Ice Ribbon ~ 1127 Ice Ribbon 15th Anniversary Special Dojo Match (6/20/2021)

 4. Thekla vs. Suzu Suzuki

This was the 15th anniversary dojo event, and it seemed like they were working even harder than they usually do on events of this scale. Thekla is on the smaller side among the foreign competitors in Japan, but her all-around skill more than makes up for it. Grappling, submissions, striking, heel work; she's amazing in every way. And Suzu is similarly versatile. This match was filled with dynamic action, high-paced back and forth exchanges, and some great near falls. ****

5. Tsukasa Fujimoto, Risa Sera & Akane Fujita vs. Hiroyo Matsumoto, Yukihi Maya & Maika Ozaki

I'm always a sucker for a stacked prelude tag match. This one was a preview for Fujimoto-Hiroyo and was a loaded 30-minute epic in the Ice Ribbon dojo. It had a catchy ebb and flow to it, and the big moves were well distributed over its long duration. Each performer shined as they showed their great chemistry and familiarity with each other both as partners and opponents. The key encounters had plenty of depth to them. ****1/2

Tokyo Joshi Pro - ALL RISE 21 (11/25/2021)

5. Rika Tatsumi vs. Yuki Arai

A great showcase of Yuki Arai that had a nice build and pace to it, thanks to Rika's craftsmanship. Arai's facial performance shined and she showed great timing in her comebacks. ***1/2

6. International Princess Championship: Hikari Noa (c) vs. Miu Watanabe

This was a great match. Both of them showed the EXP they've gained since their last match over a year ago. Miu's growth has been the more noticeable of the two, with an improved physique and an expanding moveset. However, Hikari has sharpened her core weapons and learned how to use them more effectively. On commentary, Chris Brooks compared Hikari to a fighting game player who spams the same move over and over, which I thought was a good description of her style. I couldn't help but feel they had more to explore, but they put together an exciting match for the time given. ***3/4

7. Princess Tag Team Championship: Magical Sugar Rabbits (Mizuki & Yuka Sakazaki) (c) vs.  121000000 (Maki Itoh & Miyu Yamashita)

An amazing all-star tag team main event, with the elite four of the promotion putting on their best performances. It was also a nice hidden prelude to 1.4, with Miyu and Mizuki building up a singles match in a hot finishing stretch. Itoh and Yuka were also a great combination.  ****1/2

Stardom - FIBREPLEX Presents TOKYO SUPER WARS ～Tokyo Super Women's War～ (11/27/2021)

5. High Speed Championship: Starlight Kid vs. Koguma

This was another great high speed title match. Tremendous speed, balance and athleticism from both competitors. Kid continues to evolve and seems to show something new and exciting in every defense. ***1/2

6. SWA World Championship & 5STAR Grand Prix Challenge Certificate - UWF Rules: Syuri (c) vs. Konami

This was the best U-Inter style match I’ve seen recently. Both wrestlers are obviously suited for this style of match, with Syuri being probably the most qualified in the country. They were able to communicate the drama and splendor of pro-wrestling through a mostly shoot-style match, using the ruleset to create momentum shifts and build tension. ****

7. Wonder of Stardom Championship: Tam Nakano (c) vs. Mina Shirakawa

I’m a big fan of story-driven matches but I think this was an instance of a match leaning too heavily in that direction. There were some great moments, but the action was overall lacking, and the match didn’t have the structure and focus of the previous defense against Unagi. Mina’s change in character is interesting. It’s always nice to see a wrestler embracing change. I'm looking forward to seeing what she does from here. ***1/2

8. World of Stardom Championship: Utami Hayashishita (c) vs. Maika 

These two seem to get stronger each time they face each other. This was a no-nonsense, power fight. Early judo grip fighting steadily developed into a fierce back and forth affair, with lariat exchanges, submission battles and hard-nosed displays of fighting spirit. Maika showed tremendous strength despite suffering heavy damage and returning from an injury. I was moved by her "face" performance. ****1/4

Hazuki vs. Unagi Sayaka (Stardom, 10/30/2021)

Stardom (10/30/2021)

Hazuki vs. Unagi Sayaka

A great back and forth. The result was as expected, but it was a very intriguing match between the red and white belt challengers before Kawasaki. Unagi has established a great structure and flow to the way she carries out her unique offense, and Hazuki showed her signature intensity. ***1/2

Akane Fujita vs. Maya Yukihi (Ice Ribbon, 5/9/2021)

Ice Ribbon - #1117 in SKIP City (5/9/2021)

FantastICE Championship #1 Contendership: Akane Fujita vs. Maya Yukihi

Solid main event. It had the potential to be better, but it didn't quite deliver. Akane is a glutton for punishment and has good striking power, but she doesn't have much personality so her underdog performance wasn't very compelling. Yukihi kept the match interesting with her varied and flashy attacks. ***1/4

Ami Miura vs. Ai Houzan (Sendai Girls, 11/23/2021)

Sendai Girls (11/23/2021)

Jaja Uma Tournament - Quarter Finals: Ami Miura vs. Ai Houzan

Good lively back and forth. Although it was short, it was high energy, with both showcasing their unique skills and seeming eager to leave an impression on the audience. Miura's dropkick was like a shotgun blast. And Ai showed great movement and fundamentals. ***1/2

Ibuki Hoshi vs. Maya Yukihi (Ice Ribbon, 5/29/2021)

Ice Ribbon - #1122 (5/29/2021)

Ibuki Hoshi vs. Maya Yukihi

Great match, as expected from the names involved. Both were hitting hard, and Ibuki always puts on an energetic performance. There is an exciting velocity and impact to her attacks. Maya's work on top was also really great. ***1/2