Stardom - Gold May 2019 (5/16/2019)

3. Kagetsu vs. Toni Storm

Although the only thing at stake was the pride of the competitors, this was a title match-caliber performance that heated up Korakuen. Toni-san goes the distance in another 15-minute draw replete with strong content. 

****1/4

5. World of Stardom Championship: Bea Priestley (c) vs. Hazuki

This was a bomb-filled sprint between aggressive wrestlers. There was enough space between the bursts of action to allow for tension to build. A great first defense for Beato and one of the stronger singles performances from Hazuki.

***3/4

6. Wonder of Stardom Championship: Momo Watanabe (c) vs. Arisa Hoshiki

I thought there were cool exchanges here and Arisa's expanding her moveset in an interesting way. I suppose Momo plainly losing when she was out-striked during a strike exchange is appropriate against an opponent with a shoot boxing background, but the finishing stretch felt lacking.

***1/2

Oedo Tai (Kagetsu & Natsuko Tora) vs. Tokyo Cyber Squad (Jungle Kyona & Konami) (Stardom, 5/5/2019)

Stardom - Oedo Tai Produce Golden Week Stars 2019 (5/5/2019)

Oedo Tai (Kagetsu & Natsuko Tora) vs. Tokyo Cyber Squad (Jungle Kyona & Konami)

Billed as "Strong Battle" this was in longer form than Stardom tag main events normally are when there is no belt on the line. Great match that advanced feuds and contained neat tandem moves from the new unit pairings.

***3/4

Stardom - Queen's Quest Produce Golden Week Stars 2019 (5/4/2019)

5. Momo Watanabe vs. Toni Storm

This was the most complete Momo performance since her feud with Io. Working within the framework of a 15-minute time out draw, they spread out the big moves and built to them in a way that made them feel earned (while also padding time). Toni sold the desperation well, as she teased the rarely-used guillotine leg drop that she defeated Io with for the SWA Belt.

****1/4

6. World of Stardom Championship: Kagetsu (c) vs. Bea Priestley

This is a match I've been clamoring for since last year and it didn't go contrary to my expectations. The action was beautiful and brutal, Bea utilizing dangerous attacks to the head and spine, and Kagetsu giving a strong effort from underneath with the crowd behind her.

****1/2

WAVE - PHASE 2 OSAKA Reboot (4/28/2019)

2. Hikaru Shida vs. Yuu

This was an exhibition style match where both exchanged their usual offense. There was a great feat of strength from Yuu during a powerbomb tease that looked a lot more impressive outside of TJPW where the girls are mostly smaller, and Shida's various knee strikes are always fun.

***1/2

3. Black Widow (Nagisa Nozaki & Yumi Ohka) vs. Sakura Hirota & Yuki Miyazaki

This was a really great match, it developed well and reached a high level of drama. Hirota's shtick can be hit-or-miss, especially of late, but the comedy spots were incorporated seamlessly into the action.

****