Saturday, September 28, 2019

Stardom - 5STAR Grand Prix 2019 (9/8/2019)

1. Leo Onozaki vs. Riho

Seeing Riho perform in a singles match capacity in a Stardom ring feels surreal. This was her first singles in the promotion; against the low ranking Leo Onozaki (who has physically bulked up recently). Riho does an aggressive, veteran workover. Leo makes her small but explosive comebacks. Short and simple match elevated by Riho’s in-ring presence.

***1/4

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

A match that was originally supposed to take place during Golden Week. These two feel like natural opponents. A surprisingly physical match with a shocking finish.

***1/4

6. 5STAR Grand Prix 2019 Blue Stars Block: Jungle Kyona vs. Kagetsu

This was another excellent match from Kyona and Kagetsu. They reference the previous matches in the feud with sequences and cut-offs, as well as showing new content. There are some small aspects I liked here, such as Kyona's triangle choke. Dueling limb work was the theme of the match and it was consistent and well done.

***1/2

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

There's strong action in this match because the two have great chemistry (despite not meeting in singles matches often). It doesn't come close to their match from last year, but it was enjoyable.

***1/2

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