Tokyo Joshi Pro - Summer Sun Princess '22 (7/9/2022)

5. Suzume & Mei Suruga vs. Arisu Endo & Riho

This was a great showing for Suzume and Endo. I was worried they might be overshadowed by Riho and Mei Suruga's reunion. But they must have performed with that in mind because they put together strong performances that weren't outdone by the seniors. Towards the end, the match developed into a 1v1 with Suzume against Endo, and they were both great together, with Suzume in particular showing her tremendous growth. ***1/2

6. International Princess Championship: Maki Itoh (c) vs. Alex Windsor

This is my first time seeing Alex Windsor and she was amazing. Her physique, her striking, her strength, her overall sense of stability. It's surprising that such a gem is on the indie scene and hasn't been picked up by any major international group yet. Windsor was such a formidable opponent that I couldn't imagine a way Maki Itoh could convincingly win against her, and she didn't. In Japanese martial arts, it is often said that a foreigner fighter's first impression is a matter of life and death; regardless of the outcome, they must leave a strong impression on the audience so they can be invited back, and Windsor made a strong impression in her Tokyo Joshi debut. ***3/4

7. Miyu Yamashita vs. Thunder Rosa

This was the opposite of the Itoh/Windsor match, which was heavy hitting and dynamic, with a sense of progression and stability. It was flimsy, loose and aimless. Every time I watch Thunder Rosa wrestle, I'm never quite sure what kind of wrestler she wants to be or what kind of match she wants to have. It always feels disorganized. The placement and timing of the moves, the transitions and tempo of the match, everything is disorienting. **

8. Princess Tag Team Championship: Yuka Sakazaki & Mizuki (c) vs. Saki Akai & Yuki Arai

Sakazaki & Mizuki's batting average as a tag team rivals that of the Young Bucks. They are a genius duo who can produce a quality match against any team. Akai & Arai's super tag team presence was immense. Taking advantage of their blessed physiques and long legs, they overwhelmed the smaller team, who built their strategy around technique and coordinated double attacks. It felt like an old school size disparity bout. The drama of the finale was wonderful, showing the friendship and bond of MSR as they protected each other from heavy damage. ****1/2

9. Princess of Princess Championship: Shoko Nakajima (c) vs. Rika Tatsumi

Tatsumi's craftsmanship, emotion, and ingenuity were all on full display here. Shoko had some good moments and some creative counters, but she proved to be an inadequate dance partner. All the effort Tatsumi put into building the match was undone by Shoko's monotone comeback sequence and unconvincing senton finisher. After all of the damage Tatsumi had inflicted, Shoko's comeback could have been more hard fought and compelling. ***1/2