When COVID hit in 2020, one of the side effects was wrestling companies having to figure out new ways to stay in business. Without live crowds, the lack of gate clearly impacted profits, which led to promotions looking for other ways to bring in money. Different promotions went in different directions, but almost all found new ways to make their events available to fans to watch at home since they couldn’t go to the arena. With that in mind, I wanted to quickly give a run down of where you can watch Joshi wrestling this month.

First, I am going to start with the regular streaming services, either on Youtube or via a platform with a flat monthly fee. These were further covered in my recap from April 2021, so check that column out for a lot more details.

Joshi Wrestling Non-PPV Streaming Services

Promotion: PURE-J
Streaming Service: Filmuy
Cost: 1,040 yen
Website: https://filmuy.com/pure-j

Promotion: Actwres girl’Z
Service: Actwres girl’Z Nets
Cost: 1,000 yen
Website: https://actwresgirlz.net/app

Promotion: YMZ
Service: Filmuy
Cost: 999 yen
Website: https://filmuy.com/ymz

Promotion: Marvelous
Service: NicoNico
Cost: 990 yen
Website: https://ch.nicovideo.jp/marvelouspro

Promotion: Stardom
Service: Stardom World
Cost: 920 yen
Website: https://www.stardom-world.com

Promotion: Tokyo Joshi Pro
Service: Wrestle Universe
Cost: 900 yen
Website: https://www.ddtpro.com/universe

Promotion: Various
Service: NicoPro NicoNico
Cost: 550 yen
Website: https://ch.nicovideo.jp/nicopro

Promotion: Ice Ribbon
Service: NicoNico
Cost: 550 yen
Website: https://ch.nicovideo.jp/iceribbon

Promotion: Diana
Service: Youtube
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.youtube.com/c/dianaofficial/

Promotion: Gatoh Move
Service: Youtube
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.youtube.com/c/GatohMove

Promotion: Sendai Girls’ 
Service: Youtube
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.youtube.com/user/sendaigirls

So those are all the services that fans are pretty familiar with, as they have been around for awhile. Now we will dive into which promotions are using the PPV model, and where their PPVs are airing as there are a lot of different options. Most of these services should be available to International fans and most I have used successfully, but it may depend on your credit card settings. Also, some services do have an easier process than others for Western fans.

Joshi Wrestling PPV Options

Promotion: SEAdLINNNG
Service: SEAdLINNNG LIVE
Cost (may vary): 3000 Yen
Website: https://seadlinnnglive.com
Upcoming or Available Event(s): July 11th

SEAdLINNNG gets a special mention as the only one with a dedicated website of their own for their PPVs. Just makes it easier to find what you are looking for. SEAdLINNNG offers a live streaming option for their PPVs, and the events are archived afterwards if you missed it live (or want to watch it again). The event will remain available to watch an unlimited number of time for seven days. They don’t have every event available as a PPV but offer one fairly regularly, so if you are a fan of SEAdLINNNG you don’t have to miss their shows. They tend to announce upcoming events on their Twitter account, @SLinnng, in English to make sure International fans are in the loop.

Promotion: Stardom
Service: Pia
Cost (may vary): 4400 Yen
Website: https://w.pia.jp/t/stardom-pls
Upcoming or Available Event(s): None

Stardom, like a couple other promotions we will get to, have both a monthly streaming service and also offer events on live PPV. Every show Stardom provides as a live PPV will be added later to Stardom World, you don’t have to buy their PPVs to watch the show. So if you can’t watch it live, may as well wait a few days and watch it on Stardom World as they only archive the PPV for a couple days after it airs on Pia. Stardom also recently started having English Commentary for their live PPVs, so we’ll see if that trend continues. The easiest way to find out when an event will be on PPV and to get the link to purchase is to follow their twitter account, @we_are_stardom.

Promotion: Ice Ribbon
Service: NicoNico
Cost (may vary): 1000 Yen to 3000 Yen
Website: https://ch.nicovideo.jp/iceribbon
Upcoming or Available Event(s): 10th, 14th, 21st, and 28th
*I haven’t personally tested this service yet but I assume it works for International fans*

Ice Ribbon is the first promotion we’ll discuss that airs PPVs on NicoNico (or affiliated website). This is not to be confused with their regular streaming service, even though its the same channel. Their PPVs have two prices, one for those that are members of their monthly streaming service and one for those that aren’t, generally a 500 yen price difference.  They do have PPVs very regularly, so if you are anxious to watch a certain match and don’t want to wait a month for the event to appear on their regular streaming service, its worth keeping an eye on. The easiest way to find out when an event will be on PPV and to get the link to purchase is to follow their English twitter account, @IceRibbon_eng.

Promotion: Actwres girl’Z
Service: KIPz (also NicoPro)
Cost (may vary): 2000 Yen
Website: https://kipz.fun
Upcoming or Available Event(s): June 30th (event is still available for purchase at the time of posting)

Actwres girl’Z also pulls double duty, as they have a monthly flat fee streaming service plus sometimes air PPVs. These also air on NicoNico but for Western fans, I would recommend using KIPz. KIPz is more friendly to foreign fans and is better quality. Events are available for around two weeks if purchased through KIPz after the event has aired, so there is plenty of time to watch if you miss it live. Actwres girl’Z events are randomly shown on PPV, and I wouldn’t consider it a regular occurrence. The easiest way to find out when an event will be on PPV and to get the link to purchase is to follow the NicoPro English twitter account, @nicopro_english.

Promotion: Diana
Service: KIPz (also NicoPro)
Cost (may vary): 2000 Yen
Website: https://kipz.fun
Upcoming or Available Event(s): July 4th (event is still available for purchase at the time of posting)

Diana is another promotion that very occasionally utilizes KIPz to show PPVs, even though the bulk of their events available to watch online are put on Youtube for free. This is far from a regular occurrence and like AgZ, the easiest way to know when one is coming up is to keep an eye on the NicoPro English twitter account, @nicopro_english.

Promotion: Pro Wrestling WAVE
Service: Confetti Web
Cost (may vary): 2500 Yen to 3500 Yen
Website: https://www.confetti-web.com
Upcoming or Available Event(s): None

I recently learned about this one as I don’t keep an eye on WAVE very closely. WAVE airs PPVs on a service called Confetti Web. They also sell tickets to go see WAVE in-person on this site, so its important to only purchase events that list the venue as “Confetti Streaming Theater.” At the moment they don’t have any upcoming events, but most (if not all) of the Catch The WAVE events did air as single events on PPV. Typically, events are available for one week after their live streaming date. Confetti Web is a little more tricky to sign up for as it requires a Japanese address, however my US credit card was accepted as payment. I’m not sure the easiest way to know when things are coming to the Confetti Streaming Theater, although WAVE’s twitter would probably be the best place to watch, @p_w_wave.

Promotion: Marvelous
Service: Passmarket
Cost (may vary): 3000 Yen
Website: https://passmarket.yahoo.co.jp
Upcoming or Available Event(s): July 19th and August 8th

Marvelous has been using Passmarket sporadically over the last year, so it seems to be their preferred PPV provider. They have two upcoming events that online tickets are available for, including KAORU’s retirement show. Unknown if these shows will also be added to their NicoNico channel, and if so how much of a delay there will be. Events are available for one week after their air if you miss the live viewing. Again I am going to recommend Twitter as the easiest way to know about upcoming events (if you don’t have Twitter, just make an account to follow Joshi promotions and of course me), their English Twitter account @marvelousinter sends out information on what events are coming and they provide a link to order.

Promotion: OZ Academy
Service: Mahocast
Cost (may vary): 3000 Yen
Website: https://www.mahocast.com/at/live/1149
Upcoming or Available Event(s): July 11th

OZ Academy streams a fair number of their events on Mahocast. Since OZ Academy doesn’t have a monthly streaming service and doesn’t air as often as other promotions, this is the best way to keep up with their product if you are a fan. The events are available for two weeks after they air, so if you miss it live you can come back and watch it later. Their social media game is a little lackluster so I’d recommend just bookmarking the link I have above as that is the landing page for all their events.

Promotion: Sendai Girls’
Service: Zaiko
Cost (may vary): 3500 Yen
Website: https://sendaigirlspro.zaiko.io
Upcoming or Available Event(s): July 11th
*I haven’t personally tested this service yet but I assume it works for International fans*

Finally, Sendai Girls’ has another method of streaming their shows, this one called Zaiko. Sendai Girls’ has tried a lot of different streaming options in the last few years, so no promises that this one will stick, however they have been using this service for PPVs since last November. Events are available for three days after purchase, so if you miss it live, don’t dilly dally in watching it or you may lose access. Sendai Girls’ appear to have abandoned their English Twitter account, but they do mention upcoming events on their regular Twitter account, @senjo2006.

The post Where to Watch Joshi Wrestling Online – July 2021 Edition appeared first on Joshi City.

Event: Gatoh Move ChocoPro #16
Date: May 23rd, 2020
Location: Ichigaya Chocolate Hiroba in Tokyo, Japan
Announced Attendance: 0

I don’t normally review just one match from an event, but this will be an exception. There were only two matches on the show, but I decided to skip the other as it didn’t look like my cup of tea and went straight to the main event as the Freelancer Asuka invades Gatoh Move to challenge their brightest young star – Mei Suruga. Here is the match we will be watching today:

• Asuka vs. Mei Suruga

As this aired live on Youtube, the match will be shown in full. You can click on the wrestlers’ names above to go straight to their profile on Joshi City.

Asuka vs. Mei Suruga

Asuka won’t shake hands with Mei before the bell, setting the early tone. They lock knuckles but Asuka pushes Mei down, Mei gets back to her feet but can’t reach Asuka’s hand to lock up again. Mei stomps on Asuka’s foot and applies a waistlock, she leaps over Asuka and grabs her arm, jumping off the window and going for an armdrag. Asuka doesn’t go over, she picks up Mei and does an armdrag off the window herself before doing a sexy dance. Mei does a dance as well, which disgusts both Asuka and the referee Emi Sakura, Mei gets Asuka to the mat and puts her in a bodyscissors. Mei rolls around Asuka while keeping in the hold before keeping the cradle applied for a two count. Mei runs over Asuka’s back but eventually trips over Asuka, Asuka bops Mei in the head before throwing her down by the hair. Mei gets back up and grabs Asuka by the hair but Asuka flings her head forward, sending Mei crashing to the mat. Kicks to the head by Asuka, she picks up Mei and hits a scoop slam. Elbow drop by Asuka and she covers Mei with one boot for a one count. Asuka picks up Mei and hits another scoop slam before putting Mei in a crab hold, but Mei reaches the edge of the mat to force a break (there are no ropes).

Asuka applies an arm wringer and then a side headlock, she switches it to a guillotine hold on the mat but Mei reaches the edge again for the break. Asuka mounts Mei and chokes her, she picks her up and puts Mei in a stretch hold. Mei reaches the wall which also forces a break (slightly different rules here), Asuka picks up Mei but Mei connects with a series of elbows. Low dropkick by Mei but Asuka blocks it when she goes for a cradle and applies an ankle hold. Mei manages to get the break, Asuka picks her up and goes for a chokeslam, but Mei blocks it and hits an armdrag. She grabs Asuka’s wrist and jumps off the window sill with another armdrag, kicks by Mei and she stands on a stool so she can club Asuka in the back. Mei jumps up into the other window and rides over to her to deliver a hurricanrana, dropkicks by Mei but Asuka returns to her feet. Asuka goes for a dropkick but Mei swats her away and rams her head-first into the wall. Dropkick by Mei, and she covers Asuka for a two count. Asuka trips Mei and goes back to the ankle hold, but Mei rolls to the wall for the break. Mei grabs Asuka’s ankle and goes for a hold of her own, but Asuka reaches the wall so Mei has to let go.

Mei charges Asuka but Asuka dropkicks her as she charges in, Asuka picks up Mei and slaps her. Back kick by Asuka and she covers Mei for a two count. Asuka picks up Mei but Mei ducks the elbow, boot by Asuka but Mei elbows her in the chest. Asuka knocks Mei to the mat, she picks her back up as Mei continues trying to fight back. Asuka sends Mei down again with another hard elbow, cover by Asuka but it gets a two count. Asuka knees Mei in the head and kicks her around the mat, vertical suplex by Asuka and she hits a standing moonsault for a two count. Asuka circles Mei before picking her back up, but Mei quickly applies a small package for two. Mei goes for a few more flash pins with no luck, she ducks Asuka’s boot attempt and hits her with a kendo stick. They both slowly get up, Mei charges Asuka but Asuka catches her with a heel kick. Cover by Asuka, but Mei bridges out of the pin. Asuka picks up Mei but Mei blocks the chokeslam and rolls Asuka into a pin attempt for two. Schoolboy by Mei, but that gets a two count as well. Mei goes for a cradle but Asuka rolls through it and applies an ankle hold, but Mei reaches the edge of the mat to force a break. Asuka picks up Mei but Mei slips away, she goes for a cover but Asuka pushes her off as the bell rings due to time expiring. The match is a Draw.

It is easy to dismiss a match that takes place on a mat inside a small room as goofy, especially since sometimes the style in Gatoh Move leans towards comedy, but this was a legitimately good match. They used the unique surroundings when appropriate but not excessively, as the bulk of the match was the same style as if they were in an actual ring. Asuka adapted well and they mixed in typical action with the occasional Gatoh Move-style cuteness in a way that really worked. I wish of course it wasn’t a Draw but I get it in cases like this, and Mei more than put up a fight so it wasn’t a mercy Draw where she was about to lose to the more experienced outsider. It wasn’t perfect, things like the ankle holds just felt like killing time and I wish Mei had a non-flash pin nearfall or two, but overall a really entertaining effort by both.  Recommended

The post Asuka vs. Mei Suruga in Gatoh Move on 5/23/20 Review appeared first on Joshi City.

Full Photobook Details

Title: Riho “Prologue”
Release: July 2019
Pages: 22
Cost: ¥2,000
Where to Buy: Gatoh Move Online Shop

Riho announced in the summer of 2019 that she was leaving Gatoh Move, her wrestling home from 2012 to 2019. At her final Gatoh Move event, a special photobook was released to commemorate the occasion. The photobook was titled “Prologue” as her training and experience gained in Gatoh Move acted as a prologue to where the rest of her career would take her. Unlike some wrestler departures, Riho leaving Gatoh Move was fully supported by her trainer and promotion owner, Emi Sakura, as they continued to wrestle together later on when Riho joined AEW. This is one of the smaller photobooks ever released, but still provides a window into Riho’s career while in Gatoh Move.

One benefit of the photobook is that all were signed on the front cover, as seen in the picture above. To many, the autograph alone would justify the price of the photobook, which was a reasonable ¥2,000 (about $20). The photobook is not full sized, as it is sized at A5 (approximately 8 inches by 6 inches). It is also only 22 pages, and a lot of those pages include text instead of pictures. The pictures are very tasteful and show Riho in a variety of poses, with Riho wearing either formal wear or her ring attire. All in all, the contents of the photobook itself may be a bit lacking due to its size, however the front being signed by Riho adds a lot to the value and its still a fitting way to remember her exit from Gatoh Move. Here is a sample of pages from the photobook:

The post Riho “Prologue” Gatoh Move Photobook Review appeared first on Joshi City.

Event: Gatoh Move Japan Tour #438 ~ Last Song For You
Date: July 2nd, 2019
Location: Shinjuku FACE in Tokyo, Japan
Announced Attendance: 420

I recognize that reviews on the site have slowed down to a crawl, and until I have the time and desire to start doing them again that will probably continue to be the case. However, I got this DVD a few weeks ago and decided to hell with it, I had to do a review. Gatoh Move Last Song For You features Riho’s “graduation” from Gatoh Move, as this was her last match with the promotion before moving on to AEW and Freelancing. There are a few other big matches as well, as Gatoh Move put on a fun show for Riho’s farewell. Here are all the Joshi matches on the show:

• An Chamu, Hagane Shinnou, and Makoto vs. Antonio Honda, SAKI, and Sayaka Obihiro
• Haruka Umesaki vs. Mei Suruga
• Ryo Mizunami vs. Yuna Mizumori
• Hikaru Shida vs. Mitsuru Konno
• Emi Sakura vs. Riho

Since I am watching the commercial DVD, all matches will be shown in full. All Joshi wrestlers on the event have a profile on Joshi City, you can click on their names above to go straight to it.

An Chamu, Hagane Shinnou, and Makoto vs. Antonio Honda, SAKI, and Sayaka Obihiro

They brawl to start, Hagane and SAKI start as the legal wrestlers and Hagane hits a hard shoulderblock. SAKI replies with a shoulderblock of her own, Makoto comes in but SAKI drops her with a rebound crossbody. Chamu gets in the ring and with Makoto they double team SAKI, but Antonio helps his partner and clears the ring. He goes for a dive but trips, leading to him grabbing a mic and cutting a promo. Makoto, Hagane, and Chamu return to the ring as Antonio talks to them, Antonio pokes all three in the eyes but Chamu fights back and hits a jumping elbow. Tilt-a-whirl schoolboy by Chamu, but it gets a two count. Chamu applies a headscissors in the corner, she lets go and gets on the top turnbuckle, hitting a diving crossbody onto Antonio for a two count. Chamu tags Hagane, punches by Hagane to Antonio but Antonio punches him back in the stomach and makes the tag to Sayaka. Chops by Sayaka to Hagane, she goes for a spear but Hagane catches it and hits a vertical suplex. He tags in Makoto, Makoto throws Sayaka into the corner and hits a big boot for two. Double underhook by Makoto but Sayaka blocks the suplex and cradles Makoto for a two count. Sayaka chops Makoto into the corner, she goes off the ropes and dropkicks Makoto to the mat.

Scoop slam by Makoto but Antonio pulls Sayaka out of the ring to help her avoid the cartwheel double kneedrop. SAKI gets in as the legal wrestler and kicks Makoto into the corner, but Makoto knocks her back and hits a diving crossbody for two. Makoto picks up SAKI and hits a bridging double underhook suplex, but that gets a two as well. Makoto tags in Chamu, Hagane also comes in and SAKI is triple teamed. Shining Wizard by Chamu to SAKI, but the cover is broken up. Chamu picks up SAKI and hits a hip attack, as does Makoto and Hagane. They all go off the ropes but Hagane and Sayaka trip the helpers from the corner while SAKI catches Chamu with an atomic drop. SAKI and friends all punch their opponents but team SAKI returns the favor, all six trade punches with SAKI’s team getting the better of it. Double atomic drop to Chamu, Sayaka goes off the ropes and dives out onto Makoto and Hagane (after hopping on the apron first). SAKI picks up Chamu and hits a vertical suplex, cover by SAKI and she gets the three count!

Nothing about this will blow anyone away, but for an early-card match it was sufficient. None of the wrestlers got a real chance to shine, and there weren’t any higher end wrestlers here anyway (except maybe Makoto, depending on your tastes), so it just hummed along until it ended. Not offensive or boring, just a match to fill out the card before the bigger matches happened.

Haruka Umesaki vs. Mei Suruga

Mei and Haruka circle to start, they struggle for position until Mei gets Haruka into the corner, but she gives a clean break. Haruka elbows her in the chest, Mei rebounds out of the corner and grabs Haruka’s wrist, she jumps off the ropes but Haruka gets her in a guillotine. Mei quickly gets out of it, they trade trips and covers before reaching a stalemate. Drop toehold by Mei, she applies a headlock but Haruka gets out of it and they trade holds. Mei works a headlock and then applies a wristlock, she jumps off the ropes before hitting an armdrag. Snapmare by Mei and she applies a bodyscissors, she rolls Haruka around while maintaining the hold before stopping with Haruka’s shoulders down for a two count. Mei picks up Haruka, hard elbow by Mei but Haruka dropkicks Mei in the corner. Jumping crossbody by Haruka and she puts Mei in a submission hold, she stretches Mei before letting go and stomping her. Mei goes for a scoop slam but Haruka blocks it, they go back and forth until Mei delivers a scoop slam.

Mei picks up Haruka and rams her head-first into the turnbuckles, she does it a second time before covering Haruka for two. Mei applies a stretch hold before letting Haruka go and putting her in a crab hold. Haruka quickly gets to the ropes for the break, Mei goes off the ropes but Haruka avoids her dropkick and hits one of her own. Haruka hits three more dropkicks and covers Mei, but it gets a two count. Scoop slam by Haruka, she goes for multiple covers but Mei kicks out each time. Haruka gets on the second turnbuckle and hits a missile dropkick, but again her cover gets two. Crab hold by Haruka but Mei inches herself to the ropes to get the break. Haruka goes off the ropes but Mei catches her with a takedown, schoolboy by Haruka but it gets two. An inside cradle and backslide by Haruka don’t work either, she charges Mei and hits a dropkick. She goes for La Magistral but Mei blocks it, dropkick by Mei and she covers Haruka for two. Mei jumps on Haruka’s back and she applies the Houkiboshi for the three count pinfall! Mei Suruga wins!

The match probably went a smidge too long considering Haruka’s experience level, but it was a fine little match. Very simple, lots of strikes and cradles, but Haruka has some spunk to her and Mei has great presence. If I was trying to sell someone on either of these young wrestlers I doubt this is a match I would recommend, but for where they are in their careers I have no real complaints.

Ryo Mizunami vs. Yuna Mizumori

Yuna tries to knock over Ryo with shoulderblocks to start the match but has no luck, Ryo kicks Yuna and shoulderblocks her down to the mat. Yuna immediately gets up and elbows Ryo from behind, and she finally knocks over Ryo with a shoulderblock. She picks up Ryo but Ryo hits a scoop slam and hits a quick legdrop for a two count. Camel Clutch by Ryo, she lets go after a moment and stomps Yuna in the back. Ryo chops Yuna into the corner but Yuna catches one to block it, Ryo goes off the ropes but Yuna knocks her into the corner. Elbows by Yuna, she dances a bit but Ryo moves out of the way when she charges her. Chops by Ryo in the corner, now its her turn to do a dance as she charges up but Yuna blocks her lariat. Kick by Ryo and she elbows Yuna repeatedly, lariat by Ryo and she hits a legdrop for two.

Anaconda Vice by Ryo, Yuna elbows out of it and tosses Ryo over her back. Body press by Yuna, but it only gets a two count. Running crossbody by Yuna and she hits two more, but again her cover gets two. Yuna goes for a handstand senton but Ryo moves out of the way and hits a running leg lariat. She quickly goes up top but Yuna recovers and grabs her, slamming Ryo into the opposite corner. Shoulder tackle by Yuna and she delivers the handstand senton for two. Yuna charges Ryo and tries to jump on her but Yuna gets her feet up, heel kicks by Yuna but Ryo kicks out of the cover. Dropkick by Yuna and she hits a double jump bodypress out of the corner for another two count. Yuna charges Ryo but Ryo catches her with a hard lariat, she goes off the ropes and hits a second lariat for two. Ryo waits for Yuna to get up and delivers a spear, she goes up to the top turnbuckle and nails the guillotine legdrop for the three count! Ryo Mizunami is the winner.

An odd little match. Ryo wrestled from the dominate position but it was far from a squash as Yuna got in about a third of the offense and had several nearfalls. I am not a huge fan of Ryo’s goofiness so naturally I am not a big fan of Yuna’s goofiness either, but at least they were both on the same page. The end stretch of the match was solid, not necessarily heated but both were hitting their moves well and their exchanges were well done. A solid midcard match and Ryo made sure to put over Yuna’s bigger moves, Yuna doesn’t seem from this match to be the smoothest wrestler but overall an easy watch. Mildly Recommended

Hikaru Shida vs. Mitsuru Konno

Hikaru and Mitsuru tie-up to start, Hikaru pushes Mitsuru into the ropes but she gives a clean break. They tie-up again, again Hikaru gets Mitsuru into the ropes and breaks clean, but Mitsuru charges right back at her. They keep struggling, Mitsuru finally gets Hikaru in the ropes and hits a series of elbows. Scoop slam by Hikaru but Mitsuru quickly gets back up but Hikaru pushes her to the ropes and knees her in the head. Hikaru hangs Mitsuru’s head over the apron and hits a kneelift, she gets back in the ring and hits a backbreaker for two. Camel Clutch by Hikaru but Mitsuru gets into the ropes for the break. Hikaru picks up Mitsuru but Mitsuru elbows her, eye poke by Hikaru and she throws Mitsuru into the corner, but Mitsuru kicks her back. Hikaru hits a jumping knee anyway but Mitsuru fires back with a dropkick and a jumping kick. Single leg crab hold by Mitsuru, she lets go after a moment and picks up Hikaru, but Hikaru knees her in the stomach. Knee to the back of the head by Hikaru, she picks up Mitsuru and delivers a vertical suplex for a two count.

Hikaru goes off the ropes but Mitsuru schoolboys her for two, Mitsuru tries a few more flash pins but Hikaru blocks them. Hikaru knees Mitsuru hard in the face, the referee starts a ten count but Mitsuru makes it to her feet. Elbows by Mitsuru but Hikaru knees her in the head again, Mitsuru again comes back with elbows and the two exchange blows. Mitsuru boots Hikaru out of the ring, she goes out after her and tosses Hikaru into the chairs at ringside. Mitsuru slides Hikaru back in the ring, she picks her up and hits a bridging suplex for two. Mitsuru goes off the ropes and boots Hikaru in the head, she picks her up but Hikaru pushes her away and delivers a jumping knee. Mitsuru quickly recovers and boots Hikaru, but Hikaru hits an enzuigiri before slamming Mitsuru into the mat. They trade flash pins with neither getting the three count, Hikaru goes off the ropes but Mitsuru hits a lariat for two. Mitsuru picks up Hikaru but Hikaru pokes her in the eyes and applies an inside cradle. Three Count by Hikaru, and she picks up the three count! Hikaru Shida is the winner.

This was really fun, enjoyed it thoroughly. For two wrestlers not overly familiar with each other it was pretty smooth, just one noticeable miscommunication, and Mitsuru definitely brought her best with her as she went toe to toe with Hikaru for the bulk of the match. Hikaru’s strikes are a thing of beauty as always but I liked Mitsuru not necessarily wrestling from the weak position which would have been assumed going into it considering their experience levels, it felt more like a struggle for both and not Hikaru sleepwalking through a lesser wrestler. I wouldn’t have minded a longer final stretch run, but otherwise a solid match to lead us to the main event.  Recommended

Emi Sakura vs. Riho

They start with a knuckle-lock and a Test of Strength, Emi pushes Riho down but Riho bridges back up and gets out of the hold. She goes for a crossbody but Emi slams her to the mat, Riho bridges out of the pin attempt but Emi flings her back down and goes for a submission. Riho quickly gets out of it and goes for a Mexican Surfboard, but she can’t get Emi up so she puts her in a Camel Clutch instead. Riho puts Emi in the corner and hits a jumping knee, another knee by Riho but Emi pushes her back and hits a series of Mongolian Chops. Emi throws down Riho by the hair and puts her in the Mexican Surfboard, she lets go after a moment and goes for a Tiger Driver, but Riho gets out of it and delivers a spinning headscissors. Emi falls out of the ring, Riho goes up to the top turnbuckle and dives out with a crossbody to the floor. Riho rolls Emi back in, she goes to the top turnbuckle and hits another diving crossbody for a two count. Emi gets Riho on her shoulders but Riho slides off and dropkicks her in the back, she goes for the 619 but Emi moves out of the way and hits a backbreaker. Emi picks up Riho and hits a double underhook into another backbreaker, cover by Emi but it gets a two count. Emi chops Riho but Riho drop toeholds her into the ropes and hits the 619. Northern Lights Suplex by Riho, but it gets a two count. Riho goes up to the top turnbuckle but Emi avoids the diving footstomp, cradle by Riho and she hits a footstomp to Emi’s midsection.

Running knee to the back by Riho and she puts Emi in a single leg crab hold, but Emi gets into the ropes to force the break. Punches to the back by Riho, she picks up Emi but Emi grabs her and slams Riho to the mat. Emi charges Riho in the corner and hits a crossbody, reverse double kneedrop by Emi and she goes for a Vader Bomb, but Riho gets her knees up. Diving footstomp by Riho, but her cover only gets two. Riho charges Emi but Emi ducks the Somato and cradles Riho for two. Both wrestlers elbow each other as they return to their feet, Emi wins the battle and follows up with a dropkick. Riho doesn’t stay down, elbow by Emi but Riho fires back with a jumping knee. Emi hits a knee as well but Riho hits a crossbody in the corner, leaving both wrestlers on the mat. Riho goes up top but Emi recovers and joins her, Riho knocks Emi into the Tree of Woe and delivers a diving double knee. Riho goes for the Somato but Emi ducks it again and cradles Riho for two. Emi goes for La Magistral but Riho reverses it into one of her own, she finally hits the Somato but Emi barely kicks out of the cover. Riho picks up Emi but Emi snaps off a German suplex, Emi picks up Riho and hits the Tiger Driver for a two count. Emi chops Riho in the chest but Riho fires back with a lariat, Riho charges Emi but Emi applies La Magistral for the three count! Emi Sakura wins the match.

A fitting match for Riho’s ‘graduation’ from Gatoh Move, as with their chemistry and in-ring history these two aren’t capable of having a bad match together. It started a little slow and some of the submissions felt disjointed, but once they got rolling the match was fast paced and captivating. Emi Sakura can still go at 43 years old, she had no issues keeping up with Riho and hit everything smoothly, including her usual innovative backbreakers. I just wish the match had about five more minutes to it as it felt like they had more they could have done, particularly with Emi Sakura since she didn’t have a segment towards the end with convincing nearfalls that could have added some drama. This won’t be the last time these two interact in the ring so there was no need to go “all out” with it, an entertaining match between the student and the master.  Recommended

The post Gatoh Move Last Song For You on 7/2/19 Review appeared first on Joshi City.

Seven different Joshi promotions ran events in the last week, time for the the weekly Joshi Recap and Results!

Actwres girl’Z

Event: AgZ Color’s
Date: April 15th, 2019
Location: Shin-Kiba 1st RING in Tokyo, Japan
Announced Attendance: Unknown
Where to Watch: Not televised, likely DVD release

• Natsu Sumire defeats Ayumi Hayashi (8:43)
• Sakuran Bonita (Cherry) defeats Yuko Sakurai (6:48)
• Kaori Yoneyama and Miku Aono defeat Ayano Irie and Misa Matsui (10:25)
• Rina Yamashita defeats Mari (11:40)
• SAKI and Yuna Mizumori defeat Mii and Riho (14:40)

Gatoh Move

Event: Gatoh Move “Command Bolshoi Special”
Date: April 18th, 2019
Location: Ichigaya Chocolate Hiroba in Tokyo, Japan
Announced Attendance: 70
Where to Watch: Not televised, possible DVD release

• Yuna Mizumori defeats An Chamu (7:00)
• Masahiro Takanashi defeats Baliyan Akki and Mitsuru Konno (6:37)
• Command Bolshoi and Riho defeat Emi Sakura and Mei Suruga (13:06)

Event: Gatoh Move Japan Tour #421
Date: April 21st, 2019
Location: Ichigaya Chocolate Hiroba in Tokyo, Japan
Announced Attendance: 79
Where to Watch: Not televised, possible DVD release

• Chon Shiryu DRAWS Yuna Mizumori (10:00)
• Baliyan Akki and SAKI defeat Emi Sakura and Sawasdee Kamen (9:10)
• Mitsuru Konno and Riho defeat Hikaru Shida and Mei Suruga (13:19)

Ice Ribbon

Event: Ice Ribbon “New Ice Ribbon #955”
Date: April 20th, 2019
Location: Ice Ribbon Dojo in Saitama, Japan
Announced Attendance: 90
Where to Watch: Not televised, likely DVD release

• Matsuya Uno and Mochi Miyagi defeat Risa Sera and Suzu Suzuki (12:09)
• Akane Fujita defeats Asahi (5:56)
• Giulia DRAWS Tsukushi (10:00)
• Hamuko Hoshi, Miyako Matsumoto, and Tsukasa Fujimoto defeat Chabela, Ibuki Hoshi, and Maya Yukihi (17:39)

Marvelous

Event: Marvelous in Osaka
Date: April 21st, 2019
Location: Azalea Taisho Hall in Osaka, Japan
Announced Attendance: Unknown
Where to Watch: Streamed on freshlive.tv

• Maria defeats Momoka Hanazono (5:30)
• Leo Isaka and MIKAMI defeat Pandita and Takahiro Katori (13:00)
• DASH Chisako and Hyan defeat Hiroe Nagahama and Mei Hoshizuki (12:46)
• Tomoko Watanabe and Yuu Yamagata defeat May Lee and Mikoto Shindo (15:10)
• Rin Kadokura, Takumi Iroha, and Sakura Hirota defeat Chikayo Nagashima, KAORU, and Megumi Yabushita (18:31)

PURE-J

Event: PURE-J Bolshoi Retirement ~ Thank You!!
Date: April 21st, 2019
Location: Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan
Announced Attendance: 1,530
Where to Watch: Not televised, likely DVD release

• Battle Royal: Bolshoi Kid Wins. Other participants included Arisa Nakajima, Chihiro Hashimoto, Eiger, Emi Sakura, Giulia, Jaguar Yokota, Kyoko Inoue, Makoto, Moemoe Bolshoi (Moeka Haruhi), Saori Anou, Shinobu Kandori, Western Pioneer Bolshoi (Tsubasa Kuragaki), Yumiko Hotta, and Yumi Ohka (14:17)
• Manami Katsu, Mari Manji, and Yako Fujigasaki defeat AKARI, KAZUKI, and Rydeen Hagane (13:13)
• PURE-J Openweight Championship: Hanako Nakamori defeats Leon (c) (15:32) – TITLE CHANGE
• Command Bolshoi Gauntlet Match vs. Hanako Nakamori, Kaori Yoneyama, and Mayumi Ozaki
  • Command Bolshoi DRAWS Hanako Nakamori (5:00)
  • Command Bolshoi DRAWS Kaori Yoneyama (5:00)
  • Command Bolshoi DRAWS Mayumi Ozaki (5:00)

Sendai Girls’

Event: Sendai Girls’
Date: April 16th, 2019
Location: Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan
Announced Attendance: 998
Where to Watch: Airing on Samurai TV! on 4/27/19

• Mei Suruga and Ryo Mizunami defeat KAORU and Mikoto Shindo (12:10)
• Alex Lee and Bolshoi Kid defeat Eiger and Sakura Hirota (12:05)
• Sendai Girls’ Jr. Championship: Millie McKenzie (c) defeats Manami (5:50)
• Mika Iwata defeats Yuu (8:34)
• Sareee defeats Meiko Satomura (15:30)
• DASH Chisako and Hiroyo Matsumoto defeat Hikaru Shida and Killer Kelly (18:32)
• Sendai Girls’ World Championship: Chihiro Hashimoto (c) defeats Jordynne Grace (13:41)

Event: Sendai Girls’
Date: April 17th, 2019
Location: Diamond Hall in Nagayo, Japan
Announced Attendance: 220
Where to Watch: No announced release

• Yuu defeats Manami (4:12)
• Hikaru Shida and KAORU defeat Alex Lee and Sakura Hirota (10:30)
• Sendai Girls Junior Championship: Command Bolshoi defeats Millie McKenzie (c) (10:09) – TITLE CHANGE
• Jordynne Grace, Mei Suruga, and Sareee defeat Chihiro Hashimoto, Killer Kelly, and Mikoto Shindo (12:11)
• DASH Chisako and Hiroyo Matsumoto defeat Meiko Satomura and Mika Iwata (14:26)

Stardom

Event: Stardom Glory Stars Day 3 (Afternoon)
Date: April 21st, 2019
Location: Osaka World Pavilion in Osaka, Japan
Announced Attendance: 212
Where to Watch: Event will be uploaded to Stardom World

• Tam Nakano defeats Leo Onozaki (4:59)
• Hazuki DRAWS Starlight Kid (7:31)
• Andras Miyagi defeats Rebel Kel (7:52)
• AZM, Bea Priestley, and Momo Watanabe defeat Arisa Hoshiki, Saki Kashima, and Saya Iida (11:37)
• Hana Kimura, Jungle Kyona, and Konami defeat Kagetsu, Natsuko Tora, and Natsu Sumire (14:56)

Event: Stardom Glory Stars Day 3 (Evening)
Date: April 21st, 2019
Location: Osaka World Pavilion in Osaka, Japan
Announced Attendance: 208
Where to Watch: Event will be uploaded to Stardom World

• Bea Priestley and Leo Onozaki defeat Saya Iida and Starlight Kid (9:08)
• Saki Kashima defeats Natsu Sumire (6:26)
• Hazuki and Natsuko Tora defeat Arisa Hoshiki and Tam Nakano (10:37)
• Andras Miyagi and Kagetsu defeat Hana Kimura and Rebel Kel (10:26)
• Jungle Kyona and Konami defeat AZM and Momo Watanabe (14:21)

Special thanks to Cagematch, Wrestlingdata, DramaticDDT, Stardom, PURE-J, Ice Ribbon, OZ Academy, SEAdLINNNG, Gatoh Move, and Diana for assistance gathering information.

The post Weekly Joshi Recap and Results for April 23rd, 2019 appeared first on Joshi City.

A big week in Joshi Wrestling, lets jump right into the weekly Joshi Recap!

Stardom

Event: Stardom “Glory Stars Day 1”
Date: April 13th, 2019
Location: Radiant Hall in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
Announced Attendance: 230
Where to Watch: Event will be uploaded to Stardom World

• Hanan, Rina, and Hana defeat Kaori Yoneyama, Leo Onozaki, and Saya Iida (4:48)
• Saki Kashima defeats Starlight Kid (7:19)
• Three Way Match: Bea Priestley defeats Hana Kimura and Rebel Kel (8:05)
• Mayu Iwatani and Tam Nakano defeats Jungle Kyona and Natsuko Tora (11:44)
• Two out of Three Match: Momo Watanabe, Konami, and AZM defeat Kagetsu, Hazuki, and Natsu Sumire (18:06)
  • Kagetsu defeats Momo Watanabe (10:38)
  • AZM defeats Natsu Sumire (2:15)
  • Momo Watanabe defeats Kagetsu (5:13)

The main event had a unique stipulation – with Queen’s Quest putting up their masks and Oedo Tai putting up their pre-match dancing. Whichever team lost would no longer be allowed to do their pre-match ritual. With Queen’s Quest winning, Oedo Tai will no longer dance before matches for all events going forward.

Event: Stardom “Glory Stars Day 2”
Date:  April 14th, 2019
Location: Shin-Kiba 1st RING in Tokyo, Japan
Announced Attendance: 401
Where to Watch: Event will be uploaded to Stardom World

• Rina defeats Hina (4:43)
• Three Way Match: Tam Nakano defeats Hanan and Rebel Kel (5:52)
• Hazuki, Andras Miyagi, and Natsu Sumire defeats Natsuko Tora, Leo Onozaki, and Saya Iida (10:28)
• Arisa Hoshiki, Saki Kashima, and Starlight Kid defeats Bea Priestley, Konami, and AZM (12:25)
• 5 Way Draft Nomination Order Determination Match with Hana Kimura, Jungle Kyona, Kagetsu, Mayu Iwatani, and Momo Watanabe
  • Mayu wins first pick by throwing Kagetsu over the top rope
  • Momo wins second pick by throwing Kagetsu over the top rope
  • Kagetsu wins third pick by throwing Hana over the top rope
  • Hana wins fourth pick by throwing Jungle Kyona over the top rope
  • Kyona loses and her faction is forced to disband

For the second year, Stardom had a draft for their factions. For the main event, the five faction leaders took part to determine the picking order for the draft. The big catch this year is that whichever wrestler was left at the end, their group would have to disband as only four factions would continue in Stardom. Jungle Kyona was the last wrestler remaining, forcing her faction Jungle Assault Nation to disband, with Jungle Kyona becoming a draftable wrestler. Here are the results from the draft that took place after the main event:

Ice Ribbon

Event: Ice Ribbon “New Ice Ribbon #954 in SKIP City”
Date: April 14th, 2019
Location: SKIP City Multipurpose Hall in Saitama, Japan
Announced Attendance: 225
Where to Watch: Airs on Nico Nico on 4/22/19

• Suzu Suzuki and Tsukushi defeat Asahi and Ibuki Hoshi (8:02)
• Tae Honma defeats Matsuya Uno (9:43)
• Tequila Saya defeats Satsuki Totoro (6:19)
• Kyuri, Maika Ozaki, and Tsukasa Fujimoto defeat Akane Fujita, Hiragi Kurumi, and Mochi Miyagi (15:13)
• Rina Yamashita defeats Giulia (15:03)
• International Ribbon Tag Team Championship: Maya Yukihi and Risa Sera (c) defeat Makoto and Miyako Matsumoto (15:20)

PURE-J

Event: PURE-J Bolshoi Final Series
Date: April 10th, 2019
Location: Asakusa Hanayashiki in Tokyo, Japan
Announced Attendance: 90
Where to Watch: Not televised, likely DVD release

• Rydeen Hagane defeats Himeka Arita (12:04)
• KAZUKI defeats Momo Tani (8:59)
• Manami Katsu defeats Yako Fujigasaki (12:59)
• Command Bolshoi defeats Mari Manji (5:45)
• Rematch: Command Bolshoi defeats Mari Manji (4:50)
• Rematch: Command Bolshoi defeats Mari Manji (0:59)
• Leon and Moeka Haruhi defeat Hanako Nakamori and Makoto (17:38)

Event: PURE-J Bolshoi Final Series
Date: April 14th, 2019
Location: Itabashi Green Hall in Tokyo, Japan
Announced Attendance: 117
Where to Watch: Not televised, likely DVD release

• SAKI defeats Mari Manji (10:15)
• KAZUKI defeats Yako Fujigasaki (10:17)
• Command Bolshoi defeats AKARI (9:36)
• Kaori Yoneyama and Leon defeat Mei Suruga and Riho (12:29)
• Chikayo Nagashima and Hanako Nakamori defeat Manami Katsu and Rydeen Hagane (17:49)

Tokyo Joshi Pro

Event: Tokyo Joshi Pro “Spring Tour ’19 ~ Ready Set, Go!”
Date: April 13th, 2019
Location: Shin-Kiba 1st RING in Tokyo, Japan
Announced Attendance: 250
Where to Watch: DDT Universe

• Rika Tatsumi and Haruna Neko defeated Pom Harajuku and Mahiro Kiryu (8:57)
• Reika Saiki defeated YUMI (7:20)
• Natsumi Maki and Hikari Noa defeated Yuki Kamifuku and Mina Shirakawa (7:41)
• Yuka Sakazaki and Mizuki defeated Yuna Manase and Himawari Unagi (12:02)
• Sakisama and Misao defeated Miu Watanabe and Raku (14:09)
• Miyu Yamashita, Shoko Nakajima, and Marika Kobashi defeated Maki Itoh, Nodoka Tenma, and Yuki Aino (14:46)

SEAdLINNNG

Event: SEAdLINNNG Shin-Kiba 11th NIGHT
Date: April 12th, 2019
Location: Shin-Kiba 1st RING in Tokyo, Japan
Announced Attendance: 238
Where to Watch: No announced release

• Kaori Yoneyama defeats Sae (6:02)
• Mei Hoshizuki and Mei Suruga defeat ASUKA and Maria (7:51)
• Hiroyo Matsumoto, Makoto and Yoshiko defeat Himeka Arita, Miyuki Takase, and Saori Anou (13:45)
• Amazon and Takumi Iroha vs. Nanae Takahashi and Ryo Mizunami – Time Limit Draw (20:00)
• Arisa Nakajima defeats Command Bolshoi (19:50)

OZ Academy

Event: OZ Academy “It Is The Dawn Of The Era”
Date: April 14th, 2019
Location: Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan
Announced Attendance: 883
Where to Watch: Airs on GAORA TV on 4/30/19

• Maya Yukihi and Yumi Ohka defeat Aoki Itsuki and Yoshiko (12:41)
• Tsubasa Kuragaki defeats Cherry (8:19)
• Aja Kong and Gabai Ji-chan defeat Command Bolshoi and Kyusei Hirota Command Bolshoi (Sakura Hirota) (9:51)
• Sonoko Kato defeats Ryo Mizunami (14:51)
• OZ Academy Tag Team Championship: Hiroyo Matsumoto and Kaori Yoneyama (c) defeat AKINO and Kakeru Sekiguchi (18:56)
• OZ Academy Openweight Championship: Mayumi Ozaki defeats Hikaru Shida (c) (19:03) – TITLE CHANGE

With it being announced that Hikaru Shida signed with AEW, Mayumi Ozaki wasted no time in getting the belt back to the promotion as she defeats Shida to reclaim the title.

Sendai Girls’

Event: Sendai Girls’
Date: April 13th, 2019
Location: Osaka World Pavilion in Osaka, Japan
Announced Attendance: 195
Where to Watch: No announced release

• Mika Iwata defeats Mikoto Shindo (6:00)
• Three Way Match: Manami defeats KAORU and Sakura Hirota (7:27)
• DASH Chisako and Hiroyo Matsumoto defeat Alex Lee and Hikaru Shida (9:36)
• Meiko Satomura defeats Millie McKenzie (11:54)
• Jordynne Grace and Sareee defeat Chihiro Hashimoto and Killer Kelly (12:49)

Gatoh Move

Event: Gatoh Move Japan Tour #420
Date: April 13th, 2019
Location: Ichigaya Chocolate Hiroba in Tokyo, Japan
Announced Attendance: 56
Where to Watch: No announced release

• Tetsuya Izuchi defeats IMABAYASHI (6:19)
• Baliyan Akki and SAKI defeat Mei Suruga and TAMURA (9:50)
• Riho and Yuna Mizumori defeat Mitsuru Konno and Sawasdee Kamen (12:38)

Diana

Event: Diana
Date: April 14th, 2019
Location: Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
Announced Attendance: 70
Where to Watch: No announced release

• Jaguar Yokota defeats Haruka Umesaki (11:15)
• Ayako Sato and Kyoko Inoue vs. Kaoru Ito and Sareee – Time Limit Draw (20:00)

Yumiko Hotta Produce

Event: Yumiko Hotta Produce Runaway Rally ~ Spring Wind
Date: April 14th, 2019
Location: Itabashi Green Hall in Tokyo, Japan
Announced Attendance: 230
Where to Watch: No announced release

• Leon defeats Kakeru Sekiguchi (7:04)
• Pretty Ota defeats Mr. Buddhaman (0:46)
• Pretty Ota defeats Mr. Buddhaman (2:40)
• Pretty Ota defeats Mr. Buddhaman (1:11)
• Arisa Nakajima and Manami Katsu defeat Mari and SAKI (21:56)
• Nanae Takahashi defeats Miyuki Takase (12:22)
• Saori Anou and Yumiko Hotta defeat Himeka Arita and Yoshiko (12:27)

Special thanks to Cagematch, Wrestlingdata, DramaticDDT, Stardom, PURE-J, Ice Ribbon, OZ Academy, SEAdLINNNG, Gatoh Move, and Diana for assistance gathering information.

The post Weekly Joshi Recap and Results for April 15th, 2019 appeared first on Joshi City.

When I was first really getting into Japanese wrestling back in 2004, there were very limited options on how to watch it. You could get a DVD a month after the event happened for $10 or hope that someone uploaded the show on yousendit, but this was before Youtube or Google Drive or streaming, so it took a bit more effort (or a lot more money) to stay current with the greatest wrestling on Earth.

Luckily, we are now in 2022 and technology has come a long way. There are options online to watch almost every Joshi promotion, leaving fans with almost too many choices as to watch it all would be very time consuming. All the promotions with paid streaming services accept US credit cards or Paypal (as they accepted mine) but I can’t promise they will take your card as it may have different rules when it comes to International purchases. If you are unable to purchase from any of the sites listed below, contact your bank. None of the links below are “affiliate” links, this page is designed to provide information, not make me money.

On this page I am only highlighting services available for a flat monthly rate (or free). Many promotions are now also airing PPVs on a variety of services (either their own or using KIPz or mahocast), but those services change very frequently and are inconsistent. Since the goal of this page is to be a more “static” page that gives general information on where to watch Joshi, for my purposes I will not be including those one-time PPV options even though they do exist. I’d recommend following your favorite promotion’s twitter account to stay up to date on any upcoming PPVs and how to buy them.

I am not going to do, in this article, a full guide on how to sign up at each one as that would make this page super long. But if there is a service that I think needs some explaining on how to sign up, I may write a separate guide for those services. Also, since the Yen to US Dollar conversion rate changes daily I am going to just list the price in Yen, however when considering both the cost of the service and the small fee many banks put on international purchases, when budgeting I’d recommend just doing 100 Yen = $1.00 in your head when calculating cost. Without further ado, here are all the official streaming services (both paid and free), and then a couple ways to watch promotions that don’t have a streaming service:

Stardom World

Promotion: World Wonder Ring Stardom
Website: stardom-world.com
Cost: 920 Yen a month
Update Frequency: Frequently

Stardom World is my favorite Joshi streaming service for keeping up with events as they happen as Stardom not only uploads the most events per month but they upload every event the promotion has. Stardom World commits to have each weekend event uploaded by the following Friday, and most of the time they keep with that schedule unless they have a lot of shows one weekend or are on vacation. Their catalogue has some gaps for older events, they do occasionally will upload an older show but focus on adding recent events in a timely manner. Stardom World is also the only Joshi streaming service that subtitles most of the wrestler promos in English, making it user-friendly to English speakers. Stardom World does not air their events live, but its still worth the cost to be able to not miss a single show.

Wrestle Universe

Promotion: Tokyo Joshi Pro
Website: wrestle-universe.com
Cost: 900 Yen a month
Update Frequency: Frequently

If you are a fan of DDT (or one of their other brands) then having Wrestle Universe is a no-brainer as its a great deal, but since I only watch TJPW that is the only portion of the service I am focused on. Like Stardom, Wrestle Universe uploads all Tokyo Joshi Pro events, and even better they also sometimes broadcast the events live. They do have a back catalogue of older events but its not the easiest site to navigate for that purpose since there isn’t a master list, so you either have to scroll through or do a search in Japanese for what you are looking for. Still, a lot of bang for your buck here.

YMZ on Filmuy

Promotion: YMZ
Website: filmuy.com/ymz
Cost: 999 Yen a month
Update Frequency: Once or twice a month

YMZ, operated by Kaori Yoneyama, also has its own streaming service. This really is only for hardcore YMZ fans that don’t want to miss any of their shows, as since they rarely make TV this is your only online option to see their events. This is the only service I have not signed up for myself but others have been able to do it so there is not a regional block as long as you can navigate the registration.

PURE-J on Youtube

Promotion: PURE-J
Website: https://www.youtube.com/c/PUREJ
Cost: $9.99 a month
Update Frequency: Frequently

Like Ice Ribbon (which we will cover in a moment), PURE-J moved their subscription service in early 2022 to Youtube. Their basic service remains the same as it was on Filmuy – regular uploads of virtually all of their events, usually within a week, but no live streaming. PURE-J doesn’t have the high-end wrestling that you find in Stardom or Tokyo Joshi Pro, but the amount of content helps justify the price if you are into the promotion.

Ice Ribbon on Youtube

Promotion: Ice Ribbon
Website: Club Ice Ribbon
Cost: $9.99 a month
Update Frequency: Frequently

Ice Ribbon also has a NicoNico Channel, but for Western fans their new Youtube channel is much more appealing. As of the time I am updating this page (February 2022) this is a brand new service. The video quality on their new service is much better than it is on NicoNico, and they are advertising that all their dojo events will be streamed on Club Ice Ribbon. It may still be a service best for their biggest fans as its not cheap and may not include their big events (their exact upload schedule for non-dojo events remains to be seen), but its a definite step-up from what they offered on NicoNico.

NicoNico NicoPro Wrestling Channel

Promotions: Ice Ribbon, PURE-J, JTO, OZ Academy, and more
Website: ch.nicovideo.jp/nicopro
Cost: 550 Yen a month
Update Frequency: Very frequently

Finally, NicoPro is able to be purchased Internationally, as they now accept Paypal. I already wrote a full guide on how to sign up, so please check that out if you want more details. NicoPro streams wrestling shows from over a dozen promotions, and stores the broadcasts for at least seven days after their initial broadcast date. Based on the number of shows uploaded and the lower cost, a virtual must-have for any fans of Japanese pro wrestling.

Gatoh Move Youtube Channel

Promotion: Gatoh Move
Website: youtube.com/channel/UC2HtPsU4U7TNSv2mSbPkj0w
Cost: Free
Update Frequency: Very frequently

Gatoh Move offers their wrestling events for free on Youtube, with the option to donate money. They also have a Patreon as well you can sign up for if you want to give the promotion money for their hard work.  Gatoh Move has been very active in updating their YouTube channel and is a must-watch for fans of their style of wrestling.

Sendai Girls’ Youtube Channel

Promotion: Sendai Girls’
Website: youtube.com/channel/UCf2xWDy9jKuJOotYH-vzOjA
Cost: Free
Update Frequency: Random

Sendai Girls’ briefly had an online service that fans could sign up for to watch their non-televised events, but in 2019 they began adding some events for free on their Youtube channel. Their upload schedule is pretty random and doesn’t include all events, so while it is good to keep an eye on, don’t count on their Youtube channel to provide the amount of content as the services mentioned above.

Diana Youtube Channel

Promotion: World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana
Website: youtube.com/channel/UCiy8qOiSVS8IjTyBD7RT8qg
Cost: Free
Update Frequency: Random

Diana is a smaller promotion that doesn’t air often anywhere else. They started occasionally adding recent individual matches on their Youtube channel in early 2019, but the updates slowed as the year progressed. In 2020, they started adding some full shows. Like Sendai Girls’, their upload schedule is random and can not be counted on, however free is free.

The post Where to Watch Joshi Wrestling Online appeared first on Joshi City.

I have a bit of a soft spot for Gatoh Move which is why I keep watching them even though they are itty bitty. Plus for some reason their events pop up in a reasonable time frame. This event actually took place in a ring and has one of my favorite wrestlers in the main event, so it was an easy decision to watch, plus there were only three Joshi matches so it won’t take too long. Here are the matches:

• Aasa vs. Aoi Kizuki
• Emi Sakura and Kaori Yoneyama vs. Riho and Sayaka Obihiro
• ‘Kotori’ vs. Hikaru Shida

Quick and painless, let’s hop to it.

Aasa vs. Aoi Kizuki

They begin with a tie-up and elbows, dropkick by Aoi and she throws down Aasa by her hair. Chops by Aoi and she elbows Aasa, but Aasa fights back and they trade blows. Aoi elbows Aasa to the mat and applies a kneelock, she releases the hold before putting Aasa in a stretch hold. Bodyscissors by Aoi but Aasa gets to the ropes, Aasa puts Aoi in a Cobra Twist but Aoi gets to the ropes and reverses the hold. Aasa jumps back and slams Aoi to get out of it, dropkick by Aasa and she covers Aoi for two. Aoi comes back with a running senton, she goes to the second turnbuckle but Aasa grabs her and tosses her off. Body block by Aasa and she hits a body avalanche before hitting another body block for a two count. Aoi regains control and puts Aasa in a crab hold, Aoi goes off the ropes but Aasa hits a back bodydrop and a body press for a two count. Elbow by Aoi, she slams Aasa in front of the corner and hits a diving senton for a two count. Aoi scoop slams Aasa but Aasa reverses it into a roll-up for two. Jumping lariat by Aoi, she picks up Aasa and hits a double wrist armsault. Single leg crab hold by Aoi, and Aasa quickly submits! Aoi Kizuki is the winner.

A pretty standard opening match with a rookie. Aoi Kizuki’s fall this year has been pretty epic, and to be honest her in-ring work also has gotten worse. Last year she held the Union Pro Fly to Everywhere Championship, Ice Ribbon Tag Team Championship, and ICExInfinity Championship while this year she hasn’t even had a title challenge. Weird. Anyway, Aasa looked ok for a new wrestler but her strikes lack impact, plenty of time for that to improve of course. Certainly nothing special.

Emi Sakura and Kaori Yoneyama vs. Riho and Sayaka Obihiro

Yoneyama and Obihiro start the match for their respective teams, they bounce off the ropes (well Obihiro does) but she misses Yoneyama and both wrestlers tag out. Sakura and Riho trade holds first on the mat and then back on their feet, Riho cartwheels away from Sakura and she hits an armdrag. Obihiro gets in the ring and all three run around together until they both hit jumping knees in the corner. Cover by Riho, but Sakura kicks out at two. Riho tags Obihiro back in, drop toehold by Sakura to Obihiro and she tags in Yoneyama. Yoneyama hits a running elbow in the corner, she puts Obihiro in the ropes and Sakura chops her repeatedly in the chest. Yoneyama picks up Obihiro but Obihiro hits a scoop slam before tagging in Riho. Riho boots Yoneyama and hits a face crusher, she puts Yoneyama in a crossface but Yoneyama rolls out of it. Jumping crossbody by Riho but Yoneyama returns the favor, jumping knee by Riho as Obihiro comes in, but Yoneyama beats both of them and tags in Sakura. Sakura throws down Riho by the hair, elbows by Riho but Sakura chops Riho in the chest. They trade shots, which Sakura gets the better of, and she hits a low crossbody in the corner.

Double underhook into a backbreaker by Sakura, and she covers Riho for a two count. Riho hits a footstomp on Sakura and goes up top, hitting a diving footstomp for a two count cover. Riho and Sakura trade flash pins, chop to the chest by Riho and she hits a jumping knee. Riho tags in Obihiro while Sakura tags Yoneyama, Obihiro goes up top and she hits a missile dropkick on Yoneyama. Yoneyama and Obihiro trade elbows, running knee to the back of the head by Yoneyama, Riho comes in to help but Sakura intercepts her. Riho knocks down Sakura but Yoneyama hits a backdrop suplex on Riho, reverse splashes by Yoneyama and Sakura on Obihiro but Obihiro avoids Sakura’s moonsault attempt. Riho hits a footstomp on Yoneyama while she is in the tree of woe, Obihiro rolls up Yoneyama but it gets a two count. Riho dropkicks Sakura and hits a Somato onto Yoneyama, but when Obihiro charges Yoneyama she is intercepted by Sakura. Sakura puts Obihiro in La Magistral, but she rolls her over to Yoneyama who puts Obihiro in a modified La Magistral for the three count! Sakura and Yoneyama are the winners!

I wouldn’t say this match was good but it wasn’t bad either. All four worked well together but the match felt like it didn’t serve any type of purpose. There wasn’t any meaning behind anything and they didn’t really tell any type of story during the match, it was just random action for the sake of it until one team won. The ending stretch was solid and all four are decent to really entertaining wrestlers, the match just didn’t pull me in.

‘Kotori’ vs. Hikaru Shida

Shida works the headlock to start, Shida goes for a hip attack but Kotori avoids it and hits a springboard armdrag out of the corner. Kotori goes for a crossbody but Shida catches her and hits a back breaker, another back breaker by Shida but Kotori blocks the crab hold attempt. Shida mushes Kotori in the face against the ropes, scoop slam by Shida and she covers Kotori for two. Kotori elbows Shida but Shida elbows her back and they trade blows, monkey flip by Kotori but Shida blocks the STO. She hits it anyway and grabs Shida’s kendo stick, but Shida catches it. Kotori yanks it back and hits Shida with it twice, sending Shida out of the ring. Kotori throws the kendo stick at Shida, she gets up on the top turnbuckle but Shida throws the kendo stick back at her, knocking Kotori down to the floor. Shida rams Kotori into the ring post, knees by Shida and she hits a jumping knee from the bleacher steps. Shida slams Kotori on the apron and gets back in the ring, she pulls Kotori to the corner but Kotori elbows her and dives off the top turnbuckle, but Shida knees her on the way down. Brainbuster by Shida, and she covers Kotori for a two count. Running knee by Shida, she waits for Kotori to get up and hits a jumping knee in the corner. Shida goes for a suplex but Kotori lands on her feet, sunset flip by Kotori but she gets a two count. Kotori tries a few more flash pins but can’t keep Shida down, jumping knee by Shida and she covers her for two. Shida goes off the ropes but Kotori catches her with with a judo throw, roll-up by Kotori but Shida gets a shoulder up. Kotori picks up Shida but Shida hits an enzuigiri, tilt-a-whirl backbreaker by Shida and she goes for a fireman’s carry into a backbreaker, but Kotori lands on her own head. Shida tries again with much more success, cover by Shida but Kotori kicks out. Shida picks up Kotori but Kotori elbows her away, Michinoku Driver by Shida and she nails the Three Count for the three count pinfall! The winner of the match is Hikaru Shida.

This wasn’t an overly complicated match but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. Part of that is admittedly because I love Shida, but Kotori kept up with her well with her underdog spots and looked impressive. Kotori getting the first advantage with the kendo stick was a nice touch, and they tried to make the match seem like a main event with bigger moves like the jumping knee off the bleacher steps. There was one little mistake with Shida dropping Kotori on her own head, but aside from that it was smooth as butter. Maybe better placed in the upper midcard on a normal show but a fine main event for a smaller Gatoh Move show, very enjoyable.  Recommended

The post Gatoh Move Japan Tour #246 on 9/10/16 Review appeared first on Joshi City.

It has been a few months since I reviewed a Gatoh Move event so I figured I was overdue to review a show from the small promotion with the purple mat. This is a short show with only three matches, with Emi Sakura being in two of them. Here is the full card:

• Emi Sakura vs. Kaori Yoneyama
• “Trans-Am” Hiroshi vs. Sayaka Obihiro
• Aasa, Kotori, and Kazuhiro Tamura vs. Cherry, Emi Sakura, and Masahiro Takanashi

This will be fun, but quick.

Emi Sakura vs. Kaori Yoneyama

Sakura immediately dropkicks Yoneyama when the bell rings, she goes for quick pins but none do the trick. They trade holds with Yoneyama sinking in a headlock, Sakura gets out of it and they trade shoulderblock attempts. Sakura knocks Yoneyama to the mat but Yoneyama gets up and they trade wristlocks. Armdrag by Sakura and she applies a camel clutch, she then applies a choke but Yoneyama gets out of it and applies a STF. Muta Lock by Yoneyama but Sakura gets out of it and they trade chops back on their feet. Scoop slam by Sakura and she puts Yoneyama in a Scorpion Deathlock, but Yoneyama gets to the edge of the mat to force a break. Sakura puts Yoneyama on the window ledge and hits a body avalanche, but Yoneyama slides to the other side and hits Sakura with a stool. Missile dropkick by Yoneyama, she picks up Sakura but Sakura elbows her off and hits a swinging neckbreaker.

Bodyscissors into a roll-up by Yoneyama, she goes for the Chaos Theory but Sakura blocks it and applies a cross armbreaker. Yoneyama gets to the edge to break it up, but Sakura hits a double underhook right back into the cross armbreaker. She wiggles to the edge again to force a break, she goes for another double underhook but Yoneyama blocks it and kicks her in the chest. Yoneyama gets up on the window sill and hits a diving senton, cover by Yoneyama but it gets a two count. Now Sakura gets on the window and hits a diving senton of her own, but she also gets two. Sakura picks up Yoneyama but Yoneyama blocks the Yoshi Tonic, so she flips Yoneyama into the wall. Knee to the back of a head by Sakura and she hits a rolling headscissors for a two count. Yoneyama quickly applies La Magistral for a two count, she rams Sakura into the wall but the bell rings as time has expired. The match is a Draw.

For a match with severe limitations, I thought it was decent. Sakura and Yoneyama both know how to work and they managed to pull of a few well thought-out spots in the match. I liked that both were still giving it their all even in such a small ‘arena’, it feels strange watching two wrestlers of their abilities wrestling in such an environment. Worth watching for the general quality as well as the unique surroundings.  Mildly Recommended

“Trans-Am” Hiroshi vs. Sayaka Obihiro

Hiroshi and Obihiro lock-up to start before getting into trading wristlocks, headlock takeover by Hiroshi but Obihiro Irish whips out of it. Shoulderblock by Hiroshi but Obihiro trips him, Hiroshi begs for mercy but he ends up poking Obihiro in the eyes. Snapmare by Hiroshi and he drops a knee, Obihiro fights back with an elbow and knocks down Hiroshi before applying a headlock. Obihiro pulls at Hiroshi’s hair too but he gets out of the hold and knees Obihiro in the stomach. Punches by Hiroshi and he catches Obihiro with a lariat for a two count cover. Scoop slam by Hiroshi, he gets up on the window sill  but Obihiro gets her feet up on the diving fist drop attempt. Dropkick by Obihiro, she gets up on the window herself but Hiroshi avoids the double ax handle. Punches by Hiroshi, he catches Obihiro’s kick but this time Obihiro ducks the lariat. They talk for a bit, can’t say I understand what is going on, but Obihiro tricks Hiroshi and goes for a backslide, but Hiroshi blocks it. Fisherman suplex hold by Hiroshi, and he picks up the three count! Hiroshi is the winner of the match!

More along the lines of what I expect from this type of show – mostly simple strikes in submissions, a bit of goofiness and then a quick pin. I wouldn’t form an opinion of either wrestler just from a match like this one, obviously there were some constraints on what they could do, but both looked fine. Just a short and forgettable match overall.

Aasa, Kotori, and Kazuhiro Tamura vs. Cherry, Emi Sakura, and Takanashi

They are doing tag rules even though there are no turnbuckles or ropes. Kotori and Takanashi start and trade holds on the mat, which Takanashi gets the better of. Kotori comes back with a wristlock and she jumps up on the window, but Takanashi pulls her back off. Quick roll-up by Kotori but it gets a two count, leading to Takanashi tagging in Sakura. Tamura tags in also and kicks Sakura in the leg, so Sakura tags in Cherry. Tamura and Cherry grapple on the mat but neither gets a clear advantage, Tamura tags in Aasa and Cherry quickly takes Aasa down. Front headlock by Cherry to Aasa and she applies a bodyscissors, but Aasa gets to the edge of the mat to force a break. Scoop slam by Aasa, she picks up Cherry but Cherry rolls her to the mat and hits a series of mounted elbows. Headlock by Cherry and she punches her in the head before tagging in Sakura. Sakura stomps down Aasa and tags in Takanashi, Takanashi places Aasa against the wall and chops her in the chest. Chinlock by Takanashi and he then applies a stretch hold, he tags Sakura back in a the beatdown on the rookie continues. Takanashi returns and puts Aasa in a stretch hold, but Aasa suplexes out of it and makes the hot tag to Tamura.

Takanashi and Tamura trade chops, kick by Tamura but Takanashi shrugs off the Yoshi Tonic attempt. Cutter by Tamura, but Cherry breaks up the cover. Kotori comes in to help and they drop Cherry with a double face crusher, Kotori gets up in the window sill and hits a diving crossbody on Takanashi, Aasa comes in and she helps Tamura slam Kotori on top of Takanashi. Kotori puts Takanashi in an Octopus Hold but Cherry breaks it up, Cherry suplexes Kotori, Takanashi comes in but Kotori plants him with a judo throw. Kotori tags in Aasa while Takanashi tags Sakura, body block by Aasa to Sakura and Kotori comes in with a crossbody. Body press by Aasa to Sakura, but it gets a two count. Aasa goes for another body block but Sakura avoids it, Sakura throws her and both her teammates against the wall and hits a crossbody onto all three of them. Takanashi comes in but he accidentally kicks Sakura, scoop slam by Aasa onto Sakura but she gets her knees up on the body press. Tamura comes in but Sakura jumps on his back and lands on top of Aasa. Sakura gets on the window sill and hits a diving crossbody onto Aasa, Sakura puts the rookie into the Cavernaria, and Aasa submits! Sakura, Cherry, and Takanashi win!

Not the best match on the card but not too bad for this type of show. As I have mentioned a few times, obviously they are very limited with what they can do since there are no ropes, but at least they are familar with how to work in such a unique environment. Aasa seems to have the basics down pat, and I am quite a fan of Kotori. About what you’d expect considering the situation, watchable but not as good as the first match on the card as most of it was uneventful aside from a few cute spots.

The post Gatoh Move Japan Tour #244 on 8/26/16 Review appeared first on Joshi City.

If you thought my review of the Shida Produce event was obscure, you haven’t seen anything yet. We are back to Gatoh Move, where they have wrestling events in a little room with odd windows. Gatoh Move is owned by Emi Sakura, I am not really sure what the point of the promotion is but she seems to be having a good time and she does have a few good young wrestlers under her watch. Here is the full match list:

• “Kotori” vs. SAKI
• GENTARO vs. Sayaka Obihiro
• Emi Sakura and Kaori Yoneyama vs. MIZUKI and Riho

So there are a few names there you should know, but if not feel free to click on their names to go to the wrestler’s profile. A short event, let’s hop to it.

“Kotori” vs. SAKI

Kotori immediately goes for a few quick pins but SAKI kicks out, she jumps up onto the window sill but Kotori pushes her through it to the other side. Back on the mat, Kotori applies a backslide but it gets a two count. Stomps by Kotori but SAKI picks her up by the waist and swings her around before slamming her to the mat. SAKI starts working over Kotori on the mat, Rocking Horse by SAKI but Kotori blocks the suplex. Kotori pushes off the wall with an elbow and rolls up SAKI for a two count. SAKI blocks the STO but Kotori reverses the pump handle slam into a crossbody. Shoulderblocks by SAKI and she Irish whips Kotori into the wall, handstand body press by SAKI but Kotori kicks out of the cover. SAKI gets on the window sill and hits a reverse splash, pump handle slam by SAKI but Kotori barely gets a shoulder up. SAKI goes for a suplex but Kotori blocks it and throws the referee into her. Kotori jumps off the referee’s back with a crossbody, Kotori gets on SAKI’s back and applies a sunset flip for a two count. Kotori charges SAKI but SAKI catches her with a powerbomb for the three count! SAKI wins.

I really like Kotori and think the sky is the limit with her, she plays the undersized underdog role really well and has some smooth moves. Course this isn’t the greatest opportunity, wrestling in a room against SAKI. There were some cute spots here using the wall and window but that was about it. I enjoyed it just because I got to see Kotori but not a great match.

GENTARO vs. Sayaka Obihiro

GENTARO jumps through the window onto Obihiro before the match starts, giving us a unique visual since matches doesn’t usually have uh windows next to the mat. GENTARO tries to keep it on the mat, Obihiro returns to her feet but GENTARO hits a side Russian leg sweep. GENTARO stretches Obihiro on the mat, he picks her up but Obihiro fights back. GENTARO slaps her but Obihiro takes him to the mat and applies a headlock. GENTARO gains control as they return to their feet, Obihiro takes GENTARO down and puts him in a leg submission hold. GENTARO gets out of it and puts Obihiro in a sleeper, but Obihiro gets to the edge of the mat to force a break. Snapmare by GENTARO but Obihiro bridges out of the pin. GENTARO throws Obihiro into the wall but she moves when he charges in, chops by Obihiro and she jumps up onto the window sill to hit a sunset flip for a two count. Obihiro goes for a sunset flip but GENTARO sits down on her, he goes for a sunset flip but Obihiro lands on top of him, dropkick by Obihiro but the cover gets two. Bridging vertical suplex by Obihiro but GENTARO blocks the German suplex and drops her with a backdrop suplex. She blocks the next one but GENTARO puts her in the Dojime Sleeper Hold and she goes unconscious! GENTARO is your winner.

A more mat-based match but they worked it well under the circumstances. There was a clear size and strength mismatch but Obihiro had a few decent nearfalls, they did a good job not making it look goofy even though they were in a goofy environment. Nothing that will change your life but it was too short to be offensive, even though overall it was forgettable.

Emi Sakura and Kaori Yoneyama vs. MIZUKI and Riho

Riho and Yoneyama are the first two in and Yoneyama throws the youngster around the mat until Riho fires back with a crossbody. MIZUKI runs in but Yoneyama hits a crossbody on both of them, the young wrestlers bridge out of the pin attempt and both dropkick Yoneyama to the mat. Sakura comes in to break up the situation and Riho tags in MIZUKI, snapmare by MIZUKI to Yoneyama and she is hit with a double footstomp from MIZUKI and Riho. Riho is tagged back in but Yoneyama blocks the slam and hits one of her own. Yoneyama tags in Sakura and Sakura throws down Riho by her hair. Sakura stretches Riho, she tags Yoneyama back in and she hits Riho with Mongolian Chops before dropkicking her to the mat. Sakura returns, she puts Riho on the window sill and hits a body avalanche. Sakura and Yoneyama take turns on Riho, until Riho hits a headscissors and a dropkick on Yoneyama. She makes the hot tag to MIZUKI and MIZUKI kicks Yoneyama against the wall. Yoneyama knees MIZUKI in the back but MIZUKI comes back with a jumping knee off the window sill. Northern Lights Suplex by Yoneyama to MIZUKI, and she tags Sakura. Sakura kicks MIZUKI repeatedly and slams her, she gets in the window but Riho runs in and grabs her.

MIZUKI tosses Sakura off the window sill and puts her in a crossface, she gets out of it as Yoneyama comes in too, but MIZUKI hits Sakura with a crossbody off the sill. Bridging suplex by MIZUKI, but Sakura kicks out at two. MIZUKI tags in Riho, dropkick by Riho and she gets on the sill, but Sakura smacks her. Riho jumps on her back with a sleeper and MIZUKI slams Sakura into the wall, Riho and MIZUKI both get on the sill and hit their own crossbodies on Sakura. Sakura throws MIZUKI and Riho into each other and then into the wall, low crossbody by Sakura but Riho blocks the backbreaker. Riho gets away from Sakura and goes for the step-up sunset flip but Sakura blocks it and applies her own roll-up. Double underhook backbreaker by Sakura but Riho catches her with a bridging fallaway slam. Sakura comes back with another backbreaker, both wrestlers crawl to their corners and tag their teammates. MIZUKI and Yoneyama trade elbows, which Yoneyama gets the better of and she hits a senton. Riho comes in to help, MIZUKI gets on the window sill and hits a diving footstomp for two. Crossface by MIZUKI but Yoneyama gets out of it, she goes for the Somato but Yoneyama moves and she hits the wall. Crossbody by Sakura, cover by Yoneyama to MIZUKI but she kicks out. MIZUKI gets back in control but Yoneyama avoids the Somato again, superkick by Sakura and Yoneyama hits a diving senton off the window sill for two. MIZUKI reverses Yoneyama’s roll-up and knees Yoneyama in the back, but again Yoneyama avoids the Somato and rolls up MIZUKI. The bell rings at this point, and the match is a Draw!

This match was probably better than it had any right to be, but that is what happens when you have four talented wrestlers in a 15 minute match. The odd environment actually helped here as they used the wall and window sill quite a bit, taking full advantage of their surroundings. It was fast paced and well executed, the match was oddly smooth considering the tight area that they had to work in. I enjoyed it quite a bit, Riho and MIZUKI are really good young wrestlers and Sakura/Yoneyama are seasoned veterans, which was the right combination to have an entertaining match. Good stuff between these four.  Recommended

The post Gatoh Move Japan Tour #229 on 5/20/16 Review appeared first on Joshi City.