Emi Sakura vs. Mei Suruga (Gatoh Move, 6/24/2018)

Gatoh Move - Japan Tour・363

Emi Sakura vs. Mei Suruga

Good showing for Mei, who showed off her athleticism and a variety of holds. Emi applied snug submissions that looked especially vicious on the much smaller opponent, and made a brutal counter in the closing moments where she squashed Suruga against the wall.

***3/4

Risa Sera & Yoshiko vs. Akane Fujita & Nanae Takahashi (ZERO1, 7/22/2018)

ZERO1 - Fire Festival 2018 (7/22/2018)

Blast Queen Championship: Risa Sera & Yoshiko (c) vs. Akane Fujita & Nanae Takahashi

This was fun, good action and use of weapons leading into the bat explosion spots. The finishing stretch could've been stronger, but overall I thought all four wrestlers created a fun match.

***3/4

Tokyo Joshi Pro - Fighting Beer Garden 2018 ~ Tokyo Joshi Pro Day ~ (8/4/2018)

5. Yeah! Metcha Tag Tournament 2018 Summer - Semi-Finals: Saitamuscles (Reika Saiki & Miu) vs. magical sugar rabbits (Yuka Sakazaki & Mizuki)

They got straight to the action in this match. Reika and Mizuki always create magic when they're in the ring together, I liked their session here. Stereo backbreaker racks from Saitamuscles was a cool spot.

***3/4

7. NEO Biishiki-gun (Saki-sama & Martha) vs. NEO Biishiki-gun (Azusa Christie & Yukio Saint Laurent)

BEER GARDEN is a great setting for the climax of the Biishiki-gun civil war since the crowds are hot and receptive to everything, the atmosphere feels like a western indie show. Great character work from Martha and Yukio, and great storytelling between Azusa and Saki-sama. Highly enjoyable match

***3/4

8. Yeah! Metcha Tag Tournament 2018 Summer - Finals: magical sugar rabbits (Yuka Sakazaki & Mizuki) vs. Kaiji Sentai Kaijujer vs. Hero Sentai Pamiranger (Shoko Nakajima & Hyper Misao)

The diving spot was fun, and there were a couple of neat exchanges between Yuka and Shoko. magical sugar rabbits are two technical wrestlers with immensely grating voices, so it's no surprise they have natural chemistry. Exciting third act with a satisfying finishing sequence.

***1/4

SEAdLINNNG - Shin-Kiba 5th NIGHT (7/6/2018)

1. Akane Fujita & Ryo Mizunami vs. Makoto & Miyuki Takase

Ryo Mizunami and Miyuki Takase chop and lariat battles, featuring Akane Fujita & Makoto. This was one amazing opening match.

***3/4

4. Amazon & Arisa Nakajima vs. Nanae Takahashi & Tsukasa Fujimoto

This was very long, but they kept the action exciting with a variety of sequences and moves, and the story of Amazon & Arisa becoming increasing frustrated with each other added a fun dynamic.

***3/4

Hamuko Hoshi & Ibuki Hoshi vs. GEKOKUJyou (Kyuuri & Maika Ozaki) (Ice Ribbon, 7/16/2018)

Ice Ribbon - #898 ~Yokohama Ribbon 2018 ~Summer~ (7/16/2018)

Hamuko Hoshi & Ibuki Hoshi vs. GEKOKUJyou (Kyuuri & Maika Ozaki)

Another fantastic GEKOKUJyou tag with a shocker of an ending.

****

Arisa Nakajima & Misaki Ohata vs. ASUKA & Ayame Sasamura (SEAdLINNNG, 6/8/2018)

SEAdLINNNG - Shinkiba 4th Night! (6/8/2018)

Arisa Nakajima & Misaki Ohata vs. ASUKA & Ayame Sasamura

Solid stuff. Arisa continues her storyline of trying to find a replacement for Tsukasa and failing, and Sasamura showed off her ability.

***3/4

Stardom - Bright Summer ~ RISE vs. Stardom (7/16/2018)

3. Artist of Stardom Championship: JAN (Jungle Kyona, Kaori Yoneyama & Natsuko Tora) (c) vs. Britt Baker, Dust & Kylie Rae

Rock solid first defense for JAN. I like the idea of Kyona, Yoneyama & Tora being the ace team of the trios division. Thought their new costumes looked silly at first, but I like them now.

**3/4

4. SWA World Championship: Viper (c) vs. Tam Nakano

Loved this. Tam fights with urgency, striking before the bell rings. Her kick-heavy offense and the way she isn't afraid to throw a stiff really reminds me of Yuzupon. I liked the dramatic set-up for the Destiny Hammer from the apron. Destructive offense from Viper who looked like a tank in this match.

***1/2

5. El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. & Oedo Tai (Kagetsu & Sumire Natsu) vs. Rey Wagner & STARS (Mayu Iwatani & Saki Kashima)

Super fun trios - Oedos brought annoying air corns to create that authentic lucha libre feel.

***1/4

6. Wonder of Stardom Championship: Momo Watanabe (c) vs. Hazuki

This was a really good match. Hazuki's offense looked amazing as always and she was really good as the aggressor, loved the Scott Norton rope hung DDT. Momo's selling of the headbutt and the diving somato were also match highlights. Hazuki feels more natural in Oedo Tai, but she still has some weak points to improve that hinder her matches from being truly great.

***3/4