Chihiro Hashimoto & Mika Iwata vs. Sareee & Mio Momono (Sendai Girls, 1/7/2024)

Sendai Girls (1/7/2024)

Chihiro Hashimoto & Mika Iwata vs. Sareee & Mio Momono

This match was a prelude to Chihiro Hashimoto vs. Sareee on 1.16, with "antagonism" toward Hashimoto driving the action. Rivals Sareee and Mio were both eager to leave their mark on the symbol of joshi strength. Champion Mika Iwata seemed determined not to be overshadowed and was more assertive than usual. One detail I enjoyed was how Hashimoto and Iwata would immediately counterattack when they were struck, almost like a defiant refusal to give ground to the outsider team. A fiercely competitive 19 minutes, with each wrestler showing off their unique charms. ****

Maika vs. Megan Bayne (Stardom, 4/4/2024)

Stardom - American Dream 2024 in the Keystone State

World of Stardom Championship: Maika (c) vs. Megan Bayne

Stardom's first US event in 5 years! As expected, Maika and Megan unleashed a heavyweight bomb-throwing battle with the power that only they could bring. The heightened emotion towards the end was amazing, with the tag partners shouting each other's names, and Maika even busting out her retired partner Himeka's running powerbomb. When one finishing move failed to secure victory, they escalated with an improved version; a simple yet effective (and logical) progression. Great match. ****

Mari vs. Kouki vs. Natsuki (AWG, 3/29/2024)

AWG - ACTwrestling Step37 (3/29/2024)

Mari vs. Kouki vs. Natsuki

This started as a lighthearted, comical 3-way where Mari was playfully ganged up on by Natsuki and Kouki. Things gradually grew intense, with extended 1v1 segments that almost felt like mini singles matches. But the unpredictable nature of 3-ways was always a looming threat. Natsuki swooped in at the last second amidst a particularly heated session between Mari and Kouki for the win. Fun and surprisingly heated. ****

Chihiro Hashimoto vs. Shinya Aoki (DDT, 4/7/2024)

DDT - April Fool 2024 (4/7/2024)

Chihiro Hashimoto vs. Shinya Aoki

This might lack the novelty of their first encounter, but it was stronger - deeper and filled with dramatic elements wrestling fans will appreciate.  While there were no special rules, they focused intensely on grappling. Their early battle for back control and nelsons was incredible, and they seamlessly weaved in familiar pro-wrestling holds like the abdominal stretch, the Japanese leg roll clutch, and the rolling cradle. As the match progressed, Chihiro Hashimoto used throws while Shinya Aoki dug into his BJJ skills. It was a thrilling, unpredictable match overflowing with charm and surprises. ****1/2

Mina Shirakawa, Maika & Mei Seira vs. Saya Kamitani, Tam Nakano & AZM (ROH, 4/5/2024)

ROH - Supercard Of Honor 2024 (4/5/2024)

Mina Shirakawa, Maika & Mei Seira vs. Saya Kamitani, Tam Nakano & AZM

Amazing match! Started with high-speed action, everyone getting their chance to shine in front of a new crowd, kind of like that ECW Barely Legal M-Pro six-man. Then it turned into a high-level duel between rivals Mina Shirakawa and Saya Kamitani. Mina still making time for surgical leg-work in a match this fast? I'm in love. So impressed how much heat they built for a relatively short match. Feels like Chanmina's hard work is really paying off. ****

Mariah May vs. Momo Kohgo (ROH, 4/5/2024)

ROH - Supercard Of Honor 2024 - Zero Hour (4/5/2024)

Mariah May vs. Momo Kohgo

Mariah May is a natural-born talent. She has the potential to be the ace of AEW's women's division. Her movements in the ring are incredibly stable and precise, and her strikes and throws have a real sense of violence behind them. Even basic moves like waist locks are delivered with crisp precision. Everything she does - moves and bumps alike - feels sharp and impactful. She is also good at the showmanship aspects. Komomo, who took heavy offense, delivered some, was also impressive. A nice little dark match. ***3/4

Masha Slamovich vs. Syuri (GCW, 4/4/2024)

GCW - GCW/JCW Vs. The World 2024 (4/4/2024)

JCW Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs. Syuri

Really enjoyed this match. I love these marathon time-limit draws - they put a wrestler's stamina and overall skillset to the test. I've mostly seen Masha in sprints or wild indie-rific spotfests, so I wasn't sure how she'd fare in this format against a stamina monster like Syuri. Turns out, she has serious skills. This was a head-to-head battle in every way: grappling, submissions, strikes, counters, endurance. Inoki-Robinson flashed through my mind. It's not like they were just sitting in rest holds for extended periods, but if you're expecting a 2.9 kickout head-drop fest, you might be disappointed. ****1/4