Stardom - 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 (8/9/2020)

2. 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Blue Block: Saya Iida vs. Maika

This was a good sprint-style match. They developed a good chemistry and took each other's offense well. The near-falls were very well done. The selling and bumping of Iida was particularly impressive.

***1/2

3. 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Red Block Block: Mayu Iwatani vs. Starlight Kid

This was a great match. Mayu was the perfect base for Starlight Kid's offense, taking maniacal bumps. Kid isn't an athletic high-flyer, but she has a good sense of balance. Mayu's Gory special counter to the Yoshi Tonic was very cool.

***3/4

4. 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Blue Block: Momo Watanabe vs. AZM

Similar to the one before it, this was a senior vs. junior style match. AZM tried to overwhelm Momo with her ropework and speedy attacks, and Momo picked her spots with counters. Some timing issues aside, this match was very good.

***3/4

5. 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Red Block: Konami vs. Tam Nakano

Konami was putting on the pressure with hard strikes and grinding submission work, while Tam fought from underneath with her usual grit. Tam's comeback may have been too brief, but the spin kicks to the head seemed convincing enough.

***1/2

8. 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Red Block: Giulia vs. Himeka

This was better than expected. Both are only in their second year, but they put on a match suitable for a Korakuen Hall main event. They developed a nice pace and traded heavy blows. The finishing sequence was a bit awkward, but the finish itself was brutal.

***1/2