Stardom - All Star Dream Cinderella (3/3/2021)

0. High Speed Championship: AZM (c) vs. Natsupoi

This was a great opener. As usual with the High Speed division, there was speedy wrestling, pristine technique and hot pin-reversal battles. The story of Natsupoi's struggle was told well and I loved the way her new finisher was built up.

***1/2

0. Goddesses of Stardom Championship: Donna del Mondo (Maika & Himeka) (c) vs. Oedo tai (Natsuko Tora & Saki Kashima)

A hard-hitting and action-packed tag team match. The finish was a bit sudden, but it was a fun high paced match with little downtime.

***1/4

2. Momo Watanabe vs. Nanae Takahashi

This was a G1 Climax style sprint. They never quite let up from attacking each other at the bell. It was fast-paced and hard-hitting.

***3/4

3. SWA World Championship: Syuri (c) vs. Konami

Syuri continued her strong reign as SWA champion. It was only 8 minutes but it was a dense 8 minutes, where they made full use of their striking and submissions.

***1/2

4. Mayu Iwatani vs. Yoshiko

This delivered to its dream match expectations. Yoshiko has slimmed down, but she still possesses her monstrous power. Mayu was perhaps an even scarier monster. She was in full zombie mode here, taking heavy damage only to explode back on the offensive. It started slow but developed into a high-impact back and forth.

****1/4

5. World of Stardom Championship: Utami Hayashishita (c) vs. Saya Kamitani

There were many doubters when Kamitani challenged for the belt, but she pulled through big time with a tremendous performance. She's always good at conveying her emotions and her high-risk offense always adds an element of drama and danger to her matches. Utami showed her championship killer instinct, targeting the lower back early and landing heavy offense throughout.

****1/4

6. Hair vs. Hair - Wonder of Stardom Championship: Giulia (c) vs. Tam Nakano

Each Giulia vs. Tam match is an improvement on the last while still standing well on its own and this was no exception. They upped the ante once more with even bigger spots and a dramatic stipulation attached. The storytelling was comprehensive and emotional. A storied rivalry, Nippon Budokan, Akira Hokuto on commentary, with scalps and a championship up for grabs. This had all the makings of a historic encounter. 

****1/2