Hana Kimura: What to Know About Her Wrestling Career
05/28/2020 12:41 pm EDT
Second Generation Wrestler
Hana Kimura was the daughter of pro wrestler Kyoko Kimura. Kyoko was a pro for nearly 15 years and competed in JWP, NEO and World Wonder Ring Stardom. She retired from in-ring action in January 2017.
Wrestled Against her Mother
In Kyoko's final match, she wrestled against Hana, which could be considered a passing of the torch moment. Hana defeated Kyoko by pinfall, but it wasn't the first time they have faced each other in the ring. In 2005, Kyoko defeated Hana for the DDT Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship. And the thing about that was Hana was only 7 years old.
Debut in 2016
Hana made her debut in 2016 after graduating Wrestle-1 training academy. She debuted in the promotion in March of that year, losing to Reika Saiki. The two wrestled each other numerous times throughout the year.
First Championship
Not too long after making her debut, Kimura was able to win her first championship, winning the JWP Junior title by defeating Yako Fujigasaki in September 2016. Around this time, she was appearing in World Wonder Ring Stardom with her mother.
Title with Mom
In October 2016, Hana and Kyoko Kimura won the Artist of Stardom Championship. However, the team would have to vacate the titles when Hana got injured. This happened one week before she lost the JWP Junior Championship.
Appeared in Ring of Honor
In January 2018, Kimura was officially announced to the Wrestle-1 roster. But she also worked internationally including making an appearance in the U.S. promotion Ring of Honor. She worked several matches with the promotion, including a six-woman tag match at G1 Supercard at Madison Square Garden.
Making History
Kimura is known for her work in STARDOM. However, she was able to make history earlier this year, competing in New Japan's Wrestle Kingdom 14 at the Tokyo Dome in a tag team match. It wasn't part of the "official" show, but it was the first time in 18 years a women's match was held at the Tokyo Dome.
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