Stardom - The Way to Major League (2/8/2020)

3. Artist of Stardom Championship: Queen's Quest (AZM, Momo Watanabe & Utami Hayashishita) (c) vs. Donna del Mondo (Giulia, Maika & Syuri)

One of the best Artist matches in recent memory. The mini-feuds running through the match were good and each of them felt unique. Maika looked beyond her years, showing confidence and deadly judo techniques. Syuri looked motivated working with fresh opponents. And Giulia was the most comfortable she’s been in a Stardom ring so far. Although this wasn’t DDM’s debut, this was a great “coming out” for them.

****

4. Wonder of Stardom Championship: Arisa Hoshiki (c) vs. Bea Priestley

Another great title defense from Arisa. Bea has been presented as one of the strongest wrestlers on the roster so this really felt like one of the champion’s toughest challenges yet. There was heavy striking, and dynamic counters and sequences.

***3/4

5. Mayu Iwatani vs. Takumi Iroha

This was originally supposed to be Mayu Iwatani vs. Sareee, but Takumi Iroha was called in as a last minute replacement of the latter. Iroha controlled the pace, with power and precision striking, while Mayu fought from underneath with slick counters and aerial maneuvers. Iroha's attacks on the bandaged shoulder of Mayu were brutal; and Mayu's ragdoll selling sold the explosive power of Iroha. This was an epic meeting of aces.

****1/2

Tokyo Joshi Pro - Tokyo Joshi 2020 Winter ~wonderful harmony~ (2/11/2020)

5. Pandemic Boo-Boo (Hikari Noa & Natsumi Maki) vs. Mirai Maiumi & Mizuki

This was a very good tag match. Pandeboo (Natsumi & Hikari) haven’t teamed up in a 2v2 format since Natsumi’s injury, but they haven’t missed a step as one of the best tag teams in the promotion. This had lots of exciting sequences and combination moves.

***3/4

6. Princess of Princess Championship: Yuka Sakazaki (c) vs. Lana Austin

Probably one of Yuka’s hardest-hitting bouts. They were throwing slugs. Yuka showed an aggressive side with some of her offense, that tree-of-woe backbreaker is a violent addition to her moveset. Lana seemed fundamentally solid, but lacked stamina, as she was breathing heavily throughout the match. The match could have used something to build around to make things more interesting, but it was a good heavy-hitter.

***1/2

Riho vs. Nyla Rose (AEW, 2/12/2020)

AEW - Dynamite #19 (2/12/2020

AEW Women's World Championship: Riho (c) vs. Nyla Rose

I loved this as much as their first match. Riho and Nyla feel like natural opponents, the face and heel dynamic between them is defined and easy to understand, and they always get the crowd excited. There were many great sequences involving Nyla being a giant monster and Riho being the undersized underdog using her speed and technical advantage. Riho also showed a rare intensity, the running dropkick across the table and dragon suplexes were awesome.

****1/4

Mei Suruga vs. Kagetsu (Gatoh Move, 2/9/2020)

Gatoh Move - gtmv #35 (2/9/2020)

Mei Suruga vs. Kagetsu

This felt like a special encounter, even in a shithole like Basement Monster. Both wrestlers were able to show off their unique and different styles as they traded offense and defense. Kagetsu looked to be having a lot of fun and put over Mei strong with her selling, and there were some great near-falls.

***3/4

Kenny Omega & Riho vs. Kip Sabian & Penelope Ford (AEW, 1/22/2020)

AEW Dark #18 (1/22/2020)

Kenny Omega & Riho vs. Kip Sabian & Penelope Ford

I heard good reviews for this match, but it exceeded my expectations. The smooth flow of the action from one spot into another made for an exciting match; there was impressive coordination shown by both teams. And the nighttime setting and closeness of the crowd to the ring gave the match a warm and intimate feeling.

****