Mitsuru Konno vs. Riho (Gatoh Move, 11/19/2017)

Gatoh Move - Japan Tour・323 (11/19/2017)

Mitsuru Konno vs. Riho

Strong showcase for Konno who used a variety of submission maneuvers. Riho had some unique counters and that springboard body press was neat.

***

Miyako Matsumoto vs. Karen DATE (Ice Ribbon, 4/8/2018)

Ice Ribbon - #877 ~ Ryogoku KFC Ribbon 2018 (4/8/2018)

ICE×∞ Championship: Miyako Matsumoto (c) vs. Karen DATE

This was good! Miyako might be one of the best on the roster when it comes to creating compelling main events, she understands how to make those big moments feel meaningful. The execution wasn't always there, especially on Karen's end, but it's to be expected given her inexperience so I forgive her.

***1/2

Stardom - Dream Slam in Nagoya (4/1/2018)

3. Future of Stardom Championship: Starlight Kid (c) vs. AZM

Another amazing Future of Stardom match. This had intense pacing with some hatred behind the moves, especially those dropkicks. That counter in the finishing sequence was brutal and unexpected.

***3/4

6. The Apache Family (Faby Apache, Mary Apache & Natsumi) vs. Natsuko Tora, Saki Kashima & Shiki Shibusawa

Funny match. The Apache Family are a whirlwind of violence.

***1/2

7. SWA World Championship: Viper (c) vs. Jungle Kyona

Great match, Kyona gave a spirited performance working underneath, she's the hometown hero so the crowd was strongly behind her and those last-minute counters she was making were great.

****

8. World of Stardom Championship: Toni Storm (c) vs. Mayu Iwatani

The opening segment with Toni mocking Mayu's injury was silly, but this was otherwise a great match. The callbacks to the previous encounter in Nagoya (where Mayu got injured, forfeiting the title) were done well, with Storm working the injured arm and the dropkick that caused the injury being a dramatic moment they built to. I also like how Mayu's frustration led to her rushing and making mistakes. Strong Zero being this dangerous, lightning-fast move reminds me of Mariko Yoshida's Air Raid Crash, loving how Toni utilizes it.

****

9. Current Blast Exploding Bat Death Match: Io Shirai & Tam Nakano vs. Oedo Tai (Kagetsu & Sumire Natsu)

This was incredible, the action was fast-paced and exciting, and the tension building into the bat spots and the explosions themselves created such an unsettling atmosphere. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, loved this.

****1/2