1. AZM vs. Hanan
This was a good, fast-paced opener, with the right amount of time and a real sense of struggle. Hanan worked the leg, finding unique ways to set up her submissions.
***1/2
4. Future of Stardom Championship: Unagi Sayaka (c) vs. Rina
A very good match. Major improvement over the previous title defense. Unagi has grown a lot as a performer, and so has Rina, who blends judo with traditional wrestling and heel work in a unique way. You won't see any other 14 year olds performing gory bombs.
***1/2
6. 5STAR Grand Prix 2021 Blue Stars: Takumi Iroha vs. Maika
I think this match was a classic example of the winning wrestler doing little to put over their losing opponent. Maika wasn't able to show much. She was sucked into Iroha's pace and unilaterally dominated.
***
7. High Speed Championship: Natsupoi (c) vs. Starlight Kid
This was a perfect culmination of the budding chemistry Natsupoi and Starlight Kid had shown in their previous matches, with some great callbacks to those encounters. Kid has developed a real killer instinct since joining Oedo Tai and some of her offense was punishing. Outstanding underneath performance from Natsupoi, with her selling and facial expressions. They both have a variety of ways to end a match, which made the closing stretch feel especially dramatic. What a gift to have a title match of this quality in the middle of a tournament.
****1/4
