Review: Stardom – 2017.11.12

Ruaka vs. Hina vs. Rina vs. Hanan
It’s the first time in quite a while that Hina & Rina have been in the ring. Both did fine, especially considering their young age. The match was a very standard opener which nothing really noteworthy in terms of offence. As Hina and Rina tried to pin Hanan after she received a suplex from Ruaka the bell sounded to end the match in a time-limit draw. 1.5/5

Shiki Shibusawa vs. Starlight Kid
This was a big test for Shiki. She has done better in recent weeks but has often been surrounded by vastly experienced wrestlers. In this match she would be required to rely only on herself. I’m happy to say that she actually did very well. This was by far her best singles match so far. She looked confident throughout, there were no big mistakes, her strikes looked passionate and their was very little hesitation. Starlight Kid again impressed and included some new offence including a swivel body press from the top rope from which she pinned Shiki Shibusawa for the win. 2.25/5

Chardonnay vs. Scarlett
This was the best match these two have had so far in their Stardom run. Chardonnay showed some great mat work. Both women connected well with the crowd and worked a fast pace and stiff style. Chardonnay pinned Scarlett after an Avalanche Neckbreaker. 3.25/5

Oedo Tai (Kagetsu, Hana Kimura, Kris Wolf & Sumire Natsu) vs. Team Jungle (Jungle Kyona & Natsuko Tora) & New Chibis (Hiromi Mimura & Konami)
Firstly, this match was very good. It was extremely fast paced and there were nice exchanges between pretty much everyone involved, including a particularly good exchange between Konami & Kris Wolf. Sumire Natsu seems well suited to Oedo Tai’s antics and attitude and she seemed more than capable in the ring too. What I really want to write about though is my worry that the addition of Natsu to Oedo Tai is part of a plan to turn Hana babyface and have her leave Oedo Tai. They have not exactly been subtle so far in showing that Hana & Sumire do not like each other. I feel that Hana leaving Oedo Tai at this stage would be a huge mistake. Oedo Tai is by far the best stable Stardom has ever had and has enormous potential to help Stardom grow around the world. Hana is a huge part of that. The chemistry between Kagetsu, Hana, Kris & Tam is very rare in wrestling and destroying it after only a few months of them all being together seems stupid. And of course, if you want to see babyface Hana, she already wrestles as that character in other promotions. I hope I am wrong and this is just part of a storyline to make Oedo Tai even stronger. I think Sumire Natsu could be a very good addition. Anyway, the match itself was great and Sumire Natsu pinned Hiromi Mimura for the win. 3.75/5

Yoko Bito, Kelly Klein & Bea Priestley vs. Queen’s Quest (Io Shirai, HZK, Momo Watanabe & AZM)
Fantastic match. It became a handicap tag match after Mari Apache’s plane was delayed. We got to see a preview of Io Shirai vs. Yoko Bito as they had several fantastic exchanges together and some brand new counters including a great counter to the B-Driver by Io by using her legs to apply a hold to Bito’s arms while suspended from her back. This was only Momo’s second match back and she already seems up to speed, moving very well and taking a huge superplex from Yoko Bito. There were many other awesome moments including Kelly Klein turning Io inside-out with an awesome clothesline. Yoko Bito pinned Momo Watanabe after a crucifix powerbomb. 4.25/5