Monday, March 18, 2019

SEAdLINNNG - Shin-Kiba 10th NIGHT (2/28/2019)

1. Arisa Nakajima vs. Hiroe Nagahama

Nagahama, who is probably destined to be the next ace of WAVE with Ohata retired, seems to be working harder as this was one of her better showings. Arisa applied her technique and beatdown skills in a dominant performance.

***3/4

3. Himeka Arita & Miyuki Takase vs. Ryo Mizunami & Takumi Iroha

This was very fun bell-to-bell action that built into an explosive finish. 

***1/2

Friday, March 15, 2019

Meiko Satomura vs. Manami Katsu (Sendai Girls, 3/9/2019)

Sendai Girls (3/9/2019)

Meiko Satomura vs. Manami Katsu

There were engrossing mat struggles in this match, I never associated that style of wrestling with Katsu, but she is a student of Command Bolshoi and it showed. Great back and forth on stand-up as well, with heavy offense and counters.

****

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Kaori Yoneyama vs. Mei Suruga (Gatoh Move, 11/8/2018)

Gatoh Move - Japan Tour・#389 ~ Stand Up Winter!

Kaori Yoneyama vs. Mei Suruga 

Good match, these two developed a fun chemistry. Mei showcased her skills and charisma, and Yoneyama is so great as a rookie eater.

***1/2

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Momo Watanabe vs. Jungle Kyona (Stardom, 3/3/2019)

Stardom - Stardom World in Nagoya 2019 (3/3/2019)

Wonder of Stardom Championship: Momo Watanabe (c) vs. Jungle Kyona

Great match. I liked the beatdowns and physicality before they got into the big time maneuvers and counters. Kyona gave a spirited performance as the hometown hero, hitting a Kinniku Buster (!) as a desperation maneuver, ultimately coming up short in grand fashion.

****1/4

Thursday, March 7, 2019

Mei Suruga vs. Anchamu (Gatoh Move, 3/2/2019)

Gatoh Move - Japan Tour・#412 (3/2/2019)

Mei Suruga vs. Anchamu

 Excellent sub 7-minute bout. This was a charismatic and technical match, with some neat offense and counter-wresting. Strong fundamentals all around.

***3/4

Mayu Iwatani vs. Konami (Stardom, 2/24/2019)

Stardom - New Years Stars 2019 (Night Show) (2/24/2019)

Women of Honor World Championship: Mayu Iwatani (c) vs. Konami

This was a great match. Loved Konami's assault on the leg and that standing stretch muffler she introduced. Mayu's limberness makes the holds from Konami even more brutal looking. There's neat counters and set-ups here as well.

****

Sendai Girls (2/10/2019)

3. Alex Lee & Command Bolshoi vs. Meiko Satomura & Mei Suruga

This was an enjoyable match, fun sessions from all four competitors (yes, including Alex Lee), with the highlights being the Meiko-Bolshoi segment and Suruga's infectious charisma.

***3/4

4. Hikaru Shida vs. Mika Iwata

Great match with a hot-blooded finishing stretch. I liked the way the heat builds, with Shida as the bully veteran and Iwata the feisty underdog. There's also some gnarly knees from Shida that were sold to perfection.

****