Review: Stardom – 2018.03.03

Natsuko Tora vs. Ruaka
A very standard opener in terms of the moves used but the pace was good and it was well worked. Natsuko Tora pinned Ruaka for the win. 2/5

Hanan vs. Kaori Yoneyama vs. Shiki Shibusawa
A fairly decent comedy match. There wasn’t much quality wrestling but a couple of the spots were fun and I enjoyed the ending where Hanan and Shiki were  both locked together and Kaori Yoneyama rolled them both up for a double pin. 2.25/5

Hiromi Mimura vs. Konami
The countdown to Hiromi’s retirement continues with this battle between the Chibis. It was nice to see Konami in a singles match for once as I believe she has a ton of untapped potential. This match was good and was a reminder that as well as being one of the best characters in Stardom, Hiromi has also become very reliable in the ring. It was a fun back-and-forth match with some great strikes and holds from Konami as she worked on Hiromi’s arm. Konami eventually got the win via submission with an armbar. 3.25/5 

Oedo Tai (Kagetsu, Hana Kimura & Sumire Natsu) vs. Toni Storm, Xia Brookside & Bea Priestley
A great match. From before the bell when Kagetsu brought a cardboard version of the red belt to the ring (which Toni promptly destroyed) all the way through until after the bell where Kagetsu continued to attack Toni despite a time-limit draw being declared this was Oedo Tai at their best. There were some great spots outside the ring to start the match including Toni & Xia being rolled up in the ring mats. Back in the ring Kagetsu attacked Xia with a toy truck before the match settled into more traditional wrestling. The Kagetsu vs. Toni Storm parts were the best parts of the match (hopefully we will get a title match between them at some point) but everyone played their part in this. The match ended after 20 minutes with a time-limit draw being declared. 4.25/5

Tam Nakano, Jungle Kyona, Starlight Kid & Mayu Iwatani vs. Queen’s Quest (Io Shirai, HZK, Momo Watanabe & AZM)
Not wanting to be outdone, these eight women put on an equally good match. There were so many great moments including a great exchange between Io and Mayu (please let us get another singles title match between these two this year), an incredible clothesline from Kyona to Io to knock her out of the ring and a couple of great exchanges between AZM and Starlight Kid. Everyone looked so good in this match and it was impossible to look away from. AZM pinned Starlight Kid after she had been dropkicked by all of QQ. 4.25/5