Tam Nakano & Natsupoi vs. Aja Kong & Kaoru Ito
This transcended imagination. I had no idea Aja Kong still had this gear in her, but then again, she's rarely come across an emotionally complex force like Tam Nakano. Kaoru Ito might have been even more amazing. Tam & Natsupoi used their technical brilliance and speed while the giant sized veterans countered with pure instincts and power. Meltear took everything the behemoths threw at them and kept fighting back bravely. I was most impressed by Natsupoi bearing Kaoru Ito's double foot stomps (!). Every sequence was like a dream. A hyperdimensional clash of generations. ****1/4
IWGP Women's Championship: Mayu Iwatani (c) vs. Sareee
Four years in the making, this dream match was finally realized. I am so glad it delivered a decisive finish. Sareee's reputation for "strength" is undeniable, so defeating her was a huge statement for Mayu Iwatani, the IWGP title, and Stardom as a whole. In the same way that Keiji Muto defeating Nobuhiko Takada of U-Inter was for New Japan. This was a highly competitive 20 minutes with both wrestlers pushing each other to the absolute brink. A blend of orthodox royal road pro-wrestling with some astringent elements like unusually stiff shots, foot chokes, outside brawling, and kicks and headbutts to grounded opponents. Mayu, who openly admitted to fearing Sareee's elbow, showed incredible guts in taking the punishment and refusing to stay down. ****1/4
Wonder of Stardom Championship: Saori Anou (c) vs. Hanan
This was a phenomenal title defense by Saori Anou. Her bumping aesthetics are masterful, and her comebacks are even more impressive. She absorbed Hanan's charge, made the challenger look like a real threat, and then pulled off a dramatic last-minute victory. It was classic NWA championship methodology. Hanan bombarded Anou with backdrops, seemingly on the verge of victory, but Anou snatched the win in spectacular fashion. Credit to Hanan as well, who has been looking impressive lately and brought her absolute best. 21 minutes were paced and built with exquisite control, recharging and drawing in the crowd after the excitement of the previous match. It is no exaggeration to say that Saori Anou is a genius in visuals, charisma, bumping, mic skills, technique and generalship. ****1/2
World of Stardom Championship: Maika (c) vs. Momo Watanabe
I was initially concerned about this closing the show, but Maika and Brapi delivered something truly exciting and fresh. 2/3 fall title matches are a rarity in Japan these days, but they brought back the magic of that format with this one. The pacing and structure was amazing, especially considering the different stips for each fall. The first two falls defied expectations, with each conquering the other under their opponent's preferred ruleset. The third was a heavy war of attrition (last man standing). The wrestling throughout was dynamic, varied and hard-hitting with both showing tireless stamina. It reminded me all over again that Momo Watanabe is an amazing wrestler. Really, both are amazing and their efforts to live up to the main event billing should be commended. ****1/2
