Megumi Kudo

Megumi Kudo was the kind of wrestler who made you want to root for her just because she was so darn good at being bad. Born on September 20, 1969, in Koshigaya, Saitama, Japan, this 5-foot-4-inch firecracker brought a level of intensity and unpredictability to the squared circle that few others could match.

Kudo's wrestling style was a perfect blend of technician and hardcore brawler. She was like a ninja with a mean streak – fast, agile, and always one step ahead of her opponents. And when she got angry, watch out! Kudome, as fans affectionately called her, would unleash a flurry of high-flying moves that left her foes reeling.

But what really set Kudo apart was her penchant for doing the unthinkable. She'd drop down from the top rope and deliver a Tope Suicida that would send her opponents crashing to the mat. And if they were lucky enough to make it back to their feet, she'd greet them with a Swinging DDT that would leave them dazed and confused.

Kudo's arsenal was so deep, so creative, that even the most seasoned wrestlers struggled to keep up. She was like a one-woman demolition derby – always on the move, always looking for the next big hit. And when she finally got you in her sights, you knew it was all over.

It's little wonder, then, that Kudo became known as the Queen of the Ring. This was a woman who ruled her domain with an iron fist (or, at least, an iron arm). She was the real deal – a true pioneer in the world of women's wrestling.

Kudo's impressive career came to an end on April 29, 1997, but not before she left an indelible mark on the sport. And even though she may be retired now, her legend lives on in the hearts and minds of fans everywhere. So here's to Megumi Kudo – a true original, a true warrior, and one hell of a wrestler.

You might not know that Kudo was a star basketball player in high school. Yeah, this lady could shoot it from anywhere on the court. And who knows? Maybe if she hadn't become a pro wrestler, we'd be talking about her as one of the all-time greats in the NBA.

• Kudome Driver
• Kudome Valentine
• Frankensteiner
• Jumping Hip Attack
• Tope Suicida
• Swinging DDT
• Mutant Dragon Sleeper

This is a woman who knew how to put on a show. And even though she may be retired now, Megumi Kudo will always be remembered as one of the greatest female wrestlers of all time.