Match of the Year Tournament - B Block - March 2026

What's the story, wrestling fans?!

Another month, another breakdown of the Match of the Year tournament bracket! 

This time, we're starting the B Block! Unintentionally, the women shone this month, completely dominating the Match of the Year tournament block this month! Good shit, ladies! Let's see how things shook out for the tournament bracket, shall we?

The Pre-Quarterfinalists

In an effort to celebrate International Women's Day earlier in March, I decided to make a week of programming for the Wrestling Vault be dedicated to showcasing two fantastic women's matches. What I did not expect, however, was for the rest of March to be dedicated to women. It made for a fantastic month of wrestling, really letting me spread my legs and explore some other promotions that I think deserve some love, and will certainly be getting more viewership from me as time goes on this year. 

But, for what stood out this month? Three matches were head and shoulders above the rest.  

 

Mercedes Mone vs. Persephone - 03/06/2026

A standout performance from Persephone, a main event match that blew the rest of the card out of the water. A match so good, I made it the feature for Weekly Watchlist 091 - Women Behaving Badly, and it was more than deserving of that spot. I know a lot of hate gets thrown to Mercedes for her current run as the belt collector, but not enough love is being given to her for being the dropper of said belts as well. Every title match she has, in a losing effort I mean, elevates the person she is with in such a way that they are instantly made into a star and someone you want to see more of. Persephone was instantly elevated with this match and put on a high pedestal for dethroning Mone, with the future looking oh-so bright for her as a dual contracted wrestler for both AEW and CMLL. The sky is the limit.  

  

Miyu Yamashita vs. Jamie Hayter - 03/06/2026

The co-featured match and standout match for a review written in honour of the shows name, Women Behaving Badly, Yamashita and Hayter had a messy, hard hitting, brutal match that went the distance twice and proved that both women are worth keeping an eye on, if you weren't already watching what they are up to on the regular. This match won't win any beauty awards, but it's for that reason that it stands out. Wrestling is supposed to simulate a fight, and fights aren't always pretty. In fact, most of the time, they aren't, and this one blurred the lines between wrestling flash and barroom brawling grittyness. It was exceptional for all the right reasons. Wonderful stuff from both women. 

 

Sareee & Takumi Iroha vs. Chihiro Hashimoto & Syuri - 03/22/2026

This match was a prime example of telling a story within the confines of the ropes and the action of the match without relying on promo packages and commentary to hype up the action. Sure, there was a video package prior to this match, but it set up a very basic outline of what was happening. Just knowing these four women hatedeach other for whatever reason it may be was enough, as the action in the ring told the rest of the story. Hard hitting, intense, fast paced and mean, this tag match had just about everything you could look for in exciting tag team wrestling. It was exceptional. Loved it. I will be keeping my eyes on all four women involved in this one for the rest of the year knowing that I'll be in for an exceptional match each time I see them step between the ropes. 

 

So, who did it for this month?! 

 

 The Quarterfinalists

 One of my favourite matches from the year, this tag bout was everything great about wrestling and telling a story inside the ropes. The lack of commentary on the show initially felt like something I wouldn't be able to get past. But I knew that having Japanese commentary wouldn't do me any good either, so all I was left with was the sound of the ring and the women involved. Honestly, it made some of the action a lot more intense and fun because all I could hear was the slams and the shouts between the four involved. Fantastic work from all involved. 

 

Next month! We continue with the B Block and move deeper into the Spring! Boy, am I excited for better weather. The sun can't get here fast enough for my liking!

Until next month, take it easy friends!