Even though I am a big fan of tournaments and enjoy most of the wrestlers, this year I opted not to try to watch the entire 5 STAR GP as I simply didn’t have the time. But I didn’t want to skip out on the finals, so here we are, playing quick catch-up. All 16 wrestlers in the tournament will have a match on this show, with the winners of each group meeting in the main event. Going into the show, here were the standings:

• 5 STAR Grand Prix Blue Stars Block: Jamie Hayter vs. Saki Kashima
• 5 STAR Grand Prix Blue Stars Block: Kelly Klein vs. Nicole Savoy
• 5 STAR Grand Prix Blue Stars Block: Hazuki vs. Natsu Sumire
• 5 STAR Grand Prix Blue Stars Block: Mayu Iwatani vs. Momo Watanabe
• 5 STAR Grand Prix Red Stars Block: Kimber Lee vs. Rachael Ellering
• 5 STAR Grand Prix Red Stars Block: Konami vs. Utami Hayashishita
• 5 STAR Grand Prix Red Stars Block: Jungle Kyona vs. Natsuko Tora
• 5 STAR Grand Prix Red Stars Block: Kagetsu vs. Tam Nakano
• 5 STAR Grand Prix Finals: Winner of Blue Stars vs. Winner of Red Stars

As I mentioned above, I am watching the show on Samurai TV which is a two hour program, so some (if not most) of the matches will be clipped. All the wrestlers have a profile on Joshi City, you can click on their names above to go straight to it. Let’s get started.

Jamie Hayter vs. Saki Kashima

Jamie acts like she wants to shake Saki’s hand but slaps her instead, Saki fires back at her with kicks and goes up top, hitting a diving footstomp for a two count. Saki picks up Jamie and applies a satellite armbar, but Jamie gets out of it by slamming Saki to the mat. Knees by Jamie and she delivers a running knee, but Saki reverses the cover into one of her own for two. Stunner by Saki and she hits a double underhook facebuster followed by a bridging butterfly suplex for two. Saki goes off the ropes but Jamie catches her with a side slam onto her knee, she then hits a vertical suplex onto her knees for the three count pinfall! Jamie Hayter wins and gets two points in the tournament.

They clipped a really short match even shorter. This is the first time I’ve seen Jamie wrestle, she seems fine, lots of quality knees. Saki looked fired up as well, since it was a sprint they were going all out. Obviously too short to recommend but a solid two minutes of wrestling.

Kelly Klein vs. Nicole Savoy

This one is joined in progress with Kelly cranking Nicole’s neck, knees by Kelly and she knees Nicole in the back of the head for a two count. Kelly picks up Nicole but Nicole elbows her back, Nicole charges Kelly but Kelly moves and chokes Nicole in the corner. She chokes her some more as the referee tries to get her to stop, Nicole gets free and knocks Kelly off the turnbuckle so she is hanging by her leg. Kelly gets herself free but is holding her knee, leg kicks by Nicole and when Kelly picks up Nicole she collapses due to her bad knee. Cross kneelock by Nicole into a single leg crab hold, and Kelly has no choice but to submit! Nicole Savoy wins and ends the tournament with 8 points, which likely also eliminates Kelly from winning her block.

I am not going to lie, these rapid fire matches are fun to watch. Don’t get me wrong, you aren’t going to get any real substance when three minutes of a match is shown (it was only a six minute match anyway), but Nicole Savoy is fantastic and Kelly Klein played her part very well here. I enjoyed this, I won’t be able to really recommend these sub-five minute matches but its making me wish I had watched more of the tournament if this is the type of action I missed.

Hazuki vs. Natsu Sumire

To prove that point, Natsu chokes Hazuki while they are still doing the Oedo Tai dance before tossing her out of the ring to the floor. So the match starts with Natsu attacking Hazuki on the floor as she throws Hazuki hard into the chairs at ringside, she slides Hazuki back into the ring and boots her in the back of the head while she is tied up in the ropes. Stomps by Natsu, she picks up Hazuki but Hazuki hits a running elbow in the corner. Swandive dropkick by Hazuki and she gives Natsu some bootscrapes in the corner before delivering a running boot. Full Nelson Slam by Hazuki and she puts Natsu in the armtrap crossface, but Natsu gets a foot on the ropes for the break. Hazuki charges Natsu and nails a Pump Kick, Natsu tries to come back with a boot of her own but Hazuki slides under it and schoolboys Natsu for two. Hazuki charges Natsu but Natsu moves and whips her, she sets up Hazuki in the corner and hits her thrusting bronco buster. Hard elbows by Natsu and she delivers a running boot, bridging scoop slam by Natsu but it gets a two count. Natsu grabs Hazuki but Hazuki pushes her off and the two trade elbows, inside cradle attempt by Natsu but Hazuki reverses it into La Magistral for the three count! Hazuki wins and has nine points in the tournament.

This match wasn’t clipped as Oedo Tai is one of the main focuses of the promotion so we got their full presentation. I enjoyed this as well, I loved Natsu choking out Hazuki during the dance to get the upper hand and there was certainly no indication that either was going easy on the other. Natsu is 90% character work but its a quality character, and Hazuki continues to get better. For a short match they delivered something memorable, which is all you can ask for.  Mildly Recommended

Mayu Iwatani vs. Momo Watanabe

They start fast as they charge each other and trade suplex attempts, kick by Mayu and they trade armdrags until they reach a stalemate. Momo goes for a dropkick but Mayu moves, dropkick by Mayu and she dropkicks Momo again while she is against the ropes. Momo falls out of the ring, Mayu goes up top but Momo quickly rolls back in. Mayu jumps off the turnbuckle but eats a dropkick, kicks by Momo and she twists Mayu’s arm in the bottom rope. Mayu rolls out as she holds her arm but returns after a moment, more kicks to the arm by Momo and she knocks her into the corner. Momo goes off the ropes but Mayu catches her with the Sling Blade, Momo fires back with an elbow and two trade shots. Spinning headscissors by Mayu but Momo avoids her charge in the corner, Mayu rolls Momo to the mat and delivers a dropkick for a two count. Mayu picks up Momo but Momo slides away and kicks Mayu in the chest, more kicks by Momo but Mayu finally catches one and hits a dragon screw. Momo recovers and puts Mayu in a modified armbar, she releases Mayu after a moment and kicks her out of the ring. Momo goes for the Somato off the apron but Mayu moves, they both go for suplexes on the floor but they are blocked. Momo eventually gets Mayu up and drops her with a B Driver on the floor, she then gets on the apron and hits the Somato. Momo slides Mayu back in the ring and delivers the traditional Tequila Sunrise, but Mayu kicks out. Momo goes for the Peach Sunrise but Mayu blocks it and rolls up Momo for two. High kick by Mayu and she nails the dragon suplex hold, but the bell rings as the time limit has expired. Mayu and Momo both get one point, and Mayu Iwatani advances to the Finals with nine points!

I really need to go watch the Stardom World version of this match as they cut out about six minutes on Samurai TV which is a shame. That being said I did enjoy everything that they showed us here, Momo has really turned into an ass kicker and its really putting Stardom in an interesting spot as they currently have several wrestlers with a legitimate claim to being the “Future Ace” of the company. Mayu continues to be a bump machine and makes everything look deadly, she was dominated here (or at least with what made TV) but never felt out of it as being a rag doll is her style. Really entertaining but I think the full version needs to be seen to really get a feel for the match.  Recommended

Kimber Lee vs. Rachael Ellering

We join this one in progress as Rachael picks up Kimber, Kimber pushes her off and hits a series of kicks before covering Rachael for two. Kimber picks up Rachael but Rachael throws her into the ropes and delivers a swinging side slam. Rachael picks up Kimber and puts her on the top turnbuckle, she then joins her but Kimber headbutts Rachael back to the mat. Kimber goes for a senton bomb but Rachael moves out of the way, Rachael grabs Kimber and gets her on her shoulders but Kimber applies a sunset flip with extra gusto and she picks up the three count! Kimber Lee wins and knocks Ellering out of the finals.

This probably is the first match I would say wasn’t entertaining to watch. Part of it was just the sheer shortness of it but even with what they showed it didn’t really feel fluid. Too short to be offensive but nothing to see here.

Konami vs. Utami Hayashishita

Konami and Utami tie-up and trade standing submissions until Konami takes Utami to the mat with an armbar. Konami rolls Utami out of the hold and kicks her twice, snapmare by Konami and she kicks Utami in the back for a two count. Konami picks up Utami but Utami elbows her off, back kick by Konami but Utami hits a hard shoulderblock. Utami goes for a slam but Konami blocks it, Irish whip by Konami but Utami reverses it and hits a dropkick in the corner. Scoop slam by Utami and she hits another shoulderblock, she goes for a sleeper but Konami slides away and applies an armbar. Buzzsaw Kick by Konami and she delivers a sliding kick to Utami’s midsection, fisherman suplex hold by Konami but it gets a two count. Konami goes off the ropes but Utami hits a judo toss, she gets Konami up but Konami puts her in a sleeper hold. Utami throws Konami off of her and applies a Camel Clutch, but Konami rolls out of it and applies the cross armbreaker. Utami gets a foot on the ropes to force the break, Konami picks her up but Utami delivers a trio of STOs for a two count. Utami goes up top but Konami avoids the missile dropkick, she goes for a submission but Utami blocks it so Konami applies a sunset flip for two. Seated armbar by Konami but Utami gets out of it and applies a sleeper hold into a takedown. She keeps the sleeper applied but Konami gets close to the ropes so Utami releases it and puts Konami in the Argentine Backbreaker before slamming her to the mat. Utami picks Konami back up and puts her in the Argentine Backbreaker again, and this time Konami submits! Utami Hayashishita wins and now has 10 points as well as the lead of the Red Stars block.

Sometimes a wrestler can be labeled as a super rookie of sorts and the hype train is excessive, but in Utami’s case it is completely justified. For someone that just officially debuted two months ago, she is so smooth on the mat and she looked completely at home exchanging holds and positions with Konami. Between her submissions and power moves she is the total package, and she is a great seller as well. This was a shorter match but was a good small sample of what she brings to the table, and while it may annoy some that she is picking up wins over wrestlers years her senior, sometimes when you have a hot act you just have to run with it. A really tight and well-worked match, no complaints whatsoever outside of the length.  Recommended

Jungle Kyona vs. Natsuko Tora

Natsuko immediately starts the match with a spear, she goes for a second one but Kyona catches her and they get into a shoulderblock battle. Kyona wins the exchange, she picks up Natsuko and hits a scoop slam followed by a running body press for a two count. Back up they trade strikes, Kyona chops Natsuko in the corner and hits a body avalanche, but Natsuko fires back with a hard shoulderblock. Elbows by Natsuko, she goes off the ropes but Kyona catches her with a lariat. Sliding lariat to the back by Kyona, she picks up Natsuko and puts her on her shoulder before spinning her down onto her knee for a two count. Crab hold by Kyona but she lets go after a moment and stomps on Natsuko’s back, Scorpion Deathlock by Kyona but Natsuko gets to the ropes for the break. Kyona goes up top but Natsuko hits her before she can jump off and flings Kyona to the mat. Running knee by Natsuko, she gets Kyona on her shoulders and hits a rolling fireman’s carry slam. Natsuko goes up top but Kyona smacks her and goes up top as well, she goes for a powerslam but Natsuko slides down and hits a powerbomb for a two count. Natsuko picks up Kyona but Kyona gets away and clubs her in the head. Spear by Natsuko, she picks up Kyona and hits a side slam for a two count. Natsuko goes up top and she nails a diving body press, she goes up top and immediately delivers a second one before following up with a third diving body press for the three count cover! Natsuko Tora wins and knocks Jungle Kyona out of the tournament.

The most interesting thing here is not that Natsuko won, but how she won. Since Natsuko is basically the #2 wrestler in Jungle Assault Nation while Kyona is the leader, any win would have been worth noticing but if it was a fluke win it wouldn’t mean much big picture. But Natsuko didn’t just win the match, she literally crushed Kyona at the end to win it emphatically. Up to that point the match was fine, your typical strength-based battle, but its the ending that left an impression. Maybe it meant nothing and will be forgotten, but in the moment it felt like a big deal and a big win for the less experienced wrestler. A fun match overall, a few parts weren’t completely smooth but still a solid match with an unexpected ending.  Mildly Recommended

Kagetsu vs. Tam Nakano

Tam immediately goes for a head kick but Kagetsu ducks, she goes for one as well with no luck as they both trade kick attempts back and forth. Tam elbows Kagetsu but Kagetsu elbows her back as they trade blows, Tam jumps on the second turnbuckle and applies a dragon sleeper while in the ropes. The referee gets her to stop, cutter by Tam and she hits a cartwheel kneedrop for two. Kagetsu elbows Tam off of her and goes off the ropes, but Tam catches her with a head kick followed by a German suplex hold for two. Tam goes up top and nails the Takako Panic, she picks up Kagetsu and goes off the ropes, but Kagetsu connects with a head kick. Tam is up first but Kagetsu delivers a kick combination, Kagetsu gets Tam on her shoulders and hits a Samoan Drop, but the cover gets two. Kagetsu quickly picks up Tam and hits a vertical suplex, crab hold by Kagetsu but Tam gets into the ropes for the break. Stomps by Kagetsu, she picks up Tam and delivers a pair of Ebisu Drops. A third Ebisu Drop by Kagetsu, but Tam barely kicks out of the cover. She slams Tam in front of the corner before going up top, but Tam joins her and hits a superplex. Sliding Knee by Kagetsu, but Tam gets her hands on the rope when she goes for the cover. Kagetsu picks up Tam and slaps her, she goes off the ropes but Hana Kimura hits her from the floor with a chair. This gives Tam a chance to cradle Kagetsu and she picks up the three count! Tam Nakano wins and Kagetsu is eliminated!

Post match, Hana fights Oedo Tai and is officially leaving the faction, after teasing it for most of the tournament.

There are a few ways to look at a match like this. On one hand, Hana breaking away from Oedo Tai is an important story, and long term maybe more important than winning the GP, so it overshadowing the final match (and leading directly to who is in the Finals) isn’t a big deal. On the other hand, if you were looking for a clean back and forth (well as clean as Oedo Tai gets) with a conclusive ending, this probably wasn’t it, so your opinion of this match will be based on if you enjoy Hana turning on her group since that was the focus. I am neutral on it, and at least leading up to that ending the match was entertaining. Tam and Kagetsu have solid chemistry and both of their strikes were on point, and Tam was extra fired up which got the crowd engaged. So while it ended up being a storyline match, which is a bit of a shame, it still had good action as well so no complaints.  Mildly Recommended

Mayu Iwatani vs. Utami Hayashishita
Stardom 5☆STAR GP Final

Tie-up to begin, Utami quickly takes Mayu to the mat but Mayu kicks her in the head and stomps her against the ropes. Mayu starts on Utami’s arm, continuing the work that Konami began earlier, she hiptosses Utami to the mat and twists her arm while covering her for two. Mayu keeps on the arm but Utami finally gets away and applies a sleeper, but Mayu slides out of it and applies a seated armbar. She lets go and stomps on Utami, she sets up Utami near the ropes and dropkicks her out of the ring. Mayu goes up top but Utami jumps on the apron and gets Mayu on her shoulders before tossing her down to the floor. Utami slides Mayu back into the ring and puts her in a modified Camel Clutch, but Mayu inches to the ropes to force a break. Utami picks up Mayu and starts on her arm, she tosses Mayu into the corner but Mayu rebounds out of it with a triple jump dropkick. Stomps by Mayu and she dropkicks Utami twice while she is against the ropes, cover by Mayu but Utami kicks out. Diving footstomp by Mayu and she goes for the dragon suplex, but Utami grabs the top rope to block it.

Mayu goes off the ropes but Utami catches her with a judo toss and puts her in a sleeper, but Mayu gets a toe on the ropes. Utami gets Mayu on her shoulders but Mayu quickly slides off and hits a high kick, lariat by Mayu but Utami rocks her back with a lariat of her own. Mayu recovers first and nails the standing crucifix bomb, she picks up Utami and delivers a strike combination followed by a release German. Mayu goes up top but Utami gets up and knocks her down to the apron, Utami chokes Mayu over the top rope and drags her back into the ring, keeping the hold applied until Mayu makes it to the ropes to get the break. Utami gets Mayu in the Argentine Backbreaker and slams her backwards into the mat, cover by Utami but Mayu gets a shoulder up. Utami goes up top and hits a missile dropkick, she goes up again but this time Mayu hits her before she can jump off and climbs up as well. Frankensteiner by Mayu and she kicks Utami in the chest, high kick by Mayu and she delivers a thrust kick to the head. Cover by Mayu, but it gets two. Mayu goes up top and nails the Frog Splash, but Utami kicks out of the pin attempt. Mayu picks up Utami but Utami blocks the dragon suplex, Utami goes for an elbow but Mayu ducks it and nails her version of the dragon suplex hold for the three count! Mayu Iwatani wins the match and the 5☆STAR GP!

Another great match for both tonight, if there were still any doubts about Stardom’s future they can be put to rest. The action was very fluid and fast paced, and completely captivating as Mayu is not only a master at selling but really laid in with the strikes here and asserted herself as the dominate wrestler at times which she doesn’t always do. I liked the callback on Utami’s arm but it was very quickly forgotten, its like both wrestlers felt obligated to tip their cap to the wounds from the prior matches but were not dedicated at all to following through. The fact Utami had two matches of this caliber on the same card just a few months into her career is scary, she is definitely one that is going to make an impact sooner than later. Overall a high end match with all the drama and ‘moments’ one could hope for, it didn’t feel like a MOTYC for various small reasons but still a great display by both wrestlers.  Highly Recommended

The post Stardom 5☆STAR GP Finale on 9/24/18 Review appeared first on Joshi City.

Now this should be a better event than the Stardom show I reviewed from the week before. There are a lot of possibilities for goodness here, as we get the amazing Kay Lee Ray in a title match plus the return of The Icon Mayu Iwatani! The main event is a big ten woman elimination match, with the last wrestler to be pinned for her team being kicked out of their faction. High stakes indeed. Here is the full card:

• Hanan, Shiki Shibusawa, and Starlight Kid vs. Hiromi Mimura, Konami, and Ruaka
• Jungle Kyona, Kaori Yoneyama, and Natsuko Tora vs. Miranda, Nicole Savoy, and Xia Brookside
• High Speed Championship: Mary Apache vs. Kay Lee Ray
• Mayu Iwatani vs. Rachael Ellering
• Elimination Tag Team Gauntlet Match: AZM, HZK, Io Shirai, Watanabe, and Viper vs. Hana Kimura, Kagetsu, Kris Wolf, Natsu Sumire, and Tam Nakano

I am watching the Samurai TV version of this match, as if I watch another full Stardom rookie match I will literally die. Plus I like the replays. All the wrestlers above have profiles on Joshi City, you can click on their names to go straight to it. Onto the fun!

Hanan, Shiki Shibusawa, and Starlight Kid vs. Hiromi Mimura, Konami, and Ruaka

Shiki and Hiromi start the match, dropkick by Shiki but Hiromi hits an armdrag and puts Shiki in a stretch hold. Shiki’s friends run in to help and triple team Shiki in the corner, they put Hiromi into the ropes to attack her some more but she manages to tag in Konami. Shiki teams in Hanan and Hanan gets all three of her opponents to the mat, standing moonsault by Starlight Kid and she hits Konami with a Tiger Feint Kick. Konami gets Hanan to the mat and goes for a triangle choke, but it is quickly broken up. Hanan tags in Starlight Kid but Konami kicks her in the head, cover by Konami but it gets two. Konami hits a vertical suplex and tags in Ruaka, Ruaka boots Starlight Kid in the corner and boots her in the chest for a two count. Ruaka picks up Starlight Kid but the fisherman suplex is blocked and Ruaka hits a reverse STO. Hiromi comes in and dropkicks Starlight Kid, Ruaka comes in and she hits a fisherman suplex hold onto Starlight Kid for two. Ruaka picks up Starlight Kid but Starlight Kid rolls her up for two, dropkick by Starlight Kid and Shiki hits a missile dropkick. Standing moonsault by Starlight Kid on Ruaka, but Ruaka barely gets a shoulder up. Cyclone suplex by Starlight Kid, Konami and Hiromi come in but they quickly get cleared out. Starlight Kid goes up top and nails the Frog Splash on Ruaka, and she picks up the three count! Hanan, Shiki Shibusawa, and Starlight Kid win!

They did as well as could be expected, as they kept the speed up with very limited downtime/silliness (except when Hiromi Mimura was around). Not as much was clipped as I was expecting but what they showed was perfectly fine. I’ll give Konami much of the credit since she by far was the best person in this match, but everyone played their roles well. Not bad for an opener.

Jungle Kyona, Yoneyama, and Natsuko Tora vs. Miranda, Savoy, and Xia Brookside

Team Jungle attacks before the bell rings, Xia is isolated in the ring until Savoy runs in to help even the odds. Savoy slams Natsuko before suplexing Kaori onto her, she then grabs Miranda and tosses her onto Natsuko for extra measure. Xia and Kaori stay in as the legal wrestlers, chop to the throat by Kaori and she connects with the running senton. Kaori tags in Natsuko but Xia drops her with a headscissors, knee by Xia in the corner and she slams Natsuko’s face into the mat. Dropkick by Xia, and she covers Natsuko for two. Xia tags in Savoy, butterfly suplex by Savoy and she hits a gutwrench suplex onto Natsuko. Natsuko quickly rolls up Savoy but it only gets a two, Savoy boots Natsuko but Natsuko hits a running shoulder tackle in the corner. She goes for the spear but Savoy catches her and hits a suplex, Savoy picks up Natsuko but Natsuko hits a back bodydrop. Spear by Natsuko and she makes the hot tag to Kyona, Kyona shoulderblocks Savoy and goes up to the second turnbuckle, but Savoy avoids the bodypress. Sliding Kick by Savoy, but Kyona kicks out of the cover. Knees by Savoy to the midsection and she delivers a backdrop suplex, Savoy tags in Miranda while Xia comes in as well. Kyona is triple teamed, ending with a satellite roll-up by Miranda of sorts for a two count. Miranda picks up Kyona and hits an enzuigiri, cutter by Miranda but Kyona barely kicks out of the cover. Miranda picks up Kyona but Kyona levels her with a lariat, Savoy and Xia come in but so does Natsuko and she spears both of them. Kaori comes in as Miranda is now isolated, Hammerthrow Powerbomb by Kyona on Miranda and she picks up the three count! Team Jungle are the winners.

Just a short fun midcard match. I will say that Xia was really fired up and Savoy looked good with her suplexes. No surprise that Team Jungle won, no reason for them not to since Miranda is basically in Stardom for this tour to eat pins. Not long enough to get excited about but fine for what it was.

(c) Mary Apache vs. Kay Lee Ray
High Speed Championship

They get right into it, as KLR springboards off the ropes, but Apache moves and knocks her to the mat. Camel Clutch by Apache, she picks up KLR and swings her around in the Gory Special but KLR gets away and rolls her up for two. KLR rolls Apache to the mat and kicks her in the chest, KLR elbows Apache but Apache elbows her back and they trade blows. Heel Kick by Apache, they trade elbows again until Apache slams KLR to the mat with a spinebuster. Mexican Surfboard by Apache but KLR spins out of it and applies a choke. Apache goes off the ropes but KLR trips her and slides out of the ring, she pulls Apache up on the apron but Apache knocks her down and puts KLR in a Surfboard while still on the apron. Apache picks up KLR but KLR superkicks her down to the floor, KLR gets a running start in the ring and sails out onto Apache with a tope suicida. Apache stands up but KLR dives out onto her again, KLR goes up top and dives onto Apache a third time with a cannonball. KLR slides Apache back into the ring, she goes off the ropes and dropkicks Apache in the chest for a two count. Gory Bomb by KLR, but Apache kicks out of the cover. KLR puts Apache in a submission, but Apache wiggles to the ropes and forces the break. KLR chops Apache and goes off the ropes, but Apache catches her with a sit-down powerbomb for two. Apache gets on the top turnbuckle and delivers a diving heel kick, Apache picks up KLR and drops her with a Michinoku Driver II for the three count! Mary Apache retains the championship.

While I wouldn’t have minded if the match was a bit longer, it was still entertaining. KLR is a pleasure to watch, she’s such a firecracker and flies around the ring like few other female wrestlers can. Apache is more old school but really solid as well, her submissions are always on point and she doesn’t mind dropping people on their heads if necessary to pick up victories. I loved KLR going the reckless route since Apache was stronger, and even though it didn’t work out she came out of the match looking strong. A really solid midcard championship match.  Recommended

Mayu Iwatani vs. Rachael Ellering

They lock-up to start, Rachael pushes Mayu into the ropes and she gives a clean break. They trade shoves, wristlock by Rachael but Mayu rolls out of it and reverses the hold. Snapmare by Rachael and she puts Mayu in a headlock, Mayu elbows out of it and she delivers a dropkick. Elbows by Mayu and she dropkicks Rachael again, she goes off the ropes but Rachael boots Mayu in the face. Rachael stomps on Mayu’s still wrapped up arm, she pulls Mayu’s arm while it is in the ropes and continues to focus on it with kicks. Rachael picks up Mayu, superkick by Mayu and she dropkicks Rachael while she is against the ropes. Rachael falls out of the ring, Mayu goes up top and she dives out onto Rachael with a plancha suicida. Mayu slides Rachael back into the ring, she goes up top again and delivers a missile dropkick for a two count. Mayu picks up Rachael and goes for the dragon suplex, but Rachael blocks it and boots Mayu in the head. Spinebuster by Rachael, she charges Mayu and hits a jumping elbow. Another elbow by Rachael and she hits a scoop slam, slingshot leg drop out of the corner and Rachael covers Mayu for two. Rachael picks up Mayu but Mayu hits a crucifix slam, she charges Rachael but Rachael takes off her head with a lariat. Swinging Side Slam by Rachael, but Mayu barely kicks out. Rachael picks up Mayu but Mayu gets away and hits a German suplex, she goes up top and delivers the diving footstomp. Mayu kicks Rachael in the head, another high kick by Mayu and she nails her dragon suplex hold for the three count! Mayu Iwatani wins!

It is so nice to have Mayu Iwatani back, she is such an important part of Stardom now and cards have been noticeably lacking something during her time away. Mayu makes matches exciting just by being her natural self, such as bumping like a crazy person and showing so much emotion. For her part, Rachael was pretty great here too and executed her moves in such a way that I almost was sold on the idea she could win the match. Just almost of course, but it was a very back and forth match with both getting a chance to show off. I am not sure if this match was super great or if I just missed Mayu, but either way I was really entertained by this one. Definitely worth a watch.  Recommended

Queen’s Quest (Io, AZM, HZK, Viper, and Momo) vs. Oedo Tai (Kris, Sumire, Kagetsu, Hana, and Tam)
Elimination Tag Team Gauntlet Match

AZM vs. Kris Wolf – We start with the recently injured Kris against the youngest wrestler in the match, Kris charges AZM and hits a knee, but AZM rolls her up for the three count! Kris Wolf is eliminated and Queen’s Quest is up 5-4.

AZM vs. Natsu Sumire – Natsu quickly runs into the match and starts beating on AZM, she put AZM in the ropes and all the members of Oedo Tai attack her. The cheating continues as the referee has already lost control, Natsu gets some water in her mouth and spits it down onto AZM. AZM slides behind Natsu and tries to throw her over the top rope to the floor, but Natsu lands on the apron. AZM tries to kick Natsu off but Natsu slides back into the ring and lariats AZM to the mat. Knees by Natsu but AZM fights back with an elbow as they trade blows, they both go off the ropes until Natsu boots AZM in the face for two. A Cutie Special gets a two count for Natsu as well, she picks up AZM but AZM cradles her for a two count. AZM charges Natsu but Natsu catches her and nails the Yoran (cradle DDT) for the three count! AZM is eliminated and the teams are tied 4-4.

Natsu Sumire vs. Io Shirai – Hard elbow by Io, she goes after Natsu but Natsu grabs the top rope to get a break. Natsu wastes some time and lays down on the mat, Io covers her but Natsu quickly rolls up Io for two. Natsu goes for the Yoran but Io blocks it and applies an armtrap crossface, Natsu rolls out of it but Io knees her in the head. Io drags up Natsu and slams her on front of the corner, she goes for the moonsault but Natsu recovers and tries to push Io from the top to the floor, which would eliminate her. Io holds onto the top rope as Natsu tries to pry her fingers off, Natsu goes to charge at Io but Io skins the cat before Natsu reaches her. Dragon screw by Io and she puts Natsu in the Texas Cloverleaf. Natsu struggles for a quick moment but has to tap out! Natsu is eliminated and Queen’s Quest is up 4-3.

Io Shirai vs. Kagetsu – They feel each other out and end up grappling on the mat, but neither gets a clear advantage. Irish whip by Io but Kagetsu shoulderblocks her down, she goes off the ropes but Io avoids her charge and does a backflip into a dropkick. Io goes to pick up Kagetsu but Kagetsu slams her into the corner, running elbow by Kagetsu and she hits a vertical suplex for two. Kagetsu picks up Io and goes off the ropes, but Io catches her with a hurricanrana for a two count. Kick attempts by Kagetsu but Io blocks them, palm strike by Io but Kagetsu blocks the double underhook facebuster. Io flips away from Kagetsu and hits a German suplex hold, but Kagetsu gets a shoulder up. Io goes for the Texas Cloverleaf but Kagetsu quickly gets to the ropes for the break, running double knee by Io in the corner and she hits the double underhook facebuster. Io goes up top but Tam Nakano hits her with a sign before she can jump off, Kagetsu then dropkicks Io off the top turnbuckle down onto the apron. Io gets up on the apron but Kagetsu dropkicks her as she tries to return to the ring, Kagetsu picks up Io while still in the ring but Io hits a palm strike. Tiger Feint Kick by Io while she is still on the apron, she goes to springboard back into the ring, but Kagetsu spits blue mist at her face. Kagetsu then slides out to the apron and chokeslams Io off the apron down onto the floor (and a mob of wrestlers), giving her the win! Io Shirai is eliminated and the match is tied 3-3.

Kagetsu vs. Viper – Kagetsu immediately goes for the chokeslam but it doesn’t work, Viper throws Kagetsu into the corner but Kagetsu avoids her charge and applies a few flash pins for two counts. Viper returns the favor but also gets a two, kick by Kagetsu but Viper catches the next one and hits a backdrop suplex. Viper goes off the ropes but Kagetsu avoids the senton, she gets on the second turnbuckle but Viper catches her hurricanrana attempt and powerbombs Kagetsu to the mat for a two count. Natsu gets on the apron to distract the referee while the rest of Oedo Tai sneaks into the ring to attack Viper. It doesn’t help for long as Viper is quickly back in control, she goes off the ropes but Kagetsu spits water in her face. Kagetsu jumps up to the top turnbuckle but Viper runs into the ropes to send Kagetsu out onto the apron. Kagetsu tries to springboard back in the ring but Viper knocks her back to the apron, Kagetsu almost falls out but Oedo Tai catches her and pushes her back to safety. Viper also almost tumbles out but she catches herself, and both wrestlers end up safely back in the ring. Viper picks up Kagetsu but she gets away, running crossbody by Viper and she delivers the senton followed by a low crossbody for a two count cover. Viper picks up Kagetsu but Kagetsu gets away and kicks Viper in the head. Ebisu Drop by Kagetsu, but Viper gets a shoulder up on the cover. Kagetsu positions Viper and goes up top, but Viper avoids the Oedo Coaster. Viper picks up Kagetsu and headbutts her repeatedly, Viper Driver by Viper but the bell rings before she can make the cover, as time has expired. Both wrestlers are eliminated, and the match is tied at 2-2.

Hana Kimura vs. HZK – Hana and HZK trade elbows as soon as the bell rings, HZK goes off the ropes but Hana catches her with a dropkick. Hana picks up HZK and they pull each other’s hair, Hana goes off the ropes and she pulls HZK down to the mat. Stomps by Hana and she knees HZK against the ropes before connecting with a running boot. Cover by Hana, but it gets a two. Hana picks up HZK and hits a delayed vertical suplex, she goes to the second turnbuckle but HZK recovers and hits a Codebreaker. Now HZK gets on the second turnbuckle and delivers the diving senton, HZK slams Hana to the mat and covers her for a two count. HZK charges Hana but Hana avoids the pump kick and pushes HZK onto the apron. Hana tries to boot HZK to the floor but HZK moves and she pulls Hana out onto the apron with her. Hana and HZK trade elbows on the apron, Hana goes for a suplex but HZK blocks it. Hana puts HZK on the second turnbuckle but HZK kicks her back and nails a sunset flip powerbomb down to the floor! Hana is hurt and both wrestlers are eliminated, as we are down to the last members of each team.

Momo Watanabe vs. Tam Nakano – The loser of this pairing must leave their respective faction. After a stare down they trade strikes, snapmare by Tam and she kicks Momo in the back. Momo returns the favor, more kicks by Momo and she covers Tam for two. Momo kicks Tam into the corner and delivers a dropkick, she goes for a second one but Tam moves out of the way and hits a dropkick of her own. Irish whip by Tam and she hits the Space Rolling Elbow followed by a running cutter, kicks by Tam and she dropkicks Momo in the chest. Senton by Tam, and she covers Momo for a two count. Elbows by Tam but Momo dropkicks her, vertical suplex by Momo and she holds down Tam for two. Momo gets Tam on her back but Tam rolls out of the hold, high kicks by Tam and she finishes Momo with a spinning head kick. Another spinning kick by Tam, but Momo kicks out of the cover. Kicks to the chest by Tam, she goes for another high kick but Momo ducks this time and delivers two high kicks of her own. Somato by Momo, but when she goes for the cover, Tam reverses it into her own pin attempt for two. Momo picks up Tam and slaps her, she goes up to the second turnbuckle and nails the diving Somato for the three count! Queen’s Quest wins the match and Tam Nakano must leave Oedo Tai!

That was a hell of a match, and there is a lot to digest. First, I should note that since I watched the Samurai TV version, some parts were clipped with Viper/Kagetsu’s portion being the most notable. But top to bottom this was an enjoyable match with the Kagetsu/Io pairing being the highlight. Both are just so good and I loved the ending with Io getting the mist (I’m a sucker for mist in matches, its one of my weaknesses). I can’t say I loved the Hana/HZK ending, not because it was dangerous since I enjoy dangerous spots, but it didn’t make a lot of sense for HZK to intentionally eliminate herself. That was the only real logic fail of the match though, as everyone else acted as one would expect in a match with such high stakes. Momo/Tam wasn’t quite as good as I was hoping, Tam is a great character but is a bit hit-and-miss in the ring while Momo is still working off some rust, but the emotion was there anyway. Top to bottom a really entertaining match, not without its flaws but as a package deal a quality effort by all involved.  Recommended

The post Stardom 7th Anniversary on 1/21/18 Review appeared first on Joshi City.

On to 2018! I know that I missed a lot of events from late 2017 but I don’t want to get even further behind so we are just moving on to the new year. I’ll have another Stardom review very shortly but I wanted to watch one event leading up to their big Korakuen Hall show. This show has a big main event, as Io Shirai accepts a challenge from Rachael Ellering! Here is the full card:

• Hanan vs. Miranda vs. Ruaka
• Hiromi Mimura and Mary Apache vs. Kaori Yoneyama and Natsuko Tora
• Hana Kimura, Kagetsu, and Natsu Sumire vs. Kay Lee Ray, Nicole Savoy, and Xia Brookside
• AZM, HZK, Momo Watanabe, and Viper vs. Jungle Kyona, Konami, Shiki Shibusawa, and Starlight Kid
• Wonder Of Stardom Championship: Io Shirai vs. Rachael Ellering

All the wrestlers above have profiles on Joshi City, you can click on their name to go straight to it. As this was shown on Stardom World, all matches will be shown in full.

Hanan vs. Miranda vs. Ruaka

Hanan and Ruaka double team Miranda to start, they get her into the corner and Hanan delivers a dropkick. Hanan tricks Ruaka and rolls her up for a two count, she tries again but Miranda gets her from behind and all three trade flash pins with no luck. Miranda and Ruaka stomp on Hanan, but Hanan slams Ruaka to the mat and Ruaka gets double teamed instead. Hanan puts Ruaka in a crab hold before Miranda kicks her in the head, they switch positions but Hanan dropkicks Miranda instead. Hanan is not one to trust in this match. Miranda rocks Hanan with a hard elbow, Ruaka attacks Miranda but Miranda elbows her to the mat as well. Hanan and Ruaka Irish whip Miranda but Miranda hits a spear on both of them, Miranda covers Hanan but it gets two. Miranda chops Hanan into the corner before hitting a running elbow, Miranda throws Hanan to the mat and delivers a sliding kick for another two count. Miranda elbows Hanan against the ropes but Hanan hits a hip toss, Ruaka finally returns and they both slam Miranda, but Hanan schoolboys Ruaka for two. Reverse STO by Ruaka to Hanan, she picks up Hanan and delivers the fisherman suplex hold for a two count when Miranda breaks it up. Miranda kicks Ruaka into the corner, dropkick by Miranda and she hits a second one on Ruaka for a quick cover. Cutter by Miranda, but Hanan breaks up the cover. Hanan and Ruaka both grab Miranda and hit a double fisherman suplex hold, but Miranda kicks out. Big boot by Ruaka in the corner, superkick by Hanan and she hits a STO on Ruaka. Another STO by Hanan, but Ruaka barely gets a shoulder up. Hanan gets on the second turnbuckle but Ruaka recovers, she hits a fisherman suplex back to the mat before delivering a second fisherman suplex hold for the three count! Ruaka is your winner.

I will say this – I expected this match to be really disjointed and awkward but it was pretty smooth overall. A minor hiccup here and there but Miranda didn’t seem out of place in the ring with two wrestlers that have faced off on a very regular basis in the last year. Nothing to get excited about of course, but all three got a bit of a chance to shine and it was a respectable way to start off the show.

Hiromi Mimura and Mary Apache vs. Kaori Yoneyama and Natsuko Tora

Yoneyama and Apache start off trading armdrags and trips before reaching a stalemate, Apache tags in Hiromi while Natsuko also tags in. They do a pose-off before trading elbows, hard shoulderblock by Natsuko and Yoneyama comes in to help double team Hiromi. Yoneyama stays in and throws Hiromi by the hair into the corner, chops by Yoneyama and she chops Hiromi in the throat. Hiromi fights back with a dropkick, she kicks Natsuko off the apron but goofs around too much and doesn’t capitalize. Yoneyama charges Hiromi in the corner but Hiromi hits a tornado DDT, giving her time to tag in Apache. Apache puts Yoneyama in a Mexican Surfboard, Hiromi returns and she helps Apache jump down on Yoneyama against the ropes. Natsuko runs in and helps Yoneyama turn the tide on Apache, Yoneyama tags in Natsuko and she hits a running shoulder tackle on Apache in the corner. Apache recovers but Natsuko delivers a spear, Yoneyama comes in and hits a diving senton onto Apache. Tora follows with a diving senton of her own, Natsuko picks up Apache but Apache nails Natsuko with a jumping heel kick, cover by Apache but Yoneyama breaks it up. Apache lariats both of them, Hiromi comes in and she dropkicks Natsuko in the face. Lariat by Apache, and she covers Natsuko for two. Ligerbomb by Apache, and she picks up the three count! Hiromi Mimura and Mary Apace win!

Almost literally a nothing match, with very little substance. Natsuko and Yoneyama work well together but nothing else can really be pulled out of this match, aside from Hiromi being goofy and Mary Apache not really being given a chance to add anything of note. Skippable match.

Hana Kimura, Kagetsu, and Natsu Sumire vs. Kay Lee Ray, Nicole Savoy, and Xia Brookside

Oedo Tai attacks before the match starts, Kagetsu stays in with KLR but Savoy runs in and drops Kagetsu with a gutwrench suplex. Xia comes in too to help, neckbreaker by KLR to Kagetsu and she puts her in a quick submission. Hana and Natsu come in but the Gaijin Team stays in control, KLR elbows Kagetsu in the corner and tags in Savoy. Xia is tagged in but Tam pulls her out of the ring and beats down Xia at ringside. Natsu helps Tam before Xia is rolled back into the ring as all the members of Oedo Tai pose around her. Kagetsu kicks Xia before tagging in Hana, Hana kicks at Xia and tags in Natsu, as Xia plays the Face in Peril, Natsu gets her bottle water and spits water down onto Xia. Natsu suplexes Xia into the corner and hits the Bronco Buster, but Xia comes back with a jumping knee and a face crusher for a two count. Xia tags in Savoy, butterfly suplex by Savoy and she drops Natsu with a German suplex. Kagetsu runs in but she gets suplexed as well, she then hits a Fallaway Slam on Hana before booting Natsu. Natsu schoolboys Savoy which gives her time to tag in Hana, drop toehold by Hana and she boots Savoy in the head. Fisherman Buster by Savoy to Hana and she tags in KLR, KLR slaps Hana in the chest and delivers a high kick for a two count. Dropkick by Hana to KLR and she puts her in the Ground Manjikatame, but KLR quickly gets to the ropes. Hana elbows KLR but KLR nails her with a superkick, she tags in Xia while Kagetsu is also tagged in. Spinning headscissors by Xia and she kicks Kagetsu in the head for a two count. Xia gets Kagetsu on her shoulders but Kagetsu slides off, Codebreaker by Xia and she covers Kagetsu for another two. Xia picks up Kagetsu and puts her on the top turnbuckle before flinging her to the mat, but Hana breaks up the cover. Elbows by Xia but Kagetsu tosses P-chan at her and kicks Xia in the head. Hana runs in and boots Xia, Ebisu Drop by Kagetsu but KLR breaks up the pin. Kagetsu picks up Xia and hits a vertical suplex, chokeslam by Kagetsu and she covers Xia for the three count! Oedo Tai are the winners!

A fun midcard match. The wrestlers are capable of more than that of course but with the match length and placement on the card, this was about all we could hope for. All the gaijin team members looked great in limited action, with Savoy and KLR being particularly impressive. Natsu on a skill-level is below everyone else but was well protected here, and everyone played their part well. Solid, but nothing overly memorable long term.  Mildly Recommended

AZM, HZK, Momo, and Viper vs. Jungle Kyona, Konami, Shibusawa, and Starlight Kid

Momo and Kyona kick things off, Kyona boots Momo in the stomach and hits a hard shoulderblock. Armdrag by Momo and she rolls up Kyona for two, but Kyona gets her to the mat and they end up in a stalemate. Kyona tags in Starlight Kid while Viper is also tagged in, Starlight Kid stomps on Viper’s foot and hits a few dropkicks, but Viper catches her on the crossbody attempt. Viper tries to sit on Starlight Kid but Starlight Kid moves, dropkick by Starlight Kid and she covers Viper for a quick two count. Starlight Kid goes for a tilt-a-whirl headscissors but Viper catches her, she goes off the ropes but Shiki runs in and stops her from hitting a bodypress. Queen’s Quest stacks up all their opponents in the corner before Viper hits a cannonball, Viper then picks up Starlight Kid and headbutts her. She tags in AZM, scoop slam by AZM and she kicks Starlight Kid in the back. AZM tags Momo, Momo dropkicks Starlight Kid in the corner and hits another scoop slam for two. Starlight Kid elbows Momo but Momo knocks her to the mat and tags in HZK. HZK picks up Starlight Kid and elbows her against the ropes, but Shiki runs in and dropkicks HZK. Tiger Feint Kick by Starlight Kid and Shiki hits a face crusher, double dropkick to HZK and Starlight Kid makes the hot tag to Konami.

Konami applies a seated armbar to HZK but it gets broken up by Momo, Viper tries to break it up too but Konami puts all three in an armbar. Knees by Konami to HZK and she delivers a dropkick, back kick by Konami and she hits a fisherman suplex hold for two. Konami tags Kyona, Kyona and HZK trade elbows until Kyona swings HZK to the mat with a sleeper. Momo breaks it up and with HZK they suplex Kyona, double knee to the back to Kyona and Momo delivers the Somato. Pump Kick by HZK and she hits Michinoku Driver on Kyona for two. HZK gets on the second turnbuckle but Kyona avoids the senton, lariat to the back by Kyona but HZK avoids the next lariat and hits a headbutt. Kyona comes back with a hard shot but HZK sneaks in a DDT and both wrestlers are down. Shiki and AZM are tagged in, dropkicks by Shiki and she scoop slams AZM. Standing Moonsault by Starlight Kid and Konami delivers a sliding kick to AZM, Shiki follows with a missile dropkick and she covers AZM for two. AZM gets away from Shiki and hits a triple jump crossbody out of the corner, giving her time to tag in Viper. Elbow by Viper and she hits a low crossbody, but the cover is broken up. All of Queen’s Quest stay in the ring, triple dropkick to Shiki and Viper follows with a running senton for the three count! Queen’s Quest win the match.

A small step down from the last match but still decent enough, even though it wasn’t an ideal match for a semi-main event. They kept the pace up, as you’d expect in a pretty short eight wrestler tag match, but it lacked anything resembling a structure as it was mostly just random carnage. Perfectly fine for a casual watch, but nothing more than that here.

(c) Io Shirai vs. Rachael Ellering
Wonder of Stardom Championship

They tie-up to start, wristlock by Rachael but Io applies a headlock. Rachael gets out of it but Io drops her into the ropes, she goes for a Tiger Feint Kick but Rachael slides out of the way. Irish whip by Rachael and she hits a shoulderblock, Io kips up but Rachael elbows her back down to the mat. Chops by Rachael but Io avoids a senton, Io goes for a dropkick but Rachael moves out of the way. Io blocks a piledriver but Rachael snaps off a cutter for two. Rachael grabs Io around the waist and flings her to the mat, kicks by Rachael and she shoulder tackles Io in the corner. Rachael scoops up Io and hits a shoulder breaker to the gut, cover by Rachael but Io kicks out. Elbow by Rachael and she hits a scoop slam, senton by Rachael and she covers Io for two. Rachael kicks at Io and connects with a few elbows, she goes for a kick to the back but Io catches it and dropkicks Rachael in the knee. Io charges Rachael in the corner, Rachael drops her onto the apron however and boots Io down to the floor. Io quickly gets back into the ring and hits a scoop slam, she goes up top and hits a flying body press for two. Rachael rolls out of the ring, but Io goes off the ropes and sails out onto her with a plancha suicida. Io slides Rachael back in and hits a missile dropkick, running double knee by Io in the corner and she covers Rachael for two. Io goes up top but Rachael hits her from behind, Rachael pulls Io off the top and hits a STO. Leg drop out of the corner by Rachael, but Io kicks out of the cover. Io lands on the apron, Rachael goes for a boot but Io catches it and snaps Rachael’s leg on the top rope. Io goes up top but Rachael joins her and delivers an Avalanche Falcon Arrow for a two count cover. Rachael picks up Io and elbows her, but Io elbows her back and they trade blows. Palm strike by Io but Rachael boots her in the face, spinebuster by Rachael, but Io gets a shoulder up on the cover. Rachael picks up Io but Io gets away on the powerbomb attempt and delivers a German suplex hold for two. Io picks up Rachael and hits a dragon screw, Io picks up Rachael and delivers a tombstone piledriver. Io goes up top and she nails the moonsault, cover by Io and she picks up the three count! Io Shirai is still the Wonder of Stardom Champion!

While obviously I adore Io and think she is one of the best wrestlers in the world, this match was a bit disappointing. I am not faulting Rachael either, she was on point, but at times they just didn’t mesh well and it didn’t feel near as fluid as I expect from Io’s matches. The biggest slip-up was all Io but other times I couldn’t fault one or the other, it just didn’t always feel natural. I did love Rachael’s dangerous looking Falcon Arrow and the big spots were executed well, it just didn’t get enough time (about 13 minutes) for them to overcome the issues early in the match. It was still “good” overall because current day Io isn’t capable of not having a good match, but for a title match it didn’t fully deliver.  Mildly Recommended

The post Stardom “New Years Stars 2018” on 1/13/18 Review appeared first on Joshi City.

Championships Held: RPW Women’s Championship and the PMW Women’s Championship
Tournaments Won: None
Awards Won: None

Notable Matches in Japan:

• January 14th, 2018 vs. Io Shirai

Signature Moves:

• Bosswoman Slam
• Senton
• TKO

In Action:

Coming Soon 

Back to Gaijin Invaders

The post Rachael Ellering appeared first on Joshi City.