Tokyo Joshi Pro - Tokyo Princess Cup 2020 (8/29/2020)

2. Tokyo Princess Cup 2020 - Semi-Finals: Mizuki vs. Maki Itoh

This was a story-driven match, but the audience couldn't react in any way other than to applaud so it didn't come across as strong. Mizuki's positioning seemed off at moments, her face-lock transitions were slow and weak. She didn't have a good performance here. Itoh was about the level you’d expect, and had a couple of cool headbutt spots.

3. Tokyo Princess Cup 2020 - Semi-Finals: Shoko Nakajima vs. Miyu Yamashita

This was really good. A step-up from their title match last year, but with a weaker finish. Miyu used her size and strength to brutally impose her will on the smaller opponent. There were some creative spots that I've never seen from either performer before, and that German Suplex was one of the sickest bumps I've ever seen in TJPW.

***3/4

6. Tokyo Princess Cup 2020 - Finals: Shoko Nakajima vs. Mizuki

This was a great tournament final. Shoko and Mizuki really work well together, as you can see from their previous matches. High level technical wrestling and high flying, innovative in both offense and defense, and an exciting apron battle. These two bring out the best in each other.

****

Mei Suruga vs. SAKI (ChocoPro, 8/22/2020)

 ChocoPro - #42 (8/22/2020)

Mei Suruga vs. SAKI

An amazing match that defied expectations. The best match I've ever seen from ChocoPro, with SAKI, who is an underrated but skilled and clever wrestler, giving one of her finest performances. Mei kept the match lively with her character work and distinct charm. The counter-wrestling between them was both innovative and exciting to watch.

****1/4

Tokyo Joshi Pro - Tokyo Princess Cup 2020 (8/15/2020)

4. Tokyo Princess Cup 2020 - Quarter Final: Mizuki vs. Yuki Aino

Aino delivered another surprisingly compelling performance in this clash of styles. She has quickly become a reliable and consistent performer. Mizuki has shown an aggressive approach lately with her foot stomps and all the ways she finds to hit them. 

***1/2

6. Tokyo Princess Cup 2020 - Quarter Final: Shoko Nakajima vs. Natsumi Maki

This was a great high speed-style match. Shoko may be one of the few wrestlers on the roster who can compete with Natsumi in speed and precision. This had excellent ropework, technique and bumps from both.

***3/4

Stardom - 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 (8/9/2020)

2. 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Blue Block: Saya Iida vs. Maika

This was a good sprint-style match. They developed a good chemistry and took each other's offense well. The near-falls were very well done. The selling and bumping of Iida was particularly impressive.

***1/2

3. 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Red Block Block: Mayu Iwatani vs. Starlight Kid

This was a great match. Mayu was the perfect base for Starlight Kid's offense, taking maniacal bumps. Kid isn't an athletic high-flyer, but she has a good sense of balance. Mayu's Gory special counter to the Yoshi Tonic was very cool.

***3/4

4. 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Blue Block: Momo Watanabe vs. AZM

Similar to the one before it, this was a senior vs. junior style match. AZM tried to overwhelm Momo with her ropework and speedy attacks, and Momo picked her spots with counters. Some timing issues aside, this match was very good.

***3/4

5. 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Red Block: Konami vs. Tam Nakano

Konami was putting on the pressure with hard strikes and grinding submission work, while Tam fought from underneath with her usual grit. Tam's comeback may have been too brief, but the spin kicks to the head seemed convincing enough.

***1/2

8. 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Red Block: Giulia vs. Himeka

This was better than expected. Both are only in their second year, but they put on a match suitable for a Korakuen Hall main event. They developed a nice pace and traded heavy blows. The finishing sequence was a bit awkward, but the finish itself was brutal.

***1/2

Mayu Iwatani vs. Giulia (Stardom, 8/8/2020)

 Stardom - 5STAR Grand Prix 2020 (8/8/2020)

5STAR Grand Prix 2020 Red Block: Mayu Iwatani vs. Giulia

A great match between the promotion's top titleholders. They worked a high pace and were bringing out the big moves earlier than usual, which made the match feel special. Giulia's ability to control her opponent on the ground with her legs is super compelling.

***3/4

Ice Ribbon - #1057 ~ Ice Ribbon Yokohama Bunka Gymnasium Final (8/9/2020)

2. Akane Fujita & Asahi vs. Miku Aono & Mio Shirai

Mio has been working as a trainer for Ice Ribbon, so it's no wonder she hasn't lost much of a step. Asahi had a good showing of teamwork with Fujita in her return match. A better match than you would normally see on the undercard. 

***1/2

7. International Ribbon Tag Team Championship: Dropkickers (Tsukasa Fujimoto & Tsukushi) (c) vs. Frank Sisters (Hiiragi Kurumi & Mochi Miyagi)

The theme of this match is that Tsukasa Fujimoto wants Tsukushi and Kurumi to solve their personal issues, but you don't need to know the story to enjoy it. It was a tag team match worth watching, with everyone doing their part well. Tsukushi and Kurumi were the core of the match, with Fujimoto and Mochi acting as support.

****1/4

8.  ICExInfinity Championship: Maya Yukihi (c) vs. Suzu Suzuki

This wasn't a major improvement over previous matches in the series. If anything, the previous matches were shorter and perhaps more easy to watch. There were exciting sequences and dramatic kickouts, and an overall sense of scale not seen in previous Yokohama Bunka main events, but there was also a lot of dead space, especially during the mid stages. Overall, it was not as cohesive as it could have been.

***1/2

Tokyo Joshi Pro - Tokyo Princess Cup 2020 (8/10/2020)

 5. Tokyo Princess Cup 2020 - Second Round: Miyu Yamashita vs. Hikari Noa

Miyu looked massive compared to Hikari. The difference in size was very evident. Miyu showed that she was more than a striker with cool submission counters. Hikari was rough and unconvincing at times, but she showed grit and determination, and her 2.9999 near-fall was tremendous.

***1/2

6. Tokyo Princess Cup 2020 - Second Round: Yuka Sakazaki vs. Hyper Misao

This was a great, championship caliber match. Pacing was on point and everything was well-executed. Splendid mixture of comedy and traditional wrestling. Misao was able to give a strong fight while still staying true to her gimmick.

***3/4