Lioness Asuka

The Lioness Unleashed

Tomoko Kitamura, better known to the wrestling faithful as Lioness Asuka, was a force to be reckoned with in the squared circle. Hailing from Tokyo, Japan, this 5'7" technician packed a punch that belied her petite frame.

Born on July 28, 1963, Asuka's journey into the world of professional wrestling began in 1980. Her early years were marked by stints in various Japanese promotions, including All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling and Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling. It was during this period that she honed her skills, perfecting a style that would come to define her: a blend of technical grappling and high-flying acrobatics.

As the years went by, Asuka's reputation grew, and so did her list of accolades. She won championships in Consejo Mundial De Lucha Libre, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and even World Wrestling Entertainment. The NWA Women's Pacific & NEO Championship, WWWA World Championship, TWF World Women's Championship, AJW Championship, and AJW Junior Championship all found their way onto her mantle.

But it was Asuka's signature moves that truly set her apart. Her LSD, a devastating combination of submissions and strikes, left opponents reeling. And when she unleashed the Tower Hacker Bomb – a breathtaking 450-springboard senton – the crowd would erupt in a frenzy of cheers.

Asuka's career spanned an impressive three decades, with her last match taking place on February 27, 2013. Though she may have retired from active competition, her legacy as one of the greatest female wrestlers of all time remains unchallenged.

Retirement: A Legacy Unfurled

April 3, 2005, marked the end of Asuka's in-ring career, but the impact she left behind continues to resonate. Her influence can be seen in generations of female wrestlers who followed in her footsteps. And though she may no longer lace up her boots for a match, Lioness Asuka remains an icon – a testament to the power and determination of a true wrestling pioneer.