While it’s no secret that John Cena is set to retire at the end of 2025, there is another WWE legend who has not waited till the end of the year. The veteran has called it a career after 30 years in the squared circle. That WWE legend is former NXT UK Women’s Champion Meiko Satomura.
Satomura, nicknamed “The Final Boss,” recently concluded her remarkable 30-year career that revolutionized women’s wrestling across Japan and around the world. Her farewell match took place during an emotional ceremony in Tokyo, though her impact on the industry remains indelible.
WWE CCO Triple H Congratulates Miko Satomura
WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H was among the first to pay tribute to Satomura’s legendary career. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Triple H wrote, “Congratulations to the Japanese wrestling legend.” He also added, “Your contributions to this industry have inspired a generation of female athletes around the world.” The heartfelt message was echoed by WWE Superstars and wrestling icons worldwide, reflecting Satomura’s global impact.
Congratulations to the Japanese wrestling legend and former @WWENXT UK Women’s Champion, Meiko Satomura.
Your contributions to this industry have inspired a generation of female athletes around the world. https://t.co/eLKoVVpDBa
— Triple H (@TripleH)
Satomura expressed her gratitude in response to Triple H’s heartfelt message, thanking him along with WWE and NXT. This exchange highlighted the deep respect and mutual admiration between the two wrestling icons, focusing on Satomura’s WWE career as well.
Thank you very much @TripleH
I had a great experience with WWE.
The words you said to me in 2019 inspired me.
I appreciate to @WWE @WWENXT
Thank you very much! #WWENXT #WWE https://t.co/E64fpyDuCH— 里村明衣子 meiko satomura (@satomurameiko)
The culmination of Satomura’s farewell occurred on April 29th at Korakuen Hall. She teamed with Manami, defeating veteran Aja Kong and Chihiro Hashimoto during a Sendai Girls event – the promotion Satomura herself created years ago. Wrestling icon Kenta Kobashi presented her with flowers beforehand, showing the deep respect she commands. After the scheduled match concluded, an unexpected moment materialized when Kong suggested they partner once more against rising stars for a brief, unplanned exhibition. The crowd treasured this final glimpse of Satomura in action.
Meiko Satomura: A Legend Who Changed the Game
Satomura defied convention from the start, debuting in 1995 at merely 15 years old. Her path took her through Gaea Japan initially, before she established Sendai Girls Pro Wrestling, now crucial to women’s wrestling development in Japan. Western fans might recall her WCW Nitro appearances in the late 90s, where her hard-hitting style differed tremendously from American women’s wrestling of that era.
WWE finally secured Satomura’s talents for the 2018 Mae Young Classic. She later captured the NXT UK Women’s Title, cementing her elite status within WWE’s hierarchy. Beyond her devastating Scorpio Rising finisher, Satomura’s greatest legacy may be her mentorship – current stars like Asuka and IYO SKY cite her profound impact on their development.
With Satomura’s competitive career now complete, wrestling has lost a revolutionary performer. The assessment from Triple H and peers tells the story: few have elevated women’s wrestling as thoroughly as Meiko Satomura. Though competition has ended for “The Final Boss,” her expertise continues shaping wrestling’s future through those she trains today.