Oedo Tai (Kagetsu & Natsuko Tora) vs. Tokyo Cyber Squad (Jungle Kyona & Konami) (Stardom, 5/5/2019)

Stardom - Oedo Tai Produce Golden Week Stars 2019 (5/5/2019)

Oedo Tai (Kagetsu & Natsuko Tora) vs. Tokyo Cyber Squad (Jungle Kyona & Konami)

Billed as "Strong Battle" this was in longer form than Stardom tag main events normally are when there is no belt on the line. Great match that advanced feuds and contained neat tandem moves from the new unit pairings.

***3/4

Stardom - Queen's Quest Produce Golden Week Stars 2019 (5/4/2019)

5. Momo Watanabe vs. Toni Storm

This was the most complete Momo performance since her feud with Io. Working within the framework of a 15-minute time out draw, they spread out the big moves and built to them in a way that made them feel earned (while also padding time). Toni sold the desperation well, as she teased the rarely-used guillotine leg drop that she defeated Io with for the SWA Belt.

****1/4

6. World of Stardom Championship: Kagetsu (c) vs. Bea Priestley

This is a match I've been clamoring for since last year and it didn't go contrary to my expectations. The action was beautiful and brutal, Bea utilizing dangerous attacks to the head and spine, and Kagetsu giving a strong effort from underneath with the crowd behind her.

****1/2

WAVE - PHASE 2 OSAKA Reboot (4/28/2019)

2. Hikaru Shida vs. Yuu

This was an exhibition style match where both exchanged their usual offense. There was a great feat of strength from Yuu during a powerbomb tease that looked a lot more impressive outside of TJPW where the girls are mostly smaller, and Shida's various knee strikes are always fun.

***1/2

3. Black Widow (Nagisa Nozaki & Yumi Ohka) vs. Sakura Hirota & Yuki Miyazaki

This was a really great match, it developed well and reached a high level of drama. Hirota's shtick can be hit-or-miss, especially of late, but the comedy spots were incorporated seamlessly into the action.

****

Tokyo Joshi Pro - Spring Tour '19 - Ready Set, GO! (5/12/2019)

4. Himawari Unagi & Yuna Manase vs. Mina Shirawaka & Yuki Kamifuku

The fruits of Mina's training with CARPE DIEM were seen in this match, she's developing into an interesting wrestler with this blend of lucha libre and BJJ. Good match, I liked the subversion of the boob sandwich spot from Yuna & Unagi, and Kamiyu and Mina gave particularly strong performances.

***1/2

6. Maki Ito, Miyu Yamashita & Shoko Nakajima vs. Natsumi Maki, Rika Tatsumi & Yuka Sakazaki

This was an all-stars trios with exciting action and good character work. Natsupoi was the standout, with great segments with Ito, Miyu and Shoko.

***3/4

Emi Sakura vs. Mei Suruga (Gatoh Move, 5/6/2019)

Gatoh Move - Japan Tour・#427 (5/6/2019)

Super Asia Championship #1 Contendership - Semi-Finals: Emi Sakura vs. Mei Suruga

Sakura's back is shot so she is trying to find a quick finish, making resourceful use of her veteran instincts, and at one point even using her cane. This was one of the most creative matches I've ever seen, even for Ichigaya's brand of wrestling. 

****1/2

Toni Storm vs. Tam Nakano (Stardom, 5/3/2019)

Stardom - STARS Produce Golden Week Stars 2019 (5/3/2019)

Toni Storm vs. Tam Nakano

This was a great return match for Toni, and against an opponent who could make her stuff look good. One of Tam's spin kicks to the head looked like it hit flush which was aesthetically pleasing to watch. Great back and forth with big, explosive offense.

***3/4

Chihiro Hashimoto vs. Jordynne Grace (Sendai Girls, 4/16/2019)

Sendai Girls (4/16/2019)

Sendai Girls World Championship: Chihiro Hashimoto (c) vs. Jordynne Grace

Sometimes when wrestlers are similar in style and moveset the match can be uneventful, but this was a great match. It probably helps that Jordynee wrestles a more flashy and faster-paced style than the usual powerhouse and that made for an interesting contrast with Chihiro's heavier style.

***3/4