Stardom - Fight In The Top ~Nagoya Summit Battle~ (6/26/2022)

3. Himeka vs. Mina Shirakawa

Mina controlled the pace with a focused attack on the leg. The damage accumulation played into the finish of the match, and even though Himeka was able to win using Mina's own move against her; Mina controlled the match right up until the end, making timely counters aimed at the leg whenever Himeka seemed to be gaining control. The gap between the two appears to be shrinking. ***1/2

4. Artist of Stardom Championship - Elimination: Starlight Kid, Saki Kashima & Momo Watanabe (c) vs. Giulia, Maika & Mai Sakurai vs. Syuri, MIRAI & Ami Sourei

Another great Artist defense. The depth of the action felt bottomless. There were so many interactions and little things to enjoy, and everyone was given their moment to stand out. Kid's self-destructive elimination of Giulia and Syuri was particularly cool and dramatic. The finale between Kashima and Sourei felt like it could go either way, with Sourei being undefeated since her debut and Kashima being a wrestler who can take falls in multi-man tags in rural areas yet still convincingly win big matches with her super desperation comeback technique. ****1/4

5. Steel Cage Match: Tam Nakano vs. Natsupoi

This had such an unsettling and breathless atmosphere yet was so addictive. Two cute idol wrestlers with various moe elements dared to show their ugly side. Grotesque flesh-shaving assaults using the wired mesh of the cage, and heavy slaps and kicks and crushing suplexes. The VSD being performed in deafening silence was chilling and the hanging finish will surely be etched in the history of Reiwa. Natsupoi came to Stardom seeking this type of emotion driven grudge match and it was great to see her in such a fulfilling role with Tam, with whom she has a dark and complex relationship. ****1/2

6. Steel Cage Match: Mayu Iwatani, Koguma & Hazuki vs. Utami Hayashishita, AZM & Saya Kamitani

This was in direct contrast to the muddy grudge match that preceded it. A lighthearted sports competition-like approach to the cage match to send the fans home happy. It had high-risk spots and comical elements, with each wrestler showing plenty of personality. Koguma was once again the main character of a gimmick match with her 5-meter leap from the cage. I'm glad everyone seems to have escaped unharmed. ****1/4

Ice Ribbon - New Ice Ribbon #1210 ~ After The Rain, Ribbon 2022 (6/26/2022)

1. ICExInfinity Championship Tournament - Semi Finals: Yuuki Mashiro vs. Ibuki Hoshi

Mashiro casts her genjustu and envelops the opponent and the audience in her unique worldview. This was a great match, with a subtle, almost imperceptible build-up to a hot finish. Mashiro had some elements in her performance that could be considered comedic, but she played it with a dignified look on her face, which made it all the more amusing and compelling. Everything Ibuki did looked great as always, and her dynamic and energetic style was a nice contrast to Mashiro's mysterious, calculating and detailed approach. ***3/4

8. ICExInfinity Championship Tournament - Finals (decision): Saori Anou vs. Yuuki Mashiro

This match was almost solely a conduit to showcase Yuuki Mashiro's potential and mysterious charm. Anou's output felt mediocre and uninspired for the occasion, with a lot of repetitive techniques and a lack of tension and emotion in her comebacks. I was surprised that the winning wrestler fought so blandly. She simply could not match Mashiro's efforts in terms of performance on this day. Overall a solid match to decide the new champion, Mashiro's depiction of an underdog even when exploiting her opponent's injury and being in control for much of the match was amazing. This is the first time an outsider has held the belt since Mio Shirai, I believe, so it is a fresh way to start what is promised to be a new era for Ice Ribbon. ***1/4

Shoko Nakajima vs. Yuka Sakazaki (CyberFight Festival, 6/12/2022)

Cyberfight Festival 2022 (6/12/2022)

Tokyo Princess of Princess Championship: Shoko Nakajima (c) vs. Yuka Sakazaki 

This match was placed in an awkward spot, being made to follow Keiji Mutoh's retirement announcement. It had such a bizarre atmosphere, but they were able to put together a strong match that eventually engaged the crowd. I was impressed by some of the speedy exchanges and displays of strength. Both of them have well-trained bodies and are amongst the hardest workers on the roster. Yuka appeared to have suffered an injury which may have contributed to some awkward or flubbed spots, but it didn't hurt the pacing too much. It was lacking on the emotional side and had more of an " offer match" feel than a proper big title match feel, but it was a good match overall. ***1/2

Maki Itoh vs. Miyu Yamashita (Prestige Wrestling, 5/29/2022)

Prestige Wrestling (5/29/2022)

Maki Itoh vs. Miyu Yamashita

I thought this match, like the previous match between them, was well built until its later stages. With each match, their chemistry and counters become more polished, but in my opinion, they have yet to produce a truly hot finishing stretch. The execution of the finish was unsatisfactory. Even though the move looks convincing when it lands, the transition to the skull kick almost always feels rough. ***1/4

Tae Honma vs. Asahi (Ice Ribbon, 6/11/2022)

ICExInfinity Championship Tournament - First Round: Tae Honma vs. Asahi

A focused and compact dojo main event unique to Warabi, Saitama. There was nothing visually remarkable about the match, but it was well executed, both wrestlers aiming at each other's arms. Asahi was returning from an injury and wrestled a more grounded style of match than usual. In theory, the match succeeded in elevating Asahi to Honma's equal. However, as a match held in front of 63 spectators, I don't think it did anything more than showcase Asahi's abilities to those who already know what she is capable of. ***1/4

DASH Chisako & Hiroyo Matsumoto vs. Mochi Natsumi & Risa Sera (Sendai Girls, 5/7/2022)

Sendai Girls (5/7/2022)

DASH Chisako & Hiroyo Matsumoto vs. Mochi Natsumi & Risa Sera

Somehow, I think this match might end up being more interesting than the match it was building up. It was a heated, hard-hitting affair and the introduction of weapons made it even more intense. Compared to the other members of Prominence, Mochi seems to be less in demand and is not booked very often. However, she is a good utility player with clean technique. I was impressed by her ability to match the intensity of the other wrestlers in this match, which was contrary to her usual light-hearted atmosphere. ****

Mei Suruga vs. Suzume (Gatoh Move, 5/26/2022)

Gatoh Move - Mei Suruga Debut 4th Anniversary ~ Apple and Crew (5/26/2022)

Mei Suruga vs. Suzume

This was an amazing match. It reminded me of the Super Asia title bouts during the Riho era of Gatoh Move. The match started off lightheartedly but heated up when Mei began to incorporate heel elements, forming a " face-heel" composition. Suzume played her part well as the face, with sharp technical wrestling and lively counterattacks, and performed at a level I haven't seen from her yet in her home promotion. Mei gave the truest performance of an ace, bringing out the best in her opponent and winning in a dignified manner. ****

Yuuki Mashiro vs. Kaho Matsushita (Ice Ribbon, 5/28/2022)

Ice Ribbon - New Ice Ribbon #1204 ~ Yokohama Ribbon 2022 May (Evening Show) (5/28/2022)

ICExInfinity Championship Tournament - First Round: Yuuki Mashiro vs. Kaho Matsushita

An incredible main event that carried on the original spirit of Ice Ribbon as an organization where raw, young wrestlers shine. Matsushita may not have the visuals and personality of the previous generation (Mashiro, Ishikawa), but she is certainly the most talented and dependable of the recent batch of rookies. Mashiro, who prodded her opponent with an old school heel fighting style, showed a level of performance I hadn't seen from her before, including the use of a powerbomb for the first time. Mashiro wrestles like Ric Flair or Harley Race in their heyday. A desperate wrestler who will cheat and take any advantage they can, but also shows unexpected flashes of strength. It's interesting to see a cute girl fighting this way. Both wrestlers were determined not to lose and fought fiercely until the very end. ****1/4

Prestige Wrestling (5/28/2022)

6. Miyu Yamashita vs. Masha Slamovich

Miyu usually plays the cool and stoic ace in Tokyo Joshi, but here she was engaging with the audience and wrestled with a more free-flowing feel, which I found refreshing. This was my first time seeing Masha Slamovich wrestle. She seemed competent enough and showed some interesting moves. Even if the execution wasn't always perfect, their performances were full of energy and the hot crowd reaction elevated everything. ****

9. Tokyo International Championship: Maki Itoh (c) vs. Mia Yim

The first International Princess defense in a long time and the first-ever on foreign soil. It was one of Maki Itoh's finest performances yet. It was a match full of Itoh's charm. The audience knew her signature moves and their reactions to them were amazing. Mia Yim, who readily adapted to Itoh's cartoonish wrestling without bargaining, gave a great performance with a sense of stability and professionalism. ***3/4

Natsupoi, Maika & Himeka vs. Tam Nakano, Mina Shirakawa & Unagi Sayaka (Stardom, 4/23/2022)

Stardom (4/23/2022)

Artist of Stardom Championship: Natsupoi, Maika & Himeka (c) vs. Tam Nakano, Mina Shirakawa & Unagi Sayaka

This was an excellent trios match between arguably the two strongest teams in the division's history. A win for Maihimepoi here means they tie Kouzen's record for most defenses so more than just the titles were at stake. There was so much amazing content packed into 30 minutes, all so impeccably paced and arranged that it hardly felt like its runtime. The moment where Unagi and Mina prepared the launch pad for Tam but Tam was too damaged to complete the move so they quickly improvised was so great. The teamwork and split-second coordination by both teams was outstanding. Closing moments between Tam and Natsupoi, who went back and forth with heavy bombs, with occasional assists from their partners, were spectacular. ****1/4

Rika Tatsumi & Suzume vs. Maki Itoh & Hikari Noa (Tokyo Joshi Pro, 6/19/2022)

Tokyo Joshi Pro - Additional Attack '22 (6/19/2022)

Rika Tatsumi &  Suzume vs. Maki Itoh & Hikari Noa

This match with no particular theme ended up being the best of the event. The animosity between Hikari and Itoh is unknown in origin (to my knowledge) but it always leads to great moments when they are in the ring together. It is a unique relationship in Tokyo Joshi, which doesn't really have rivalries. I think Itoh might be the one who can bring out Hikari's true nature. I quite enjoyed their pairing. Suzume had multiple highlights in the match. Her front dropkick and pop-up bulldog were awesome. And Tatsumi as always has the ability to build tension even in matches such as this with no story. ***1/2

Ruaka vs. Saya Iida (Stardom, 6/5/2022)

Stardom (6/5/2022)

5STAR Grand Prix 2022 Qualifying League Block B: Ruaka vs. Saya Iida

This match was better than expected. Looking at the result alone, a "Ruaka timeout draw" may not sound appealing, but it was a heated battle between monsters large and small. The heaviness and power of Ruaka's offense and Iida's signature bumps and hot-blooded counterattacks were amazing. ***1/2

Prominence - Kuen Ranbu (5/29/2022)

3. Hardcore Match: DASH Chisako vs. Akane Fujita

Akane is a passive M-type wrestler. She is not a strong personality, but she is a glutton for punishment, and an aggressive competitor like DASH Chisako was the perfect opponent to highlight her strength. Chisako is scary under normal circumstances, but even scarier with weapons at her disposal. The bumps and weapon attacks were brutal on both sides, with Akane taking the harsher punishment. ***1/2

4. Corner Free Weapon Valkyrie Death Match: Risa Sera vs. Suzu Suzuki

Suzu's performance was excellent. Showing a dynamic and emotional fight and bringing the human touch that wrestlers like Jun Kasai and Masashi Takeda impart to deathmatch wrestling. Sera wasn't quite able to match Suzu's energy but did well enough delivering a beat down. The skin-tearing blood festival that one would expect from a death match was delivered, but there were also some top-notch traditional wrestling exchanges beneath the rubble. It was a fairly long match, lasting 30 minutes, but every time it seemed to drag on, Suzu would reignite the excitement with a burst of offense. ***1/2

Mirai vs. Yumi Ohka (JD Star, 7/17/2005)

JD Star Fighting Beauty ~ Festa ~ (7/17/2005)

Mirai vs. Yumi Ohka

I don't know much about Mirai except that she met an unfortunate end too soon. From this match, she seemed like a promising wrestler with style, technique, explosiveness, and height. This was an intense, hard-hitting match between two wrestlers in their early twenties. Mirai's chest chops were so intense that her hands were as red as beaten Ohka's chest. ****1/4

DASH Chisako vs. Michiko Miyagi (GLEAT, 5/18/2022)

GLEAT - G PROWRESTLING Ver. 25 (5/18/2022)

DASH Chisako vs. Michiko Miyagi

I think I was more moved by the sight of two wrestlers with an intimate shared history baring their souls in the ring than by the physicality. Chisako somehow managed to awaken Miyagi, who has been dormant for a long time. Chisako herself felt like she was fighting with more vigor and emotion than usual, against her former student. It must have been a special match for both of them. ***3/4

Kengo Mashimo vs. Ayame Sasamura (2AW, (5/29/2022)

2AW - Grand Slam In 2AW Square (5/29/2022)

2AW Openweight Championship: Kengo Mashimo (c) vs.  Ayame Sasamura

This is the first time a woman has challenged for 2AW's top title and is the biggest matchup the promotion can currently offer. The fact that it took place in the dojo rather than a larger venue is indicative of the current state of the promotion. Sasamura wore a wedding dress during her entrance, later explaining that she wore it with the intention of marrying the belt. She put a lot of heart and care into this match, regardless of the venue and crowd size. Kengo was the perfect opponent for her, playing the role of an overconfident asshole whose confidence slowly crumbled as his opponent fought beyond his expectations. Sasamura even went as far as to perform a diving stomp from the entrance gate. It was a great match, full of emotion and innovation and detail unique to 2AW. ****1/4

Azumi Hyuga vs. Yoshiko Tamura (JWP, 12/24/2006)

JWP - Climax 2006 (12/24/2006)

JWP Openweight Title / NWA Women's Pacific & NEO Championship: Azumi Hyuga vs. Yoshiko Tamura

A masterpiece from the winter era of women's pro-wrestling. Two aces of their respective promotions putting their belts on the line, with Tamura aiming for a record V12 and Hyuga positioned as the home underdog. The match lasted 60 minutes, and it was interesting to see the various ways they kept the audience on their toes. The latter stages of the match fell into a linear "big move > kickout" pattern, but almost everything before that was excellent. ****1/4

Ibuki Hoshi vs. Saori Anou (Ice Ribbon, 4/17/2022)

Ice Ribbon - New Ice Ribbon #1193 In SKIP City (4/17/2022)

Ibuki Hoshi vs. Saori Anou

A fun sprint style match where both wrestlers were charging at each other head-on. Ibuki putting a beating on seniors with her signature chest chops is always fun to watch. The violence, the sounds and the chest-blemishes created by her chops are always a highlight of her matches. Anou gave a good overhand chop in return towards the finish and her reactions were good throughout the match. ***1/2

Hana Kimura vs. Hikari Shimizu (AWG, 2/12/2019)

AWG - COLOR'S (2/12/2019)

Hana Kimura vs. Hikari Shimizu

This was Hana's first and only match in COLOR'S. She had a special aura from her entrance. Although she was wearing her WRESTLE-1 attire, she wrestled in the style of a brawling heel reminiscent of her days in Oedo Tai. Hana had only one year of experience over Shimizu, but the gap between the two seemed considerably wider. Shimizu is not a strong personality, but Hana seemed to awaken something in her and she showed more fire and grit than usual. Hana did a great job of being dominant while feeding for her opponent at the right time, and Shimizu did well enough in matching Hana's intensity. ***1/2