Mariko Yoshida vs. Megumi Fujii (ARSION, 5/24/2003)

ARSION (5/24/2003)

MMA Rules: Mariko Yoshida vs. Megumi Fujii

Megumi Fujii is a legit shooter (26-3) and moves like a natural in the squared-circle. Both performers display their brilliance on the mat with smooth grappling and transitions. Although the match has "MMA Rules" (time rounds), it is still wrestled like a pro wrestling match, there is even a fighting spirit sequence!

***1/4

AKINO, Mariko Yoshida & Ai Fujita vs. Lioness Asuka, Takako Inoue & Mima Shimoda (ARSION, 3/2/2003)

ARSION (3/2/2003)

Gauntlet: AKINO, Mariko Yoshida & Ai Fujita vs. Lioness Asuka, Takako Inoue & Mima Shimoda

This was a great gauntlet match, all of the match-ups were exciting. It dragged a bit during the final between AKINO and Asuka, but even then they created great moments. Inoue was the MVP, there's a sequence where she's desperately swinging her stun gun at an evading Mariko that was really cool.

***1/2

Mariko Yoshida vs. Yumi Fukawa (ARSION, 9/26/1999)

ARSION (9/26/1999)

Mariko Yoshida vs. Yumi Fukawa

This was quite an amazing match, it was shot on a handheld which gave it a raw feel; just the sound of two joshi wrestlers grappling on the canvas. Yoshida comes into this cold and meditative, but her frustration builds as she struggles to put Fukawa away, and Fukawa's keeps pushing her, flashing this wicked smile when she applies a facelock and slapping her across the face during the finishing run. The selling, the escalation and the payoff were really good. 

****3/4