The debut of The Great Sakuya, announced as the daughter of the renowned Great Muta, in NOAH has sparked speculation and curiosity among fans. There is uncertainty surrounding whether Sakuya is indeed the biological daughter of the three-time Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion. Rather, she is the fictional offspring within the wrestling narrative of the former wrestler who upheld his legacy. Keiji Muto, also known as ‘The Great Muta’, is a retired Japanese wrestler who dedicated over four decades to the sport until his retirement on February 21, 2023.
Muto, known by his ring name ‘The Great Muta’, participated in various wrestling promotions, including WCW, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and TNA (now Impact Wrestling). He held 32 championship titles, such as nine NWA World Championships, four IWGP Heavyweight Championships, and one GHC Heavyweight Championship.
Additionally, Muto founded W-1, a wrestling promotion, and is the proprietor of the restaurant Yakiniku Dining 610. His name is intertwined with those of iconic wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Dwayne Johnson, and The Undertaker.
Understanding The Great Sakuya and Her Background
The Great Sakuya is part of the Pro Wrestling NOAH storyline, where she is portrayed as the daughter of Keiji’s wrestling persona, ‘The Great Muta’. In reality, they are not related. As a female wrestler, she previously competed in Marvelous That’s Women Pro Wrestling using the ring name Riko Kawahata. She was born on July 28, 1999, in Tokyo, Japan, and will be 24 years old in 2024.
Under the character of Great Sakuya, Kawahata made her wrestling debut in 2018, known for executing the Moonsault Press as her signature move. Standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 121 pounds (55 kg), she does not have a Wikipedia page, unlike her fictional father in NOAH.
Muto maintained occasional appearances in NOAH post-retirement, introducing the character of his gimmick’s daughter, The Great Sakuya, to continue his ring legacy. He reappeared in NOAH on November 13, 2023, presenting a storyline about how Sakuya became his daughter. According to this narrative, the creator of the infamous green mist found a newborn on a mountaintop, unknowingly misting the child before administering the mist from a bottle.
Another video from November 27, 2023, depicts the Japanese wrestling veteran with a young woman, suggesting that the infant he discovered aged rapidly. The Great Muta proceeds to poison the girl with a drink and later revives her using one of his entrance masks, eventually bestowing the title Sakuya upon her.
The Debut of The Great Sakuya in NOAH
Sakuya appeared at the Nagisa Nozaki vs. Miyuki Takase match on November 27, 2023, during an episode of NOAH Monday Magic. She intervened by misting Takase and subsequently shaking hands with Nozaki, indicating a potential collaboration in a tag team bout. Her official debut with Nozaki occurred on January 2, 2024, in a tag team event at NOAH The New Year 2024. Unfortunately, the match was halted when The Great Sakuya assaulted the referee with a chair, leaving a trail of blood and exhibiting Muta’s trademark moonsault.
Exploring the Real Daughter of Great Muta
Outside the realm of wrestling, Keiji Muto, or The Great Muta, is a committed husband and father of two children with his wife, Hisae Ashida. They married in 1992 and welcomed two children: a son (name undisclosed) born in 1996, and a daughter, Ari, born in 2000. Ari Muto, the real daughter of Muto, is a singer-songwriter and actor. She performs under the stage name Mua, often wearing a half mask reminiscent of The Great Muta.
Although she did not pursue a wrestling career like her father, Ari is a fervent admirer of him. She made a one-time appearance for Wrestle-1 in 2014. Ari can be found on Instagram under the username @i_am_muuuua, showcasing her musical ventures and family. Her YouTube channel, @Muuuua, boasts over 1.61 million followers and features more than 30 original songs.
Upon her father’s retirement from wrestling in February 2023, she expressed gratitude to Pro Wrestling NOAH for pushing him beyond his limits, acknowledging his commitment and perseverance as he bid farewell to professional wrestling.
