The first AEW vs. WWE match? Legends from rival companies meet, challenge issued

A potential WWE versus AEW match might be in the works after a recent exchange between stars of rival companies. The names in question are none other than Meiko Satomura and Emi Sakura.

Both female Japanese stars are currently signed to two top rival companies, AEW and WWE. Emi Sakura has been a part of the Jacksonville-based promotion since 2019 whereas Meiko Satomura made her way to the WWE in 2020 where she captured the NXT UK Women's Title. Her most recent televised match was against Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women's Title at Roadblock on March 7, 2023.

Meiko Satomura is set to retire from professional wrestling in 2025. On X (formerly known as Twitter), Puroresu Flow's account posted the heartfelt moment between Emi Sakura and Meiko Satomura where she was challenged for a match by the AEW star during her retirement announcement.

"During Meiko Satomura’s retirement announcement. An emotional Emi Sakura appeared & would like a match with her before she retires. An AEW talent & WWE talent coming together in the ring."

WWE star Meiko Satomura recently spoke about her return to Japan

A couple of weeks ago Meiko Satomura returned to Japan after a notable amount of time where she teamed up with Takumi Iroha to face Chihiro Hashimoto and Yuu at Fortune Dream 9. This was the legend's first match since 2021 in Japan.

On her Instagram account, Meiko Satomura broke her silence on her massive return to her home country.

"First domestic fight in three years. Thank you so much for choosing Mr. Komiya. For this day, I've gained seven kgs and pushed through every day. My mentor is Chikane Nagoya! I stood in the ring with my shoulders up. The team that has grown so far [is] 200k, the paintballers. We've separated from three years ago. I'm going to stand in front again!! ️2024.6.12," she wrote. [Translated from Japanese]

Meiko Satomura is set to retire from in-ring competition in 2025. It will be interesting to see if she has another run in the Stamford-based promotion before she hangs up her boots.