AEW Full Gear 2019: Results, Grades, and Analysis

Emi Sakura (2-2) vs. Riho (c) (6-2) AEW World Women’s Championship

Emi Sakura started the match overpowering Riho, but Riho, being the champion, was able to stay on top of Sakura until Sakura was able to hit a cross body into Riho that sent her to the floor. Sakura made her way to the middle rope, but Riho cut her off and knocked her down so that she could hit a flying double stomp onto the apron.

Riho hit double knees into the corner on Sakura before floating over into a single leg crab. Riho went for a body slam, but Sakura fought out and hit a swinging flatliner and then a corner crossbody. Sakura then did a rolling surfboard stretch on Rioh before launching her into the air, and she crashed to the mat.

Riho went for a go behind, but Sakura fought out and hit the ropes. Riho did a drop toe hold into the middle rope and hit the 619 before hitting a crossbody for the 2 count. Sakura stood up and raked the back of Riho before pretending to cry as the referee warned her. Riho ran at Sakura, but Sakura hit a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker.

Sakura hit a second, and then hit a double stomp and a double springboard elbow for a 2 count. Emi went for an elevated DDT, but Riho fought out. Sakura got up and hit a hard chop on Riho. Riho and Sakura started to exchange strikes, and Riho fired up and hit several hard strikes that sent Sakura to the mat. Sakura got up and nailed Riho with some hard strikes.

Riho did a body capture and then hit a double stomp before hitting a Northern Lights Suplex on Emi Sakura. Riho went for her running double knees, but Sakura ducked under, so Riho ran up the ropes and hit a double stomp! Riho climbed the ropes and hit another double stomp, but Sakura bridged out of the pinfall.

Sakura picked up Riho and hit the Stormbreaker, but Riho made the ropes. Sakura went for Angel’s Wings but Riho blocked it and hit her double knees. Riho went for the knees again, but Sakura rolled her up and they started t exchanged several near falls before floating around Sakura for a pinfall!

Result: Riho (7-2)

Rating: *** (3 stars)

This was another match hurt by little heat, but the quality of the in-ring action was good. Especially with the near falls towards the end of the match. Sakura and Riho shook hands.