Cutie and the Beast Vol. 4

プ女と野獣 JKが悪役レスラーに恋した話 [Pujo to Yajū: JK ga Akuyaku Wrestler ni Koishita Hanashi] #4

by Yuhi Azumi

Girl meets "scary" pro wrestler (who's actually a sweet guy) in this fun shoujo romance that draws on the wild world of wrestling!

Unlike her friends who are into pretty boys, Momoka has a crush on a giant professional wrestler named Kuga who plays a villainous heel on TV. But in real life, Kuga is a big softie, and he really appreciates her fan mail! In this lighthearted romantic comedy, a little TV crush for a very big man might just grow into something more.

Genres: Manga, Romance, Slice Of Life, Contemporary, Shojo

180 pages, Paperback

Published May 27, 2025

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s been literal years since we checked in with Momoka and Kuga, which turns out to be down to poor health on the part of the mangaka. I feel bad because, while this does finish the story, it’s kind of a waste.

This is frictionless storytelling, where even things that could or should be legitimate dramatic arcs, like that age gap, arise and then promptly go away with a fervent declaration that love will conquer all.

Momoka decides to go to the police academy and they’ll be separated for a year, but the year passes in two pages and the police thing goes utterly nowhere in favour of one last wrestling match won by, again, the power of love.

This is one of those manga where the power of love will also cleanse your colon and probably get your sheets their whitest too.

It smacks of artifice the whole time, probably due to how incredibly rushed it all is. The ending comes so suddenly it’s like hitting a brick wall, but by that point I was so okay with it ending that I didn’t mind. It advances time at a pace that’s just blistering, basically so it can wrap up with a proposal that’s actually legal.

I feel like addressing the age gap again was a particularly poor choice because it needs more effort than is being put in here. Again, this feels perfunctory and I don’t want to harangue the author too much. But I’m the one who had to read the thing.

It’s just so deadly earnest that, were it any more so, you’d expect Jim Varney to cameo somewhere. And, my lord, what is with that suit Kuga wears? A fashion crime committed before your very eyes.

The biggest conflict comes when Kuga gets the chance to go overseas, but they talk it out, which is actually smart. Except the emotional tension, Momoka’s reaction, and the advice she gets are all way off. It makes little sense for an equivalent volume.

Much like previous volumes, the whole thing remains sickly sweet, but I rapidly lost my taste for it (Momoka’s apron fantasy is the funniest thing in the volume). If you just needed to know what happened or felt this series did something right, you’ll probably be fine.

2.5 stars - was it worth the wait? No. Would I read it again? No. It moves way too fast in this last volume and has about as much conflict as the Swiss. I’m being very generous because I genuinely feel for the mangaka, I hope they are doing better, but this is age-gap mediocrity. At best.

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cutie and the Beast Vol. 4 brought a sweet end to Momoka and Kuga's unique romance, and it was genuinely heartwarming to see them tackle the more serious aspects of a long-term relationship. The double date with Shouyou and Tsubaki was a clever way to push Momoka into thinking about her future with Kuga, adding a layer of depth that the series handled quite well. It's clear the author put thought into addressing the complexities that come with their age difference and Kuga's career.

While the emotional journey felt earned, the resolution ultimately felt a bit too neat. Given the author's reported health issues, the rushed conclusion makes sense, but it did detract from the realistic approach the series sometimes aimed for. Everything wrapped up in a perfect bow, which, while satisfying in one sense, took away from the raw, messy reality that relationships often entail. Overall, a solid 3 out of 5 stars for a cute series with a slightly too-tidy ending.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say I was pretty disappointed with this volume. It took years for the series to conclude in this last book, and it was a very slim and fast read. I was far less charmed with my latest series re-read prior to finishing the conclusion than I was when the story was fresh and new, and I've read much better romance manga since I first picked this series up. If I hadn't been so in love with Cutie and the Beast in the past, I'd be purging this set from my shelves right now, but for the nostalgia factor I'll keep it and see if a future read-through brings back my enjoyment. It just felt really lackluster and forced, I guess. Like the author ran out of ideas and just wanted it over, in a way.

[Jourdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINALLY DONE OMG!!!!!! I’m glad this series got an actual ending, I do wish it had gone through the asking for her hand and the wedding but either way they get their HEA

[Vilma Diaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the final volume in the series. I will say, I started reading this a while back. I don't know if I'm in a different headspace now than when I started it, but I definitely found their relationship more problematic than I remember.

She's a high school girl, and he's a grown man. And although he's portrayed as "innocent" and "inexperienced" and a "good guy" it still felt kind of gross to me. Maybe it's just been so long since I read the first three volumes that I forgot?

All I can say is, when he got slapped by his mom when she realized he was dating a high schooler, I cheered for the mom. I don't usually applaud violence, but I was actually pleased. So yeah, that kind of gives an idea of how I was feeling. I'm glad this is the final volume. I'm not sure I would have continued if there was more.

[Zian B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really appreciate the realness of the Momoka venting to her friend about her fears in her relationship going forward, and I especially liked seeing how realistic of a reaction Kuga’s mother had to initially meeting Momoka. It was refreshing to see since this age gap could’ve gone in a more negative direction especially with Momoka’s specific age and her stage in life.
I was pretty happy to see Momoka and Kuga get their happy ending, and seeing that the couple managed to stay strong despite their age gap and the large amount of distance between them. Although, I do wish that there was an extra chapter or 2 so that the time skips could’ve been truly fleshed out.

[Felix The Pirate Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ich mag die Reihe und bin irgendwie total traurig, dass es nun mit dem langersehnten vierten Band so - gefühlt - überhastet endet.

Ich hätte mir hier viel mehr gemeinsame Momente mit den beiden Protagonisten gewünschten sowie auch einen intensiveren Ausblick auf ihre gemeinsame Zukunft. Insgesamt ist es ein schöner Band, der aber in meinen Augen noch mehr Potential hätte, die Geschichte zu einem abschließenden und intensiveren Ende zu bringen.

Ich werde sicherlich in Zukunft auch weiterhin ein Augenmerk auf die Mangaka haben. Ihr Zeichenstil gefällt mir, als auch ihre ungewöhnliche Storyidee.

[E (manga_runner) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Finally released after so long!
Personally, this volume was probably my least favorite volume I understand why the long wait and wrap up with the authors poor health, but felt the ending was just super rushed. I don't know, maybe I just had high hopes after waiting years for volume 4.
It would have been nice to maybe get some more of them during the time skip and potentially a bit after then meeting again.

[Moriah Venable · Rating 3 out of 5]

I waited a long time for this volume. I just noticed the cover changed.

I did love the ending and them finally opening up to their feelings and not trying to act like it doesn't exist.

I do wish there was more. I just recently got back into wrestling and this was really fun to learn more about in Japan.

Meeting his Mom was something. I could not believe she slapped him, but apologized once things were more explained.

[E.J. Powell · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took several years to get vol 4. Have to say, I'm disappointed in the ending. I understand the author had some health problems, so I get it about wanting to wrap things up.

The ending was extremely rushed. I was hoping to see an epilogue of them later on in life; being married after a year, etc. Instead we just see Kuga getting ready to propose.

[Selena · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thought of the series ending on this note, had me on the verge of tears. I waited a long time for the final part and it was completely worth it in the end. The final note on the last page really got to my heart. I loved Momoka and Kuga so much! They truly deserve their happy ending!❤️

[Kristin DeGarmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was cute to see how this series ended finally! I’m glad that Momoka was able to talk to Kuga about being a part and being honest with him. I also liked that she met his mom. I did want to see how the meeting between Kuga’s mom and Momoka’s dad went though. Overall, a good ending.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

the final volume is finally here and worth the wait! so cute, I absolutely loved this series, my only complaint is that this final volume felt so short😭

[Amy Dear · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad to finally have the conclusion to this series!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

"at least they didn't kiss until she was 20" -words i never thought would come from my lips

[Mosley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great way to end things. I also like how the parents weren’t just 100% on board with the romance because of the age gap. Things were kept clean and respectful all the way through this series.

[Laura Sanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2

Cute ending, a little abrupt, but still cute

[Kelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this series never really finds its footing—so it just comes across as weird.

[Blair · Rating 3 out of 5]

a 17 high schooler dates a older pro wrestler.
it's cute.
they get they should be together.
her parents know.
no spice

[BreAnna (Bre'sBooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute and satisfying series ending.

[Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cutie ending! More thoughts when I reread the whole series,