****

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Stardom - Gold May 2019 (5/16/2019)

3. Kagetsu vs. Toni Storm

Although the only thing at stake was the pride of the competitors, this was a title match-caliber performance that heated up Korakuen. Toni-san goes the distance in another 15-minute draw replete with strong content. 

****1/4

5. World of Stardom Championship: Bea Priestley (c) vs. Hazuki

This was a bomb-filled sprint between aggressive wrestlers. There was enough space between the bursts of action to allow for tension to build. A great first defense for Beato and one of the stronger singles performances from Hazuki.

***3/4

6. Wonder of Stardom Championship: Momo Watanabe (c) vs. Arisa Hoshiki

I thought there were cool exchanges here and Arisa's expanding her moveset in an interesting way. I suppose Momo plainly losing when she was out-striked during a strike exchange is appropriate against an opponent with a shoot boxing background, but the finishing stretch felt lacking.

***1/2

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Oedo Tai (Kagetsu & Natsuko Tora) vs. Tokyo Cyber Squad (Jungle Kyona & Konami) (Stardom, 5/5/2019)

Stardom - Oedo Tai Produce Golden Week Stars 2019 (5/5/2019)

Oedo Tai (Kagetsu & Natsuko Tora) vs. Tokyo Cyber Squad (Jungle Kyona & Konami)

Billed as "Strong Battle" this was in longer form than Stardom tag main events normally are when there is no belt on the line. Great match that advanced feuds and contained neat tandem moves from the new unit pairings.

***3/4

Monday, May 20, 2019

Stardom - Queen's Quest Produce Golden Week Stars 2019 (5/4/2019)

5. Momo Watanabe vs. Toni Storm

This was the most complete Momo performance since her feud with Io. Working within the framework of a 15-minute time out draw, they spread out the big moves and built to them in a way that made them feel earned (while also padding time). Toni sold the desperation well, as she teased the rarely-used guillotine leg drop that she defeated Io with for the SWA Belt.

****1/4

6. World of Stardom Championship: Kagetsu (c) vs. Bea Priestley

This is a match I've been clamoring for since last year and it didn't go contrary to my expectations. The action was beautiful and brutal, Bea utilizing dangerous attacks to the head and spine, and Kagetsu giving a strong effort from underneath with the crowd behind her.

****1/2

WAVE - PHASE 2 OSAKA Reboot (4/28/2019)

2. Hikaru Shida vs. Yuu

This was an exhibition style match where both exchanged their usual offense. There was a great feat of strength from Yuu during a powerbomb tease that looked a lot more impressive outside of TJPW where the girls are mostly smaller, and Shida's various knee strikes are always fun.

***1/2

3. Black Widow (Nagisa Nozaki & Yumi Ohka) vs. Sakura Hirota & Yuki Miyazaki

This was a really great match, it developed well and reached a high level of drama. Hirota's shtick can be hit-or-miss, especially of late, but the comedy spots were incorporated seamlessly into the action.

****