JPN
Saki Kashima had a triumphant final performance at "STARDOM NIGHTER in KORAKUEN 2026 Apr.2," held at Korakuen Hall on Thursday, April 23rd
In her final match as a professional wrestler, billed as "Kashima Saki's Final Match," she faced off against AZM and Watanabe Momo in a match featuring Shuri in a signature "Otsu-anekon Totsu" style tag team. For Kashima, who debuted in 2011, AZM (debuted in 2013) and Watanabe (debuted in 2014) were close friends who had shared both joys and sorrows for many years. Watanabe, who had been sidelined due to injury treatment, made a one-night-only return to the ring
Kashima appeared in a pure white costume and offered her hand to AZM, saying "Please take care of me," but AZM brushed it away. However, a swift exchange of pinfall attempts ensued. Then, with lightning speed, Kashima landed a Reverse to turn the tables and secured the 3-count. It took only 11 seconds
When Shuri requested a rematch, President Taro Okada initially refused, saying, "Wouldn't it be great if you won and ended it there?" However, Shuri riled up the crowd, and a rematch was decided upon, with no time limit and one fall, because "it was too quick."
Kashima once again engaged in a high-speed battle with AZM, but the reason for his retirement was "reaching the limits of his physical strength." He was already groggy and was subjected to relentless attacks from Watanabe, who replaced AZM
The solo battle continued, but Shuri finally came on as a substitute and fought valiantly. She used her signature kicks to scatter the opposing team. The moment Watanabe climbed onto the corner, Kashima, who had been waiting there, made her move. She executed a spectacular Frankensteiner, saving Shuri from a dangerous situation
Kashima regained possession of the match after just over nine minutes, and at one point stood firm, withstanding four of Watanabe's middle kicks. Spurred on by the loud "Saki" chants, she unleashed a missile kick and a running knee drop without hesitation
The match saw interference from both the HATE and God's Eye factions, and despite being battered and bruised by the enemy's fierce attacks, Kashima persevered
Just over 13 minutes in, AZM kicked out of Watanabe's high kick at the count of one, but was immediately knocked down by a knee lift. However, AZM and Watanabe, attempting a combined move, accidentally hit each other. When Watanabe then pulled out a black baseball bat, he got into an argument with AZM, who had avoided another accidental hit
Immediately afterward, Kashima received a black bat from AZM and took a full swing. With assistance from AZM's diving foot stomp and Shuri's buzzsaw kick, she secured a three-count victory over Watanabe at 14 minutes and 43 seconds, in a last-ditch effort to end her career
Having already left the ring, Kashima effectively put an end to her 10-year wrestling career. As Watanabe was leaving, Kashima expressed her gratitude, saying, "Momo-chan, thank you so much for fighting me one last time."
She then hugged AZM and said, "AZM, thank you so much for fighting alongside me until the very end." Finally, she bowed and hugged Shuri, who fought right beside her, saying, "You're a really funny person, thank you."
"I'm so happy I got to play with people I love today. I only have energy left for the ceremony, so thank you for today."
Leaning on Shuri's shoulder, she bowed her head to all four sides of the ring, bidding farewell to the ring she loved
A retirement ceremony will be held at the Yokohama Arena event on April 26th