Legendary wrestler Meiko Satomura retires after iconic final match in Tokyo
Image via WWE
Meiko Satomura
, one of the most cherished names in women's wrestling, has officially retired from in-ring competition, drawing the curtain on a career that spanned over three decades. The 45-year-old Japanese legend ended her wrestling journey at Tokyo's iconic Korakuen Hall, bringing an emotional close to a path paved with accolades, global recognition, and immense respect from her peers.
Satomura teamed up with Minami to defeat Aja Kong and Chihiro Hashimoto in a special tag team match at a Sendai Girls' Pro Wrestling event. Before the bell rang, Satomura was presented with a bouquet by wrestling great Kenta Kobashi — a gesture that underscored her stature in the sport. Post-match, in a heartwarming twist, longtime rival Aja Kong proposed teaming up with Satomura. The two then joined forces for a five-minute exhibition match against a team featuring Mika Iwata, Takumi Iroha, and others, symbolizing mutual respect and the passing of the torch.
The wrestling world Reflects on Satomura's impact
While her legacy was built in Japan, Satomura left a permanent impression in WWE as well. A former NXT UK Women's Champion, she was widely praised for her in-ring skills and mentorship to younger talent. Her WWE farewell came in July last year when she faced Bayley in a non-televised match during WWE's tour of Japan.
Tributes poured in from top wrestling stars, highlighting the admiration Satomura commands. WWE Superstar Asuka shared a heartfelt message, saying, 'I'm really sad that you're retiring… but relieved to know you will continue training and managing.' Asuka emphasized Satomura's importance in shaping the future of wrestling.
IYO SKY also reflected on her journey with Satomura, calling her 'the person who got me to WWE.' She recalled using Satomura's strength as a benchmark whenever she hit career roadblocks, saying, 'What would Meiko Satomura do?' was the question that always led her forward.
Shinsuke Nakamura, KAIRI, and others sent in video messages, while Sadie Gibbs shared memories of working alongside Satomura, calling her career 'incredible' and 'legendary.'
Although Satomura has retired from competing, she isn't stepping away from wrestling entirely. She is expected to focus on training the next generation of talent, continuing her role as a guiding force for
women's wrestling
worldwide.
With grace, grit, and decades of excellence, Meiko Satomura leaves behind not just a celebrated career - but a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Nikki Bella confirms WWE return, hints at Liv Morgan feud ahead of Evolution 2
Image via WWE Former Divas Champion and WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella is officially back in the WWE spotlight. Making her first appearance on Monday Night Raw since the 2025 Women's Royal Rumble, Nikki was greeted with both cheers and chaos as her segment was interrupted - and cut short, by Women's Tag Team Champion Liv Morgan. Liv's surprise attack, capped off with her signature Oblivion finisher, seemed to signal the beginning of a potential high-profile feud heading into the all-women's Evolution 2 premium live event on July 13 in Atlanta. Instagram update confirms ongoing storyline Days after the ambush, Nikki addressed the moment in a social media post. 'This reality show diva is still on cloud nine 🤩 Annnnd still feeling that ObLIVion…,' she wrote, while confirming her next appearance will be on RAW in Green Bay this Monday. Nikki's return to in-ring action has generated buzz, especially considering her last televised singles match took place back in 2018 - at the first Evolution, when she faced Ronda Rousey in the main event. While the Liv Morgan face-off sets up a likely singles match, rumors suggest the storyline could take a different direction. With Liv currently holding tag team gold alongside Raquel Rodriguez, and the Bella Twins previously expressing interest in chasing the Women's Tag Team Championships, a tag team bout could be on the cards. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 임플란트, 지금 시작하세요 [자세히 보기] 임플란트 더 알아보기 Speculation is already swirling about a possible return for Brie Bella, Nikki's sister and longtime tag partner. WWE hasn't officially confirmed her involvement, but with the Tag Titles last defended in April, a Bella Twins comeback match at Evolution 2 would certainly draw attention. Nikki Bella training for a serious comeback According to RAW veteran Natalya, Nikki has been training privately with both herself and Tyson Kidd in preparation for her return. Speaking to Sportskeeda Wrestling, Natalya noted that Nikki had been working hard behind the scenes for months leading up to her comeback. Natalya reacts to 'Paige in WWE' rumors During her RAW promo, Nikki Bella name-dropped Roxanne Perez, congratulating her through Liv Morgan for winning her Queen of the Ring match. Perez later responded on social media: 'Thanks for the congrats, didn't need it though @NikkiAndBrie 👑🥰 #QueenRox.' The brief mention has sparked speculation over a possible future storyline between Bella and Perez, especially with WWE focusing on merging its legends and new stars more fluidly. With Nikki confirmed for RAW next Monday in Green Bay, all signs point toward a heated build-up with Liv Morgan. The possibility of Brie Bella returning to even the odds also looms large, especially if tag team gold becomes part of the storyline. Whether Nikki stays solo or brings back the Bella Twins, one thing's certain, Evolution 2 is shaping up to be a must-watch event for the women's division. Also Read: When is the WWE Draft 2025? Fans expect big changes after SummerSlam fallout
NDTV
5 hours ago
- NDTV
Japanese Man Spends Rs 5.8 Crore On Ads To Flaunt Son's Cuteness, Teen Calls It "Embarrassing"
A Japanese father is making headlines for spending 100 million yen (approximately Rs 5.8 crore) to get his young son's photos plastered all over Tokyo. According to the South China Morning Post, the boy, known as Yu-kun, is well-known in the Adachi area of Tokyo and has been lovingly dubbed "the Landmark Kid" by residents. His smiling pictures are plastered everywhere, from footbridge banners to city buses to parking signs. His image even appears in convenience store windows. Yu-Kun's father, a real estate company owner, puts the ads up because, according to him, his son is "absolutely adorable," and the entire city deserves to see that. "My son was just too adorable when he was little. I thought, all of Tokyo should know," his father said, as per SCMP. The ad campaign features Yu-Kon's funniest childhood pictures. One hilarious ad shows him bawling his eyes out after a street performer startled him. This embarrassing photo is now a two-meter-tall advertisement, displayed at the entrance of an underground station. The father keeps updating the campaign with new pictures of his son. He asks photographers to take new "cute" shots of his son and even plans to feature recent pictures to promote new real estate projects. However, Yu-Kun, now aged 16, is not happy seeing his childhood pictures plastered all over the city. "I do not like it. I really do not," he said, adding, "If you really think I am that cute, why not just transfer that 100 million yen into my bank account?" "People might not recognise my baby photos, but now that I am older, it is just embarrassing," he said. The story has gone viral on social media, especially in China. Reacting to it, one user wrote, "As the old Chinese proverb goes, 'A father's love is like a mountain,' but this Japanese dad's love is a bit too heavy, on billboards!" "Parental love is often free, yet it can come at a high cost. Chinese parents are known for hiding their love, but it seems some Japanese parents go as far as plastering their child's face all over the city," commented another.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
When is the WWE Draft 2025? Fans expect big changes after SummerSlam fallout
Image via WWE The 2025 WWE Draft may not be cancelled after all. While the annual roster shake-up traditionally follows WrestleMania in the spring, this year's edition appears to be headed for a strategic shift - possibly to September, according to multiple reports. Sources including and PWInsider suggest that WWE is considering moving the Draft to a post-SummerSlam window, aligning it with the company's season premiere episodes of RAW and SmackDown. This move would allow ongoing storylines to reach natural conclusions over the summer, while also setting the stage for a refreshed television product in the fall. Mike Johnson of PWInsider confirmed that the Draft hasn't been scrapped, saying it's simply a matter of 'where and when to do it.' The shift is reportedly part of WWE's broader strategy under Triple H's creative leadership, which has focused on long-term storytelling and smoother transitions between brands. Why WWE is holding off on the Draft The delay also appears to be influenced by recent NXT call-ups, many of whom are still finding their footing on the main roster. With WWE not in a rush to reshuffle its rosters, the focus has shifted to making sure these fresh faces get enough screen time before any major realignment occurs. Was R-Truth's Release a Work? Ilja Dragunov Return Update, Gunther's First Challenger & More Wrestling insider WrestleVotes echoed the sentiment in a Sportskeeda WrestleBinge Q&A, noting that 'they want to do it... just a date has not popped up yet.' The message is clear: WWE is still committed to a draft this year, but is carefully choosing its moment. Fans divided over format and timing Fan response on social media has been mixed. While some are relieved the Draft is still on, others have questioned its relevance. One user wrote, 'What's the point? Talent go all over the 3 brands all the time.' Another commented, 'Make sure people actually move brands this year. Last year barely anyone got drafted to a new brand.' Others are simply nostalgic for the days of the old Draft lottery machine, calling the current format 'bland.' However, there's also cautious optimism. 'Good. SmackDown needs it,' one fan posted, while another added, 'Better late than never.' If plans hold, the WWE Draft 2025 will follow SummerSlam in early August and land sometime in September, just in time for WWE's fall season reset. Until then, fans will be watching closely to see who stays, who goes - and who surprises everyone. Also Read: WWE Hall of Famer predicts Ron Killings could win World Championship
