Senka Akatsuki on Facing Chris Hero: I Thought This Kind of Experience Might Never Come Around Again

This past Thursday, Chris Hero made his surprise return to professional wrestling, stepping up to face Japanese prodigy Senka Akatsuki in a five minute exhibition match at West Coast Pro’s “West Coast vs The World”. Akatsuki was originally scheduled to face Dani Luna, but Luna was unable to make the event.

The five minute exhibition turned into ten minutes. This was Hero’s first match since 2024.

Senka Akatsuki took to social media to reflect on the experience and state that Chris Hero was the first male wrestler she has faced off against.

“Chris Hero player. And a sudden singles match. I was shocked. It was my first match against a male wrestler. I thought this kind of experience might never come around again. It was truly a precious time. It was supposed to be 5 minutes, but we added another 5. We had a 10-minute match! I’m truly grateful for the match. After the match “Don’t forget to keep fighting.” He said. I’lI etch it into my heart. Chris Hero is truly a legend! I learned so much. Even though I knew he was amazing, he was too strong, too skilled, and it left me frustrated. Akatsuki Chiika, I’II get even stronger. Thank you so much, and thank you to all our fans in the U.S., and to West Coast Pro Wrestling.”

West Coast vs The World will be making it’s streaming premiere on April 23rd on YouTube.