5 Ups & 5 Downs From NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 (Night 2)

3. Mayu Iwatani & Starlight Kid vs. Saya Kamitani & Tam Nakano

Saya Kamitani Tam Nakano
NJPW

A total blast, and the ideal introduction to Stardom for any New Japan fans who may be checking out the market-leading joshi promotion for the first time.

This isn't just because of the match's quality, but Chris Charlton's excellent commentary. Charlton did a phenomenal job of introducing the characters, their alignments, affiliations, current storylines, and recent history, giving the audience a succinct history lesson on each one. Immediately, you knew everything you need to about Iwatani, Starlight, Nakano, and Kamitani, and why they were able to work together despite conflicting stable alignments.

The Stardom wrestlers worked hard and fast from the first bell, launching into each other immediately, with Starlight Kid and Mayu Iwatani working well together, suggesting collusion prior to the event. Speaking of Iwatani, Stardom's Icon, her exchanges with frequent rival Nakano were the highlight, as they brought snippets of the gritty, attritional struggle they inflicted on each other throughout 2021 to the Dome.

Saya Kamitani continued her recent ascendence by pinning SLK for the win. Having just defeated her partner for the night to take the Wonder of Stardom title a few days prior, she would have stood out to new fans as somebody they need to pay attention to - as she should.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.