Stardom (2/18/2017)

4. Christi Jaynes, Deonna Purrazzo & Shayna Baszler vs. Queen's Quest (AZM, HZK & Io Shirai)

AZM relies on evasive maneuvers and assists from her partners rather than fighting directly, which made for a neat dynamic for the QQ trio. Really fun tag.

***

5. Hiroyo Matsumoto, Jungle Kyona & Kaori Yoneyama vs. BY Ho (Kairi Hojo & Yoko Bito) & Natsuko Tora

There's some great tension between Hojo and Kyona building up to their match at Korakuen. Kyona gets the clean win over Hojo with a gutwrench spinning powerbomb. Satisfying finish to a good main event.

***1/2

Hikaru Shida, Misaki Ohata, Mika Iida & Kagetsu vs. Rina Yamashita, Sawako Shimono, Fairy Nipponbashi & Yuu Yamagata (DAIJO, 12/25/2016)

DAIJO - Holy Night (12/25/2016)

Elimination: Hikaru Shida, Misaki Ohata, Mika Iida & Kagetsu vs. Rina Yamashita, Sawako Shimono, Fairy Nipponbashi & Yuu Yamagata

This was the blow-off to a years-worth of build between DAIJO's sekigun and the outsiders, and it is a doozy. Great heel work from the outsiders as they cut the ring in half, and use weapons and choke holds. Heel Iiida looks amazing in her Mio Shirai gear. Fairy's FIP segments were so good, she was HOPELESS and that made Yamashita's comeback that much stronger. Well laid out.

****

Stardom - Kyoto Stars (2/4/2017)

4. Io Shirai vs. Konami

Great intense little encounter. Konami was relentless, like a red-headed wolverine, and Io was scrambling and relying on craft.

****

5. SWA World Championship: Toni Storm (c) vs. Viper

This was solid.

**3/4

6. BY Ho (Kairi Hojo & Yoko Bito) vs. Queen's Quest (HZK & X)

 X was revealed to be Io Shirai. Shocker of the year. There's some great double teams and counters, and was on an aggressive HZK streak, channeling senpai Yoshiko. There's also continuity with BY Ho working Io's leg that was damaged earlier in her bout with Konami.

***3/4

Kairi Hojo vs. Chelsea (Stardom, 8/5/2016)

Stardom - Shining Stars 2016 (8/5/2016)

Wonder of Stardom Championship: Kairi Hojo (c) vs. Chelsea

Everything here felt like it had a purpose. Hojo wrestled smart, sticking to her core offense and not doing anything out of reach. I liked the way Chelsea used her height as a defensive tool. The submission work looked rough in a good way, the sluggish transitions sold the exhaustion and struggle of both wrestlers.

****1/2

Arisa Nakajima vs. Rina Yamashita (REINA, 12/26/2014)

REINA - Final Stage 2014 (12/26/2014)

Arisa Nakajima vs. Rina Yamashita

REINA has some diamonds in the rough. This went 8 minutes and was everything you'd want from these two hard-hitters. Intense exchanges and counters, a RAINMAKER, a SHOOT HEADBUTT. Yamashita was only in her first year, but you could definitely see that spark of potential.

***

Saori Anou vs. Tam Nakano (GUYZ, 2/14/2017)

GUYZ - GUYZ PART 4 (2/14/2017)

Saori Anou vs. Tam Nakano

Saori's new attire with many studded belts have made tape so this was exciting. Tam has an interesting look, her kicks were crisp and she did a unique double-arm submission hold. I'd love to see more of her. This was a solid match.

**1/2

SEAdLINNNG - Integral-d (1/26/2017)

4. Hiroyo Matsumoto & Sareee vs. Aja Kong & Yoshiko

Sareee came into this thing looking for a fight with her sights set on Yoshiko, and they do some great feuding that builds up to an explosive climax. A dormant anger from Yoshiko provoked and unleashed! I loved the chaos of the finale; a commotion mowing through the crowd as talents come rushing in to break up the brawl. Easily one of the best non-finishes I've ever seen.

****3/4

5. Arisa Nakajima vs. Nanae Takahashi

This was a big match, one that gradually builds over close to 30 minutes. Arisa was working hard, her execution was pristine and she showed a lot of heart. This was billed as her rebirth and it felt like it. I look forward to what she'll do as a member of SEAdLINNNG.

****