Miyu Yamashita vs. Natsumi Maki (Tokyo Joshi Pro, 3/21/2020)

Tokyo Joshi Pro - Spring Tour '20 ~ HEART & BODY ~ (3/21/2020)

Miyu Yamashita vs. Natsumi Maki

This was as good as the first match. They did a good job expanding from the first two encounters, with Natsumi stepping up and becoming Miyu's equal. The layout of the match had a feeling of Miyu’s older title defenses with its careful build towards dramatic counters and exchanges at the end.

****

Miyuki Takase vs. Nagisa Nozaki (AWG, 3/21/2020)

AWG - Beginning (3/21/2020)

AWG Championship: Miyuki Takase (c) vs. Nagisa Nozaki

This was the best AWG match I’ve seen so far. They kept the action exciting with a high pacing, and there were flashy moves and counters, and some great bumping. Takase in particular was really good with her bumps, and she made fiery comebacks.

***3/4

Yoshiko vs. Sareee (Diana, 2/22/2020)

Diana (2/22/2020)

Yoshiko vs. Sareee

Good match, the only real downside was the outside brawl which almost never look good on nicopro's hardcam. Sareee looked ferocious on offense, and Yoshiko showed off surprisingly technical skills with some nice transitions. It was nice to see these two meet in the ring one last time, they have a unique chemistry.

***1/2

Riho vs. Nyla Rose (AEW, 10/2/2019)

AEW - Dynamite #1 (10/2/2019)

AEW Women's World Championship (decision): Riho vs. Nyla Rose

Nyla's pacing, facial expressions and mannerisms were on point. Riho was compelling as the physically overmatched underdog with fighting spirit, and the strong crowd support for her produced one of the best and most emotional comeback sequences of the year. This was an amazing match, and one of the best television matches I've ever seen.

****1/4

Yuna Mizumori vs. Kuishinbo Kamen (Gatoh Move, 1/11/2020)

Gatoh Move - gtmv #30 (1/11/2020)

Yuna Mizumori vs. Kuishinbo Kamen

Another “openweight” Mizumori match. This one integrated comedy into traditional wrestling in a way that was seamless and not overwhelming. There’s some fun antics with the referee (Aoi Kizuki) getting involved. Kuishinbo has masterful comedic timing.

***3/4

Yuna Mizumori vs. Yasu Urano (Gatoh Move, 1/13/2020)

Gatoh Move - gtmv #31 (1/13/2020)

Yuna Mizumori vs. Yasu Urano

Good intergender singles, with Yuna continuing the theme of being able to go blow-for-blow with male opponents. She’s about the size of the average indie wrestler in Japan. Although maybe not quite as strong. Urano is a wizard on the mat and a great heel prick.

***1/2

Stardom - The Way to Major League (2/8/2020)

3. Artist of Stardom Championship: Queen's Quest (AZM, Momo Watanabe & Utami Hayashishita) (c) vs. Donna del Mondo (Giulia, Maika & Syuri)

One of the best Artist matches in recent memory. The mini-feuds running through the match were good and each of them felt unique. Maika looked beyond her years, showing confidence and deadly judo techniques. Syuri looked motivated working with fresh opponents. And Giulia was the most comfortable she’s been in a Stardom ring so far. Although this wasn’t DDM’s debut, this was a great “coming out” for them.

****

4. Wonder of Stardom Championship: Arisa Hoshiki (c) vs. Bea Priestley

Another great title defense from Arisa. Bea has been presented as one of the strongest wrestlers on the roster so this really felt like one of the champion’s toughest challenges yet. There was heavy striking, and dynamic counters and sequences.

***3/4

5. Mayu Iwatani vs. Takumi Iroha

This was originally supposed to be Mayu Iwatani vs. Sareee, but Takumi Iroha was called in as a last minute replacement of the latter. Iroha controlled the pace, with power and precision striking, while Mayu fought from underneath with slick counters and aerial maneuvers. Iroha's attacks on the bandaged shoulder of Mayu were brutal; and Mayu's ragdoll selling sold the explosive power of Iroha. This was an epic meeting of aces.

****1/2