Stardom - 5STAR Grand Prix 2019 (9/22/2019)

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

This match delivered what it promises on paper, more than the previous matches in the feud. There was hate, wild brawling, and plenty of deadly big boots exchanged.

***3/4

5. 5STAR Grand Prix 2019 Red Stars Block: Mayu Iwatani vs. Momo Watanabe

A high-tempo match where seemingly every sequence ended in a big move. This was a tremendous sub 10-minute sprint.  The progression of the moves and the momentum shifts felt organic. There were no wasted movements.

****1/2

7. 5STAR Grand Prix 2019 Blue Stars Block: Arisa Hoshiki vs. Kagetsu

This is the match I was looking forward to most because it involves two of my favorite big match performers in the promotion. They use the full 15-minutes to lay out a well paced build to a hot climax. This was a very good timeout draw.

****

8. 5STAR Grand Prix 2019 Blue Stars Block: Bea Priestley vs. Jamie Hayter

There was a lull in the middle where it felt like Bea was just doing moves with no heat behind them, but generally, the match was a good meeting between two top foreigners with explosive offense.

***1/2

9. 5STAR Grand Prix 2019 - Finals: Hana Kimura vs. Konami

The was not a blowaway match, but it was great. Konami going after the leg with a wide range of attacks, and Hana making the most out of small windows of opportunity. The sudden finish was consistent with the story of the match.

***3/4