Nanae Takahashi vs. Takumi Iroha (SEAdLINNNG, 5/29/2019)

SEAdLINNNG - Stay Tune 2019 (5/29/2019)

SEAdLINNNG Beyond the Sea Championship: Nanae Takahashi (c) vs. Takumi Iroha

Great match, with heavy exchanges and head dropping. The match being centered around neck-work served as a narrative anchor of sorts for Iroha, as her performance had a focus and sense of progression you don't often see from her.

****

Queen's Quest (Momo Watanabe & Utami Hayashishita) vs. Tokyo Cyber Squad (Bobbi Tyler & Hana Kimura) (Stardom, 6/22/2019)

Stardom - Shining Stars 2019 (6/22/2019)

Goddesses of Stardom Championship: Queen's Quest (Momo Watanabe & Utami Hayashishita) (c) vs. Tokyo Cyber Squad (Bobbi Tyler & Hana Kimura)

I wasn't sure about this matchup after the disaster in Sapporo, but this was good. Strong content from Hana, with her heated interactions with Momo, and that exchange of sleeper holds with Utami. This was a great workrate tag with enough slow moments between the jolts of action to give it a sense of scale.

****

Mizuki vs. Yuna Manase (Tokyo Joshi Pro, 7/7/2019)

Tokyo Joshi Pro - Tokyo Princess Cup Final (7/7/2019)

Tokyo Princess Cup - Finals: Mizuki vs. Yuna Manase

An emotional fight for the Tokyo Princess Cup, where the struggles of both wrestlers was told well through individual performances and some dramatic sequences. A great power vs. technique, hard vs. soft bout.

****1/4

Emi Sakura vs. Riho (Gatoh Move, 7/2/2019)

Gatoh Move - Japan Tour #438 ~ Last Song For You' (7/2/2019)

Emi Sakura vs. Riho

Riho’s graduation was a simple match, but one with superb pacing and execution. There was the emotional underpinning of it being the final Riho match in Gatoh Move, and there was impressive technical ability and chemistry on display. Every sequence felt significant in building towards a climactic finish.

****1/2

Tokyo Joshi Pro - Tokyo Princess Cup (6/22/2019)

5. Tokyo Princess Cup - Quarter-Finals: Miu Watanabe vs. Yuka Sakazaki

Yuka was very good chipping away at and controlling the arm of Miu. Miu powered through the punishment in a performance befitting an ace, delivering an explosive output. The sequences built around Yuka's elbows and Miu's laser beam chop were exciting. An excellent quarter-final.

****1/2

6. Tokyo Princess Cup - Quarter-Finals: Mizuki vs. Shoko Nakajima

The theme was weakening the opponent's bridge (as both wrestler use bridging suplex finishing holds), by working the head or back. Submission struggles were strong and painful looking, and there's fancy technical wrestling. This was a beautifully paced, dramatic contest.

****1/4

Arisa Hoshiki vs. Tam Nakano (Stardom, 6/16/2019)

Stardom - Shining Destiny 2019 (6/16/2019)

World of Stardom Championship: Arisa Hoshiki (c) vs. Tam Nakano

A passionate battle reminiscent of the Yuzupon era, which showcased the best of both wrestlers. Tamu keeping the opponent guessing with her unorthodox offense. Arisa's resourceful use of the ropes and management of space to set up her devastating combinations. The finish was the perfect surge of emotions to cap off the feud.

****1/2

Tokyo Joshi Pro - Tokyo Princess Cup (6/8/2019)

4. Tokyo Princess Cup – Second Round: Maki Ito vs. Natsumi Maki

Ito is really good with the right opponent and the right angle to work with. I liked the ferocity shown by them, the wild brawl at ringside in particular was great.

***1/2

5. Tokyo Princess Cup – Second Round: Rika Tatsumi vs. Yuna Manase

Yuna in the role of fighting underneath is a unique approach, and one that worked because she's a good seller and not hard to cheer. Rika controlled the match as she targeted the legs, but Yuna had a lot of heart and hit hard when she could. A great match with focused and structured storytelling.

****