Arisa Nakajima vs. Nanae Takahashi (SEAdLINNNG, 11/2/2019)

SEAdLINNNG - Dynamic Show Case! ~ Kawasaki Monogatari (11/2/2019)

SEAdLINNNG Beyond the Sea Championship - Hair vs. Hair: Arisa Nakajima (c) vs. Nanae Takahashi

From a technical standpoint, this is a very accessible match as it maintains an exciting pacing and there isn't any significant downtime outside of a stalemate placed towards the end. But in terms of storytelling, it falls short of expectations. The crowd was barely responsive to the action and there was little sense of drama or desperation from the performers despite the stipulation. It just felt like a good, competitive title match.

***1/2

Kenny Omega & Riho vs. Antonio Honda & Miyu Yamashita (DDT, 11/3/2019)

DDT - Ultimate Party 2019 ~ DDT Group Big Set ~ (11/3/2019)

Kenny Omega & Riho vs. Antonio Honda & Miyu Yamashita

This was an incredible mixed match for Kenny Omega's return to DDT. The atmosphere of Ryogoku Kokugikan changed completely for this match and everyone felt like superstars. Omega & Riho have refined their team since the show in Singapore and were amazing, but Antonio & Miyu also held up their end.

****1/4

Tokyo Joshi Pro - Fall Tour '19 ~ Best Regards! ~ (11/23/2019)

1. Mahiro Kiryu, Yuki Kamifuku & Yuna Manase vs. Mirai Maiumi, Mizuki & Yuki Aino

This was a hot opener where everyone looked great. Mahiro seems to have become a “character” recently. Her performances are becoming interesting. Yuna and Mirai’s exchanges were everything you'd want them to be. Mizuki's assisted double foot stomp was a great moment. Aino’s facial expression before she hit her side suplex finisher was intense. She came off stronger than usual. My personal best bout of the show.

***3/4

4. Hikari Noa & Mina Shirakawa vs. Maki Ito & Raku

The provocations between Itoh and Hikari were the focus of the match (and we learned why afterwards), but the finishing stretch between Hikari and Raku, who is still fighting to get her first direct fall, was hot. Raku’s sleeper technique is becoming dangerous.

***1/2

Maki Itoh vs. Nightshade (Tokyo Joshi Pro, 11/16/2019)

Tokyo Joshi Pro - Fall Tour '19 ~ Best Regards! ~ (11/16/2019)

International Princess Championship: Maki Itoh (c) vs. Nightshade

I wasn’t sure about Itoh-chan as a singles champion, but watching her work underneath with the crowd chanting “Itoh!” in support of her was very compelling. Itoh has the crowd connection a champion needs to be successful in title defenses against foreign outsiders. Itoh's wrestling has also become surprisingly physical. Nightshade established the type of wrestler she is from her entrance, and played her role well.

***1/2

Riho vs. Masahiro Takanashi (Gatoh Move, 4/27/2019)

Gatoh Move - Japan Tour #422 ~ Last Itabashi of the Heisei Era (4/27/2019)

Riho vs. Masahiro Takanashi

This is classic Riho, physically overmatched but holding her own. They showed world-class technical skills with clever counter-work and some meticulous sequences. The familiarity these two have with each other is clear through the smoothness of the work. Riho also used rare techniques such as a lariat and a Yoshi Tonic.

****1/4

Emi Sakura vs. Mei Suruga (Gatoh Move, 10/31/2019)

Gatoh Move - Gtmv #14 ~ Gatoh Pumpkin (10/31/2019)

3CW Women's Championship: Emi Sakura (c) vs. Mei Suruga

This is the first time these two have faced in a traditional ring since Mei's debut. Some of the most unique ground and counter wrestling I’ve ever seen. Mei, who is called a genius wrestler, found unique situations to apply her signature moves. Emi’s bad back becomes a factor in the match and the way she was able to adapt (for the most part) was amazing. Mei’s double foot stomps to Emi’s injured back is as violent as it gets in Gatoh Move.

****1/2

Stardom - Best of Goddess 2019 (11/4/2019)

6. Wonder of Stardom Championship: Arisa Hoshiki (c) vs. Jamie Hayter

This was a match that gradually improved and became heated as it developed. Arisa's hot crowd response made her comebacks stronger, and the dynamic forms that she was taking before executing her big moves were amazing. Jamie had the presence of an old school foreign heel. Her physique and power has increased since her last challenge for the belt early in the year.

***1/2

7. World of Stardom Championship: Bea Priestley (c) vs. Mayu Iwatani

Bea has been one of my performers this year. Her size, the power behind her strikes and slamming moves; the way she is able to adopt techniques from other wrestlers, put them through her own filter and make them feel natural; the way she paces and progresses her matches. Through every defense she has established her winning combinations, and that allowed her to create very believable moments of suspense in this match without having to rely on excessive near-falls. Mayu, whose injury history was mentioned in the build up, endured tremendous punishment but kept fighting with zombie-like persistence. An amazing match to end a reign and crown a new champion.

****