Sumie Sakai officially retires at NJPW Battle in the Valley
After nearly three decades, Sumie Sakai’s in-ring career has ended.
Sakai was defeated in her retirement match last night at NJPW Battle in the Valley. She teamed with EVIL and SHO against Hiromu Takahashi, Mayu Iwatani & Yuka Sakazaki on the show. The finish of the match saw Takahashi pin Sakai after a Timebomb.
After the match, the crowd chanted, “Thank you, Sumie,” as she was helped to her feet by Takahashi, Iwatani, and Sakazaki. Takahashi gifted Sakai his jacket, and the locker room emptied out to show their respect. Sakai then stood alone in the ring as a ten-bell salute rang out to honor her.
Numerous people around the world of wrestling have been posting to social media to pay their respects to Sakai.
Veda Scott wrote: “We love you @SumieSakai. So humbled and honored that I got to commentate your retirement match. There wouldn’t be a Veda without a Sumie. Thank you for everything.
Stephanie Vaquer posted, “THANK YOU SUMIE SAN @SumieSakai It’s an honor to be your friend.”
CM Punk also posted a message to Sakai in honor of her retirement match to his Instagram Stories.