Japanese pro wrestling and MMA star Aliya’ (also known as Aya Koyama) has passed at the age of 45 after battling with cancer.
Women of Honor star Sumie Sakai announced the news on social media and shared the memory that her friend wrestled at her retirement show with Stage IV cancer:
Aliya’ passed away early this morning in Japan. I will never forget about her. Thank you so much for supporting her retirement show.
She loves Pro wrestling so much. She was wrestling at her retirement show with stage IV cancer…Rest In Peace ?????
Love you!!! HUGS!!! pic.twitter.com/FzRZxwLLI4
— ??Sumie Sakai?? (@SumieSakai) August 27, 2018
Debuting in 1996, Aliya’ has competed in numerous promotions throughout her 20 year career that include Big Japan, All Japan, Japanese Women Pro-Wrestling Project, All Japan Women’s Wrestling, REINA and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL).
In 2001, she took a break from pro wrestling to get into the world of Mixed Martial Arts, going 4-9-1 in a three year career in the sport working with such Japanese MMA promotions as DEEP and Smackgirl.
[H/T: Last Word On Pro Wrestling]
Diva Dirt sends their condolences to the family, friends and fans of Aliya’ during this difficult time.
