Maki Narumiya Announces Retirement

At REINA’s event on January 17th, 2016, Joshi wrestler Maki Narumiya announced she is getting married and will retire on March 25th in REINA at Korakuen Hall. As Narumiya was born on April 7th, 1985, she will be retiring a few weeks shy of her 31st birthday.

A former dancer, Narumiya joined Ice Ribbon in 2011 and was trained by Emi Sakura before debuting on March 19th, 2011. Over the next five years she saw success in REINA and Ice Ribbon, as she won three titles in Ice Ribbon and three in REINA as well. Narumiya also enjoyed wrestling in CMLL, and made many trips to Mexico. Never one to take the easier path, Narumiya participated in weapons and hardcore matches as well, and no one could ever accuse Narumiya of not giving wrestling everything she had.

Over the next two months I will have occasional pieces on Narumiya, highlighting the different phases of her career. Narumiya is the third Joshi wrestler since September to retire due to getting married, which is not unusual in Japan as they decide to start a family and move on to the next phase of their life, and I wish her all the best. Narumiya is a wrestler I have enjoyed watching due to her fearless attitude and willingness to to do anything to put on a good show, and she will be missed.