Stardom - 5STAR Grand Prix 2019 (8/18/2019)

4. 5STAR Grand Prix 2019 Red Stars Block: Hana Kimura vs. Natsu Sumire

This was a lot better than you might expect from a "no-frills" Hana-Sumire match. They get a good amount of mileage out of the submission struggles.

***1/4

6. 5STAR Grand Prix 2019 Blue Stars Block: Kagetsu vs. Natsuko Tora

Natsuko rampaging and pummelling Kagetsu around Shinkiba was brilliant. I want to see more of this from Natsuko. Thought the finish was done well, especially as someone who loves the visual of Kagetsu's poison mist.

***3/4

7. 5STAR Grand Prix 2019 Red Stars Block: AZM vs. Mayu Iwatani

This was a fun HS match, lots of rope running and pin reversals. Heated near-falls.

***1/2

8. 5STAR Grand Prix 2019 Red Stars Block: Hazuki vs. Tam Nakano

Well executed sprint with a lot of energy from the crowd. Tam was great on defense, taking big bumps and making strong counterattacks. 

***3/4

9. 5STAR Grand Prix 2019 Blue Stars Block: Bea Priestley vs. Konami

Beato and Konami have an unexpected chemistry. Loved their match in Sapporo and I loved this rematch as well. Great performances from both.

***3/4

10. 5STAR Grand Prix 2019 Blue Stars Block: Arisa Hoshiki vs. Utami Hayashishita

Another really good big match performance from Arisa. Pacing, details and big spots were on point, a compact epic in Shinkiba.

***3/4