Meiko Satomura vs. Manami Katsu (Sendai Girls, 3/9/2019)

Sendai Girls (3/9/2019)

Meiko Satomura vs. Manami Katsu

There were engrossing mat struggles in this match, I never associated that style of wrestling with Katsu, but she is a student of Command Bolshoi and it showed. Great back and forth on stand-up as well, with heavy offense and counters.

****

Kaori Yoneyama vs. Mei Suruga (Gatoh Move, 11/8/2018)

Gatoh Move - Japan Tour・#389 ~ Stand Up Winter!

Kaori Yoneyama vs. Mei Suruga 

Good match, these two developed a fun chemistry. Mei showcased her skills and charisma, and Yoneyama is so great as a rookie eater.

***1/2

Momo Watanabe vs. Jungle Kyona (Stardom, 3/3/2019)

Stardom - Stardom World in Nagoya 2019 (3/3/2019)

Wonder of Stardom Championship: Momo Watanabe (c) vs. Jungle Kyona

Great match. I liked the beatdowns and physicality before they got into the big time maneuvers and counters. Kyona gave a spirited performance as the hometown hero, hitting a Kinniku Buster (!) as a desperation maneuver, ultimately coming up short in grand fashion.

****1/4

Mei Suruga vs. Anchamu (Gatoh Move, 3/2/2019)

Gatoh Move - Japan Tour・#412 (3/2/2019)

Mei Suruga vs. Anchamu

 Excellent sub 7-minute bout. This was a charismatic and technical match, with some neat offense and counter-wresting. Strong fundamentals all around.

***3/4

Mayu Iwatani vs. Konami (Stardom, 2/24/2019)

Stardom - New Years Stars 2019 (Night Show) (2/24/2019)

Women of Honor World Championship: Mayu Iwatani (c) vs. Konami

This was a great match. Loved Konami's assault on the leg and that standing stretch muffler she introduced. Mayu's limberness makes the holds from Konami even more brutal looking. There's neat counters and set-ups here as well.

****

Sendai Girls (2/10/2019)

3. Alex Lee & Command Bolshoi vs. Meiko Satomura & Mei Suruga

This was an enjoyable match, fun sessions from all four competitors (yes, including Alex Lee), with the highlights being the Meiko-Bolshoi segment and Suruga's infectious charisma.

***3/4

4. Hikaru Shida vs. Mika Iwata

Great match with a hot-blooded finishing stretch. I liked the way the heat builds, with Shida as the bully veteran and Iwata the feisty underdog. There's also some gnarly knees from Shida that were sold to perfection.

****

Tokyo Joshi Pro - Be updated to the future, the future, the future (2/23/2019)

4. Rika Tatsumi vs. Hyper Misao

A match that felt like a main event epic despite its low position on the card. They kept it relatively simple and yet created tension and drama with the way they structured the match. The reversal sequences and submission struggles were great. A strong return match for Rika Tatsumi, with one of the best singles performances of her career.

****1/4

5. Maki Ito vs. Natsumi Maki

This was a fun bout of one-upmanship between charismatic idol wrestlers. Full of personality, some nastiness as well, with water spitting and slaps to the face. The intimate setting and the synergy the performers had with the crowd gave this a special aura.

****

7. TOKYO Princess Tag Championship: magical sugar rabbits (Yuka Sakazaki & Mizuki) (c) vs. Muscle JK (Reika Saiki & Marika Kobashi)

You get a true sense of the magical sugar rabbits' growth as a tag team in this match, the strong comradery they've developed. Marika seemed to be having an off night, but everyone else was so on-point that they made up for her shortcomings. She got better as the match went on and worked an exciting finish with Mizuki.

****

8. TOKYO Princess of Princess Championship: Miyu Yamashita (c) vs. Tenma Nodoka

Nodoka's the best at getting knocked around and making split-second counterattacks. The size differential made Miyu's kicks look especially devastating. Short, but still delivers on big match drama through exceptional pacing and performances.

****1/2