AWG - Act in Korakuen Hall (4/4/2021)
AWG Championship: Miyuki Takase vs. SAKI (4/4/2021)
The match started off at a high pace and then settled down to a slower pace. Everything was meticulously organized, and I always like SAKI's work, but as is often the case with AWG title matches, there was a lack of tangible drama to get to the next level.
***3/4
Stardom - Road to Yokohama Dream Cinderella 2021 in Spring (3/26/2021)
Artist of Stardom Championship: Cosmic Angels (Tam Nakano, Mina Shirakawa & Unagi Sayaka) (c) vs. Queen's Quest (Momo Watanabe, Saya Kamitani & AZM)
One of the best Artist matches in recent memory. Cosmic Angels have become a well-oiled machine, and of course, Queen’s Quest has a ton of experience working fast-paced high-octane trios matches. This was a full-throttle match from start to finish.
****
Ice Ribbon - #1112 ~ Spring Is Short, Fight Girl (4/24/2021)
ICExInfinity Championship: Tsukasa Fujimoto vs. Tsukushi
This was another great defense by Fujimoto, who has been on a title reign of consistent quality. Both competitors have over a decade of experience and inherited super moves from Manami Toyota, who happened to be present for the match. They traded some nice-looking technical wrestling and counters. The match was a bit lacking in terms of innovation and big exciting moves but it was still a strong match.
***1/2
Stardom - Cinderella Tournament 2021 (4/10/2021)
Cinderella Tournament - Round 1: Konami vs. Maika
These two just meshed so well together. Both of them have experience in judo so it was fun to watch them attack and defend on the ground. The match developed into a thrilling apron battle with a crazy finish.
***1/2
Stardom - Osaka Day & Night (Day) (3/28/2021)
Ice Ribbon - #1106 ~ Ice Ribbon March 2021 (3/27/2021)
ICExInfinity Championship: Tsukasa Fujimoto (c) vs. Maya Yukihi
I think this was the best of the recent Ice Ribbon main events. They took a gradual approach, building up the big moves and drama, instead of the usual back-and-forth kick-out spam dreck. There were some creative counters in this match; the chemistry between these two is evident in the stability and accuracy of the work.
****
5. International Princess Championship: Yuki Kamifuku (c) vs. Hikari Noa
This was definitely an improvement over their Wrestling Princess match, with some great heel work from Kamiyu and back and forth sequences, but it had an equally flat finish. Hikari's comeback was too abrupt and it felt unconvincing after the beating she had taken for much of the match.
***1/4
6. Princess Tag Team Championship: NEO Biishiki-gun (Mei Saint-Michel & Saki-sama) (c) vs. BeeStar (Mirai Maiumi & Suzume)
A great first defense for the tag champions. BeeStar didn't feel out of place in the semi-main event despite their lack of experience. Mei was always interesting when she was in the ring. I felt she brought the Ichigaya style to the squared circle. There were many great moments here, big and small. Some of the sequences were complex, but brilliantly set up and executed.
****1/4
7. Princess of Princess Championship: Rika Tatsumi (c) vs. Miyu Yamashita
This was an incredible main event. Miyu continued the excellent form she's shown in her recent singles matches with one of the finest performances of her career. Every time it seemed Tatsumi was making a comeback, Miyu would crush her with tremendous power. There was a lot of physicality, almost every strike felt like it had something extra behind it. The build up of drama and tension was so brilliant that you could easily forget that there were no fans in attendance.
****1/4
