Rio Kazama

Rio Kazama has short silver hair and long, narrow pupils that make her stand out.

Her wrestling outfit is a two-piece leotard.

In the original story, she wears spats under her shorts, but in the anime, she doesn't wear them.

During her entrance, Rio puts on a hunter-themed mask that leaves her eyes and mouth uncovered and wears a cape.

She also has a signature pose and catchphrase, saying, "Now, it's hunting time!"

Rio Kazama acts like an egotistical heel at first, using sharp words and behaving strictly.

She is proud of professional wrestling and does not like idols or outsiders who do not respect it.

Although she acts tough and sometimes mean, she is not truly bad.

She respects skilled fighters and can accept defeat with honor.

As the story goes on, Rio becomes a kinder and more supportive figure, especially towards Sakura.

Rio is a wrestler in the women's group Berserk.

She joined the sport because she admired Jackal Tojo, another top wrestler.

Even though she is famous for her heel attitude, Rio deeply values women's wrestling and does not tolerate anyone treating it like a joke.

Rio is an all-rounder wrestler.

She is skilled in throws, holds, and aerial moves.

Her best moves are various sleeper holds, including the body scissor sleeper.

She often uses joint locks and balance techniques to dominate the match.

At first, Rio is against Sakura Hagiwara and Elena Miyazawa, upset at their idol backgrounds.

After defeating Sakura, Rio stops calling her "Hagiwara" and starts saying "Sakura," showing friendship and respect.

She cheers for Sakura in later matches.

Rio also has a deep appreciation for Jackal Tojo, who inspired her to start wrestling.

She is close and supportive to her teammates and helps new wrestlers grow.

Rio often argues with Elena, especially for being careless or disrespectful about wrestling.

• "You idol wannabes!"
• "Now, it's hunting time!"

Initial Rivalry and Sakura's Challenge

While reporters are visiting the Berserk gym, Elena Miyazawa, Sakura Hagiwara, and their idol group "Sweet Diva" friends are interviewing for a TV show.

Elena climbs the ring post and fools around, which upsets Rio Kazama.

Rio gets angry and teaches Elena a tough lesson about the reality of pro wrestling.

When Rio shouts, "You idol wannabes!" Sakura becomes furious.

Sakura calls Rio a "coward."

Rio answers by challenging her to a "Cabellera contra Cabellera" match—a hair-cutting death match.

The First Match: Facing Sakura

During the match, Rio shows no mercy.

She uses many submission holds to dominate Sakura, showing everyone that pro wrestling is not easy for outsiders.

With her finisher, the sleeper hold, Rio knocks Sakura unconscious and wins.

As promised, Rio cuts Sakura’s hair short.

After the match, she insults "Sweet Diva," which becomes a turning point and motivates Sakura to join pro wrestling for real.

Change of Heart and Becoming a Mentor

It is later revealed that Rio was not being truly evil.

She was holding back a little in their first match.

After losing to Sakura in their next fight, Rio quickly accepts her defeat and praises Sakura.

She becomes one of Sakura’s main rivals and also a supportive mentor.

Later Development and Story Progress

Rio continues as a top-level wrestler in Berserk, although she sometimes has to play the "faller" role and does not win much in the later story.

In the anime, Rio’s caring feelings for Sakura are stronger.

Before Sakura’s important matches, Rio encourages her and shows genuine concern.

When another wrestler, Moe, expresses how sad she would be if Sakura retired, Rio shouts, "I wouldn’t want that either!" proving her loyalty.

Rio's look in the original is more beast-like, but her anime version has softer eyes.

Her character is based closely on a real-life heel wrestler in Japan, Mayumi Ozaki, who was famous for being both loved and hated by fans.

Some of her lines and scenes are tributes to real wrestling moments, like the time Mayumi Ozaki was upset with idol wrestler Rumi Kazama.

Rio’s signature line, "You idol wannabes!" is a reference to that.

Rio’s costume and entrance are inspired by hunting themes and maybe by the real-life wrestler Kazushi Sakuraba.

She is known for her strong fighting spirit and her journey from tough rival to trusted friend.