Riho
Riho (里歩, Riho, born June 4, 1997) is a Japanese professional wrestler currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where she serves as a prominent figure in the women's division and is recognized as the inaugural AEW Women's World Champion.[1][2] Standing at 5 feet 1.5 inches tall and weighing approximately 99 pounds, she is known for her high-flying, athletic style that emphasizes speed and resilience as an underdog competitor.[1] Riho's career began remarkably early when she debuted at the age of nine in 2006 for the Ice Ribbon promotion in Japan, training under veteran wrestler Emi Sakura alongside her older sister Seina while still in elementary school.[1][3] By age 11, she had already captured her first championship, the International Ribbon Tag Team Titles, partnering with Yuki Sato, marking her as one of the youngest titleholders in professional wrestling history.[1] Throughout her teenage years and into her twenties, Riho competed extensively in Japanese promotions such as DDT Pro-Wrestling, Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling, and Stardom, amassing multiple titles including the IWA Triple Crown in 2016, the Gatoh Move Asia Dream Tag Team Championship twice (2016 and 2018), the Gatoh Move Super Asia Championship in 2017, the SPW Queen of Asia in 2018, and the Stardom High Speed Championship in 2019.[3][1] Riho joined AEW in 2019, making her American television debut on the inaugural episode of AEW Dynamite, where she defeated Nyla Rose to become the first-ever AEW Women's World Champion in a tournament final, holding the title for 133 days before losing it to Nyla Rose.[2][1] Since then, she has remained a key roster member, participating in high-profile matches such as main-eventing the first AEW Battle of the Belts event in 2022 against Britt Baker and challenging for the AEW TBS Championship against Mercedes Moné at All Out in September 2025, though she did not win. As of November 2025, she is competing in the AEW Women's Tag Team Championship tournament alongside Alex Windsor.[1][4][5] Her signature moves, including the running double-knee strike known as the Somato, have earned her acclaim for inspiring younger fans with her perseverance and technical prowess across global promotions.[6][1]Early life
Childhood and family
Riho was born on June 4, 1997, in Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan.[1] She has an older sister named Seina, who is three years her senior and also pursued a career as a professional wrestler, with the siblings beginning their training together under Emi Sakura in 2006.[3][1] Throughout her youth, Riho maintained a petite physique, measuring 1.55 m (5 ft 1 in) in height and weighing 45 kg (99 lb), physical attributes that would later define her agile wrestling style.[7]Introduction to professional wrestling
Riho's entry into professional wrestling occurred at an exceptionally young age, as she began training under renowned joshi wrestler and trainer Emi Sakura in 2006 at the Ice Ribbon dojo.[1] This early start was facilitated by Sakura's innovative approach to nurturing young talent in Japan's joshi puroresu scene, where Riho quickly adapted to the rigors of athletic conditioning and basic wrestling techniques.[8] On May 29, 2006, Riho made her professional debut for Ice Ribbon at the age of nine, competing in a match that highlighted her precocious talent and agility.[9] This event established her as one of the youngest performers to debut in joshi wrestling history, a feat that underscored the unique opportunities available in promotions like Ice Ribbon for child prodigies.[10] Her initial in-ring experiences focused on fundamental skills such as takedowns, submissions, and high-flying maneuvers suited to her small stature, allowing her to build confidence through exhibition-style bouts.[1] Riho's early motivations stemmed from a family interest in athletics, as she trained alongside her older sister Seina, who provided mutual encouragement in their shared pursuit.[1] However, as a child wrestler still in elementary school, she faced significant challenges in balancing rigorous training sessions with academic responsibilities, often navigating the physical demands and occasional controversies surrounding such young entrants to the sport.[1] These formative years shaped her resilient character, emphasizing discipline and perseverance before she committed fully to wrestling later in her teens.[8]Professional wrestling career
Ice Ribbon (2006–2012)
Riho debuted for Ice Ribbon on May 29, 2006, at the age of nine, following training under Emi Sakura at the promotion's dojo alongside her sister Seina.[11] Early in her career, she competed in exhibition matches and tag team bouts, often showcasing her agility against more experienced opponents in the Joshi wrestling scene.[12] These initial appearances established her as a prodigious talent, with storylines emphasizing her underdog status as the youngest performer on the roster. By 2008, Riho earned her first title opportunity, teaming with Yuki Sato to capture the International Ribbon Tag Team Championship on October 24 against Ribbon Takanashi and Chokumo.[12] The following year, on November 28, 2009, she won the Triangle Ribbon Championship in a three-way match against Mio Shirai and Misaki Ohata, highlighting her versatility in trios competitions where teams of three wrestlers collaborated to defend the belts in multi-woman encounters.[11] These victories marked her rapid ascent and introduced key storylines focused on her growth from novice to contender. Riho achieved a career milestone on April 3, 2010, defeating veteran Miyako Matsumoto at Ice Ribbon event #172 to win the ICEx∞ Championship, thereby becoming Ice Ribbon's first and youngest Triple Crown Champion at age 13 by holding the promotion's three primary titles simultaneously.[10] During this era, she developed notable rivalries with older Joshi wrestlers, including a high-profile title defense against her mentor Emi Sakura on May 3, 2010, which underscored themes of mentorship turning competitive and her maturation as a performer.[13] In 2012, amid promotional shifts including Emi Sakura's departure from Ice Ribbon, Riho chose to leave the promotion in September to pursue new challenges and reunite with her trainer at the newly founded Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling.[14] This transition reflected her desire for broader developmental opportunities beyond Ice Ribbon's established structure.DDT Pro-Wrestling and Union Pro Wrestling (2010–2011)
In 2010, Riho expanded her wrestling appearances beyond Ice Ribbon by debuting in DDT Pro-Wrestling on June 13, during the "What Are You Doing 2010?" event, where she teamed with Kenny Omega and Mr. #6 to defeat Emi Sakura, The Great Kojika, and Poison Sawada Julie in a six-person tag team match.[15] This marked her entry into DDT's eclectic, comedy-infused environment, allowing her to compete in mixed-gender bouts and showcase adaptability alongside established veterans. Her involvement quickly escalated, as she aligned with The Great Kojika and Mr. #6, leveraging her agility to complement their veteran personas in trios competition. On July 25, 2010, at DDT's Ryōgoku Peter Pan 2010: Summer Vacation event, Riho, The Great Kojika, and Mr. #6 captured the DDT Jiyūgaoka Six-Person Tag Team Championship, DDT Nihonkai Six-Man Tag Team Championship, and UWA World Trios Championship in a unification match, defeating the reigning champions Danshoku Dino, Antonio Honda, and Hiroshi Fukuda. The victory unified the three titles under their team, highlighting Riho's role in DDT's tradition of blending joshi talent with hardcore and humorous elements; they defended the unified belts successfully on several occasions, including against Jun Kasai, Jaki Numazawa, and Masato Yoshino on September 5, 2010.[16] These defenses emphasized Riho's versatility in high-energy, inter-promotional settings, broadening her exposure within Japan's independent scene. Concurrent with her DDT run, Riho ventured into Union Pro Wrestling starting in late 2010, adopting the masked "Black Cherry" persona—a heelish character clad in black and pink attire—to engage in character-driven storylines.[10] Debuting the gimmick during a joint DDT/Union Pro event in summer 2010, Black Cherry Riho participated in multi-woman feuds, notably clashing with Cherry and allies in elimination-style matches, such as the October 3, 2010, "Let's Go Union 2010Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling (2012–2019)
Riho joined Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling in September 2012, shortly after the promotion's founding by her mentor Emi Sakura, who had departed Ice Ribbon earlier that year.[18] Drawing from her earlier cross-promotional experience in DDT Pro-Wrestling and Union Pro Wrestling, Riho integrated seamlessly into Gatoh Move's roster, performing in the promotion's signature intimate venue, Ichigaya Chocolate Square, and contributing to its unique blend of technical and comedy wrestling.[18] Over the next seven years, she became the promotion's ace, headlining events and helping establish Gatoh Move as a nurturing ground for joshi talent. Riho's championship success began in earnest in 2014, when she defeated Emi Sakura on November 2 to capture the IWA Triple Crown Championship, holding it for 323 days until losing it to Sakura on September 21, 2015.[9] She reclaimed the title on June 22, 2016, by defeating Kaori Yoneyama, reigning for 150 days before dropping it to MIZUKI on November 19.[9] In the tag division, Riho partnered with Kotori to win the Asia Dream Tag Team Championship on December 24, 2016, defeating the team of Mochi Miyagi and Sayaka Obihiro; they defended the belts successfully before losing them to Aasa Maika and Makoto on March 28, 2017.[9] Her most notable run came as the inaugural Super Asia Champion, won on September 22, 2017, by defeating Makoto in a single-elimination tournament final at Gatoh Move's 5th Anniversary Show; Riho defended the title 10 times over 620 days, including against challengers like SAKI and Mei Suruga, before vacating it upon leaving the promotion.[9][19] Throughout her tenure, Riho engaged in prominent feuds that showcased her evolution from a promising junior to a versatile main eventer, particularly in rivalries with Emi Sakura and rising stars like MIZUKI and Makoto. Notable defenses included retaining the IWA Triple Crown against Makoto on March 26, 2015, via submission with the Niko Niko Clutch, and against MIZUKI on June 21, 2016, solidifying her dominance.[20] Her style matured with an emphasis on high-flying techniques, such as the 450 splash and tope con hilo, balanced by strong submission holds, allowing her to adapt to Gatoh Move's diverse match formats. Riho also aided the promotion's international outreach, participating in defenses and exhibitions during Gatoh Move's working agreements, such as with Singapore Pro Wrestling in 2016, which exposed her to broader audiences and elevated the company's profile abroad.[19] In June 2019, Riho announced her graduation from Gatoh Move to go freelance and seek opportunities overseas. Her final appearance occurred on July 2, 2019, at the "Last Song for You" event in Tokyo, where she lost a 20-minute main event singles match to Emi Sakura, marking an emotional sendoff attended by peers from across joshi promotions.[21]All Elite Wrestling (2019–present)
Riho joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019 as part of the promotion's initial roster of female talent. She made her in-ring debut for the company on the inaugural episode of AEW Dynamite on October 2, 2019, where she defeated Nyla Rose to become the first-ever AEW Women's World Champion in a 133-day reign that concluded on February 12, 2020, when Rose defeated her in a rematch on Dynamite. During her championship run, Riho defended the title successfully against notable opponents, including Britt Baker at Full Gear in November 2019 and Emi Sakura at Bash at the Beach in January 2020. Her high-flying, technical style quickly established her as a key figure in AEW's women's division.[2] Following her title loss, Riho continued to compete prominently in AEW, engaging in feuds with Rose and Baker that showcased her resilience against power-based competitors. She challenged for the Women's World Championship multiple times and formed alliances in tag team bouts to elevate the division's depth. Riho's matches often emphasized her international appeal, blending joshi wrestling elements with AEW's athletic showcase. Due to travel restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic, she returned to Japan temporarily before resuming AEW appearances in August 2020. In January 2022, Riho suffered a broken collarbone during her title challenge against Britt Baker on AEW Battle of the Belts, prompting her return to Japan for recovery and an extended absence from AEW programming. She was sidelined for approximately three months but faced intermittent absences thereafter due to visa and scheduling issues. Another significant hiatus began in July 2024 after fracturing her arm in a match against Lady Frost on AEW Collision on July 6, leading to a 14-month break from in-ring action while she rehabilitated in Japan. Riho made a surprise return to AEW on the September 3, 2025, episode of Dynamite, interrupting and attacking Mercedes Moné following Moné's TBS Championship defense against Alex Windsor, signaling her intent to pursue the title. This led to a TBS Championship match at All Out on September 20, 2025, where Riho fell short in a competitive bout, with Moné retaining via pinfall after a grueling exchange. Post-All Out, Riho continued her momentum with a victory over Robyn Renegade on the September 17 Dynamite, though Moné ambushed her afterward to escalate their rivalry.[4][22] As of November 2025, Riho remains signed to AEW, balancing her commitments between U.S.-based events and occasional Japanese appearances, such as her return to World Wonder Ring Stardom on October 20, 2025, for Starlight Kid's tenth anniversary show. Her ongoing role highlights AEW's support for international talent, with potential for further title pursuits amid the women's division's evolving landscape.[23]World Wonder Ring Stardom (2019–2020)
In 2019, Riho began appearing for World Wonder Ring Stardom while signed to All Elite Wrestling, debuting on August 10 at the Stardom x Stardom event held at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.[24] In her debut match, she captured the High Speed Championship in a three-way bout by defeating champion Death Yama-san and Starlight Kid with a series of running knees followed by a pinfall on Starlight Kid after 4 minutes and 38 seconds.[24][25] This victory marked the start of her record-setting reign as the inaugural Stardom High Speed Champion under her tenure, lasting 351 days and establishing the longest reign in the title's history at that time.[26][18] Riho's championship run emphasized high-speed, aerial maneuvers that aligned with the division's focus on fast-paced, acrobatic wrestling, helping to highlight emerging talents in Stardom's undercard.[8] She made several successful defenses, including a quick 4-minute and 21-second retention against Death Yama-san on September 29, 2019, at the 5STAR Grand Prix event, where she secured the win with multiple running knees.[27] Her matches frequently involved speed division standouts like Starlight Kid, with whom she clashed in the initial title win and later in multi-woman bouts that showcased intense aerial exchanges and near-falls.[24] These encounters, including ongoing rivalries with masked high-flyers, contributed to elevating the High Speed division's visibility within Stardom by drawing on Riho's international profile as the AEW Women's World Champion.[18] The reign concluded on July 26, 2020, at Cinderella Summer in Tokyo, when Riho dropped the title to AZM in a three-way match also featuring Starlight Kid, ending after 7 minutes and 10 seconds via pinfall.[28] Following the title loss, Riho continued sporadic appearances for Stardom, teaming with AZM in tag matches against units like STARS. Her dual commitments bridged AEW and Japanese joshi wrestling, fostering early cross-promotional interest between the promotions through shared talent like Riho. By late December 2020, after her final match at the Year-End Climax event on December 26—where she and AZM lost to Mayu Iwatani and Starlight Kid—Riho completed her Stardom run to prioritize her AEW schedule.[29]In wrestling
Professional wrestling style
Riho is classified as a technician in professional wrestling, blending high-flying maneuvers with precise submissions and strikes influenced by traditional Joshi puroresu training under Emi Sakura.[30] Despite her diminutive stature of 5 ft 1 in (1.55 m) and 99 lb (45 kg), she emphasizes agility and speed to compensate, often portraying an underdog babyface who relies on quick transitions and opportunistic roll-ups to overcome larger opponents.[1] Her style prioritizes high workrate and excellent selling, allowing her to engage in fast-paced matches that highlight flexibility and athleticism across various promotions.[30] Key signature moves in Riho's arsenal include the diving footstomp, a high-impact aerial strike delivered from the top rope; the European Clutch, a bridging submission hold; the hurricanrana for reversals; the jumping knee strike for close-range offense; the Somato, a running double knee attack to the back; and the tiger feint kick, showcasing her Joshi roots in evasive striking.[31] She also incorporates the 619, a rope-assisted kick, and the Northern Lights Suplex for technical chain wrestling sequences.[30] Submissions like the NikoNiko Clutch, a variation of the camel clutch, add versatility to her ground game.[30] Riho's primary finishers feature the Somato as a decisive running double knee strike, often used to target the opponent's upper body, and the double knee strike from elevated positions for emphatic conclusions.[32] Another notable finisher is the Victory Roll transitioning into a double stomp, combining evasion with a crushing follow-up.[32] Her moveset has evolved from a child prodigy emphasis on basic high-flying in early Japanese independents to a more adaptive repertoire in international settings.[30] In All Elite Wrestling, Riho has incorporated American-style spots, such as enhanced aerial dives and bridging pins, while retaining her core Joshi technical foundation to suit diverse opponents and match structures.[30] This adaptation underscores her growth into a global performer capable of seamless integration across wrestling cultures.[31]Entrance themes
During her time in Japanese promotions such as Ice Ribbon (2006–2012) and Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling (2012–2019), Riho's entrance theme was "Small Monster" (スモールモンスター) by Gatoh Ongaku, which directly tied into her "Little Monster" persona as a diminutive yet ferocious competitor.[33] This upbeat track, available on official Gatoh Move compilations, emphasized her playful yet intimidating character, often playing to crowds familiar with her high-energy arrivals. The theme's whimsical melody contrasted with her in-ring intensity, reinforcing the underdog narrative central to her identity.[34] Upon debuting in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019, Riho adopted "Eternal Beauty" as her entrance theme, composed by AEW's music producer Mikey Rukus.[35] The instrumental piece features ethereal synths and driving rhythms, evoking a sense of graceful power that aligns with her international appeal; it has remained her primary theme without major variations as of November 2025. No updates or remixes have been officially announced, though Rukus has discussed remastering early AEW tracks in general.[36] Riho's visual entrance elements evolved alongside her career transitions. In her joshi days with Ice Ribbon and Gatoh Move, her attire embodied the cute, idol-inspired aesthetic common in Japanese women's wrestling, featuring frilly skirts, pastel colors like pink and white, and accessories that highlighted her youthful "Little Monster" charm.[37] As she moved to AEW and brief appearances in World Wonder Ring Stardom (2019–2020), her look shifted toward a more empowered, athletic style with streamlined bodysuits, boots, and subtle nods to her origins—such as ribbon motifs—allowing greater mobility and a global stage presence. This evolution mirrored her growth from domestic joshi star to AEW's inaugural Women's World Champion, blending cuteness with professionalism. Fans have warmly received Riho's themes, particularly "Eternal Beauty," which often sparks lively crowd participation and chants during entrances, amplifying her "Little Monster" persona's endearing ferocity without overshadowing her agile wrestling style.[38]Championships and accomplishments
Championships
Riho's professional wrestling career includes multiple championship reigns across various promotions, beginning with her early successes in Ice Ribbon where she became the youngest competitor to achieve the promotion's Triple Crown at age 12.[39] The Triple Crown consists of the ICE×60 Championship, International Ribbon Tag Team Championship, and Triangle Ribbon Championship. She won the International Ribbon Tag Team Championship (with partner Yuki Sato) on October 24, 2008, holding it for 162 days until April 4, 2009, marking her first title.[40] On November 28, 2009, Riho defeated Nanae Takahashi and Tsukasa Fujimoto to become the inaugural Triangle Ribbon Champion, reigning for 114 days with several defenses before losing it on March 22, 2010.[41] She completed the Triple Crown on April 3, 2010, by defeating Miyako Matsumoto to win the ICE×60 Championship, which she held for 30 days until May 3, 2010; this feat was significant as it made her the first and youngest Triple Crown Champion in Ice Ribbon history.[42] During her brief appearances in DDT Pro-Wrestling and Union Pro Wrestling, Riho captured minor regional titles. On June 13, 2010, she teamed with Kenny Omega and Mr. #6 to win the Sea of Japan 6-Person Tag Team Championship (also known as Nihonkai Six-Man Tag Team Championship), holding it briefly before it was vacated later that year.[43] She also won the Jiyugaoka Six-Person Tag Team Championship alongside The Great Kojika and Mr. #6 in 2010, though exact dates and duration are limited due to the title's novelty status.[32] In Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling, Riho secured several titles, including the inaugural Super Asia Championship on September 22, 2017, by defeating Kotori in a tournament final; she held it for a record 620 days until vacating it on June 4, 2019, due to her AEW commitments, making it the longest reign in the title's history.[44] She also won the Asia Dream Tag Team Championship twice—first with Kotori on December 24, 2016, holding it for 94 days until March 28, 2017; and second with Makoto on December 11, 2018, lasting 101 days until March 22, 2019—each reign featuring defenses against local competitors.[45] Additionally, Riho captured the IWA Triple Crown Championship twice outside her Ice Ribbon tenure: first on November 2, 2014, holding it for 323 days with notable defenses until September 21, 2015; and second on June 22, 2016, for 150 days until November 19, 2016.[40] Riho's international success peaked in 2019. On August 10, 2019, in her Stardom debut, she defeated Death Yama-san to win the High Speed Championship, holding it for 351 days with multiple defenses in high-speed stipulation matches until losing it to AZM in a three-way match also involving Starlight Kid on July 26, 2020; this reign was among the longest in the title's history and highlighted her speed-based style.[26] She also won the SPW Queen of Asia Championship on October 26, 2018, holding it for 1491 days until vacating it on November 25, 2022. Later that year, on October 2, 2019—the debut episode of AEW Dynamite—Riho defeated Nyla Rose to become the inaugural AEW Women's World Champion, reigning for 133 days.[2] Her title defenses included victories over Emi Sakura at Full Gear on November 9, 2019, Britt Baker D.M.D. in a four-way match on January 1, 2020 (also involving Hikaru Shida and Nyla Rose), and Kris Statlander on January 8, 2020, before losing to Nyla Rose on February 12, 2020.[46]| Championship | Reign | Date Won | Date Lost | Duration (Days) | Partner (if applicable) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Ribbon Tag Team Championship | 1 | October 24, 2008 | April 4, 2009 | 162 | Yuki Sato | First title; part of Triple Crown path.[40] |
| Triangle Ribbon Championship | 1 | November 28, 2009 | March 22, 2010 | 114 | N/A | Inaugural champion; multiple defenses.[41] |
| ICE×60 Championship | 1 | April 3, 2010 | May 3, 2010 | 30 | N/A | Completed Triple Crown as youngest ever.[42] |
| Sea of Japan 6-Person Tag Team Championship | 1 | June 13, 2010 | 2010 (vacated) | Unknown (brief) | Kenny Omega & Mr. #6 | Minor DDT title.[43] |
| Jiyugaoka Six-Person Tag Team Championship | 1 | 2010 | Unknown | Unknown | The Great Kojika & Mr. #6 | Minor DDT title.[32] |
| IWA Triple Crown Championship | 1 | November 2, 2014 | September 21, 2015 | 323 | N/A | Longest personal reign; several defenses.[40] |
| Asia Dream Tag Team Championship | 1 | December 24, 2016 | March 28, 2017 | 94 | Kotori | Gatoh Move tag title.[45] |
| Super Asia Championship | 1 | September 22, 2017 | June 4, 2019 (vacated) | 620 | N/A | Inaugural; longest reign in title history.[44] |
| Asia Dream Tag Team Championship | 2 | December 11, 2018 | March 22, 2019 | 101 | Makoto | Final Gatoh Move tag reign.[45] |
| SPW Queen of Asia Championship | 1 | October 26, 2018 | November 25, 2022 (vacated) | 1491 | N/A | Longest reign.[47] |
| High Speed Championship | 1 | August 10, 2019 | July 26, 2020 | 351 | N/A | Record-length defenses in Stardom.[26] |
| AEW Women's World Championship | 1 | October 2, 2019 | February 12, 2020 | 133 | N/A | Inaugural champion; key defenses vs. Emi Sakura, Britt Baker, Kris Statlander.[2] |
| IWA Triple Crown Championship | 2 | June 22, 2016 | November 19, 2016 | 150 | N/A | Second reign with defenses.[40] |