Wait, What? Voice Actress Sumire Uesaka Makes Pro Wrestling Debut, Captures Ironman Title with Victor-Style Knee Lock

On March 29, Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling held its event “GRAND PRINCESS '26” at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Voice actress Sumire Uesaka made her professional wrestling debut and captured the Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship.

The title has a chaotic history. On April 20 last year, after a DDT Pro Wrestling event at Kanda Myojin Hall, mascot Pokotan attacked then champion Kazuki Hirata with a wrench. Encouraged by ambassador Tetsu Inada, Uesaka pinned Hirata to claim the title. However, after the event, Pokotan reappeared and placed its own head over Uesaka’s, plunging her into darkness. Overwhelmed by fear, she tapped out, losing the title as it was transferred to Pokotan.

Dramatic Entry and Victory in the Battle Royal

On March 10, during a promotional event, rookie Shion Kanzaki performed a street live concert following a challenge from Super Sasadango Machine. As representative Tetsuya Koda attempted to close the event, Uesaka appeared in Tiger Jet Singh inspired attire, wielding a saber and attacking him. She demanded entry into the Ironman Rumble at Ryogoku, which was accepted. The appearance of such a high profile voice actress fulfilled a major requirement for the event.

The “Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship Timed Entry Battle Royal,” featuring 12 participants, was held as the second match. The reigning champion Antonio Honda unexpectedly lost the title before the match after falling asleep backstage, allowing Raku to take the belt.

The match began with Minimo, the official character of Minimoni, accompanied by Mari Yaguchi, facing Raku. Despite assistance from Yaguchi, Minimo was eliminated. Additional participants entered one after another, including Chika Nanase, who impressed with her athletic ability.

As the title changed hands rapidly during the match, Uesaka entered as the 11th participant, attacking competitors with her saber. In the final moments, she defeated Maya Kiryu using a Victor style knee lock to reclaim the championship for the first time in about a year.

Uesaka Reflects on Her Unexpected Victory

Uesaka commented, “I ended up swinging a mysterious saber I had at home in Shinjuku, which led to an attack incident and my sudden participation. I have always liked Showa era wrestling and Tiger Jet Singh, but I had never seriously considered stepping into the ring. When I actually stood there, it was an incredible experience. Thanks to the saber, I was able to stand in the ring and reclaim the belt. I feel nothing but gratitude toward it.”

Now holding a title that can be challenged anytime, she added, “I lost my saber during the match, which makes me a bit uneasy. It was the reason I could stand in the ring. Last time, Pokotan took the title from me, so I will stay cautious.”

Regarding future appearances, she said, “The ring is a sacred place, and I have deep respect for professional wrestling, so I would prefer to remain a viewer. However, in case of an emergency…”

Meanwhile, fellow debut participant Sato expressed enthusiasm about continuing in wrestling, stating her intention to join Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling as a trainee and aim to defeat her older brother, Daichi Sato.

Source : ORICON NEWS