Stardom - FIBREPLEX Presents TOKYO SUPER WARS ～Tokyo Super Women's War～ (11/27/2021)

5. High Speed Championship: Starlight Kid vs. Koguma

This was another great high speed title match. Tremendous speed, balance and athleticism from both competitors. Kid continues to evolve and seems to show something new and exciting in every defense. ***1/2

6. SWA World Championship & 5STAR Grand Prix Challenge Certificate - UWF Rules: Syuri (c) vs. Konami

This was the best U-Inter style match I’ve seen recently. Both wrestlers are obviously suited for this style of match, with Syuri being probably the most qualified in the country. They were able to communicate the drama and splendor of pro-wrestling through a mostly shoot-style match, using the ruleset to create momentum shifts and build tension. ****

7. Wonder of Stardom Championship: Tam Nakano (c) vs. Mina Shirakawa

I’m a big fan of story-driven matches but I think this was an instance of a match leaning too heavily in that direction. There were some great moments, but the action was overall lacking, and the match didn’t have the structure and focus of the previous defense against Unagi. Mina’s change in character is interesting. It’s always nice to see a wrestler embracing change. I'm looking forward to seeing what she does from here. ***1/2

8. World of Stardom Championship: Utami Hayashishita (c) vs. Maika 

These two seem to get stronger each time they face each other. This was a no-nonsense, power fight. Early judo grip fighting steadily developed into a fierce back and forth affair, with lariat exchanges, submission battles and hard-nosed displays of fighting spirit. Maika showed tremendous strength despite suffering heavy damage and returning from an injury. I was moved by her "face" performance. ****1/4

Hazuki vs. Unagi Sayaka (Stardom, 10/30/2021)

Stardom (10/30/2021)

Hazuki vs. Unagi Sayaka

A great back and forth. The result was as expected, but it was a very intriguing match between the red and white belt challengers before Kawasaki. Unagi has established a great structure and flow to the way she carries out her unique offense, and Hazuki showed her signature intensity. ***1/2

Akane Fujita vs. Maya Yukihi (Ice Ribbon, 5/9/2021)

Ice Ribbon - #1117 in SKIP City (5/9/2021)

FantastICE Championship #1 Contendership: Akane Fujita vs. Maya Yukihi

Solid main event. It had the potential to be better, but it didn't quite deliver. Akane is a glutton for punishment and has good striking power, but she doesn't have much personality so her underdog performance wasn't very compelling. Yukihi kept the match interesting with her varied and flashy attacks. ***1/4

Ami Miura vs. Ai Houzan (Sendai Girls, 11/23/2021)

Sendai Girls (11/23/2021)

Jaja Uma Tournament - Quarter Finals: Ami Miura vs. Ai Houzan

Good lively back and forth. Although it was short, it was high energy, with both showcasing their unique skills and seeming eager to leave an impression on the audience. Miura's dropkick was like a shotgun blast. And Ai showed great movement and fundamentals. ***1/2

Ibuki Hoshi vs. Maya Yukihi (Ice Ribbon, 5/29/2021)

Ice Ribbon - #1122 (5/29/2021)

Ibuki Hoshi vs. Maya Yukihi

Great match, as expected from the names involved. Both were hitting hard, and Ibuki always puts on an energetic performance. There is an exciting velocity and impact to her attacks. Maya's work on top was also really great. ***1/2

Tsukasa Fujimoto vs. Tsukushi Haruka (Ice Ribbon, 11/13/2021)

 Ice Ribbon - #1157 ~ Ota Ward General Gymnasium (11/13/2021)

ICExInfinity Championship: Tsukasa Fujimoto (c) vs. Tsukushi Haruka

This was almost the perfect "Fujimoto-Tsukushi" match. Everything that makes them great wrestlers was on display and they used all of their best moves. There was intense brawling, great technique and speed, and many great counters. Tsukushi dominated most of the match and seemed to be better than the champion in every way, countering or withstanding Fujimoto's big offense, including kicking out of the Japanese Ocean Cyclone Suplex. ****1/4

Hikari Noa & Arisu Endo vs. Miu Watanabe & Suzume (Tokyo Joshi Pro, 11/6/2021)

Tokyo Joshi Pro - TOKYO JOSHI 2021 AUTUMN (11/6/2021)

Hikari Noa & Arisu Endo vs. Miu Watanabe & Suzume

It was a pleasant surprise that this match was given the main event slot. This was a good showcase of young veterans and rookies. Miu really took the initiative and was the MVP of the match. Hikari's presence was subtle, even though it was an IP prelude. Suzume and Endo, who have been showing steady growth, were quite good. ***1/4