[2015-03-29-Stardom-The Highest 2015] Io Shirai vs Kairi Hojo

[donsem43]

This is the final for the World of Stardom Title as it was vacated by Yoshiko after the incident with Act Yasukawa. Both had semi-final matches earlier in the night and are selling injuries from them with Steamboat-style tapejobs. Io controls the early part of the match by working over Hojo's arm after she gets a bit too aggressive and ends up spearing the post. Hojo does a really great job selling the arm throughout as she has a difficult time working over Io's back with various crab holds due to her not being able to keep a good grip due to the arm. Things kinda fall apart at the finish due to Hojo hurting her shin during the finish but the match still ends up being rather enjoyable. ***1/2

[JAC]

I wish I had seen this before seeing their January 2016 match. The latter match had a few clever callback spots. Hojo hiding from Shirai outside the ring was pretty amusing. I thought this was a pretty good match for a one-night mini-tournament final. Their match-ups always have a "big match" feel. I thought they did a pretty good job covering up for Hojo after she rolled her ankle--she basically couldn't walk or run for a bit, but she fought from her knees until she could be a bit steady on her feet. There was one pretty rough botch near the end, but otherwise it was a very good match.