IT General

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for September 19's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 19 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To gently apply force to something.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one letter that appears twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter P.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

PRESS.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for September 18's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 19 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Something in a high degree

• Green: Types of parties

• Blue: Classic public television

• Purple: France

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Prefix Meaning "Very"

• Green: Kinds of Parties

• Blue: PBS Shows

• Purple: Places in France

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #466 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Prefix Meaning "Very": EXTRA, HYPER, OVER, SUPER

• Kinds of Parties: BIRTHDAY, COCKTAIL, DINNER, SURPRISE

• PBS Shows: FRONTLINE, MASTERPIECE, NATURE, NOVA

• Places in France: ANGERS, CHAMPAGNE, NICE, REUNION

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Not the most appetizing-sounding meal in a bowl.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 18 Hurdle Word 1 answer

GRUEL

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Goals, deeds, and people can all be this.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 19 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

NOBLE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

An informal word for something.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 19 Hurdle Word 3 answer

SLANG

Hurdle Word 4 hint

"_____ ye, maties!"

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 19 Hurdle Word 4 answer

AVAST

Final Hurdle hint

A word describing a variety of religious or spiritual beliefs for more than a 1,000 years.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

PAGAN

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

So you're considering investing in a VPN? That's the first step. The second step is somewhat harder. Deciding to invest in one of these powerful cybersecurity services is the easy part, but actually picking the right VPN for you and your tech is tricky. But do not fear, because we can help you make an informed decision.

Here's everything you need to know before subscribing to a VPN.

What is a VPN?

A VPN provides vital protection for your data and identity when you're online by creating a private network that hides your real IP address. This network forms a protected tunnel that you send all of your information through, so instead of sending and receiving information in the open, everything happens under the cover of an encrypted connection. The result of this process is that nobody can see your data, and all of your activity is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware.

Do you need a VPN for your iPad?

We all know that iOS devices are generally more secure than devices operating with Android, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't invest in some form of cybersecurity for your most prized possessions. That's because every time you browse the web or connect to public WiFi, your data could be exposed to online threats. To keep your data protected in transit, you need a VPN.

SEE ALSO: Tech worker wore an Apple Vision Pro at his wedding

The other reason to consider partnering your iPad with a VPN relates to streaming. VPNs hide your real IP address and connect you to a secure server in another location. This quick and easy process can trick leading streaming sites into thinking you are connecting from another country, meaning you can watch all the content that is normally locked to that location. If you want to watch extra content from the likes of Netflix and Prime Video on your iPad, you should seriously consider a streaming-friendly VPN.

Should you use free VPNs?

There are a lot of free versions of top VPNs, plus free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. With this in mind, why would you ever pay for a VPN?

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs. There are always catches with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. These plans will work fine for some people, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading on the move, it isn't going to work. Free trials work differently: they come without limitations, but don't tend to last very long. Trials give you the opportunity to test out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution if you're travelling.

To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you need to pay up.

What is the best VPN for your iPhone?

Whilst there is no one-size-fits-all service, there are plenty of VPNs that can partner effectively with iOS devices like the iPad. To help you pinpoint the best service for you, we have listed the best VPNs to protect your iPad. There should be something for everyone in this list, with popular services like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost VPN, and NordVPN making the cut.

These are the best iPad VPNs in 2024.

Streaming and VPNs are a match made in heaven.

You can be subscribed to every streaming platform in existence and still find yourself without anything to watch. It's at this point of desperation that VPNs enter the picture to save the day. With a VPN by your side, you can significantly increase your content options, and the process of accessing these extra shows and movies is actually really straightforward.

You just need to know how.

What is a VPN?

VPNs are security tools that provide protection for your information by creating a private network that hides your real IP address. All of your activity is untraceable and secure, because all of your online traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like hackers, viruses, and malware.

SEE ALSO: Best documentaries streaming now on Prime Video

The act of hiding your real IP address is what can trick leading streaming sites into thinking you are based in another country, thereby providing access to all the content that is normally locked to that location.

Do you need a VPN?

VPNs are primarily designed to provide protection for your sensitive information, which is obviously super important. These tools can also be used to watch content that is normally blocked in your location, which is fast becoming the main reason that people subscribe to VPNs.

By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another country, you can watch all your favourite content from that location. For example, you could watch all the films and shows on ITVX that are not usually accessible outside of the UK. There is so much content out there that can be accessed with the help of a VPN.

Everyone is in need of something that can bypass geo-restrictions to access all of this blocked entertainment, and that something is a VPN. These services are keys to the online world, granting you access to more of the shows and films you love.

How do you unblock and watch ITVX with a VPN?

The process of unblocking ITVX from abroad is actually really easy with a streaming-friendly VPN.

All you need to do is sign up to a top VPN, download the app for your favourite operating system, and then connect to a secure server in the UK. This quick and easy action makes ITVX think you're in the UK when you're actually abroad, so you can watch all that great content that is normally blocked.

Should you use free VPNs?

The good news is that free versions and free trials of VPNs can be easily found. The bad news is that these free options often come with frustrating limitations that get in the way of everyday activities like streaming.

You can't stream content from around the world if you are using a service with restrictions like limited data usage. These plans will work if you're just an occasional user, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading anything, you are going to end up looking elsewhere. Free trials tend to offer everything you get with a paid plan, but obviously, they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

The best free VPN out there is probably ProtonVPN, but even this impressive free version has trouble unblocking streaming sites like Netflix and ITVX. The fact is if you want to gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you will need to pay up.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

There are plenty of VPNs out there that can access ITVX from anywhere in the world, but which is the best for you? To help you make this difficult decision, we have shortlisted a selection of streaming-friendly services that should suit just about everyone. You'll find popular services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and more right here.

These are the best VPNs for ITVX in 2024.

Have you ever sat back and actually considered how many streaming platforms we have to choose from these days? There's a lot of them, which is a good and bad thing. Sure, it's great to have so many options to consider, but there's also such a thing as too much choice.

With so many streaming sites on offer, it can feel like you're drowning in a sea of online content. There's simply no way to subscribe to everything without taking out a small loan, and who actually has the time and energy to check out what's being shown on every platform anyway? No, this is definitely not the way to do things. Instead, you should try and maximise your content options with your favourite streaming site.

With popular streaming platforms like Netflix, you can actually unlock extra content from around the world. For this task, all you need is a VPN.

What is a VPN?

VPNs are powerful cybersecurity tools that provide protection for your personal information by creating a private network that hides your real IP address. Your online activity remains untraceable and secure with a VPN because all of your online traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like hackers, viruses, and malware.

It's the act of hiding your real IP address that means you can access extra content from around the world with a VPN.

What are the benefits of using a VPN?

The protection for your sensitive information is obviously super important, but this isn't really the reason that VPNs have surged in popularity is recent years. A lot of new users are interested in VPNs ability to access content that is normally blocked in your location.

SEE ALSO: The best sci-fi movies on Netflix to escape reality

By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another country, you can watch all your favourite content from that location. For example, you can watch all the films and shows on UK Netflix that are not usually accessible outside of the UK. Whether you live in another country or you're travelling outside of the UK temporarily, you can use a VPN to watch all your favourites from this massive library of content.

How do you unblock UK Netflix with a VPN?

This might be surprising, but the process of accessing UK Netflix with a VPN is actually really simple:

1. Sign up to a streaming-friendly VPN

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the VPN app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Log in to your Netflix account to watch movies and shows from the UK content library

We should make it very clear that you still need to be subscribed to Netflix for this trick to work. A VPN is not going to grant access to the streaming site for free. A VPN provides access to more libraries from around the world, once you're subscribed. Understood?

What is the best free VPN?

We should start with the good news: There are plenty of free versions and free trials of VPNs. Unfortunately, there are always catches with these free VPNs.

The most common restriction you get with free VPNs is limited data usage. This is going to be fine if you're just an occasional user, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading anything, this simply isn't going to work. Free trials tend to come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

The reality is that to gain access to advanced security features and the ability to unblock streaming sites, you are going to need to cough up some cash.

What is the best VPN for Netflix?

There are a lot of VPNs that can effectively unblock UK Netflix from global locations, but which is the best? It's a difficult question to answer, particularly as everyone will have different needs and preferences. To help you make an informed decision, we've handpicked some of your best options.

These are the best VPNs for UK Netflix in 2024.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

Finding your soulmate is worth every penny, but do you really need to use a paid site to find a real relationship? Does a monthly fee really weed out people who aren't taking the process seriously?

This wasn't really an issue before 2012, but the Tinder-led surge of 30-second profiles and instant access to all single folks within 10 miles gave sites with tedious personality analyses and upscale subscriptions a run for their money — literally.

Vox said what we're all really thinking: "At what point in the completely nightmarish process of online dating does one decide that it’s worth spending money on making that experience slightly less terrible?"

Should you use free dating sites?

According to Reddit and Consumer Reports, not really. This Consumer Reports survey found that free sites actually scored better than paid sites on this when it came to overall satisfaction because they're "better value." Unless you're absolutely lost without those heavy-duty matchmaking algorithms, many free sites still offer the questionnaires, detailed bios, and compatibility ratings that indicate red flags and users you wouldn't get along with.

There's no one dating site that everyone is particularly pumped about. Swiping exhaustion and creepily persistent users are an omnipresent part of all online dating. Sorry, but a paid subscription isn't a metal detector that pulls all of the upstanding, faithful singles up out of the crowd. When there are sites that can offer millions of users for free and success stories to prove they work, why not try them before spending £20 per month elsewhere?

SEE ALSO: The best dating sites and apps for women

A hefty price point doesn't guarantee the absence of fakes or catfishes, either. Many free sites are just as big on privacy and safety, requiring users to verify themselves through Facebook to increase transparency about age and first names. No paid sites have the safety features that Tinder does, which is the first of the Match Group apps to offer 911 assistance and location services to make meeting a stranger safer.

The aesthetic experience certainly isn't what your money is going toward, either. Many of the older, subscription-based sites have been slow to modernise their UX designs, still relying on the very 2000s style of bombarding you with notifications for every wink, message, and whatever else.

Can you find a serious relationship online?

We've all accepted that online dating is great for finding a friend with benefits, but telling family members that it's getting serious with that person you met online still takes convincing. However, recent studies show that meeting online can foster a pretty reliable romantic foundation.

A 2017 study cited in the MIT Technology Review found that people who meet online are more likely to be compatible and have a better chance at a healthy marriage if they decide to get hitched. Another study found that heterosexual couples who met online were quicker to tie the knot. These stats don't take anything from correlation to causation, but they do make the case that people who sign up for dating sites that require thoughtful responses are in a better spot to settle down.

There's an unspoken assumption that people on free dating sites are young, horny people with no disposable income and that people on paid dating sites are mature, employed individuals who are ready to settle down. But eharmony, Match, Tinder, and OkCupid have rather similar age demographics, all with surprisingly close splits between people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.

Which dating sites are actually free?

Waters get muddied when basically every dating site has some sort of paid and free version. True free apps let users do all of this as a baseline, and then offer paid perks such as the ability to see everyone who has swiped right on you or boosting your profile for a certain amount of time. Free-but-not-really apps are the ones that are technically free to use, but you have to pay to do just about anything including read or respond to messages.

Premium memberships of free apps are an affordable way to give more control over your pool of potential partners, but they probably don't do much to expedite the grueling swiping process. When Tinder released Tinder Gold, it beat Candy Crush as the Apple Store's top-grossing app. People were that willing to pay to see who swiped right on them. That might be handy knowledge if you're looking to get laid, but it's hard to tell if it would help find someone that you like enough to share your life with. No one I know has kept a paid version of a free app for more than a month. 

At any rate, there's a certain serendipitous feeling that comes with the possibility that, out of the millions of users Hinge could have shown you that day, your soulmate popped up in the crowd of 10 likes you can give out per day (compared to the unlimited likes that come with Hinge Preferred). 

What is the best free dating site?

To help you find the perfect free dating site for a serious relationship, we have lined up a selection of the best dating sites and apps for you to consider. There is something for everyone in this list, including seriously popular sites like Hinge and OkCupid.

We recommend talking some time to seriously check out everything in this roundup, and consider which site fits your preferences most closely. Once you have made that decision, all you need to do is actually go online and find love. Easy, right?

These are the best free dating sites for finding a serious relationship in 2024.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

Dating over the age of 40 may seem intimidating. Unlike your 20s or 30s, you can't assume everyone your age is single and looking.

While meeting people organically in public still happens, it can be easier to meet potential partners where they're actively seeking a romantic connection — on dating sites. There's a comfort in knowing that the people you find on dating apps are single and looking for a romantic relationship, so at least you're both on the same page from the start.

What we're trying to say is that there is nothing to fear about dating again at 40.

How do you start dating again at 40?

The first step to start dating after a break is simply acknowledging that you're ready. From there, you can decide how and where you want to try to meet people. Dating apps have been around for decades, which means they are totally normal and shouldn't be a last resort.

You'll also want to be direct with what you're hoping to achieve. A serious relationship? Casual hookup? Friendship that might lead to more? Whatever it is, be upfront because you don't want to fall for someone who isn't looking for the same thing. Honesty is always the best policy.

SEE ALSO: The best dating sites and apps for women

Dating in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or older can feel lonely when all your friends are married or in relationships. If you want to find a community of people experiencing the same things as you, we recommend visiting the subreddit r/datingoverforty — it's full of people sharing stories of success, heartbreak, bad dates, good dates, and more. It's worth checking out, especially if you're stepping back into the world of online dating for the first time in years.

Can you find a serious relationship with dating apps?

According to Pew Research Centre, 57% of online daters describe their overall experience as positive. A lot of factors add up to whether online dating will be successful for you. Some apps use super in-depth compatibility quizzes that lead to really specific matches, whilst others just present you with a bunch of singles in your area within your specified age range. Both methods have their perks. 

One thing to remember is to have patience. Finding a partner who ticks most of your boxes doesn't happen overnight. You will most likely go through some duds and have some bad dates, but hopefully that will lead you to a healthy and happy relationship.

What is the best dating site for singles over 40?

The best dating site for you depends on your set of personal preferences. If you want something serious, Match will help you find someone compatible who is also looking for a serious relationship. eharmony also specialises in serious relationships, but the site is really for people who want to marry their next partner, so it really isn't for something casual.

People who don't want to jump into anything too serious just yet should utilise Tinder, Hinge, or Bumble. There really is a dating site for everybody, but it just might take some time to find the one that strikes gold for you. We have tried to highlight a selection of dating sites and apps that should appeal to everyone, with popular names like Match, eharmony, and EliteSingles making the cut. You just need to pick a favourite, and get back out there.

These are the best dating sites if you're 40 or older in 2024.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, September 19, 2024:

AcrossWith 4- and 5-Across, opposite of fantasy land

• The answer is The.

See 1-Across

• The answer is Real.

See 1-Across

• The answer is World.

Bend in the road

• The answer is Curve.

Be in the driver's seat

• The answer is Steer.

DownFrench for "earth"

• The answer is Terre.

Slice in two

• The answer is Halve.

___ statesman

• The answer is Elder.

Overwhelming victory

• The answer is Route.

Rooms with toilets, in European shorthand

• The answer is WCs.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 19 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 19 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Work out the bugs

These words are a literal interpretation of the hint.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The answers are all related to tools

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is CreepyCrawlies.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for September 19

• Beetle

• CreepyCrawlies

• Millipede

• Spider

• Earwig

• Termite

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

TL;DR: If you need high-quality scans anywhere, anytime, get SwiftScan VIP. A lifetime subscription to this iOS and Android-compatible OCR scanner is now only £36.42 (reg. £151.78) when you use the discount code SAVENOW. 

If you're tired of cleaning the papers out of your desk, help this year go differently. Get an OCR scanner app that makes short work of digitising notes, documents, and even pages from books. 

SwiftScan is a simple scanner for iOS or Android devices that produces high-quality scans in seconds. Normally, a lifetime subscription to SwiftScan VIP would be £151.78, but you can get one on sale for £36.42. 

How is SwiftScan different from other scanners?

In the grand colosseum of scanners and scanner apps, SwiftScan may come out on top for a few reasons. First, if you're comparing SwiftScan to a desktop scanner, the app is a great find on price alone. Sure, it can't print your scans like a physical scanner could, but it also doesn't take any desk space and doesn't require expensive ink to access half its functions. 

When it comes to scanning capabilities, the app captures premium quality scans starting at 200 dpi, and it even automatically enhances scan quality with colour filters and auto-optimisation. Trembly hands? There's blur reduction. Once you've scanned your documents, you can save them as a PDF or JPEG. The app also lets you do multi-page scans. Combine that with the OCR capabilities, and you can turn a few pages of your textbook into a scan you can search. You can even annotate your documents, add signatures, redact text, or reorder pages. 

Don't worry. All those documents don't need to take up your phone's limited memory. SwiftScan integrates with cloud services like iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox, so you can save or scare your scans seamlessly. Kicking it old school? This scanner can even send a fax. 

Save £115 with this code

Get a scanner that doesn't take up any extra room in your office or dorm. 

Get a Lifetime Subscription to SwiftScan VIP for £36.42 (reg. £151.78) at the Mashable Shop when you use the code SAVENOW. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Maple Media SwiftScan VIP: Lifetime Subscription £36.42 at the Mashable Shop
£116.87 Save £80.45 Use code 'SAVENOW' Get Deal

TL;DR: Watch Seattle Storm vs. Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's the final day of the WNBA regular season. It's now a question of heading into the WNBA playoffs with as much momentum as possible, with a chance to play for the 2024 title.

Both Seattle and Phoenix have secured their playoff berths following relatively strong seasons. But which of these teams will clinch the win on the final day of the regular season?

To watch the Seattle Storm vs. Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.

When is Seattle Storm vs. Phoenix Mercury?

Seattle Storm vs. Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA starts at 10 p.m. ET on Sept. 19. This fixture takes place at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

How to watch Seattle Storm vs. Phoenix Mercury

You can watch this latest fixture with the WNBA League Pass. But remember that the WNBA League Pass doesn't stream locally televised games in the participating teams' local areas. However, you can sidestep these restrictions with just a few simple steps. You'll need to use a VPN, a useful tool that hides your real IP address and connects you with secure servers in other locations. This will allow to watch the few remaining WNBA League Pass games live.

To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

5. Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also gives you a whole year of unlimited cloud backup along with a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Seattle Storm vs. Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Dallas Wings vs. Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's the last day of the WNBA regular season, which can mean only one thing: the WNBA playoffs are just around the corner.

Before the playoffs get started, Dallas Wings visit the Las Vegas Aces. Dallas are playing for pride at this point, as they're already ruled out of the playoffs. But eyes will be on Las Vegas, who'll want to go into the playoffs with some momentum and challenge for a third consecutive WNBA championship.

The great news is that you can stream Dallas Wings vs. Las Vegas Aces from anywhere in the world. Read on for all the information you need.

When is Dallas Wings vs. Las Vegas Aces?

Dallas Wings vs. Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA starts at 9 p.m. ET on Sept. 19. This fixture takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

How to watch Dallas Wings vs. Las Vegas Aces

Basketball fans can watch Dallas Wings vs. Las Vegas from anywhere in the world with a WNBA League Pass.

The WNBA League Pass doesn't show games in the participating teams' local areas. But there are ways to get around these blackout rules. All you need to do is sign up for a VPN. VPNs are super useful tools that work by hiding your real IP address (digital location) and connecting you to secure servers in other locations. This will allow you to watch the final games on WNBA League Pass live.

To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

5. Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is currently on sale for a limited time only at $99.95 — which is 49% off the regular price. This deal gives you a bonus three months of usage at no extra cost, plus a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Dallas Wings vs. Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Los Angeles Sparks vs. Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The WNBA playoffs are almost here. Some teams are looking toward the postseason and hoping to vie for the 2024 title, while others are resigned to regrouping.

The Los Angeles Sparks have had a poor season and at this point they're playing for pride, having been ruled out of a playoff spot. Minnesota Lynx, meanwhile, have been one of the top teams this year and will look to begin their playoff campaign with momentum. Can they score a big win against Los Angeles?

Fortunately, you can watch Los Angeles Sparks vs. Minnesota Lynx from anywhere around the world. Keep reading to find out how.

When is Los Angeles Sparks vs. Minnesota Lynx?

Los Angeles Sparks vs. Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA starts at 8 p.m. ET on Sep. 19. This fixture takes place at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

How to watch Los Angeles Sparks vs. Minnesota Lynx

Basketball fans can watch Los Angeles Sparks vs. Minnesota Lynx plus the remainder of the WNBA 2024 season from anywhere in the world with a WNBA League Pass.

The WNBA League Pass unfortunately doesn't show locally televised games live in the participating teams' local areas, but you can sidestep the blackout rules by using a VPN. A VPN is a super helpful online tool that works by masking your real IP address (digital location) and connecting you to a secure server in another location or country. This will allow you to watch every WNBA League Pass game live, excluding games streamed by Amazon Prime Video.

To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

5. Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is currently on sale for $99.95 for a limited time, which gives you an overall saving of 49%. Within this offer you get a bonus three months for no extra costs, as well as a year of unlimited cloud backup and a generous money-back guarantee within 30 days.

Stream Los Angeles Sparks vs. Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The regular season is coming to a close, but the WNBA playoffs are just around the corner. While some teams are confirmed for the postseason, others are fighting for a spot — which will make Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty very interesting.

New York Liberty have been the strongest team this season. They're sat top of the national league and secured a playoff berth weeks ago. Atlanta Dream are still just about in the running for the playoffs but they'll need to pull out something special here and hope other results go their way.

If you want to watch Atlanta Dream vs New York Liberty in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, read below to find out how.

When is Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty?

Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty in the WNBA starts at 7 p.m. ET on Sept. 19. This fixture takes place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

How to watch Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty

Basketball fans can watch Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty plus the remainder of the WNBA 2024 season from anywhere in the world with a WNBA League Pass.

The WNBA League Pass doesn't show locally televised games in participating teams' local areas, but you can sidestep these blackout rules by signing up with a VPN.

VPNs are super useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you with a secure server based in another location. This will allow you to watch WNBA League Pass games as they happen, though this excludes the select games streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

5. Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for a limited time at $99.95 — a saving of 49%. This deal includes an extra three months of usage along with an entire year of unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Chicago Sky vs. Connecticut Sun in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The WNBA regular season is coming to an end, which means it's almost time for the WNBA playoffs. Before that though, Chicago Sky visit Connecticut Sun for what promises to be an exciting showdown.

Connecticut Sun have had a strong season, sitting third in the overall league standings with a playoff spot in the bag. For Chicago, however, recent weeks have been tough and their playoff dreams are up in the air — can they turn those dreams into a slam dunk and secure a berth in the postseason?

If you want to watch Chicago Sky vs. Connecticut Sun in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out how.

When is Chicago Sky vs. Connecticut Sun?

Los Angeles Sparks vs. Chicago Sky in the WNBA starts at 7 p.m. ET on Sept. 19. This fixture takes place at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

How to watch Chicago Sky vs. Connecticut Sun

Basketball fans can watch Chicago Sky vs. Connecticut Sun plus the remainder of the WNBA 2024 season from anywhere in the world with a WNBA League Pass.

While the WNBA League Pass doesn't show locally televised games live in the participating teams' local areas, you can dribble around the blackout rules by employing a VPN.

VPNs are helpful online tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location). You can then connect to secure servers based in other locations and watch WNBA League Pass games as they happen, though select games are streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

5. Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is now on sale for $99.95, which includes an extra three months of usage for free. That's an overall saving of 49%. Within this offer you also get a whole year of unlimited cloud backup and a very generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Chicago Sky vs. Connecticut Sun in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics in the WNBA for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The WNBA regular season is almost done, but not before Indiana Fever visit the Washington Mystics for an end-of-season showdown.

Indiana have already claimed their postseason berth, but the Washington Mystics have been battling to clinch that all-important 8th place in the league, which would see them also join the playoffs. Can Washington get the win to stay in contention?

The good news is you can watch Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics in the WNBA for free from anywhere in the world. Keep reading to find out how.

When is Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics?

Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics in the WNBA starts at 7 p.m. ET on Sept. 19. This fixture takes place at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, DC.

How to watch Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics

Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics is free to watch on Prime Video in the U.S. If you're not already subscribed, don't worry, you can still watch the game for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video in the U.S.

For WNBA fans not in the U.S., you can still watch the WNBA by using a VPN. The process is simple:

1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

3. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

5. Watch Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not technically free, but top VPN services tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch the WNBA on Prime Video — all without committing with your cash in the long run. It's a short-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select WNBA fixtures before you claim back your investment.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Prime Video, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. As part of this plan you also get a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics in the WNBA for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream New England Patriots vs. New York Jets for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Prime Video has bagged the rights to Thursday Night Football this season, with an exciting lineup of fixtures including New England Patriots vs. New York Jets. This heated rivarly often delivers exciting games, so fans will be delighted to hear that they can access a live stream of Patriots vs. Jets without spending anything.

If you're interested in watching New England Patriots vs. New York Jets for free, we have all the information you need.

When is Patriots vs. Jets?

New England Patriots vs. New York Jets takes place at 8:15 p.m. ET on Sep 19. This fixture will be played at the MetLife Stadium.

How to watch Patriots vs. Jets for free

New England Patriots vs. New York Jets is available to live stream on Prime Video in the U.S., but you don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this fixture. Instead, you can watch New England Patriots vs. New York Jets (plus more Thursday Night Football fixtures) for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

Fans from outside the U.S. will need to use a VPN to watch the NFL for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:

1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

3. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

5. Watch New England Patriots vs. New York Jets for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can access free live streams of the NFL without actually spending anything. It's a short-term solution, but this gives you enough time to watch select NFL fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is currently available for $99.95. Within this limited time deal you'll get an extra three months at no additional cost, a whole year of unlimited cloud backup for free, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream New England Patriots vs. New York Jets for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The iPhone 16 Plus delivers the best bang for your buck.

Don't get me wrong, though.

After testing all four iPhone 16 devices, it’s no surprise that the iPhone 16 Pro Max stood out as the best of the entire lineup. After all, it lasted more than 25 hours on a single charge, according to our in-house battery life test. Its runtime, alone, makes it a top pick among the new iPhone 16 devices.

iPhone 16 Plus in "Pink" Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is almost as expensive as your monthly rent, setting you back at least $1,200.

So the question is, what's the next best phone in the iPhone 16 family? The iPhone 16 Plus.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max review: Battery life so epic, you'll ghost your charger iPhone 16 Plus is the next best thing

Unlike the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the iPhone 16 Plus didn't smash our battery life record — but it's still pretty power efficient. The iPhone 16 Plus' runtime revealed that it has the second-best battery life of the entire iPhone 16 lineup. Plus, it has the third-best battery life of any phone Mashable has ever tested.

Here are the current rankings:

1. iPhone 16 Pro Max - 25 hours and 17 minutes

2. Google Pixel 9 - 19 hours and 20 minutes

3. iPhone 16 Plus - 18 hours and 53 minutes

4. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL - 18 hours and 50 minutes

5. iPhone 16 Pro - 18 hours and 17 minutes

The iPhone 16 Plus has a starting price of $899. While the $799 entry-level iPhone 16 is the cheapest model you can get, you'll lose out on more than two hours of battery life. It lasts a little more than 16 hours on a charge. This isn't half bad, but its competitor, Pixel 9, lasts almost three hours longer.

Aside from battery life, let me give you four more reasons to consider the iPhone 16 Plus.

1. The iPhone 16 Plus also comes with the new Camera Control button, which is set to become the new Visual Intelligence key later this year. (Visual Intelligence will let you point at any object with your camera, and AI will kick in to give you information about the subject.)

2. It has a tougher screen with a second-generation Ceramic Shield display.

3. It has upgraded cameras, particularly improved zoom quality.

4. Finally, the iPhone 16 supports Apple Intelligence, the company's new suite of AI.

To conclude, the iPhone 16 Pro Max would be the best buy, but the best value purchase is the iPhone 16 Plus. (Take it from me as someone who reviewed them all.)

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable iPhone 16 Plus $899.99 at Apple
Get Deal

Get ready to grapple with one of the most pivotal eras in professional wrestling history, now finally getting the Netflix treatment in The Queen of Villains. The Japanese semi-biographical drama, which first hit screens in 2023, centers on none other than Dump Matsumoto — the baddest heel wrestler you’ve probably never heard of, but definitely should have. She was the ultimate foil to the beloved Crush Gals, the unstoppable idol-pop duo of Lioness Asuka and Chigusa Nagoya, who combined wholesome charm with serious in-ring talent and some pretty good J-Pop.

These three icons, along with Matsumoto’s gang of misfits known as The Atrocious Alliance, helped catapult All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling into the big leagues and revolutionized the sport for both men and women. So, before The Queen of Villains drops stateside, we’re giving you a crash course on the legends, the rivalries, and the epic matches that took these women to the top in Japan.

What are AJW and Joshi Proresu?

For some context, The Queen of Villains takes us back to the chaotic, high-stakes world of 1980s pro wrestling, focusing on Joshi Proresu — the Japanese term for women's wrestling that cuts through gender divides in a way you won’t find in WWE or All Elite Wrestling. Unlike its Western counterparts, Joshi wrestling didn’t treat women’s matches as an afterthought. Instead, it put them front and center, demanding the same level of fast-paced, hard-hitting, and emotionally charged storytelling that male-dominated promotions like New Japan Pro Wrestling and All Japan were known for. It’s a sports meets spectacle, with an intensity that rivaled anything the guys were doing.

Founded in 1968 by Takashi Matsunaga, All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling (AJW) was the place for joshi wrestling in Japan — and for a long time, the only one. This is the company that booked the legendary clashes between Matsumoto and the Crush Gals during the mid-80s, captivating the entire country. AJW first found success in the early '80s thanks to stars like Jaguar Yokota and Devil Masami, but it was the unprecedented mainstream fame of the Crush Gals — and their explosive rivalry with Matsumoto — that really took things to the next level, even topping TV ratings across Japan.

AJW dominated the Joshi scene until the 1990s when the forced retirement of the Crush Gals started a slow decline. A series of bad investments led to bankruptcy in 1997, and the company lost media deals until it eventually folded in 2005.

AJW was an absolute breeding ground for innovation, giving us some of the most iconic moves in wrestling, courtesy of its stars like Manami Toyota, Bull Nakano, and Kyoko Inoue. Ever heard of the Jackhammer? The Air Raid Crash? How about the Vertebreaker or Death Valley Driver? Yeah, those were all created by Joshi women, and they’ve become staples of the wrestling world. These trailblazers weren’t just redefining women's wrestling — they were reshaping wrestling as a whole, leaving a lasting imprint on the sport’s DNA that’s still felt in the ring today.

AJW matches can be hard to find whole on the internet but if you're curious about the company's body of work, you can find a match guide on Cagematch.

Who are the Crush Gals?

In the 1980s, The Crush Gals were the faces of pro wrestling in Japan, rivaling the similar cultural zeitgeist Hulk Hogan had in the US with Hulkamania. Formed in 1983, Lioness Asuka (Tomoko Kitamura) and Chigusa Nagoya captured the hearts of Japan with a mix of youthful charm, fierce in-ring skill, and a massive following of teenage fangirls — not to mention their successful run as pop idols. Together, they dominated the scene, winning AJW’s World Women’s Wrestling Association Tag Team Championship four times.

But it was their blood feud with Dump Matsumoto and her Atrocious Alliance that really solidified their legacy. In 1985, their rivalry pulled in a jaw-dropping 12.0 TV rating on Fuji TV, meaning that around 14 million people in Japan were glued to their screens every week. Just to put that into perspective, even during WWE and WCW’s Monday Night Wars in the ’90s, the best they could pull was 8.1 and 6.0 ratings, respectively. The Crush Gals were bigger than big — they were a phenomenon.

The Crush Gals’ rivalry with Dump Matsumoto hit its dramatic peak on August 28, 1985, with one of the most important matches in wrestling history — a brutal hair vs. hair showdown between Chigusa Nagoya and Matsumoto. It’s a must-watch for any serious wrestling fan. While the Gals finally triumphed over Matsumoto’s stable in the 1987 Tag League the Best tournament, by then, Nagoya and Asuka had made names for themselves as singles stars.

So, what does AJW do with a duo that’s launched their company into mainstream superstardom? Force them to retire at 26, of course. Yep, despite the Crush Gals’ insane popularity, AJW had a strict rule that women had to hang up their boots by that age. The rule was partly driven by societal expectations in ’80s Japan, where women were expected to settle down and embrace domestic life. Plus, considering the physically intense style of Joshi wrestling, early retirements might have been a smart call — AJW ran 250-300 shows a year and pro wrestling already has a troubling premature death rate.

Despite this, AJW never saw the same level of success after retiring the Crush Gals and yet the company still kept the policy in place.

After their forced retirements in 1989, both Nagoya and Asuka took a break from wrestling, but it didn’t last long. Nagoya made some brief returns in the ’90s with AJW and JWP Joshi Puroresu, eventually founding her own promotion, GAEA Japan, in 2000. Asuka returned to AJW in 1994, though not with the same star power she had in the ’80s. The two reunited in GAEA, reforming the Crush Gals for semi-regular matches until GAEA folded in 2005.

Nagoya would retire two more times, with her most recent send-off match happening in 2024 with West Coast Pro in San Francisco. As for Asuka, her career was sadly cut short in 2004 due to a neck injury, with her final match fittingly being one last tag team bout with Nagoya.

Crush Gals Recommendations:

• Crush Gals vs. Devil Masami & Jaguar Yokota (September 26, 1984)

• Crush Gals vs. Dump Matsumoto & Crane Yu (February 25, 1985)

• Lioness Asuka vs. Jaguar Yokota (August 22, 1985)

• Chigusa Nagayo vs. Dump Matsumoto (Hair vs. Hair) (August 28, 1985)

• Crush Gals vs. Dump Matsumoto & Bull Nakano (October 10, 1985)

• Chigusa Nagayo vs. Lioness Asuka (Feburary 26, 1987)

• Crush Gals vs. Jumping Bomb Angels (September 14, 1986)

Who is Dump Matsumoto? Dump Matsumoto in 2019 Credit: Etsuo Hara/Getty Images

Dump Matsumoto (real name Kaoru Matsumoto) was the living nightmare of 1980s pro wrestling and the ultimate heel. With her menacing face paint, wild hair, and a collection of weapons that would make even the most hardcore wrestler flinch, Matsumoto redefined what it meant to be a villain in the ring. We don't get The Road Warriors without Matsumoto.

Her brutal, no-holds-barred fighting style was a stark contrast to the pop-idol charm of the Crush Gals, cementing her as the quintessential "monster" heel of her time.

Leading the Gokuaku Domei, also known as the Atrocious Alliance, Matsumoto and her gang of misfits were perfectly positioned as the nemesis of the fan-favorite Crush Gals. They didn’t just play the part of villains — they were the villains, bringing extreme violence and chaos wherever they went. Matsumoto’s use of chains, kendo sticks, and sheer brutality pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable in women’s wrestling at the time. Her matches weren’t just intense; they were groundbreaking, forever changing the landscape of the sport and redefining what joshi wrestling could be.

After the feud that cemented her as one of the most iconic villains in wrestling, Dump Matsumoto tried her hand at the global stage. In 1986, she popped up in the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE), pairing with Bull Nakano as “The Devils of Japan.” Their time in the U.S. may have been brief, but it showcased Matsumoto’s heel brilliance to a whole new audience.

She didn’t stay away from AJW for long, coming back for various matches and storylines in the late '80s. But by 1988, she officially retired—well, sort of. Like most wrestling icons, Matsumoto wasn’t done. She came back to the ring multiple times over the years, and as of now, she’s still keeping a foothold in the wrestling world.

Dump Matsumoto Recommendations:

• Dump Matsumoto & Bull Nakano vs. Jumping Bomb Angels (August 22, 1985)

• Dump Matsumoto vs. Chigusa Nagayo (Hair vs. Hair) (August 28, 1985)

• Dump Matsumoto vs. Yukari Omoroi (March 20, 1986)