1. Starlight Kid vs. Ruaka
Good opening match. This was the first time these two had faced in singles in over a year. Ruaka has been in good form lately and showing progress after a period of stagnation, and Starlight Kid’s work was also great and I liked that she mixed things up with a new finisher.
***1/4
2. Saya Iida vs. Lady C
Lady C made her debut against Iida and had a solid match underscored by her awesome chokeslam. This was essentially an upgraded version of that match, also including an awesome chokeslam that Iida did an impeccable sell job for. Even within the short time since the first match, both have noticeably improved since their first meeting.
***1/2
4. Queen's Quest (Utami Hayashishita & AZM) vs. Queen's Quest (Momo Watanabe & Saya Kamitani)
A spectacular prelude tag match to Utami/Kamitani. Queen's Quest has historically had some of the best intra-matches in Stardom and they seem to keep pushing the envelope. This was an all-action affair, with lots of great sequences and counters, and some smooth, dynamic segues.
****
5. Unagi Sayaka Trial Series - Match #1: Giulia vs. Unagi Sayaka
This was a visceral, story-driven match. The difference in power level here was significant, so Giulia was absorbing most of Unagi's attacks in the beginning and taking it easy, but gradually Unagi started landing significant moves. It lacked high spots and dynamic sequences, but it was good for what it was. Giulia did a great job putting Unagi over during and after the match, and I'm looking forward to the rest of Unagi's series.
***1/2