Meiko Satomura retires from the ring, WWE stars send video messages

Meiko Satomura’s 30-year journey in the ring came to an end at Korakuen Hall on Tuesday.

In her official retirement match, Satomura & Manami defeated Aja Kong & Sendai Girls Champion Chihiro Hashimoto. A Scorpio Rising kick from Satomura to Kong was the finish. There was then an impromptu five-minute handicap match where — at Kong’s request — the two legends Satomura & Kong teamed together against Hashimoto, Mika Iwata, Takumi Iroha, Senka Akatsuki & YUNA.

The show was named “Meiko Satomura The Final” and was produced by Satomura’s Sendai Girls promotion. WWE stars Kairi Sane, IYO SKY, Asuka, and Shinsuke Nakamura sent in video messages that were played for Satomura. There were also messages from NJPW’s Hiroshi Tanahashi and joshi legend Devil Masami. Among those in attendance at the show were The Crush Gals, Bull Nakano, Akira Hokuto, and Kenta Kobashi.

Fans showered Satomura with streamers after the bell rang 10 times and her name was called out by the announcer one final time. She gave a speech promising to continue devoting her life to pro wrestling through Sendai Girls.

The 45-year-old Satomura echoed that sentiment in a tweet, vowing to help make the next era of wrestling even more amazing. She thanked everyone who came to today’s show and said she was happy to be surrounded by so many people who played a part in her career.

Satomura’s journey took her from Japan to rings across the world, including wrestling for WCW in the 1990s, becoming an attraction on the European indies, and a stint with WWE as a wrestler, coach, and champion in NXT UK.