AEW - AEW Women's World Championship Eliminator Tournament: Japan Bracket - First Round (2/15/2021)

 1. AEW Women's World Championship Eliminator Tournament Japan Bracket - First Round: Yuka Sakazaki vs. Mei Suruga

It seems there was some unfamiliarity in the execution, but overall this was a great way to open the tournament. The action was easy to follow and the performers showed their individual charm. Mei put pressure on the taped-up neck of Yuka with a variety of attacks, and Yuka picked her spots with powerful slams.

***1/2

2. AEW Women's World Championship Eliminator Tournament Japan Bracket - First Round: Emi Sakura vs. VENY

This was a great clash of styles, for two wrestlers who had only wrestled each other once prior to this match they seemed to have natural chemistry and rhythm in the ring. They worked an exhilarating pace with fierce strike exchanges and sharp counter work.

****

3. AEW Women's World Championship Eliminator Tournament Japan Bracket - First Round: Ryo Mizunami vs. Maki Itoh

The opening sequence was ideal in introducing first-time viewers to the personalities of these two. The actual body of the match wasn't so compelling until the very end when Itoh started going toe-to-toe with the powerhouse Mizunami in a strike exchange and landed some big moves.

***

4. AEW Women's World Championship Eliminator Tournament Japan Bracket - First Round: Aja Kong vs. Rin Kadokura

This was pretty much a uniform Aja Kong squash, but Aja looked like a true professional in the way she carried a lively match with an opponent who doesn't have much physical charisma.

**3/4