The ‘Futari wa Princess’ Max Heart Tournament has concluded, closing with a critically acclaimed final match. A couple weeks ago, I reviewed the headline semi-final bout, as Hyper Misao and Shoko Nakajima defeated Miu Watanabe and Rika Tatsumi. That was a fun match but this one has received much higher praise which considering the opposition and runtime, makes sense to me. In admittedly contrasting ways, Maki Ito and Miyu Yamashita have always impressed so I’m intrigued to see the result of this pairing.
After some shenanigans early, we eventually settle into a control segment on Maki, with Kyoraku Kyomei targeting her arm. There’s a palpable nastiness to their work almost instantly, as Misao stomps away spitefully. Nonetheless, Ito soon scores a bulldog for an early double down, bringing in Yamashita who runs wild enough that Misao’s mask even takes flight at some point. She’s hanging in there though, trading strikes with Yamashita and even violently flinging her leg into the post.
That puts them back in control, also allowing Misao the time to re-apply her mask as Yamashita already can’t run on her damaged leg. In the semi-final, Misao’s shtick didn’t move me much but she’s almost the central character here, working these body parts with real intent. Nakajima is equally at home in that regard of course, with Yamashita’s continued struggles seemingly frustrating Ito. That doesn’t stop Maki from sacrificing herself however, eating a 619 for Miyu as she looks to turn the tide.
Nakajima’s tactics are unchanged however, applying a submission as Yamashita’s injury worsens. Desperate times call for desperate measures though, forcing Miyu to throw her right leg for a heavy head kick to reset things. That brings in Maki for the hot tag, running wild on Nakajima who quickly cuts her off anyway. Kyoraku Kyomei have been in control for 90% of this match and they’ve been remarkably engaging, filling up well over ten minutes seamlessly.
They return to Maki’s previously targeted arm on occasion too, even if not quite as thoroughly as I’d have hoped. Either way, the momentum finally shifts before long, as Yamashita returns the favour by saving Ito via Superkick, setting the stage for a DDT to the floor. Nakajima even has a response to that though, snatching another submission in centre ring. Must say, I wish that wasn’t so inconsequential, as it really felt like the perfect way to dramatically reshape this match.
Nonetheless, I love Maki’s sell in the submission, seemingly fading before ultimately reaching the ropes. Eventually though, Ito and Miyu produce a slick retort, resulting in all four women being floored. Maki and Yamashita then exchange headbutts, firing each other up as they finally gain control after fighting uphill for over twenty minutes. That leaves Ito and Nakajima for an exciting final stretch, with the former ultimately prevailing to force a Misao save.
Yamashita quickly despatches her via head kick though and together, they then finish Nakajima with a dynamic combination before Ito wins via submission. I adored this match’s structure, basically going right into a control segment and then transitioning that into the rare double heat like some kind of classic southern tag. That’s portrayed by total cohesion between Kyoraku Kyomei, who work together and wrestle an almost perfect match.
In the end though, that only sets the stage for their opponents coming together, as Maki and Miyu are forced to work as a unit for that final act. I’m unsure if that story is enriched by a backstory that I’m unaware of but either way, it felt like the structural centrepiece to me here. Early on, Maki is frustrated by Miyu’s struggles but they protect each other before ultimately combining, though only after sharing a headbutt or two first.
That contrast between teams made for an incredibly compelling affair, and the dynamic was able to breathe here too, going almost 26 minutes. Terrific tag team wrestling, and a near perfect final for any tournament in truth.
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