Stardom Goodies

Stardom 2015/5/17

Wonder of Stardom Championship (vacant): Nikki Storm vs. Io Shirai

First time watching Nikki Storm and I’m impressed. Imagine if Fit Finlay was a female from Scotland. Yep, that! This match was so simple in its structure and everything was executed down to a T, and Nikki was a major part of it, she was controlling the pace throughout the match, she was kicking Io’s ass all over the ring and ringside. There were two big, prolonged beatdowns on Io, both very brutal and punishing as Nikki was like a relentless honey badger going after a snake, everything she did felt “real” and painful, all the neckbreakers, slams, nasty holds, etc. She was cutting her off like a badass bitch, plus all the trash talk was neat. Io’s first comeback was kind of selling-free, but fortunately it didn’t last too long, because Nikki regained control very soon and this time she was even more vicious on offense. Naturally, it made Io’s second comeback way more ferocious, deserved and fighting spirit-heavy, it was finally her time to dish out some smackdown. And of course, it was great, it also led directly to the finish, which is not something I was expecting, and I love it. Totally great match right here!

****1/2

Stardom 2015/5/17

World of Stardom Championship: Mayu Iwatani vs. Kairi Hojo ©

At the end of the day, this turned out to be a good title match because things really picked up in the final chapter due to great selling, desperation and sheer (Strong BJ levels) stiffness, but the first two parts didn’t exactly set the world on fire. Don’t get me wrong, there were some truly good moments in there, but that overall feeling, you know, something was off. Iwatani just wasn’t good during those parts, she had few severe timing issues and she also forced some weird things that didn’t fit in. But luckily, like I already said, the third act was awesome and not only saved the match from mediocrity, it elevated it. The finish was excellent and Hojo’s flying elbow drop is the best in the business.

***1/2

Stardom 2015/6/14

Melissa vs. Chelsea

Good effort albeit rough around the edges a little bit. Melissa carried the match and made sure things remained in control and tight. Chelsea is clearly talented but she got overambitious on a couple occasions here. She also looked too slow in few instances. But good match overall!

***

Stardom 2015/6/14

Goddesses of Stardom Championship: Starfire & Nikki Storm vs. Io Shirai & Mayu Iwatani ©

What was a good effort got brought down by an unnecessary and totally hilarious ref bump botch. Nikki and Io were damn good once again, Iwatani seems to be much more suited for tags and Starfire seems intriguing.

**3/4