This is RESURA ROUNDUP, our monthly installment of match recommendations. Every month, our writers will bring you a fresh batch of bangers, slugfests, epics, and more from the world of joshi.

We’ll often shine a light on the big bouts, but there will also be plenty of focus on the under-the-radar hits. Expect a diverse selection that hits a wide range of joshi promotions. 

Let’s get into it.

Saori Anou vs Mika Iwata, Sendai Girls – Sendai Girls Pro-Wrestling (Sep 13, released on Nov. 2)

These two could have a hundred matches and every one of them will be worth watching.

In the final match of their underrated rivalry, Saori Anou put her Sendai Girls world title on the line one last time against the dangerous Mika Iwata. The nasty kicks by the SenJo original forced the Cosmic Angel member to her most aggressive side in order to defend the top prize in the promotion. Plus, the camera work made it all felt like a found footage film, adding realism to the match.

Recommended by: Fernando

Maki Itoh & Miyu Yamashita vs. Nicole Matthews & Vert Vixen, TJPW – Bright Eyes (Nov 9)

This entire show is recommended, as from top to bottom it was one of the best TJPW outings, showcasing everything the company can offer in the wrestling world. From the preshow with Miu Watanabe to Daisy Monkey to Wakana, etc., the crowd was electric. Seeing the roster in awe at how much they were appreciated was a common theme of the afternoon, and Bright Eyes felt like a celebration.

Maki Itoh had an all-timer of entrance, which alone would have made the list, and Yamashita has had a mean streak lately. Vert and Nicole work very well with the TJPW roster and played their roles perfectly. TJWP tag matches are a calling card for the company, and this one delivered as expected; it was a big title match that was a fitting end to a fantastic joint show with DEFY. A wonderful pairing that should continue in 2025.

Recommended by: Jeff Brown

Meiko Satomura vs. Saori Anou, Sendai Girls – Big Show in Nigata (Nov. 9)

The best bout of Meiko’s retirement tour thus far.

Satomura’s clash with the Artist of STARDOM champ gave us a stockpile of hammering blows and engaging emotion. It combined Meiko’s trademark merciless kicks with Anou’s passion to create a straightforward, compelling tale. 

Anou gets her ass kicked for most of the battle, to the point that her eyes start rolling back in her head. Satomura, meanwhile, is a wrecking ball. Each wrestler plays their part beautifully. 

Despite all the punishment she took, Anou came out of this looking like a bigger star. Meiko talked her up after the bout, too. Saori’s the real deal.

Recommended by: Ryan

Marina Shafir vs. Shoko Nakajima, DDT x TJPW x DEFY – Triangler DTD (Nov 10)

A match that stood out from everything else all weekend, and the DEFY Women’s title was up for grabs to boot. 

From the opening handshake, this bout had a special air. Shoko was forced into Shafir’s world, and by delving into her technical arsenal to combat the shoot-style of the champion, she shined.

Shoko is one of the best in the world, but she often settles into a player-coach role, and Shafir is so good at embossing her style on the match, making it feel like a real struggle and fight for the challenger. The Kaiju reminded everyone what she can do and would be a welcome addition to an upcoming Bloodsport.

Recommended by: Jeff Brown

Miu Watanabe  vs. Zara Zakher, TJPW – The Mountain Top 2024 (Nov 16)

An ongoing saga that really started at the Princess Cup, and the theme is that Zakher had Miu’s number. They carried on this theme in Seattle, where Zakher successfully pinned the champion, making Miu’s journey more challenging.

A really hard-hitting match, especially the lariats and forearm strikes. Miu has put together a strong series of title defenses, and this was no different. She excels at having to overcome powerful opponents like she did with Ryo Mizunami or having to avenge losses like with Rika. Zakher is a perfect fit for TJPW and would really add a lot to future shows and title matches.

Recommended by: Jeff Brown

Mayu Iwatani  vs. Momo Watanabe, NJPW/STARDOM – Historic X-over II (Nov 17)

There is a very simple formula for a top-notch match in Joshi: have Mayu Iwatani in one corner and Momo Watanabe in the other.The duo are a perfect choice for a special joint show with NJPW that highlights the best.

Two masters of the craft created another masterpiece inside a wrestling ring. Momo did not win, and while that may not be the outcome some people wanted, her time could still come. A significant run at the top is all that is missing from Momo’s resume. Mayu is on another level and continues to prove that.

Recommended by: Jeff Brown

Miko Aono vs. Natsumi Showzuki, Marigold – Winter Wonderful Fight (Nov. 14)

Another entertaining entry in Aono’s United National Championship reign. She’s quickly making this title a must-see part of the Marigold card.

Aono and Showzuki built this engaging match on a foundation of intensity. Whether they were trading nasty kicks or lunging at each other, champion and challenger made this feel like an urgent, important fight. 

As we saw here and in their AWG Championship bout in 2023, Aono and Showzuki have strong chemistry together, something Marigold would be smart to tap into further. 

 Recommended by: Ryan

Chihiro Hashimoto vs. Sadie Gibbs, Sendai Girls – Sendai Girls Pro-Wrestling (Nov. 17)

Good lord, what a match.

Power, aggression, presence. It’s all there for the entire runtime of the match. I found myself locked in from the opening bell to the final seconds. 

Hashimoto delivered her usual beefy offense and mixed in some fun feats of athleticism. U.K. powerhouse Gibbs looked excellent here as she and Big Hash created an impressive amount of electricity in Korakuen Hall.

Run this one back. 

Recommended by: Ryan

Natsupoi & Saori Anou vs. Starlight Kid & Suzu Suzuki,Tag League 2024 Day 10 – STARDOM (Nov. 20)

Two fantastic teams having an equally fantastic match. In many ways, the Cosmic Angels are STARDOM’s present, with Neo-Genesis representing the company’s future (and not too far off). Poi and Anou are firing on all cylinders and are doing that across multiple promotions. Suzu and SLK haven’t even had the big singles runs yet and are only going to get better.

The fight went to a time limit draw, but they felt evenly matched, and the crowd was left wanting more. Twenty minutes went by, and it felt like they were just getting warmed up and had another 10-15 minutes in reserves. 

Recommended by: Jeff Brown