Review: Stardom – 2018.04.14

Hanan vs. Leo Onozaki vs. Nao Yamaguchi
A fairly decent, fast-paced opener. Leo looks like she could have a lot potential and Nao looked solid and had character. Hanan pinned Nao Yamaguchi for the win. 2/5

Candy Floss vs. Shiki Shibusawa
This was a promising first match in Stardom for Candy Floss. She was instantly likeable and the crowd enjoyed her attempts to hug Shiki at the start of the match. She also seems solid technically with a nice front dropkick and several good armbar variations. Shiki did well too and sold all of Candy’s offence nicely. Candy Floss submitted Shiki Shibusawa with an armbar. 2.75/5

Jungle Kyona, Natsuko Tora & Natsumi vs. Kaori Yoneyama, Konami & Ruaka
A solid showing from Natsumi and Ruaka as they looked comfortable in this midcard match although they didn’t get too much time in the ring. All of the other four wrestlers impressed as usual, with Konami in particular looking like she is ready for bigger things. Jungle Kyona pinned Ruaka after a diving body press. 3.25/5

Oedo Tai (Kagetsu, Hana Kimura & Sumire Natsu) vs. Session Moth Martina, Bea Priestley & Chardonnay
A great debut in Stardom for Session Moth Martina and it is nice to see Chardonnay back for another tour as she looked promising on the last. Martina immediately got over with the crowd as she spat beer in Kagetsu’s face. There was some action outside the ring with plenty of people thrown into chairs. Back in the ring Kagetsu, Bea and Chardonnay all worked well at a fast pace. Bea Priestley eventually got the pin after hitting Sumire Natsu with a curb stomp. 3.5/5

Queen’s Quest (Momo Watanabe, HZK & AZM) vs. Mayu Iwatani, Saki Kashima & Starlight Kid
Starlight Kid & AZM again stole the show as it seems every time they are in the ring together they get better and better. HZK and Mayu also contributed a lot to this match, in particular Mayu’s selling of an HZK Codebreaker in the corner which was brilliant. Saki and Momo were not involved too much but Momo was as consistent as always and Saki looked fine. Starlight Kid pinned AZM after a spinning frog splash. 3.75/5

Mari Apache vs. Io Shirai (Wonder of Stardom Title)
An absolute masterclass from two of the best in the world. The level of technique from both women was incredible. This was Mari’s best match in Stardom and Io seemed to love every minute of it. Mari hit a stunning spinning heel kick and applied several brutal submissions. Io hit a lot of her signature stuff including a huge moonsault off the middle rope to the outside. Everything was so smooth and the transitions and counters were peerless. Io Shirai defeated Mari Apache after reversing a torture rack into a pin. 4.25/5