WWE’s Internal Reaction to Meiko Satomura’s Impending Retirement

Meiko Satomura, the renowned Japanese professional wrestler, signed with WWE in 2021. After a very long hiatus from WWE, she made her in-ring return for the company this week as part of WWE’s live events in Japan. She also announced her impending retirement and now WWE’s reaction to the same has been revealed.

Meiko Satomura held the NXT UK Women’s Championship and showcased her skill against top competitors in the NXT women’s division. She then made her WWE in-ring return on July 26th in Japan, which was her first match in the company since Roadblock 2023.

At a press conference in Japan on Saturday, Satomura revealed that she will have her final match in April 2025 to mark her 30th anniversary in wrestling. Tokyo Sports had reported the day before that Satomura was contemplating retirement.

She also announced that she will be wrestling a series of matches for her own promotion, Sendai Girls, starting in September, and is open to working with other promotions as well. AEW’s Emi Sakura, who attended the press conference, expressed her desire to face Satomura before she retires.

According to Fightful Select, only Satomura and WWE executives know the reasons for her absence from WWE programming. NXT talent believe Satomura is likely focused on completing her WWE contract, with no current plans for her return to NXT TV.

Regarding her use on WWE television, there are no indications of plans for her involvement, and a potential WrestleMania match was viewed with skepticism. NXT personnel were not surprised by Satomura’s retirement announcement, given her limited involvement with the brand over the past 18 months.

Those who worked with Satomura in NXT UK and NXT praised her coaching, though there is regret about her shorter stint on the brand. Sources suggest that Satomura is concentrating on expanding her promotion, Sendai Girls, which she founded in 2005.

Regardless, Meiko Satomura has been part of the business since 1995 and is considered a living legend for good reason. Therefore, we will have to wait and see how her retirement match will turn out next year.

What do you think of Meiko Satomura retiring next year? Do you have any good memories of her? Let us know in the comments section below!