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Review: Stardom 5★STAR Grand Prix 2017 – Day 3 – 2017.8.26

ShiKid (Shiki Shibusawa & Starlight Kid) vs. Konami & AZM
This went as expected. Starlight Kid & AZM looked great and ready for bigger matches. Shiki Shibusawa is still very green but seems to be getting more confident. Konami was limited by her opposition but won with some big kicks to Shiki Shibusawa. A very standard opener. 2/5

Mandy Leon & Kay Lee Ray vs. Mari Apache & Natsuko Tora
I thought Natsuko looked the best out of all 4 wrestlers here, which considering her experience is amazing. The match was a little messy in places and had no real stakes or flow. But Natsuko really looked passionate and sold well. Mandy Leon pinned Natsuko Tora for the win. 2/5

HZK vs. Toni Storm
After the last day’s with Io Shirai this was a disappointing match. Toni Storm is very capable on the mat and is a competent striker. But her “butt” based offence really feels weak and the setup forced. HZK didn’t get the chance for much offence but I do like how smooth her senton from the middle rope is. Toni Storm pinned HZK after a piledriver. I would have much preferred a more conventional wrestling match. 2.5/5

Viper vs. Kris Wolf
A fun match as expected between these two. Wolf bit Viper as she was offering a handshake at the start of the match. Kagetsu interfered throughout and Wolf’s brilliant character work means that a match can be greatly enjoyable without being the most technically advanced wrestling match you’ve ever seen. Kris Wolf pinned Viper after Kagetsu caused a distraction for the win. 3/5

Another great dropkick from Hiromi Mimura to the face of Hana Kimura.
Another great dropkick from Hiromi Mimura to the face of Hana Kimura.

Hana Kimura vs Hiromi Mimura
Another strong match from both of these women. Hiromi’s character work is getting better and better and her in ring ability is good enough for her to have memorable matches now. Hana dominated large parts of the match. There was a nice spot where somehow she got Fuka to help her stretch Hiromi’s legs while she was crotched on the turnbuckle. Hana Kimura submitted Hiromi Mimura for the win. 3.25/5

Kagetsu vs. Xia Brookside
Xia Brookside did well in this match despite her lack of experience. Kagetsu dominated early on and Xia sold well. There were no big mistakes and most of the match was pretty smooth. Things became more even towards the end and Xia’s offence looked more convincing than the last few weeks. Kagetsu submitted Xia Brookside for the win. 3/5

The match between Jungle Kyona and Io Shirai lived up to expectations.
The match between Jungle Kyona and Io Shirai lived up to expectations.

Jungle Kyona vs. Io Shirai
When the blocks for the GP were announced this was one of the matches I was most looking forward to and it didn’t disappoint. Both women put so much into every spot of this match. Kyona had the early initiative, frequently working Io’s neck. But as the match went on things were pretty much even as they traded big spots including a devastating clothesline by Kyona and an awesome springboard dropkick by Io. Io Shirai eventually submitted Jungle Kyona for the win. 4.25/5

Mayu Iwatani & Yoko Bito have a great stiff match in the main event.
Mayu Iwatani & Yoko Bito have a great stiff match in the main event.

Mayu Iwatani vs. Yoko Bito
Another great match. I don’t think there is a better seller in the world than Mayu Iwatani. I guess it’s easier for her to sell when she takes such brutal bumps though. This was probably the stiffest match of the tournament so far with both women hitting with amazing strikes throughout. There was a slight botch on a frankensteiner from the top rope when Yoko landed on top of Mayu but the match quality was overall extremely good. Mayu Iwatani pinned Yoko Bito after a reverse frankensteiner. 4.25/5

Review

ShiKid (Shiki Shibusawa & Starlight Kid) vs. Konami & AZM
Mandy Leon & Kay Lee Ray vs. Mari Apache & Natsuko Tora
HZK vs. Toni Storm
Viper vs. Kris Wolf
Hana Kimura vs Hiromi Mimura
Kagetsu vs. Xia Brookside
Jungle Kyona vs Io Shirai
Mayu Iwatani vs. Yoko Bito

Good

The top two matches were great and the rest of the card was solid.

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