Stardom - 5STAR Grand Prix 2021 (9/18/2021)

2. Waka Tsukiyama Challenge Series - Match #4: Syuri vs. Waka Tsukiyama

I thought this was quite good. Waka has good movement and interesting submission maneuvers, and Syuri gave a good dominant performance while giving Waka moments of shine. The facial expressions of both are always interesting to watch.

***1/4

6. 5STAR Grand Prix 2021 Red Stars: Mayu Iwatani vs. Mina Shirakawa

Mina's best singles match so far. She's becoming a well-rounded performer, with a variety of moves that draw from various influences and charisma. This was a great match, the action flowed well and their character work made it even more interesting.

***3/4

Stardom - 5STAR Grand Prix 2021 (9/4/2021)

2. Natsupoi vs. Unagi Sayaka

This match was an interesting blend of traditional and comical wrestling and showcased the range of both performers. It was not unlike a match you would see from Toru Yano in the G1 Climax.

***1/4

4. Mai Sakurai Challenge Series - Match #3: Giulia vs. Mai Sakurai

Mai Sakurai's best Stardom match so far and a match that showed the genius of Giulia. It was similar to the match that Unagi had with Giulia as part of Unagi's trial series, with Giulia almost working to Mai's pace and giving her an inch without giving her too much. The ground exchanges were quite good, with both wrestlers working for their signature STF.

***1/2

5. 5STAR Grand Prix 2021 Red Stars: Himeka vs. Mina Shirakawa

This was a great sprint-style match, stable and consistent with almost no wasted movement. Mina showed a lot of tenacity. I liked her wheel kick and transition to set up the draping DDT. And Himeka, in her third match since her return, has already gotten into her groove.

***1/2

6. 5STAR Grand Prix 2021 Blue Stars: Konami vs. Takumi Iroha

That was a solid match. Iroha hit some heavy strikes, and Konami showed some cool transitions on the ground. It didn't quite reach second gear in my opinion, but it was a fun, flashy back and forth nonetheless.

***1/4

7. 5STAR Grand Prix 2021 Blue Stars: Syuri vs. Utami Hayashishita

An abridged and more intimate version of the deadly battle in Ota Ward. Syuri was overwhelming both offensively and defensively, keeping Utami constantly working. They build upon their previous encounters with some amazing sequences. The action was almost constant for 20 minutes, but the dynamism and diversity kept it interesting.

****1/4

Maya Yukihi & Yumi Ohka vs. Mayumi Ozaki & Saori Anou (OZ Academy, 8/18/2021)

OZ Academy - Mayumi Ozaki Debut 35th Anniversary Show ~ Plum Flower Blooming Oz Country (8/18/2021)

Mayumi Ozaki Debut 35th Anniversary Irregular Rules Match - OZ Academy Openweight Championship: Maya Yukihi & Yumi Ohka vs. Mayumi Ozaki & Saori Anou

This was a good, solid match. It may have been a little disappointing considering its length, but the content was mostly solid and entertaining throughout. Each performer was able to show their unique qualities. Selfishly I wish Anou had stayed in the match longer, but alas...

***1/2

Mei Suruga & Baliyan Akki vs. Emi Sakura & Masahiro Takanashi (ChocoPro, 8/8/2021)

ChocoPro - ChocoPro #144 (8/8/2021)

Super Asian Dream Tag Team Championship: Mei Suruga & Baliyan Akki vs. Emi Sakura & Masahiro Takanashi

This was as great as expected. Both teams are among the best and most consistent in the country. It was full of ChocoPro's signature fast-paced, innovative action that makes use of the unique environment, interspersed with some slow heat-building moments. An easy to watch 30 minutes.

****1/2

Minoru Fujita vs. Mei Suruga (ChocoPro, 8/15/2021)

ChocoPro - ChocoPro #125 (8/15/2021)

Super Asia Championship: Minoru Fujita (c) vs. Mei Suruga

The real story of this match was Mei's depth as a performer. She showed that she can carry an interesting match for almost 60 minutes. It was a grueling war of attrition that was built around several key moves that were well-placed throughout the duration of the match. Fujita didn't do anything impressive or excessively flashy, he's more of a personality-first type of wrestler and he played his role here well as a rugged, durable opponent that Mei needed to overcome to obtain the belt. To be honest, it's hard to recommend a match of this length in this style of wrestling, but it was a great match for enthusiasts of ChocoPro and Mei Suruga.

****1/4

Rebel X Enemy (Maika Ozaki & Maya Yukihi) vs. Dropkickers (Tsukasa Fujimoto & Tsukushi Haruka) (Ice Ribbon, 4/11/2021)

 Ice Ribbon - #1109 in SKIP City (4/11/2021)

International Ribbon Tag Team Championship: Rebel X Enemy (Maika Ozaki & Maya Yukihi) vs. Dropkickers (Tsukasa Fujimoto & Tsukushi Haruka)

When it comes to delivering dynamic and innovative tag team matches, the International Ribbon division is undefeated. This was a lively affair from beginning to end, high-intensity action with clever and diverse sequences. A hotly contested spotfest that didn't feel its length at all.

****1/4