Stardom - NEW BLOOD 1 (3/11/2022)

 2. Ai Houzan & Maria vs. Unagi Sayaka & Waka Tsukiyama

This was unexpectedly amazing. A fast paced match with everyone showing high workrate, technique and zeal. The feud between Unagi and Maria added an extra dimension to the action and made this more than just a crossover showcase match. ***3/4

3. Lady C & Saya Kamitani vs. Mai Sakurai & MIRAI

Another match on this card that was unexpectedly great. Everyone was allowed to shine and the match was given ample time to develop naturally. Kamitani and MIRAI had a fresh and meaningful encounter, while Lady and Mai traded deadly big boots like Kawada and Taue. ***1/2

4. Aoi & Tomoka Inaba vs. Hanan & Saya Iida

It was cool to see the Future of Stardom champion and Senjo Junior champion on opposite sides, but the real story of the match was Saya Iida's return after 339 days away. She hardly missed a beat. In fact, her condition seemed better than before. The timing and explosiveness of her comeback was amazing, and I was reminded of just how good she is. Everyone else also looked good and were able to show their uniqueness. ***1/2

5. Haruka Umesaki & Nanami vs. Ruaka & Starlight Kid

This was not as impressive as a few of the matches before it but it was solid enough, with clean performances from everyone involved. Kid and Umesaki's rivalry looks promising. ***

6. Miyu Amasaki vs. Utami Hayashishita

Stellar debut for Miyu Amasaki. The early goings were wrestled and paced in such a way that you didn't quite know what she was capable of and then she found an opening with a knee bar and started doing amazing stuff one after another. Utami of course kept the match stable, but Miyu also performed very well in a high-pressure situation, with stunning visuals and a nice range of techniques. ***1/2

Starlight Kid vs. Natsupoi (Stardom, 2/1/2022)

Stardom - New Year Stars 2022 (2022)

High Speed Championship: Starlight Kid (c) vs. Natsupoi

I have been enjoying the High Speed division very much lately. It's a small division so everyone is fighting each other consistently and developing a deep chemistry. The previous match between these two was an "evolution of high speed" and with this match they continued to push the boundaries of the division with a long-form main event in Korakuen Hall that was a splendid mix of technicality, high-flying, charisma and emotion. The fleet-footed back and forth action couldn't be contained in the ring and spilled to the outside several times, leading to big time moves and sequences on the floor or apron that sometimes involved their stablemates. Lots of top notch trades and skillful evading of each other's attacks. The few lulls were followed by sudden bursts of offense and defense. A high speed classic. ****1/2

Stardom - Cinderella Journey in Nagaoka (2/23/2022)

 4. Donna del Mondo (Giulia, MIRAI & Thekla) vs. Donna del Mondo (Himeka, Maika & Syuri)

This was a short 20 minute trios match that showed the vividness of the new DDM. Each member was given their moments to shine, and Giulia and Syuri previewed their upcoming title match in hard-hitting segments. ****

6. High Speed Championship: Starlight Kid (c) vs. AZM

This match exceeded high speed. I never envisioned these two would be capable of such a match. Sharp technical grappling and rope work, and frantic pin scrambles. There were also the necessary slow points that swelled the tension for some great near-falls and a well delivered pay off. ****1/4

7. Wonder of Stardom Championship: Saya Kamitani (c) vs. Natsupoi

A fan vote was held to determine the main event of the show and this match won by a wide margin. Both competitors were surely under a lot of pressure to meet the expectations of the fans. And unlike the semi-main event, Kamitani and Natsupoi had no history between them to draw from, but they each had their own motivations. For the champion Kamitani it was to replace the negative memories of this same venue she failed an idol audition in years ago. This was a great main event with a combination of brilliance and rawness, as both showed off some flashy new moves and unleashed some big bombs. From the bell they worked an exhilarating pace for over 20 minutes. ****1/4

Maya Yukihi vs. Ram Kaichow (Ice Ribbon, 8/24/2019)

Ice Ribbon -  #986 ~ Ice In Wonderland 2019 (8/24/2019)

ICExInfinity Title Tournament - Quarter Finals: Maya Yukihi vs. Ram Kaichow

The first big singles match of Ram Kaichow's career. A high stakes quarterfinal in a tournament to decide the next ICE challenger. Maya's expressive range in this match was impressive. Her playfulness when in control early on, and her shock and awe as Kaichow began to pick up steam and string together offense, eventually scoring close near-falls, was well delivered. This was one of her best individual performances. The crowd was hot for everything which gave the match a special aura. ****1/4

Ram Kaichow vs. Tsukasa Fujimoto (Ice Ribbon, 6/30/2019)

Ice Ribbon - #968 In SKIP City (6/30/2019)

Ram Kaichow vs. Tsukasa Fujimoto

This was Ram Kaichow's return to the ring after a long hiatus. The match went probably as you would expect a wrestler returning from a years-long hiatus to go. Simple in format and execution, with Fujimoto doing most of the work and Kaichow getting a few hits in. The crowd was very receptive to this matchup, active throughout the match, creating an aura of excitement for almost every moment. ***1/2

Akane Fujita & Ram Kaichow vs. Asahi & Suzu Suzuki (Ice Ribbon, 7/15/2019)

 Ice Ribbon - #971 ~ Yokohama Ribbon 2019 (7/15/2019)

Akane Fujita & Ram Kaichow vs. Asahi & Suzu Suzuki

This was unexpectedly amazing. Asahi & Suzu were a really fun and energetic team of juniors trying hard to score the win over the veteran team while also trying to not get outshone by the other, which made for a unique dynamic. Crowd was hot and the match was given a lot of time to develop. The momentum shifts were well-timed, and there were surprising kickouts from Asahi. ***3/4

Mizuki, Hikari Noa & Yuki Arai vs. Miu Watanabe, Yuki Aino & Suzume (Tokyo Joshi Pro, 2/19/2022)

Tokyo Joshi Pro - TJPW Tokyo Joshi 2022 Winter (2/19/2022)

Mizuki, Hikari Noa & Yuki Arai vs. Miu Watanabe, Yuki Aino & Suzume

Despite the absence of six wrestlers, they still managed to put together a stellar main event lineup. I don't know what the original main event was going to be, but the absences may have actually allowed some of the younger wrestlers to appear higher on the card than they perhaps would have. Anyway, this was a fun action-y six-man with a final exchange between Miu and Arai to end it. ***1/2