May 12 (News On Japan) - A founding member of Kyushu Pro Wrestling and one of its most recognizable stars, Mentai☆Kid, is preparing to retire after 17 years in the ring.
His final match is scheduled for May 11th, marking the end of a career that inspired fans across the region.
The announcement of Mentai☆Kid’s retirement was made in June last year during a Kyushu Pro Wrestling event. Known for his energy and agility, he explained that rather than fade away as a shadow of his former self, he chose to step down while still being true to his character. “If people start saying, ‘He used to be amazing, but not anymore,’ then it’s time to go,” he said.
Mentai☆Kid first debuted professionally in 2003 in Mexico, a country with a rich wrestling culture. After returning to Japan, he struggled to make a living from wrestling alone and retired once in 2005, having never been able to fully support himself through the sport.
It was then that Kyushu Pro Wrestling founder Ryota Chikuzen helped bring him back into the spotlight, even giving him the name Mentai☆Kid. Their shared journey became a pillar of the organization, especially during difficult times when the promotion's survival was in question.
At one of the final events before his retirement, Mentai☆Kid faced Chikuzen in a special match between the two founding members. He later reflected that he wanted to end his career by wrestling the man who helped shape it. "I wanted to finish where it all began," he said.
Through his performances, Mentai☆Kid came to realize that professional wrestlers must be more than untouchable idols—they must be relatable. “I used to think wrestlers should be distant icons. But now I believe we need to be close to the people. That’s something I learned.”
In an emotional post-match address, he thanked Chikuzen and the fans, saying that everything they had built—through both successes and failures—was meaningful. He expressed gratitude for the support that allowed him to give his best in the ring until the very end.
Looking ahead to his final appearance, Mentai☆Kid declared one last goal: to face his longtime rival Genkai in a one-on-one retirement match. The two have clashed five times, with Mentai☆Kid winning only once. “There’s still one thing I haven’t done,” he said. “I want my last match to be against Genkai.”
That decisive bout will take place on May 11th, as Mentai☆Kid takes to the ring one final time, closing the curtain on a wrestling career that helped shape Kyushu’s local scene and inspired countless fans.
Source: FBS
