In a poignant turn of events, reports suggest that Meiko Satomura, the legendary Joshi star and prominent WWE performer, is gearing up for retirement. The 43-year-old wrestling icon recently made her return to the WWE ring, performing at an international live event in Osaka, Japan. However, whispers within the wrestling community indicate that this might be part of a farewell tour as Satomura prepares to hang up her boots for the final time.
According to Tokyo Sports, sources close to Satomura reveal that she is planning to retire from professional wrestling in 2025. While no official date has been announced for her final match, the period around her 30-year in-ring anniversary in April is rumored to be a significant timeframe for the occasion.
Satomura’s journey in professional wrestling began with a remarkable debut in April 1995, where she defeated Sonoko Kato at a Gaea Japan event. Her early success continued as she and Kato became the inaugural AAAW Tag Team Champions in 1996. Her influence on the wrestling world grew as she co-founded Sendai Girls’ Pro Wrestling, establishing herself as a pivotal figure in the Joshi wrestling scene.
In 2020, Satomura made a major move by signing a player-coach deal with WWE, allowing her to perform and coach within the company’s “NXT UK” brand. Despite “NXT UK” disbanding in the summer of 2022, Satomura remained with WWE, continuing to make her mark. Her tenure on “NXT UK” was highlighted by her victory over Kay Lee Ray (now Alba Fyre) to claim the final reign of the NXT UK Women’s Championship. This title was subsequently unified with the NXT Women’s Championship in a match at WWE Worlds Collide 2022, where Mandy Rose emerged victorious.
Since the dissolution of “NXT UK,” Satomura has appeared four times on “NXT” television. Her most recent match saw her face NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez, ending in a loss. Despite these setbacks, Satomura’s legacy within WWE and the broader wrestling world remains formidable.
The announcement of Satomura’s impending retirement marks the end of an era for fans of Joshi wrestling and WWE alike. Her career has been defined by groundbreaking performances, mentoring the next generation of wrestlers, and contributing significantly to the global wrestling landscape. As she approaches her final chapter, fans and colleagues alike will undoubtedly reflect on her remarkable career and the indelible impact she has made on the sport.
