WAVE - NAMI 1 ~ Nami Hajime ~ GO WAVE (1/1/2023)
Regina di WAVE Championship: Hikaru Shida (c) vs. Risa Sera
2023 seems to be the year of Ice Ribbon reunion matches. This was an American-style Hikaru Shida match in Japan, with deliberate tension-building pauses and precise "spacing" between the moves. Shida even seemed to play to the camera, which is unlike traditional joshi pro-wrestling. I could have easily imagined this match airing on AEW Rampage. Although the match began with humor, it grew increasingly intense as it progressed, with Shida's heavy strikes and knees and Sera's impressive strength and technical prowess. The use of mirrored moves was particularly notable given their past as master and apprentice. Overall, a stunning title clash between the two. ****1/4
