Maika Ozaki vs. Maya Yukihi (Ice Ribbon, 12/9/2018)

Ice Ribbon - #926 ~ Ryogoku KFC Ribbon 2018 (12/9/2018)

ICE×∞ Championship #1 Contendership Tournament - Finals: Maika Ozaki vs. Maya Yukihi

Great finale to the #1 contendership tournament. Maya and Ozaki are two of my favorites on the roster at the moment and both of them worked an exciting match and told a story of growth.

***1/2

HARASHIMA & Ken Ohka vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Yohei Komatsu (DDT, 11/17/2015)

DDT -  #OhkaEmpire Produce Muscle Mates 2015 (11/17/2015)

HARASHIMA & Ken Ohka vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Yohei Komatsu

This was a simple and straightforward tag, but the insanely hot Korakuen Hall crowd made everything feel special. Tanahashi's dickbag performance was really great, Ohka showed fire, and I loved the finale between HARASHIMA and YOH.

****1/4

Stardom - Goddesses of Stars 2018 (12/7/2018)

2. Konami vs. Mary Apache

Fine technique on display in this clash of styles. Konami's triangle kick looks so crisp and Mary hits a heel kick to a loud, dull thud.

***

3. Saki Kashima vs. Hana Kimura

This had violent heel work and brawling from Hana. Unfortunately Saki's comebacks lacked fervor.

**1/2

5. STARS (Arisa Hoshiki, Mayu Iwatani & Tam Nakano) vs. Oedo Tai (Hazuki, Kagetsu & Sumire Natsu)

Arisa's first encounter with Oedo Tai. The turmoil between her and Tam adds a fun dimension to really great trios action.

***3/4

Hiiragi Kurumi vs. Maya Yukihi (Ice Ribbon, 11/24/2018)

Ice Ribbon - #922 ~ Yokohama Ribbon 2018 ~November~ (11/24/2018)

ICE×∞ Championship #1 Contendership Tournament - Semi-Finals: Hiiragi Kurumi vs. Maya Yukihi

High paced struggle with explosive offense and great bumps. Maya's performance here was quite good as I thought she sold the stakes of the match well, while Kurumi was a powerhouse machine.

***1/2

Mary Apache vs. Saki Kashima (Stardom, 12/2/2018)

Stardom - Goddesses of Stars 2018 (12/2/2018)

High Speed Championship: Mary Apache (c) vs. Saki Kashima

This match is at its best when Mary is battering Saki with her heavy offense. She may be lacking in character, but her ringwork is super crisp. Saki performs lucha at a decent enough level with the crowd behind her and has a great near-fall.

***1/2

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.

****