Aug 19, 2013

THE FIRST STAR OF WOMEN'S WRESTLING WORLD

I think I have to refer to the history of women's pro-wrestling in Japan. In this country, women's pro-wrestling developed in the way of its own. This field was born immediately after World War 2. But many people regarded it as a low-grade show. Suddenly one girl appeared and started a revolution in the early 70's. Her name was Mach Fumiake. At that time I was an elementary school student (that's very old story), and Mach's wonderful fight style was very impressive for me.

Mach Fumiake
Mach Fumiake had wished to become a singer. She appeared on a famous TV program 'A Star Is Born', an audition of young singers, but she failed. At the same day, a little girl Momoe Yamaguchi passed in the audition. Afterwards Momoe became a super star singer in Japan. Mach could not become a singer, but as she was very tall, and she was good at judo and karate, All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling scouted her. When Mach Fumiake defeated Jumbo Miyamoto and wrested a champion belt, she was only 16 years old !!

Mach's appearance gave the wrestling world many things. TV program of women's pro-wrestling was put on the air regularly since then. The management of All Japan Women's Pro turned for the better. And Mach established a style of star wrestlers. She released a record and sang a song on the ring. (Her dream came true !) Afterwards many star wrestlers followed in her footsteps, and in the 70's and 80's, many wrestling fans (little girls) wished to become a wrestler. I think Mach created a base of women's wrestling boom.




Mach Fumiake was active as a star wrestler only two years, and she suddenly turned to a TV personality. She appeared on a quiz show and some motion pictures. Now her name as a wrestler is a legend of the history of women's pro-wrestling. And a super star singer, Momoe Yamaguchi retired in 1981. In my mind, Mach and Momoe are two little girls even now !!

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