Konosuke Takeshita vs. Tetsuya Endo (DDT, 12/8/2018)

DDT - D-Ou Grand Prix 2018 in Osaka (12/8/2018)

D-Ou Grand Prix 2019 Block B: Konosuke Takeshita vs. Tetsuya Endo

This is probably the best bout that I've seen from this match-up. Although this is a small venue, they delivered a main event fit for Korakuen Hall with big time moves and counters. Endo's assault on Takeshita's leg pays off nicely.

****1/4

Go Shiozaki vs. Akito (DDT, 12/1/2018)

DDT - D-Ou Grand Prix 2018 in Nanto (12/1/2018)

D-Ou Grand Prix 2019 Block A: Go Shiozaki vs. Akito

I had zero expectations for this match, but it hooked me with Akito going after an injured arm the way that only Akito can and Shiozaki doing a tremendous sell-job. The size differential plays a role in the finish in a great way.

****

Stardom - Best of Goddesses (11/23/2018)

2. Future of Stardom Championship: Starlight Kid (c) vs. Natsumi

Thought they kept up a good tempo throughout and kept the crowd into the action. Both wrestlers showcased a variety of moves and created good near-falls. 

***

4. Hana Kimura & Mary Apache vs. Oedo Tai (Hazuki & Kagetsu)

Hazuki and Mary are in a high speed feud so there's lucharesu action in this match. I liked the chair shot counters from Hana, and Mary cutting off Kagetsu's momentum with a big lariat from the apron was wicked.

***1/2

5. AMA (Arisa Hoshiki & Mayu Iwatani) vs. Queen's Quest (AZM & Konami)

Strong return match for Arisa after six years away (!). Having her work underneath is a smart layout for someone who has been away from the ring for so long. AZM & Konami were looking dominant as the gatekeepers of QQ and there's a couple of sequences and big moves that brought this to a high level.

***3/4

6. Goddesses of Stardom Championship: JAN (Jungle Kyona & Natsuko Tora) (c) vs. Momo Watanabe & Utami Hayashishita

It's been a while since we've had a Goddesses of Stardom match of this magnitude. This surges to an emotional struggle between Kyona and Utami and I dug the feuding between Momo and Tora.

***1/2

Tokyo Joshi Pro - 5th Anniversary ~ Five Year Old Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling ~ (12/1/2018)

6. Yuu vs. Nodoka Tenma

Yuu being a violent aggressor and Nodoka giving one of her compelling underneath performances. I feel like all this needed was one or two dramatic kickouts and it would've reached that high point. Very good, still.

***1/2

7. 2 out of 3 Falls: Miyu Yamashita & magical sugar rabbits (Yuka Sakazaki & Mizuki) vs. Maki Ito, Shoko Nakajima & Riho

Story-driven trios epic with character and superb technique, plus the novelty of seeing Miyu and Riho face off for the first time. Hell of a build towards 1/4.

****1/2

Konosuke Takeshita vs. Mike Bailey (DDT, 11/30/2018)

DDT - D-Ou Grand Prix 2018 in Shinjuku (11/30/2018)

D-Ou Grand Prix 2019 Block B - Iron Man Heavymetalweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita (c) vs. Mike Bailey

For the second time this year Speedball opens the D-Ou with a marvelous match. This time against Takeshita Konosuke. Very cohesive bout with stiffness and hard bumps and pristine execution. Always fun when a wrestler unveils a new technique that catches their opponent off guard.

****1/2

Revision! (11/30/2018)

*****

In addition to a new site name, I've gone through my older reviews and edited many of them for quality purposes and brevity's sake. This is something I had planned on doing for some time now. Please understand.

*****

Arisa Nakajima vs. Command Bolshoi (PURE-J, 8/11/2018)

PURE-J - 1st Anniversary ~ Rainbow Mountain (8/11/2018)

Arisa Nakajima vs. Command Bolshoi

This had beautiful technique on display from the competitors. Arisa just muscling Bolshoi into those suplexes was my favorite thing.

***3/4