Hiroyo Matsumoto vs. Nanae Takahashi (SEAdLINNNG, 10/3/2018)

SEAdLINNNG - d-Higher (10/3/2018)

SEAdLINNNG BEYOND THE SEA Championship - Tournament First Round: Hiroyo Matsumoto vs. Nanae Takahashi

Hell of an escalation of violence, maybe a bit excessive on the near-falls but they kept up a high energy, the crowd was hot and I enjoyed it. Nanae using those Lethwei clinch-headbutts down the stretch was awesome.

****

Io Shirai vs. Dark Angel (Stardom, 10/11/2015)

Stardom - Appeal The Heart (10/11/2015)

Wonder of Stardom Championship: Io Shirai (c) vs. Dark Angel

One of my favorite Io-san title defenses. Dark Angel is one of the few opponents Io faced in Stardom who could match up to her in athleticism so these two complement each other well. DA does a painful workover on the back and has some cool moments where she matches Io's aerial offense with her own.

****1/2

Aoi Kizuki, Mei Suruga & Riho vs. Emi Sakura, Hikaru Shida & Makoto (Aoi Kizuki Retirement Show, 10/7/2018)

Aoi Kizuki Retirement Show - ~Final Happy~ (10/7/2018)

Aoi Kizuki, Mei Suruga & Riho vs. Emi Sakura, Hikaru Shida & Makoto

This is the final match of Aoi Kizuki's career so this was an emotional match for me, as someone who enjoyed her work a lot. Joshi puroresu retirement matches can sometimes go too far into comedy (fair enough, it's not always about having a "good match"), and while this did have its humor, it was mostly a serious, competitive match to bookend Aoi~chan's career. Thoroughly enjoyable trios action with some exciting multi person sequences and an emotional finale between Aoi and her senpai Emi.

****

Mizuki Watase vs. Shigehiro Irie (DDT, 10/10/2018)

DDT - Live! Maji Manji 卍 #20 (10/10/2018)

Mizuki Watase vs. Shigehiro Irie

I'm always reminded of the Knife Edge Death Match when two wrestlers lock hands and take turns wailing on each other in close proximity until one falls down. What a way to open up this slugfest. These two were going at it. Watase's willingness to destroy himself in the pursuit of a great match was on full display.

****

Tokyo Joshi Pro - How Do You Like Kitazawa? (10/8/2018)

5. Hyper Misao & Miyu Yamashita vs. Priscilla Kelly & Shoko Nakajima

Great prelude to Miyu-Kelly with some high impact exchanges between them. 

***1/2

6. TOKYO Princess Tag Team Championship: magical sugar rabbits (Yuka Sakazaki & Mizuki) (c) vs. BAKURETSU Sisters (Nodoka Tenma & Yuki Aino)

This was a good main. Yuka & Mizuki are of course great at double team maneuvers and controlling the ring. Aino was working hard in her first title opportunity and shows promise; that full nelson sequence was nifty. 

***1/2

Emi Sakura vs. Mei Suruga (Gatoh Move, 10/7/2018)

Gatoh Move - Japan Tour ・384 (10/7/2018)

Emi Sakura vs. Mei Suruga

Suruga's riding high after her big upset against Aoi~chan and Emi becomes increasingly frustrated with that overconfidence and wants to put the rookie in her place. Innovative offense and some of the best counterwork I've seen this year, and a great finishing sequence of counters and near-falls.

****1/2

Kagetsu vs. Momo Watanabe (Stardom, 9/30/2018)

Stardom - 5STAR Grand Prix 2018: Grand Champion Carnival (Day) (9/30/2018)

World of Stardom Championship / Wonder of Stardom Championship: Kagetsu (c) vs. Momo Watanabe (c)

Well worked champion vs. champion clash, one of the better 50/50 bouts I've seen this year. Progression felt natural and it breezed through its 20+-min duration. A 50/50 affair that isn't heavily reliant on "big move -> kickout" is always a major plus for me! Could've used a stronger ending, but oh well.

****