Tokyo Joshi Pro - Brand New Wrestling 3 ~ Stronger Than Anyone! ~ (8/25/2019)

3. Mina Shirakawa, Yuki Kamifuku & Yuna Manase vs. Nodoka Tenma, Raku & Rika Tatsumi

Nodoka's perile spells were good, as she's at her best when she's bumping around for someone. Kamiyu has been looking good lately, this was another exciting showing from her. There were several fun pairings, but I enjoyed the Yuna-Raku segment the most. 

***3/4

4. Su Yung vs. Yuka Sakazaki

This was wilder than I expected; and totally unconventional for a Tokyo Joshi match. The setup and payoff to Koda's sock was done well.

***3/4

5. Maki Ito vs. Mizuki

This was heated and at times very good, but dragged. It felt like the match reached its peak during the submission exchanges and from there they were doing lesser moves with less heat (until the finish).

***1/2

7. International Princess Championship (decision): Gisele Shaw vs. Natsumi Maki

Gisele's aggressive streak added a layer of depth to this match that I didn't expect coming in. She played her role well as the foil for the crowd favorite to overcome. Natsumi showed excellent skill fighting underneath in an engaging performance. The striking size differential was also a factor they worked into the match in a smart way. A very well put together match for the new title's inauguration.

****

8. Princess Tag Team Championship: NEO Biishiki-gun (Misao & Sakisama) (c) vs. Momoiro Sparkling (Miu Watanabe & Miyu Yamashita)

This was mostly focused on action and the action was good, with everyone involved giving big time performances (Miu to a lesser extent). Miyu and Saki-sama's explosive kick exchange was my favorite sequence.

****

Stardom - Stardom X Stardom 2019 (8/10/2019)

2. STARS (Mayu Iwatani, Saya Iida & Tam Nakano) vs. Tokyo Cyber Squad (Bobbi Tyler, Hana Kimura & Konami)

Straightforward trios action with some clever spots.

***1/2

3. High Speed Championship: Death Yama-san (c) vs. Riho vs. Starlight Kid

Impressive debut performance from Riho. She showed her technique to a new audience without giving away too much. The match was short, but it was exciting. A burst of high speed action, with several great mixups and sequences.

***

4. Artist of Stardom Championship: Oedo Tai (Andras Miyagi, Kagetsu & Natsu Sumire) vs. Oedo Tai (Jamie Hayter, Natsuko Tora & Hazuki)

An awesome trios. There was a brilliant sequence that resembled something out of Dragon Gate, not only the composition but the speed of the movement. Jamie looked impressive in her portion with some explosive offense.

***3/4

5. Wonder of Stardom Championship: Arisa Hoshiki (c) vs. Jungle Kyona

This was pure "Arisa Theatre". There's emotion and struggle in each big sequence which made them feel meaningful and earned. And there's an explosive power behind the big time moves. Two of the best Stardom has to offer having a thrilling spectacle. Arisa is operating in another plane of existence. She's doing something that no one else is doing in jyo at the moment. My new favorite Stardom bout, one of my favorite joshi puroresu bouts of all time.

****3/4

6. World of Stardom Championship: Bea Priestley (c) vs. Utami Hayashishita

I liked Bea's joint manipulation and physicality, she makes a schoolboy look like a powerful hold in the early goings. Utami's growth was on display, as she held her own, making strong comebacks. A great main event to close Utami's first year.

****1/4

Mitsuru Konno vs. Anchamu (Gatoh Move, 7/14/2019)

Gatoh Move - Japan Tour #441 (7/14/2019)

Mitsuru Konno vs. Anchamu

This was really good, very technical and intense with effective near-falls.

***3/4

Mei Suruga & Mitsuru Konno vs. Emi Sakura & Masahiro Takanashi (Gatoh Move, 6/10/2019)

Gatoh Move - Japan Tour #433 (6/10/2019)

Emi Sakura & Masahiro Takanashi vs. Mei Suruga & Mitsuru Konno

Excellent display of tag wrestling, with a number of creative and cool sequences. Sakura and Mei's synergy brought this to the next level.

****1/4

Mitsuru Konno & Choun Shiryu vs. Baliyan Akki & SAKI (Gatoh Move, 7/13/2019)

Gatoh Move -  Japan Tour #440 (7/13/2019)

Mitsuru Konno & Choun Shiryu vs. Baliyan Akki & SAKI

Slow start, but once they get going it gets good, with neat double teams and multi-person sequences.

***3/4

Riho, Sayaka Obihiro & Mitsuru Konno vs. Yuna Mizumori, Mei Suruga & Emi Sakura (Gatoh Move, 6/24/2019)

Gatoh Move - Japan Tour #437 (6/24/2019)

Riho, Sayaka Obihiro & Mitsuru Konno vs. Yuna Mizumori, Mei Suruga & Emi Sakura

Great mixture of action and lighthearted comedy for Riho's Ichigaya finale.

****1/4

Stardom - Stardom World Big Summer in Osaka (7/20/2019)

4. SWA World Championship: Utami Hayashishita (c) vs. Zoe Lucas

The execution was far from perfect, but it had a sense of progression and heat. Zoe was working on top, showing off her flexibility in several sequences, and she brought out a fire from the champion.

***1/2

6. Artist of Stardom Championship: STARS (Mayu Iwatani, Saki Kashima & Tam Nakano) (c) vs. Oedo Tai (Andras Miyagi, Kagetsu & Natsu Sumire)

Usual fun, well-flowing trios, with the heat between Sumire and Saki taking center stage. Emotional finish as Sumire won the first title of her six-year career.

***1/2