ASUKA vs. Hana Kimura (WRESTLE-1, 9/2/2018)

WRESTLE-1 - Wrestling LOVE in Yokohama 2018 (9/2/2018)

ASUKA vs. Hana Kimura

Outside of WAVE is where ASUKA is at her most interesting since she shows personality, her heel work and the way she played to the crowd at the start gave the match depth. Hana returns from an excursion in Mexico with a couple of new techniques, including a very wacky submission hold.

***3/4

Avid Rival (Misaki Ohata & Ryo Mizunami) vs. Hiroe Nagahama & Miyuki Takase (WAVE, 6/30/2018)

WAVE - Osaka Rhapsody vol. 41 (6/30/2018)

Avid Rival (Misaki Ohata & Ryo Mizunami) vs. Hiroe Nagahama & Miyuki Takase

Avid Rival can do no wrong, they're so good at creating exciting tag matches with just about anyone. Hiroe & Miyuki are developing better chemistry and growing as a team, showing off some new double teams maneuvers. 

***1/2

Stardom - 5STAR Grand Prix 2018 (9/1/2018)

1. AZM vs. Sumire Natsu

***1/4

6. 5STAR Grand Prix 2018 Block B: Kagetsu vs. Utami Hayashishita

A 10-year veteran vs. an undefeated super rookie, the story writes itself. Utami's kill moves have been so well established that the crowd was sold on her possibly making the Red Belt champion submit. I liked how Utami got desperate with that illegal chokehold as she felt victory slipping from her grasp.

***3/4

7. Goddesses of Stardom Championship: STARS (Mayu Iwatani & Saki Kashima) (c) vs. STARS (Starlight Kid & Tam Nakano)

This is one of the best Goddesses matches in recent history, some very exciting tag team action and a great emotional segment between Mayu and Tam as the action began to slow down. I would like to see more StarTam as they have promising chemistry and are both very cute.

***3/4