44-year-old WWE star advertised for in-ring return after 16 months

WWE has begun advertising a wrestler who has not competed for the promotion since March 2023. It is for the upcoming shows in Japan.

The wrestler in question is Japanese legend Meiko Satomura, who is a former NXT UK Women's Champion. Satomura is renowned for her work over the years in the independent circuit and various promotions. Notably, she performed in World Wonder Ring Stardom, where the 44-year-old won the Best Match Award in 2015 with her opponent, WWE Superstar Iyo Sky.

Meiko Satomura appears to be booked for three WWE Live Events in Osaka on July 25 and Tokyo on July 26 and 27. Her last match was on the March 7, 2023, episode of NXT against Roxanne Perez.

Other names advertised for the events are Bianca Belair, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Shinsuke Nakamura, Dakota Kai, Asuka, and Kairi Sane. Asuka is currently on hiatus owing to her knee surgery. As always, the card is subject to change.

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Iyo Sky represented WWE at Marigold Summer Destiny in Tokyo, Japan

Iyo Sky rose to prominence straight off the bat in the summer of 2022 thanks to her association with Bayley. She formed the original Damage CTRL alongside Dakota Kai, a women-only-faction that was a rarity when they got together.

A year later, the Japanese wrestler became Ms. Money in the Bank and successfully cashed in on Bianca Belair for a reign as the Women's Champion on SmackDown. She was in possession of the belt for 245 days before dropping it to Bayley at WrestleMania XL.

As part of the 2024 Draft, Damage CTRL was picked for RAW, while The Role Model—no longer part of the faction and the new champion—remained on the blue brand.

Two days ago, Iyo Sky performed at the Marigold Summer Destiny event, defeating Utami Hayashishita.

Another wrestler from World Wrestling Entertainment who returned to Japan recently was AJ Styles. He defeated Naomichi Marufuji at Pro Wrestling NOAH Destination.

Regarding wrestlers who are representing the Stamford-based promotion in Japan, Styles advised Japanese athletes via Tokyo Sports that there is more value for them to perform in America rather than the other way around. However, The Phenomenal One also reminded his colleagues that if they wished to gain the respect of people by and large, they should perform in Japan.