Stardom - Stardom in Korakuen 2024 (4/12/2024)

Tam Nakano, Natsupoi & Saori Anou vs. Yuna Mizumori, Aya Sakura & Sayaka Kurara

The "Tropical Audition"-gumi have clearly benefited from training together. Their coordination was excellent. Even more impressively, they expressed their struggles well through their wrestling. This arc was a great nourishment for Sayaka Kurara and Aya Sakura, who has completely made up for the time she missed due to injury. Yunamon also benefitted, showing her leadership skills and proving herself indispensable to Kouzen. The match was emotional and fast moving, an amazing climax to the story. ****

Hanan & Mayu Iwatani vs. Giulia & Syuri

This started off with playful freestyling, but gradually grew more intense and competitive. A perfect blend of fun and serious wrestling. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, especially the callbacks that longtime fans will appreciate. Giulia and Hanan's backdrop exchange was strong, with Hanan's finishing backdrop landing at the last possible second. It made me think of Giant Baba's words, if a match ends in a draw, the wrestler who had the initiative at the end is the winner in the eyes of the viewer. This match served as a farewell for Giulia while also creating anticipation for the future by showcasing the young Hanan. ****

Mei Suruga vs. SAKI (Gatoh Move, 4/13/2024)

Gatoh - Move Road To Korakuen - Challengers (4/13/2024)

Mei Suruga vs. SAKI

Not the most compelling main event on paper, but this delivered in the ring. SAKI, with her powerful trunk, was the perfect base for Mei Suruga's creative aerial offense. SAKI even pulled out some unexpected tricks of her own. It was rare and refreshing to see her work a solid-length singles main event like this. Mei Suruga shined as well in singles mode, making me wish she had more singles opportunities and less intergender tag matches. ****

Stardom - Cinderella Tournament 2024 (3/10/2024)

Cinderella Tournament 2024 - 2nd Round: MIRAI vs. Hanan

Hanan is getting closer to her ideal as a wrestler with simple yet effective techniques who values each one of them. The tension after those near-falls shows how dedicated she is to making those techniques win. MIRAI is similar in that regard. Both aiming for a one-shot finish in classic Japanese pro-wrestling style, building steadily and meaningfully in just over 10 minutes. The roar from the audience when Hanan scored the fall shows the high expectations for her. ****1/4

Cinderella Tournament 2024 - 2nd Round: Suzu Suzuki vs. Starlight Kid

It's been a while since I've seen Starlight Kid this sharp and angry. Suzu Suzuki seemed to have ignited her killer instinct. Fantastic chemistry between these two, with the top-rope elimination rules leading to thrilling close-calls and creative sequences. The finish, with Kid's baseball slide knocking a hanging Suzu to the floor, felt like a nail-biting real sports moment. Kid's cathartic celebration perfectly capped off the intensity. An amazing 8-minute sprint! ****1/4

Kylie Rae vs. Miyu Yamashita (Prestige, 4/14/2024)

Prestige - Roseland 8: The 7 Year Anniversary Show (4/14/2024)

Kylie Rae vs. Miyu Yamashita

Kylie Rae has been spotty in terms of competition for a variety of reasons, but she still looks in good shape. Miyu Yamashita is again refreshingly free-spirited when working overseas. Miming her opponent's signature gesture, choking her with a streamer. Things she wouldn't do domestically as the stoic symbol of strength in TJPW. Fine match overall, probably went too long for the content they gave, which wasn't much. ***

Toni Storm vs. AZM (AEW, 4/13/2024)

AEW - Collision (4/13/2024)

Toni Storm vs. AZM

AZM of the world! I was shocked at how enthusiastic the crowd was for AZM-paisen in her AEW debut. Toni Storm's new character has revitalized her career, but like the Great Muta, it can overshadow her opponents and make it difficult for them to stand out. AZM managed to break through and showcased her best qualities. La Mistica, C4 Bomb, long-range foot stomp, Azumi Sushi. Her signature moves flowed one after another. Toni maintained a champion's composure, receiving everything before launching her comeback. Despite losing, AZM was able to make a big impression on a new audience. Great match. ****

Sendai Girls (4/14/2024)

Chihiro Hashimoto & Yuu vs. Kuroshio TOKYO Japan & Seigo Tachibana

This match was solid and even entertaining. However, I was baffled that a team of former W-1 guys was the best they could assemble to face the imposing Team 200kg. The male team's antics and lack of seriousness seemed at odds with what the match was supposed to be (Hashimoto & Yuu showing they could compete evenly with men). I'd much rather see Team 200kg challenge Suwama & Hideki Suzuki in a true head-on collision. ***1/2

Hardcore Match: DASH Chisako vs. Unagi Sayaka

The prospect of Unagi Sayaka in an old-school WWF-style hardcore blunder sounds intriguing, but the execution of this match was dull. It moved at a glacially slow pace, with too much time spent meticulously making sure everything was in place. The moments between the spots were super drawn-out. It lacked a sense of urgency and " fight, " coming across more like a self-indulgent stunt fest than a genuine competitive contest. I'm sure there will be many cool-looking photos, though...

Sendai Girls World Championship: Mika Iwata (c) vs. VENY

Mika Iwata's loss to Sareee in a non-title match, followed by the lack of a revenge opportunity, speaks to her position in the joshi pro-wrestling hierarchy. Even as champion, it has been hard to compete against Chihiro Hashimoto's all-encompassing presence in Sendai Girls. Iwata has a certain pathos which may make the crowd want to support her. VENY brought a strong and bewitching performance and was working hard to add intrigue to this matchup. ***1/2

Stephanie Vaquer vs. AZM (NJPW, 4/12/2024)

NJPW - Windy City Riot 2024 (4/12/2024)

NJPW STRONG Women's Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. AZM

AZM of the world! AZM-paisen, with her high-flying and complicated joint locks, is a true luchadora at heart even without ever stepping foot in Mexico. No wonder she meshed so well with Stephanie Vaquer. The wrestling was crisp and hard-hitting. Vaquer brings a real intensity that elevates her matches, making them feel both competitive and personal. A strong title defense for Vaquer. ****