Stardom, CWF, MLW, NJPW

Stardom 8th Anniversary in Osaka: Jungle Kyona & Natsuko Tora vs. Momo Watanabe & Utami Hayashishita

Liked the start with JAN rushing Momo during the introductions to get the quick advantage, and I also liked Momo quickly escaping from their onslaught to make the tag to Utami, which then lead to a very solid FIP segment where they punished Tora in very enjoyable fashion. Soon after that, the match just kicks into the second gear, and they pretty much do some real good finishing stretch wrestling w/ a good sense of urgency to it. Really good match. ***1/2

CWF Mid-Atlantic STRONGER!: Arik Royal vs. Brad Attitude vs. Cain Justice vs. Kool Jay vs. Roy Wilkins vs. Trevor Lee

This goes 73 MINUTES, so it's a real long boy, but if there's one man I trust in wrestling to have an awesome, super lengthy match, it's the Carolina Caveman himself. Having just watched it, I can confirm it was indeed an awesome one. Some very good storytelling throughout with the three heels in Attitude, Royal & Wilkins working together to try and eliminate the babyfaces. High-key felt like a trios tag match for the majority of it, but the babyfaces did go at it w/ each other too; Trevor had some really fun exchanges w/ Kool Jay in the beginning, and then the final battle between him & Cain was of course great. I'd say for like 95% of it I was thinking it's a really good match, but not really 4*-level great, but oh man, I can't deny the FEELS I was FEELING during & after it. I remember a while ago Chris Hero tweeted something along the lines of "Wrestling still moves me. I think it always will." - and that tweet instantly came to my mind when I finished watching this one. An emotional ride starting from Trevor's entrance to his post-match speech. Was in near tears listening to him talk about calling his dad after Regal offered him an NXT contract. Now next up in a couple of weeks is him vs. Cain, 1-on-1, End of an Era. Might have to buy some tissues just for that one. ****

MLW Superfight: Low Ki vs. Tom Lawlor

Not sure if there were some timing issues before this, but it definitely felt a bit rushed. Far from bad though, as they wrestled a real good sprint - both Low Ki & Filthy Tom sure can throw some good strikes, and there was a solid sense of urgency to the thing, too. Good match. ***1/4

NJPW The New Beginning in Sapporo: Ayato Yoshida & Shota Umino vs. Manabu Nakanishi & Tiger Mask

IS IT A TIGER MASK VS. A COUPLE OF YOUNG LIONS MATCH THAT I SEE? Oh yes it is! Of course I had to watch this one after the 1/3 performance by him, and while he wasn't as grumpy as he was there, this was still a real good performance by him. His kicks were vicious, and he sold greatly for the Young Lions when it was time for that, and they sure did get a lot of the match to shine. Very good fire shown by both of them. Good stuff all around. ***

NJPW The New Beginning in Sapporo: Taichi vs. Tetsuya Naito

Overall this was good with exciting action & Taichi sure always brings out some solid viciousness in Naito, but goddamn the whole beginning pre-match attack & injury bit went on for way too long. Also didn't like how early Naito busted out that Piledriver through the table, but Taichi sold the neck pretty well throughout the match, so it's not that big of a deal. Not on the level of their 2018 matches, but still a very enjoyable one. ***