Sayaka Kurara vs. Aya Sakura Who would've thought - a match between two rookie idol wrestlers starting with a full-on grappling session! No traditional pro-wrestling holds, it was pure kosen judo - scrambles, guard passes, a triangle choke…

AWG - ACTwrestling (3/24/2024) AWG Championship: Mari (c) vs. Natsumi Sumiwaka Natsumi Sumiwaka (formerly Natsumi Showzuki of Stardom) has grown up from a youthful idol wrestler into a seasoned mature woman! Her focus on kicks, knees, and …

Rika Tatsumi vs. Masha Slamovich This was just as strong as the singles matches higher up the card despite its placement deep on the undercard. Rika Tatsumi's match-building skill was on display, while Masha Slamovich built pressure from u…

Tam Nakano vs. Giulia This wasn't as grand as the title matches or the league finals; it was Tam Nakano x Giulia stripped down to its base core. That muddled rivalry, ugly and beautiful at once. A messy, emotional clash, the kind these two…

Stardom (3/9/2024) Natsupoi & Saori Anou vs. Sareee & Chihiro Hashimoto The hype was immense, especially with Sareee's Stardom debut (?). Thankfully, the match itself lived up to the hype. Natsupoi's a veteran who never gives off a seasone…

JTO (3/1/2024) Queen of JTO Championship: Tomoka Inaba (c) vs. Azusa Inaba This match had its moments. Enjoyed the early judo-infused grappling and the karate sparring. Where else can you watch cute sisters in a pro-wrestling/MMA hybrid ma…

Ice Ribbon - Ice Ribbon 1329 in 176BOX Ibuki Hoshi & Yuuki Mashiro vs. Hamuko Hoshi & Kaho Matsushita It might just be me, but even though this match was booked as a prelude to the parent-child title match between Ibuki Hoshi and Hamuko Ho…

AWG - ACTwrestling Osaka (3/16/2023) Misa Matsui vs. Natsuki This was an amazing match! Not only are they both well-skilled wrestlers, but their ability to convey emotion is top-notch. It's not just about executing moves, but about timing,…

NJPW - THE NEW BEGINNING in SAPPORO (2/23/2024) IWGP Women's Championship: Mayu Iwatani (c) vs. Mina Shirakawa It has been a while since the IWGP Joshi belt was defended in New Japan. The match had the feeling of an "away match" that the c…

AWG - ACTwrestling Step 33 (2/25/2024) AWG Championship: Mari (c) vs. Misa Matsui Misa Matsui's potential reached full bloom in this, her best bout yet. While she still lacks in finishing power, her energy was undeniable. She attacked rele…

Stardom (2/17/2024) NJPW STRONG Women's Championship: Giulia vs. Natsuko Tora A blood-pumping brawl amidst the chaos of Stardom. Natsuko Tora showcased her best yet, largely thanks to Giulia's signature adeptness at integrating her opponen…

OZ Academy - The Wizard of OZ 2024 (1/7/2024) OZ Academy Openweight Championship: AKINO (c) vs. Mio Momono I surprisingly enjoyed this. It had a structural coherence that isn't often found in this more classical joshi pro-wrestling style w…

Sareee-ism ~ Chapter 3 (1/16/2024) Sareee vs. Chihiro Hashimoto This was shaping up to be my favorite match between these two, but it took a turn in the latter portions. The beginning held promise with strategic grappling and inventive cou…

Prominence - Round 20 ~ Shoko Futo (1/9/2024) Hardcore: Risa Sera vs. SAKI I had some excitement about this match, featuring two leaders of freelancer units—respected and seasoned veterans. It turned out to be an enjoyable bout, but for a …

TJPW - Tokyo Joshi Pro '24 (1/4/2024) Princess of Princess Championship: Miyu Yamashita (c) vs. Masha Slamovich Strong strikes and work rate, but the match felt all over the place in terms of structure. It's like they crammed in a bunch of…

Stardom - Ittenyon Stardom Gate (1/4/2024) IWGP Women's Championship: Mayu Iwatani (c) vs. Syuri Pure choujin pro wrestling at its finest. The match felt like a true battle between top level wrestlers, with all their best moves unleashed. …

I rated 203 joshi puroresu matches in 2023. These are my top 25.

6. NJPW STRONG Women's Championship: Giulia (c) vs. Megan Bayne Classic "Japanese ace versus monster gaijin" matchup that blended old-school vibes with advanced modern flair. Giulia's style, focused on receiving and harmonizing with her op…

Asia Dream Tag Team Championship: Mei Suruga & Baliyan Akki (c) vs. Chris Brookes & Masahiro Takanashi Gatoh Move always delivers on flashiness and innovation, and this match was no exception. But there were storytelling elements that were…

2. Saori Anou vs. AZM Excellent match here between a pair of fast technicians. They made the most of the opportunity after the original tag title match booking fell through. Billed as a ★5 STAR GP special, it captured the fast-paced, diges…

WRESTLE PRINCESS IV (10/9/2023) Princess of Princess Championship: Mizuki (c) vs. Miyu Yamashita Mizuki played the role of a "never lose" champion exceptionally well here, a familiar theme throughout her reign. She is like a Ric Flair or N…

3. Blue Stars: Mina Shirawaka vs. Saori AnouA brilliant classical match between two gorgeous visual wrestlers. Targeted knee attacks from each side, with leg locks as the axis. What impressed me most was that contrary to their flashy appea…

Stardom - ★5 STAR GP 2023 (9/23/2023) Blue Stars: Maika vs. Mina Shirakawa Mina Shirakawa has established herself as one of Stardom's top performers, particularly in terms of match structure. Her ability to adapt to her opponent's strength…

Stardom - ★5 STAR GP 2023 (9/17/2023) Blue Stars: MIRAI vs. Mariah May A match to decide the true "Fighting Princess". This developed into a superb sprint with back and forth action. MIRAI's steady, orthodox approach highlighted Mariah May…

Stardom - ★5 STAR GP 2023 (9/2/2023) Blue Stars: Giulia vs. Momo Watanabe I've always believed that Giulia and Momo Watanabe possess an innate chemistry as opponents and it was satisfying to see that chemistry materialize once again in ano…

4. Natsuko Tora & Hazuki vs. Ruaka & Nanae Takahashi Unexpectedly amazing. Hazuki & Natsuko Tora were eager to face Nanae Takahashi and prove themselves. Ruaka seemed reluctant to team up with Nanae during the entrance, but once the match …

6. Goddesses of Stardom Championship: Natsupoi & Saori Anou (c) vs. Suzu Suzuki & Mei Seira Nothing short of spectacular. The high-speed pace of action and wide array of techniques, from precision kicks and suplexes to high-flying and doub…

Stardom - ★5 STAR GP 2023 (8/20/2023) Red Stars: Hazuki vs. Ami Sohrei These two have a solid history in the tag division which may have informed their good chemistry in this match. Quite an intense match, with a real desire to win on both…

5. Blue Stars: Mina Shirakawa vs. Mariah May The first ever Club Venus intra-unit singles match was physically and emotionally charged, as intra-unit matches often are. After all, the best opponents are generally those who have a high degr…

Sendai Girls (3/7/2023) Sendai Girls Tag Team Championship: Chihiro Hashimoto & Yuu (c) vs. Saori Anou & Maya Yukihi The entire match was a showcase of Team200kg's awesomeness. Saori Anou & Maya Yukihi were dominated from start to finish. …