wiki143 - User contributions [en]

Leyton Buzzard

2025-06-22T15:08:46Z

89.136.44.148:

{{Short description|Professional wrestler (born 1997)}}
{{about|the wrestler|the town in Bedfordshire|Leighton Buzzard|the band|Leyton Buzzards}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
| name = Leyton Buzzard
| image =
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_name = Arthur Byrne
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1997|9|14|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Bristol]], England
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_cause =
| spouse =
| children =
| names = '''Leyton Buzzard''' Stevie Buzzard
| height =
| weight =
| billed =
| trainer = Glasgow Pro Wrestling Asylum
| debut = 2016
}}
'''Arthur Byrne'''<ref name="sundaypost"/> (born 14 September 1997),<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Buzzard |first=Leyton |author-link=Leyton Buzzard |user=LeytonBuzzard |number=1171469331361742848 |date=10 September 2019 |title=Good to see @Carmel_Jacob not taking any shite from the Dallas Rent Boys. This Saturday ON MY BIRTHDAY, me and @gradowrestling aren't coming to mess around, after what they pulled at the last show it's all business. And if you hadn't heard, LEYDOMANIAS RUNNIN WILD BABY! #ICW https://t.co/n6YFNe8cdZ |language=en |access-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926174333/https://twitter.com/LeytonBuzzard/status/1171469331361742848 |archive-date=26 September 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=241270|title=ICW Fight Club|work=cagematch.net|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|accessdate=21 February 2020}}</ref> better known by his [[ring name]] '''Leyton Buzzard''', is an English professional wrestler.<ref name="auto">{{cite web | url=https://swnscotland.com/2019/04/18/swn-meets-leyton-buzzard/ | title=SWN Meets… Leyton Buzzard | date=18 April 2019 }}</ref> He is best known for his work in [[Insane Championship Wrestling]]<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwmania.com/leyton-buzzard-opens-up-about-icws-future-fear-and-loathing-his-title-shot|title=Exclusive: Leyton Buzzard Opens Up About ICW's Future, Praises the Roster, Fear and Loathing XIV, and More - PWMania - Wrestling News|first=Lee|last=Tarrier|date=19 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/introducing-the-future-of-icw-the-prodigy-leyton-buzzard|title=Introducing... The Future of ICW, The Prodigy Leyton Buzzard|first=Gary|last=Cassidy|date=19 September 2019|website=www.sportskeeda.com}}</ref> where he is a former [[ICW World Heavyweight Championship|ICW World Heavyweight Champion]], and a one-time [[ICW Zero-G Championship|Zero-G Champion]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-bristol-65578517|title=Child actor-turned wrestler makes hometown debut|via=www.bbc.com}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{cite web | url=https://ecstasyofgoldwrestling.com/2023/06/10/distant-shores-the-icw-world-heavyweight-championship-reign-of-el-capitan-leyton-buzzard/ | title=Distant Shores: The ICW World Heavyweight Championship Reign of "El Capitan" Leyton Buzzard | date=10 June 2023 }}</ref> He currently working for [[Big Japan Pro Wrestling|Big Japan Pro-Wrestling]].<ref name="BigJapan CM">{{cite web |title=Big Japan Matches |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=21898&page=4&year=2023&promotion=117 |website=CageMatch |access-date=26 September 2023}}</ref><ref name="SWN Big Japan">{{cite web |title=Fifth match confirmed for Iron Girders Pro Wrestling (@IronGirdersGym) 'IGPW12' (29 Jul 2023) |url=https://swnscotland.com/2023/07/25/fifth-match-confirmed-for-iron-girders-pro-wrestling-irongirdersgym-igpw12-29-jul-2023/ |website=The Scottish Wrestling Network |date=25 July 2023 |access-date=26 September 2023}}</ref> He was previously a child actor on stage and screen, and was one of the twelve potential [[Oliver Twist (character)|Oliver]]s on the [[BBC]] talent show ''[[I'd Do Anything (2008 TV series)|I'd Do Anything]]'', making [[I'd Do Anything (2008 TV series)#Oliver|the final eight]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/icw-star-leyton-buzzard-on-swapping-the-musical-theatre-stage-for-the-wrestling-ring/ | title=ICW star Leyton Buzzard on swapping the musical theatre stage for the wrestling ring | date=November 2019 }}</ref>

==Acting career==
Byrne first became involved in acting at the age of eight, and was encouraged by his parents who had seen their son sing along to [[Disney]] classics. A year later, his first role was when a production of ''[[Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (musical)|Chitty Chitty Bang Bang]]'' came to [[Bristol]], and he played the role of Jeremy Potts. Following this, he would be continuously working stage shows until 2008, when he appeared on the [[BBC]] talent show ''[[I'd Do Anything (2008 TV series)|I'd Do Anything]]'' as a potential [[Oliver Twist (character)|Oliver]]. On the show, he had a lead vocal on week three, singing "Teamwork", a song from ''Chitty Chitty Bang Bang''. He made the final eight, and was eliminated in week nine, alongside four other boys. Byrne did in fact end up playing Oliver after his time on the show, at the [[Playhouse Theatre]] in July 2008.<ref name="sundaypost">{{cite web|url=https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/icw-star-leyton-buzzard-on-swapping-the-musical-theatre-stage-for-the-wrestling-ring/|title=ICW star Leyton Buzzard on swapping the musical theatre stage for the wrestling ring|work=[[The Sunday Post]]|first=Ross|last=Crae|date=1 November 2019|accessdate=21 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/glasgow-lives-arthur-22-city-17175075|title=Glasgow Lives: Arthur, 22, City Centre, wrestler|work=Glasgow Live|first=Elaine|last=Livingstone|date=30 October 2019|accessdate=21 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/what-s-on/theatre/playhouse-date-for-tv-s-oliver-1-321966|title=Playhouse date for TV's Oliver|work=Weston, Worle & Somerset Mercury|date=17 July 2008|accessdate=21 February 2020|archive-date=21 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221133631/https://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/what-s-on/theatre/playhouse-date-for-tv-s-oliver-1-321966|url-status=dead}}</ref> He later attended acting classes at the [[Sylvia Young Theatre School]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestage.co.uk/advice/scholarships/2015/the-stagethe-big-act-scholarship-winners/|title=The Stage/The Big Act Scholarship winners|work=The Stage|first=Lisa|last=Martland|date=14 November 2015|accessdate=21 February 2020}}</ref>

Byrne also had minor roles on film and television before his professional wrestling career, including playing the younger version of Martin McCreadie's character on ''[[The Five (TV series)|The Five]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tvmaze.com/people/132244/arthur-byrne | title=Arthur Byrne | TVmaze }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5006956/characters/nm4607251 | title="The Five" Episode #1.10 (TV Episode 2016) - IMDb | website=[[IMDb]] }}</ref>

==Professional wrestling career==
At the age of eighteen, Byrne travelled up to [[Glasgow]] to train at the Glasgow Pro Wrestling Asylum.<ref name="sundaypost"/><ref name="auto"/> He made his in-ring debut as Wee Arthur at GPWA's ''Proving Ground'' event on 16 October 2016.<ref name="Wee Arthur CM">{{cite web |title=GPWA Proving Ground |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=162342 |website=CageMatch |access-date=26 September 2023}}</ref><ref name="auto1"/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JxjEPSmAYw | title=Episode 13 | Rudo Lightning v Leyton Buzzard | website=[[YouTube]] | date=4 February 2020 }}</ref>

===Independent Circuit (2017–present)===

Leyton Buzzard has been active on the UK and international independent circuits. He has worked in multiple countries companies like [[Revolution Pro Wrestling]], [[Over the Top Wrestling]], [[British Championship Wrestling]], [[Pro Wrestling Elite]], [[Westside Xtreme Wrestling]], Fife Pro Wrestling Asylum, Black Label Pro, C*4 Wrestling, [[Wolfgang (wrestler)#Iron Girders Pro Wrestling|Iron Girders Pro Wrestling]], WrestleFest DXB, Pro Wrestling Chaos, Israeli Pro Wrestling Association And Many more.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://swnscotland.com/2018/05/16/wrestler-spotlight-leyton-buzzard/|title=Wrestler Spotlight: Leyton Buzzard|first=Adam|last=Morrison|date=16 May 2018}}</ref><ref name="Promotion Database">{{cite web |title=Leyton Buzzard Career |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=21898&page=20 |website=CageMatch |access-date=26 September 2023}}</ref>

In 2019, he won the SWA X Championship<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestling-news.net/pwe-8th-anniversary-show-results/127411/|title=PWE Results: 8th Anniversary Show – Ayr, Scotland (7/20)|first=Wayne|last=Daly|date=21 July 2019|website=www.wrestling-news.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://swnscotland.com/2019/11/24/full-results-scottish-wrestling-alliance-lions-den-2019/|title=Full Results: Scottish Wrestling Alliance 'Lion's Den' 2019|date=24 November 2019}}</ref> and the PBW King of Cruisers<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2019/10/27/leyton-buzzard-wins-2019-pbw-king-of-cruisers/|title=#AndNEW: Lucky 13 - Leyton Buzzard Wins 2019 PBW King Of Cruisers|first=Adam|last=Morrison|date=27 October 2019}}</ref> then the [[Pro Championship Wrestling#PCW Cruiserweight Championship|PCW Cruiserweight Championship]] in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestling-news.net/preston-city-wrestling-10-years-strong-results/173839/|title=PCW Results: 10 Years Strong – Preston, England (9/10)|date=12 September 2021|website=www.wrestling-news.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/158944/israels-ipwa-to-present-wrestlemitzvah-this-june-with-session-moth-martina-cara-noir-emersyn-jayne-more.html?p=1|title=ISRAEL'S IPWA TO PRESENT WRESTLEMITZVAH THIS JUNE WITH SESSION MOTH MARTINA, CARA NOIR, EMERSYN JAYNE & MORE | PWInsider.com|website=www.pwinsider.com}}</ref> In 2023, he held the [[Fight Factory Pro Wrestling#Champions|FPPW Irish Junior Heavyweight Championship]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRYY3lU9eeM|title=Fight Factory Pro Wrestling: Episode 25 [Full Free Show]|date=March 2023 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref><ref name="auto1"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/europe/ireland/ffpw/ffpw-j.html|title=Irish Junior Heavyweight Title|website=www.wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>

===Insane Championship Wrestling (2017–2023)===
In 2017, Leyton Buzzard began competing in [[squash match]]es for [[Insane Championship Wrestling]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://audioboom.com/posts/7492781-episode-xiii-rudo-lightning-v-leyton-buzzard | title=Episode XIII | Rudo Lightning v Leyton Buzzard }}</ref> (ICW) before making his debut-proper as the assistant ("Prestigious Intern") to [[Joe Hendry (wrestler)|Joe Hendry]].<ref name="auto1"/> He was unwaveringly loyal to Hendry, who later added [[Kez Evans]] and Ravie Davie to his stable, the Dallas Mavericks. Eventually, Hendry got annoyed with Buzzard losing all the time, and began denigrating him more and more until Buzzard turned face. The feud between the two men culminated at Shug's Hoose 6, with the stipulation being a career versus freedom of speech match (if Buzzard won, Hendry would leave ICW, and if Hendry won, Buzzard would be forced to wear a mask and be silent until Fear & Loathing XII). On night one of the event, Buzzard defeated Hendry, by hitting a uranage and a 450 splash on him to win the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/indies/icw-shugs-hoose-party-6-night-one-results-kushida-vs-jackie-polo-288896|title=ICW Shug's Hoose Party 6 night one results: Kushida vs. Jackie Polo|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|first=Ian|last=Oliver|date=July 28, 2019|accessdate=February 21, 2020}}</ref> On night two, Buzzard was announced as [[James Storm]]'s opponent, after Storm attacked [[Grado (wrestler)|Grado]] before the bell rang. Towards the end, Grado interfered by performing a rolling cannonball to Storm in the corner, allowing Buzzard to hit a 450 splash, and win the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/indies/icw-shugs-hoose-party-6-night-two-results-toni-storm-vs-viper-288961|title=ICW Shug's Hoose Party 6 night two results: Toni Storm vs. Viper|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|first=Ian|last=Oliver|date=July 29, 2019|accessdate=February 21, 2020}}</ref>

Following this, Buzzard would be in the involved in the title chase for the [[ICW Zero-G Championship|Zero-G Championship]], ICW's [[Cruiserweight (professional wrestling)#Major championships|junior heavyweight championship]]. On 12 October 2019, at Gonzo, Buzzard was defeated by reigning champion Liam Thomson in the main event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=244112|title=ICW Gonzo|work=cagematch.net|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|accessdate=21 February 2020}}</ref> On 15 December, at Fight Club, Buzzard became the number one contender, by defeating longtime rival Kieran Kelly. Although the match would be set for Square Go! on 2 February 2020, Thomson, who was already booked for an open challenge title match, decided to defend the title against Buzzard the same night. Buzzard defeated Thomson to win his first title in ICW.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=250196|title=ICW Fight Club|work=cagematch.net|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|accessdate=21 February 2020}}</ref> On 19 January 2020, at Fight Club, Buzzard defeated TK Cooper in his first defence of the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=252688|title=ICW Fight Club|work=cagematch.net|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|accessdate=21 February 2020}}</ref> On 1 February, at Gonzo 3, Buzzard defeated [[Kenny Williams (wrestler)|Kenny Williams]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=253656|title=ICW Gonzo 3|work=cagematch.net|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|accessdate=21 February 2020}}</ref> The next day, at Square Go!, Buzzard dropped the title back to Thomson, ending his reign at 49 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=253657|title=ICW 9th Annual Square Go!|work=cagematch.net|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|accessdate=21 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/icw-9th-annual-square-go-results-22-noam-dar-wins-icw-world-heavyweight-title | title=ICW 9th Annual Square Go Results (2/2): Noam Dar Wins ICW World Heavyweight Title | Fightful News }}</ref> At ICW Fear and Loathing 2022, Buzzard won the [[ICW World Heavyweight Championship (Scotland)|ICW World Heavyweight Championship]] defeating Craig Anthony, Stevie James and champion Kez Evans in a Four-Way Elimination match.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/europe/uk/icw/icw-h.html | title=ICW World Heavyweight Title (Great Britain) }}</ref><ref name="auto1"/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wwenetworknews.com/2022/12/18/icw-fear-and-loathing-xiv-quick-results-feat-icw-world-title-four-way-she-wolves-fight-for-womens-title-and-jester-vs-gunn/ | title=ICW Fear and Loathing XIV Quick Results Feat. ICW World Title Four Way, She-Wolves Fight for Women's Title and Jester vs Gunn | WWE Network News | date=18 December 2022 }}</ref>

As ICW World Heavyweight Champion, Buzzard declared he would be a "travelling World Champion" in the same way that [[Drew McIntyre|Drew Galloway]] had for ICW in 2015.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://ecstasyofgoldwrestling.com/2022/11/01/new-phenom-the-icw-world-heavyweight-championship-reign-of-drew-galloway/ | title=New Phenom: The ICW World Heavyweight Championship Reign of Drew Galloway | date=November 2022 }}</ref> During his six month reign he defended the championship in Scotland, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Ireland, Canada and England.<ref name="auto1"/> In ICW, he would defend the title against LJ Cleary, [[Killian Dain|Big Damo]] and reigning Union of European Alliances [[European Heavyweight Championship|European Heavyweight Champion]] Andy Roberts before losing to Aaron Echo in a Square Go! cash-in at ICW's ''Get the F Out!'' event.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=726&page=5&reign=26|title=Title Reigns « ICW World Heavyweight Championship « Titles Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Buzzard then announced a hiatus from ICW.<ref name="auto1"/>

===Big Japan Pro-Wrestling (2023-present)===
Buzzard debuted for [[Big Japan Pro Wrestling|Big Japan Pro-Wrestling]] in August 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjeWueHxaSo|title=European Pro Wrestlers in Japan (Ender Kara and Leyton Buzzards exclusive Training and Interview)|date=22 September 2023 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bodyslam.net/2023/08/26/full-results-for-latest-big-japan-wrestling-event-in-tokyo-8-26-2023/|title=Full Results For Latest Big Japan Wrestling Event In Tokyo (8/26/2023)|first=Lewis|last=Carlan|date=27 August 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestling-news.net/bjw-live-in-tokyo-september-17th-results/212622/|title=BJW Results: Live In Tokyo – Tokyo, Japan (9/17)|date=18 September 2023|website=www.wrestling-news.net}}</ref>

==Filmography==
===Film===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
|2013
|''Tits''
|Doyle
|Short film
|-
|2014
|''[[The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box]]''
|Street Boy
|
|}

===Television===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
|2008
|''[[I'd Do Anything (2008 TV series)|I'd Do Anything]]''
|Himself
|13 episodes
|-
|2009
|''[[Grandpa in My Pocket]]''
|Josh
|Episode: "Trouble for Bubbles"
|-
|2016
|''[[The Five (TV series)|The Five]]''
|Young Karl
|2 episodes; uncredited for "Episode 1"
|}

===Video games===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year(s) !! Title !! Role !! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 2014 || ''[[Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 ]]'' || — || Motion capture
|}

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Big Japan Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[Yokohama Shopping Street 6-Man Tag Team Championship]] ([[Yokohama Shopping Street 6-Man Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with Tempesta and Tyson Maddux
**[[Ikkitousen Strong Climb]] (2025)
*'''[[Fight Factory Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[Fight Factory Pro Wrestling#Champions|Irish Junior Heavyweight Championship]] (1 time)<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Ecstasy of Gold Wrestling Blog |user=EoGWrestling |number=1622987813892366337 |date=7 February 2023 |title=Great tradition of @InsaneChampWres belt collectors. New @FFPWIreland Junior Heavyweight Champion @LeytonBuzzard joins a list with @DMcIntyreWWE @TheOdDiTy_33 @AndyTheWildman & @PiperNivenWWE who earned titles all over for EVOLVE/Stardom/DGUSA/@OfficialUEWA & beyond 🇯🇵🇺🇸🇦🇺🇮🇪🇪🇺 https://t.co/FZ7RBuYIAk https://t.co/ISLVwe1u0S |language=en |access-date=10 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1864|title= Irish Junior Heavyweight Championship|website=CageMatch|access-date=29 March 2023}}</ref>
* '''[[Insane Championship Wrestling]]'''
** [[ICW World Heavyweight Championship]] (1 time)<ref name="auto1"/>
** [[ICW Zero-G Championship]] (1 time)<ref name="lastword">{{cite web|url=https://lastwordonprowrestling.com/2019/10/27/leyton-buzzard-wins-2019-pbw-king-of-cruisers/|title=#AndNEW: Leyton Buzzard Wins ICW Zero-G Championship|work=lastwordonprowrestling.com|first=Adam|last=Morrison|date=December 16, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1420&page=5&reign=22|title=ICW Zero-G Championship|website=CageMatch|access-date=29 March 2023}}</ref>
** 24/7 Hydro Contract (1 time)<ref name="auto3">{{cite web | url=https://swnscotland.com/2018/05/16/wrestler-spotlight-leyton-buzzard/ | title=Wrestler Spotlight: Leyton Buzzard | date=16 May 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://rasslinblogs.wordpress.com/2018/10/20/icw-get-him-to-the-union-review-12-10-18/ | title=ICW Get Him to the Union Review – 12/10/18 | date=20 October 2018 }}</ref>
** [[Insane Championship Wrestling#Square Go! Briefcase Holders|Square Go!]]([[Insane Championship Wrestling#Square Go! Briefcase Holders|2022]])<ref name="auto2"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=337077|title=ICW The 10th Annual Square Go! « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref>
* '''''Scottish Wrestling Network'''''
**SWN Award for One to Watch [Male] (2020)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://swnscotland.com/2021/01/07/swn-year-end-awards-2020-full-results/ | title=SWN Year End Awards 2020 – Full Results | date=7 January 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://swnscotland.com/year-end-awards-results/ | title=SWN Year End Awards Results | date=14 March 2017 }}</ref>
**Ranked No.18 in the SWN100 in 2022<ref>{{cite web | url=https://swnscotland.com/2022/12/25/swn100-2022/ | title=Swn100 – 2022 | date=25 December 2022 }}</ref>
*'''Premier British Wrestling'''
** King of Cruisers (2019)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lastwordonprowrestling.com/2019/10/27/leyton-buzzard-wins-2019-pbw-king-of-cruisers/|title=#AndNEW: Lucky 13 – Leyton Buzzard Wins 2019 PBW King Of Cruisers|work=lastwordonprowrestling.com|first=Adam|last=Morrison|date=October 27, 2019}}</ref><ref name="auto3"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pbwwrestling.com/title-history/pbw-king-of-cruisers|title=PBW King of Cruisers Title History - Premier British Wrestling|website=www.pbwwrestling.com}}</ref>
*'''Preston City Wrestling / Pro Championship Wrestling'''
**PCW Cruiserweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1813&page=5&reign=12|title=PCW Cruiserweight Championship|website=CageMatch|access-date=29 March 2023}}</ref><ref name="auto1"/>
* '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
** Ranked No. 243 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[PWI 500]] in 2023<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://itrwrestling.com/news/full-list-for-2023-pwi-500-revealed/|title=Full List For 2023 PWI 500 Revealed|date=14 September 2023|website=itrwrestling.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tjrwrestling.net/news/complete-2023-pwi-500-list-revealed-top-njpw-star-absent/|title=Complete 2023 PWI 500 List Revealed, Top NJPW Star Absent – TJR Wrestling|date=14 September 2023|website=tjrwrestling.net}}</ref>
* '''Scottish Wrestling Alliance'''
** Scottish X Championship (1 time)<ref name="lastword"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=2012&page=5&reign=8|title=SWA X Championship|website=CageMatch|access-date=29 March 2023}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{IMDb name|4607251}}

{{Navboxes
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{{ICW Zero-G Championship}}
{{ICW World Heavyweight Championship}}
{{Ikkitousen Strong Climb}}
{{Yokohama Shopping Street 6-Man Tag Team Championship}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|England}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Buzzard, Leyton}}
[[Category:1997 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Bristol]]
[[Category:English male child actors]]
[[Category:English male stage actors]]
[[Category:English male television actors]]
[[Category:Alumni of the Sylvia Young Theatre School]]
[[Category:English male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century English sportsmen]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Male actors from Bristol]]
[[Category:ICW World Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:ICW Zero-G Champions]]
[[Category:Yokohama Shopping Street 6-Man Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:Ikkitousen Strong Climb winners]]

Jun Akiyama

2025-06-12T20:38:37Z

89.136.44.148: /* DDT Pro-Wrestling (2020–present) */

{{short description|Japanese professional wrestler (born 1969)}}
{{for|the video game designer|Jun Akiyama (video game designer)}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Jun Akiyama
|image = Jun Akiyama, 2022 (cropped).jpg
|caption = Akiyama in 2022
|names = AJ Ranger White<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=154444|title=AJPW Super Power Series 2016 - Tag 4|access-date=2016-05-25|work=Cagematch}}</ref> '''Jun Akiyama'''<ref name=OWW>{{cite web |url=http://www.obsessedwithwrestling.com/profiles/j/jun-akiyama.php |title=Wrestler Profiles |website=Obsessedwithwrestling.com |access-date=2016-05-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303195937/http://www.obsessedwithwrestling.com/profiles/j/jun-akiyama.php |archive-date=2016-03-03 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Mr. Christmas<ref name=AJPW121414/> Shura [[Uesugi Kenshin]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/45951/|script-title=ja:Judgement2017～DDT旗揚げ20周年記念大会～|access-date=2017-03-20|work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> White Santa
|height = {{convert|1.88|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name=NOAHbio>{{cite web|title=秋山準 (Akiyama Jun) (profile)|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/profile003.php|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling NOAH]]|access-date=3 February 2012|language=ja}}</ref>
|weight = {{convert|110|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=NOAHbio/>
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1969|10|9|mf=y}}<ref name=NOAHbio/>
|birth_place = [[Izumi, Osaka|Izumi]], [[Osaka Prefecture|Osaka]], Japan<ref name=NOAHbio/>
|debut = September 17, 1992<ref name=NOAHbio/>
|retired =
}}
{{Nihongo|'''Jun Akiyama'''|秋山潤|Akiyama Jun|ring name: {{linktext|秋山}} {{linktext|準}}}} (born October 9, 1969) is a Japanese [[professional wrestler]] signed to [[DDT Pro-Wrestling]], where he is a former [[KO-D Openweight Championship|KO-D Openweight Champion]]. He is best known for his time working for [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW), where he was the [[President (corporate title)|president]], [[Representative director (Japan)|representative director]], co-head [[Booking (professional wrestling)|booker]], and an in-ring performer. In AJPW, he is a former two-time [[Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion]], while also being a six-time overall [[professional wrestling world champion]].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=September 16, 2013|title=Sep 16 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Mayweather vs. Canello hype, Night of Champions preview, Olympic Wrestling, CMLL 80th Aniversario preview, tons more!|journal=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=[[Campbell, California]]|issn=1083-9593|page=31|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/33082-sep-16-wrestling-observer-newsletter-mayweather-vs-canello-hype-night-of-champions-preview-olympic-wrestling-cmll-80th-aniversario-preview-tons-more|quote=Jun Akiyama and Masa Fuchi have taken over as bookers for this group.}}</ref>

Akiyama is noted for his serious in-ring style and demeanor, innovating the ''[[Powerbomb#Spin-Out Powerbomb|Blue Thunder Driver]]'' and the [[Exploder suplex|wrist–clutch exploder suplex]] maneuvers. Considered an outstanding [[tag team]] wrestler, Akiyama is a three-time winner of the [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Tag Team of the Year|''Wrestling Observer Newsletter'' Tag Team of the Year award]].

==Personal life==
In junior high school, Akiyama participated in [[swimming (sport)|swimming]] and in senior high school he competed in [[sport wrestling|freestyle amateur wrestling]] and [[judo]]. After high school, he attended [[Senshu University]] in [[Tokyo]], where he joined an amateur wrestling team that produced other professional wrestlers like [[Riki Choshu]], [[Hiroshi Hase]], and [[Manabu Nakanishi]].

Akiyama is close friends with fellow AJPW and Noah alumni [[Kenta Kobashi]], with whom he has a sarcastic backstage relationship.

==Professional wrestling career==
===All Japan Pro Wrestling (1992–2000)===
Akiyama had great success as an amateur wrestler and was eventually scouted by [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW). He made his professional wrestling debut on September 17, 1992 in a match against [[Kenta Kobashi]], which he lost.<ref name=NOAHbio/> He gradually rose in rank, starting to team up with [[Akira Taue]] as part of what remained of [[Jumbo Tsuruta]]'s team called "Tsuruta-Gun", earning a trial series in January 1993. Afterward, he started working tag teams. The tag team division soon became his speciality, teaming with [[Takao Omori]] against Kenta Kobashi and Mitsuharu Misawa. In January 1995, he split with Taue, and alongside Omori, won the [[All Asia Tag Team Championship]], holding the belts for 1,076 days, until dropping them to [[John Hindley|Johnny Smith]] and [[Jim Steele (wrestler)|Wolf Hawkfield]] on January 9, 1998, and also having the longest single reign in the history of those belts, even though sometimes he and Omori parted ways to team up with other wrestlers during that time. In early 1996, he was selected to be Misawa's partner after he split with Kobashi back in December. The two teamed together successfully and won the [[World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)|World Tag Team Championship]] during 1996. Akiyama and Misawa also competed in the [[World's Strongest Tag Determination League]] tournaments in 1996 and 1997, but lost in successive years to the team of [[The Holy Demon Army|Toshiaki Kawada and Akira Taue]]. Akiyama then began closing in on the [[Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship]], first challenging Misawa in September 1997 and January 1998, Kobashi in July 1998, and Vader in January 2000. He was unsuccessful on all four occasions.

After teaming with Misawa, Akiyama began teaming with Kenta Kobashi to form '[[Burning (professional wrestling)|Burning]]'. The team won numerous tag team titles and competed against the teams of Mitsuharu Misawa and Yoshinari Ogawa, Toshiaki Kawada and Akira Taue, Yoshihiro Takayama and Takao Omori and others. Burning also won the World's Strongest Tag Determination League tournament in 1998 by defeating the team of [[Stan Hansen]] and Vader, and again in 1999 by defeating Akira Taue and Stan Hansen. Akiyama's last major victory in All Japan Pro Wrestling was on February 27, 2000, when he defeated former tag team partner [[Mitsuharu Misawa]] by pinfall in a heated and highly acclaimed contest. His last match happened on July 20, where he and [[Jun Izumida]] lost to Takao Omori and Yoshihiro Takayama, and after that, he and other 25 wrestlers left to follow up Misawa to form [[Pro Wrestling Noah]].

===Pro Wrestling Noah (2000–2012)===
After a controversy in AJPW over the direction and management, he left the company with [[Mitsuharu Misawa]], and half the roster, for Misawa's newly created [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] in mid-2000. Like many other members who made the jump, Akiyama gave himself a makeover, dropping his trademark blue and white trimmed boots and blue trunks for white boots and trunks and dyed his hair brown. He was quickly established as a top star of the company, winning both falls in the main event of Noah's first show, choking out [[Kenta Kobashi]] in the second Noah show the night after he turned heel for this first time in his career, and becoming the second [[GHC Heavyweight Championship|GHC Heavyweight Champion]], He had stellar title defenses in [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] against [[Yuji Nagata]] and [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]]. But a lack of worthy contenders eventually forced Noah to abandon his push, using [[Yoshinari Ogawa]] and [[Yoshihiro Takayama]] to transition the title back to Misawa. He continued work in Noah as a tag team competitor again to critical acclaim, winning the [[GHC Tag Team Championship]] with [[Akitoshi Saito]].

In April 2004, he created the [[GHC Openweight Hardcore Championship]] to get back into singles competitions, and adapting an attitude manifested by wearing trunks that were odd colors for him. These motives helped put him back into contention for the GHC title against Kenta Kobashi, which was voted as Match of the Year. Late 2004 and much of 2005 were highlighted by his feud with protégé [[Makoto Hashi]] where Akiyama used "tough love" to toughen up young Hashi. On January 22, 2006, Akiyama defeated [[Akira Taue]] to become the GHC Heavyweight Champion for the second time, defending the title against [[Minoru Suzuki]] on March 5 and [[Masao Inoue (wrestler)|Masao Inoue]] on April 24. Akiyama was defeated by [[Naomichi Marufuji]] on Noah's September 9 [[Nippon Budokan]] show in his third defense of the GHC Heavyweight Title.

Following his title loss to Naomichi Marufuji, Akiyama made good his promise to [[Tsuyoshi Kikuchi]], going back to wearing blue trunks, and wrestling mainly in the undercard. He successfully redeemed himself by defeating Kikuchi and once again wore white trunks following that match. This put him back in line for success, which had him winning the tag titles a second time with [[Takeshi Rikio]]. Due to an injury to Rikio, they were forced to vacate the title. Akiyama competed at [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'s third Annual "Wrestle Kingdom in Tokyo Dome" show, defeating [[Manabu Nakanishi]].

On March 1, 2009, Akiyama defeated [[Kensuke Sasaki]] for the GHC Heavyweight Championship. On June 14, 2009, he was forced to vacate the title due to injury, in which left him out of action for the rest of the tour. After making his return later that year, Akiyama continued to wrestle sporadically whilst struggling with back injuries and the burden of [[post traumatic stress syndrome]], following the death of Mitsuharu Misawa.

Akiyama participated in the first [[Global League]], achieving a total of eight points with four wins and just one loss. As the Block B winner, he faced Block A winner Yoshihiro Takayama in the final match on May 2. Takayama won the tournament by pinning Akiyama with an Everest German suplex.

In April 2011, Akiyama and Akitoshi Saito won the [[Global Tag League#2011|2011 Global Tag League]].<ref name=GlobalTagLeague2011>{{cite web|title=Global Tag Team League Tournament 2011 |url=http://www.noah-usa.cc/Global%20Tag%20Team%20Tournament%202011.html |work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]] |access-date=2011-04-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515033758/http://noah-usa.cc/Global%20Tag%20Team%20Tournament%202011.html |archive-date=2011-05-15 }}</ref>

On October 23, 2011, Akiyama defeated [[Kohei Suwama|Suwama]] to finally win All Japan's Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship,<ref name=AJPW102311>{{cite web|url=http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id%3D201 |title=全日本プロレスオフィシャルサイト - 公式ホームページ |access-date=October 23, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224090950/http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=201 |archive-date=December 24, 2013 }}</ref> the belt he could not win during his eight-year run with the promotion before leaving for Pro-Wrestling Noah. Shortly after winning the Triple Crown, Akiyama adopted a new look as he shaved his head bald. On January 22, Akiyama and Saito defeated [[Bad Intentions (professional wrestling)|Bad Intentions]] ([[Giant Bernard]] and [[Karl Anderson]]) to win the GHC Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=898|title=Great Voyage 2012 in Osaka|access-date=2012-01-22|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329185000/http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=898|archive-date=2012-03-29|url-status=dead}}</ref> He has successfully defended the Triple Crown against [[Taiyō Kea]] (twice), [[Takao Omori]] and [[Keiji Mutoh]]. Akiyama lost the Triple Crown to [[Masakatsu Funaki]] on August 26, 2012, in a match that lasted less than five minutes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=296|title=40th Anniversary Year Summer Impact 2012|access-date=2012-08-26|work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224093909/http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=296|archive-date=2013-12-24|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On December 3, 2012, it was reported that Akiyama had threatened to not re-sign with Noah after his contract expires in January 2013, when the promotion released Kenta Kobashi from his contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/60055/ |script-title=ja:ノア激震！小橋解雇、秋山ら退団 |work=[[Tokyo Sports]] |date=2012-12-04 |access-date=2012-12-04 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121210174908/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/60055/ |archive-date=2012-12-10 }}</ref> On December 19, Noah confirmed that Akiyama would leave the promotion on December 24.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/p-bt-tp0-20121219-1061517.html|script-title=ja:秋山らノア退団正式決定|work=[[Nikkan Sports]]|date=2012-12-19|access-date=2012-12-19|language=ja}}</ref> On December 24, Akiyama, working as "Mr. Christmas", defeated his trainee [[Atsushi Aoki]] in both men's final Noah match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/tour_detail.php?tour_id=1085|title=～Noahful Gift in Differ 2012 vol.2～|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|access-date=2012-12-24|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/28978-mon-update-raw-tonight-wrestlers-bid-farewell-to-noah-leben-talks-his-issues|title=Mon. update: Raw tonight, wrestlers bid farewell to Noah, Leben talks his issues|date=2012-12-24|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|access-date=2012-12-25|work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>

===Return to AJPW (2013–2021)===
{{Main|Burning (professional wrestling)}}
On January 26, 2013, Akiyama, [[Atsushi Aoki]], [[Go Shiozaki]], [[Kotaro Suzuki]] and [[Yoshinobu Kanemaru]], all of whom had quit Noah at the same time, announced that they had joined All Japan Pro Wrestling, reforming the "Burning" stable, which he previously formed with Kenta Kobashi in the late 1990s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/sports/fight/headlines/article/20130127-00000003-spnavi |script-title=ja:秋山、潮崎らノア退団5選手が全日本プロレスに参戦 |date=2013-01-27 |work=Sports Navi |publisher=[[Yahoo!]] |access-date=2013-01-26 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130071307/http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/sports/fight/headlines/article/20130127-00000003-spnavi |archive-date=2013-01-30 }}</ref> On March 17, Akiyama and Shiozaki defeated Get Wild ([[Manabu Soya]] and [[Takao Omori]]) to win the World Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=344 |title=2013 プロレスLove in 両国～Basic&Dynamic～ |access-date=2013-03-17 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224085129/http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=344 |archive-date=2013-12-24 }}</ref> On April 29, Akiyama defeated [[Kai (wrestler)|Kai]] in the finals to win the 2013 [[Champion Carnival]].<ref name=CC2013>{{cite web|url=http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=369|title=Gaora Special 2013 チャンピオン・カーニバル|access-date=2013-04-29|work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224113258/http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=369|archive-date=2013-12-24|url-status=dead}}</ref> On May 11, Akiyama made a one-night return to Noah to take part in Kenta Kobashi's retirement match at [[Final Burning in Budokan]], where he, Kobashi, Keiji Mutoh and Kensuke Sasaki defeated Go Shiozaki, [[Kenta Kobayashi|Kenta]], [[Shuhei Taniguchi|Maybach Taniguchi]] and Yoshinobu Kanemaru.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/tour_detail.php?tour_id=1126|script-title=ja:2013年5月11日(土)|access-date=2013-05-11|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja}}</ref> On June 30, Akiyama received his shot at the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship, which he had earned by winning the Champion Carnival, but was defeated by the defending champion, Suwama.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=387 |title=2013 プロレスLove in 両国～an abiding belief～ |access-date=2013-06-30 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224102749/http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=387 |archive-date=2013-12-24 }}</ref> On July 5, following a mass exodus led by Keiji Mutoh, it was announced that Akiyama, along with the rest of Burning, had signed an exclusive contract with All Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/sports/fight/headlines/article/20130706-00000015-dal |script-title=ja:秋山13年ぶり！電撃"王道"復帰「全日本の名前の下に頑張りたい」 |date=2013-07-06 |access-date=2013-07-14 |work=Sports Navi |publisher=[[Yahoo!]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723223837/http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/sports/fight/headlines/article/20130706-00000015-dal |archive-date=2013-07-23 }}</ref> On October 22, Akiyama and Shiozaki lost the World Tag Team Championship to [[Evolution (AJPW)|Evolution]] ([[Joe Doering]] and Suwama).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=428 |title=Anniversary Tour |access-date=2013-10-23 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224103348/http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=428 |archive-date=2013-12-24 }}</ref> During the next week, Burning was hit hard with Shiozaki, Aoki and Suzuki all announcing that they were quitting the stable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/197587/|script-title=ja:秋山がバーニング解体し大森と新タッグ|date=2013-10-24|access-date=2013-10-24|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja|archive-date=2013-10-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027115209/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/197587/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/199266/|script-title=ja:鼓太郎がバーニング正式脱退で金丸に挑戦|date=2013-10-29|access-date=2013-11-18|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja|archive-date=2013-10-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031101132/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/199266/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/news/detail.php?id=2219 |title=潮﨑選手が新ユニット「Xceed」結成を宣言！！ |date=2013-11-18 |access-date=2013-11-18 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224105844/http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/news/detail.php?id=2219 |archive-date=2013-12-24 }}</ref> On January 26, 2014, Akiyama and Kanemaru defeated former stablemates Aoki and Suzuki to win the [[All Asia Tag Team Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/1227/ |title=ニューイヤープレゼント in 神戸 |access-date=2014-01-26 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201184020/http://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/1227/ |archive-date=2014-02-01 }}</ref> Following the win, Akiyama, attempting to become the first wrestler in 15 years to hold the All Asia and the World Tag Team Championships simultaneously, formed another tag team named "[[Wild Burning]]" with Takao Omori.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/228517/|script-title=ja:秋山が大森に「ワイルド・バーニング」結成呼びかけ|date=2014-01-28|access-date=2014-01-28|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja|archive-date=2016-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235635/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/228517/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Akiyama and Omori received their title shot on February 8, but were defeated by the defending champions, Joe Doering and Suwama.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/6084/|script-title=ja:2014エキサイトシリーズ大阪・ボディメーカーコロシアム|access-date=2014-02-08|work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125040358/http://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/6084/|archive-date=2014-01-25}}</ref> On April 29, Akiyama and Kanemaru lost the All Asia Tag Team Championship to [[Keisuke Ishii]] and [[Shigehiro Irie]] at a [[Dramatic Dream Team]] event. Later that same event, Akiyama "accidentally" won the [[Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship]], after laying his arm on it during a backstage interview.<ref name=MaxBump2014>{{cite web|url=http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/9279/|title=Max Bump2014|access-date=2014-04-29|work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/fight/all/2014042901/ |title=DDT「Max Bump2014」 |last=Takagi |first=Hiromi |date=2014-04-29 |access-date=2014-04-29 |work=Sports Navi |publisher=[[Yahoo!]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429195406/http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/fight/all/2014042901/ |archive-date=2014-04-29 }}</ref>

On June 4, it was reported that Akiyama was taking over as the new president of All Japan, effective July 1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/273706/|script-title=ja:全日本プロレス激震！秋山新社長で再出発へ|date=2014-06-04|access-date=2014-06-04|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja|archive-date=2014-06-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606221631/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/273706/|url-status=dead}}</ref> All Japan confirmed the report with an official announcement the following day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/p-bt-tp0-20140605-1312577.html|script-title=ja:秋山社長全日本７・１再出発|date=2014-06-05|access-date=2014-06-05|work=[[Nikkan Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref> Akiyama runs the new All Japan Pro Wrestling through a company named Zen Nihon Puroresu Innovation, while also serving as the promotion's representative director.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_news/10571/ |script-title=ja:「オールジャパン・プロレスリング株式会社」発足について |date=2014-07-04 |access-date=2014-07-04 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714164325/https://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_news/10571/ |archive-date=2014-07-14 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/f-bt-tp0-20140704-1328720.html|script-title=ja:全日本秋山社長が馬場イズム回帰を宣言|date=2014-07-04|access-date=2014-07-04|work=[[Nikkan Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref> On June 15, Akiyama was placed in a decision match to determine a new Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion, but was defeated by Takao Omori.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/9109/ |title=2014 ダイナマイトシリーズ東京･後楽園ホール【開幕戦】 |access-date=2014-06-15 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714135215/https://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/9109/ |archive-date=2014-07-14 }}</ref> On June 28, Akiyama and Omori defeated Joe Doering and Suwama to win the World Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/9127/ |title=2014 ダイナマイトシリーズ北海道・札幌テイセンホール |access-date=2014-06-28 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714160434/https://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/9127/ |archive-date=2014-07-14 }}</ref> After successfully defending the World Tag Team Championship against [[Akebono Tarō|Akebono]] and [[Yutaka Yoshie]] on October 22, Akiyama and Omori vacated the title the following day in time for the [[World's Strongest Tag Determination League#2014|2014 World's Strongest Tag Determination League]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/f-bt-tp0-20141023-1386186.html|script-title=ja:秋山、大森組が世界タッグ王者ベルト返上|date=2014-10-23|access-date=2014-10-23|work=[[Nikkan Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref> They regained the title by winning the tournament on December 6, defeating Go Shiozaki and [[Kento Miyahara]] in the finals.<ref name=Strongest2014>{{cite web|url=https://www.all-japan.co.jp/archives/match/【12-6%E3%80%80最終戦】2014-世界最強タッグ決定リーグ戦%E3%80%80大/|script-title=ja:【12.6 最終戦】2014 世界最強タッグ決定リーグ戦大阪大会|date=2014-12-06|access-date=2014-12-06|work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141206150816/https://www.all-japan.co.jp/archives/match/%E3%80%9012-6%E3%80%80%E6%9C%80%E7%B5%82%E6%88%A6%E3%80%912014-%E4%B8%96%E7%95%8C%E6%9C%80%E5%BC%B7%E3%82%BF%E3%83%83%E3%82%B0%E6%B1%BA%E5%AE%9A%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B0%E6%88%A6%E3%80%80%E5%A4%A7/|archive-date=2014-12-06}}</ref> Wild Burning's second reign ended on March 22, 2015, when they were defeated by Akebono and Yutaka Yoshie.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.all-japan.co.jp/archives/match/【3-22】-2015-ドリームパワーシリーズ%E3%80%80福岡大会/|script-title=ja:【3.22】 2015 ドリームパワーシリーズ福岡大会|date=2015-03-22|access-date=2015-03-22|work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150409125344/https://www.all-japan.co.jp/archives/match/%E3%80%903-22%E3%80%91-2015-%E3%83%89%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%A0%E3%83%91%E3%83%AF%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B7%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BA%E3%80%80%E7%A6%8F%E5%B2%A1%E5%A4%A7%E4%BC%9A/|archive-date=2015-04-09}}</ref> On September 26, Akiyama defeated Akebono in the finals to win the [[Ōdō Tournament#2015|2015 Ōdō Tournament]].<ref name=AJPW092615>{{cite web|url=http://battle-news.com/?p=14743|script-title=ja:全日本9.26後楽園大会第3回王道トーナメント準決勝／曙vs.石川、秋山vs.火野、優勝決定戦|date=2015-09-27|access-date=2015-09-27|work=Battle News|language=ja}}</ref> On November 1, Akyama defeated Akebono to win the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship for the second time.<ref name=AJPW110115>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/cards/ajpw/the-power-of-wrestling-charity-show-32601.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221175537/http://www.profightdb.com/cards/ajpw/the-power-of-wrestling-charity-show-32601.html |archive-date=February 21, 2023 |title=AJPW The Power Of Wrestling Charity Show |work=The Internet Wrestling Database |date=November 1, 2015 |access-date=February 21, 2023}}</ref> He lost the title to Suwama on January 2, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/cards/ajpw/new-years-two-days-3916---day-1-32614.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221175829/http://www.profightdb.com/cards/ajpw/new-years-two-days-3916---day-1-32614.html |archive-date=February 21, 2023 |title=AJPW New Years Two Days '16 – Day 1 |work=The Internet Wrestling Database |date=January 2, 2016 |access-date=February 21, 2023}}</ref> On August 11, Akiyama made a rare appearance outside of AJPW, when he took part in an event held by its splinter promotion [[Wrestle-1]]. Akiyama teamed with fellow AJPW wrestlers [[Naoya Nomura]] and [[Yuma Aoyagi]] to defeat the Wrestle-1 trio of Keiji Mutoh, Koji Doi and Kumagoro in an interpromotional six-man tag team match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.daily.co.jp/ring/2016/08/11/0009378478.shtml|script-title=ja:Ｗ－１秋山が武藤との“全日社長対決”勝利も若手に激怒！|date=2016-08-11|access-date=2016-08-11|work=Daily Sports Online|publisher=[[Kobe Shimbun]]|language=ja}}</ref>

[[Image:秋山準2019.jpg|thumb|200px|Akiyama being showered with streamers before a match in 2019. In Japan professional wrestling, the fans toss streamers towards their favourites as a sign of respect.]]
On March 12, 2017, Akiyama defeated [[Kenzo Suzuki|Kenso]] to win the [[Gaora TV Championship]] for the first time.<ref name=AJPW031217>{{cite web|url=http://www.all-japan.co.jp/match/3-12後楽園ホール大会観衆1190人|title=3.12後楽園ホール大会[観衆]1190人|date=2017-03-12|access-date=2017-03-13|work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> His Gaora TV Title reign was mostly be the midcard in comedy or gimmick-heavy matches as he wanted to settle down into a midcard role. During this run, he teamed with Takao Omori to again win the AJPW World Tag Team Championship in October 2017, celebrating both men's 25th anniversaries in wrestling. The match, which was originally supposed to be against reigning champions Strong BJ ([[Daisuke Sekimoto]] and [[Yuji Okabayashi]]) of [[Big Japan Pro Wrestling]], was changed before the show due to Okabayashi suffering a major shoulder injury and being forced to vacate. Big Japan's [[Ryuji Ito]] filled-in for Okabayashi. Wild Burning lost the tag title on January 3, 2018, to 2017 World's Strongest Tag Determination League winners, Suwama and [[Shuji Ishikawa]]. With Takao Omori going down injured around this time, Akiyama revived his old partnership with Yuji Nagata to challenge for the All Asia Tag Team Championship, held by NEXTREAM's Naoya Nomura and Yuma Aoyagi. The match, scheduled for February 3, was changed due to Yuma suffering a broken ankle and vacating the title. [[Ryoji Sai]] filled in as Naoya Nomura's partner in a losing effort to Nagata and Akiyama. When Takao Omori returned from injury he too chose to revisit an old partnership – teaming with Manabu Nakanishi in a Wild Child reunion to unsuccessfully challenge both men's regular partners on March 25. Despite saying in 2017 he wanted to take a step back from tournaments and main event titles, Akiyama participated in the 2018 Champion Carnival, presumably because of the large amount of injuries the rest of the roster was facing. In the B Block, Akiyama went 4–3 in the Champion Carnival, with a loss on the final block night to Noah representative Naomichi Marufuji costing him the chance to advance to the finals. On July 15, Akiyama's 490-day reign as Gaora TV Champion came to an end in a technical bout against [[Yoshihiro Tajiri|Tajiri]] who cheated to win. On July 29, he and Nagata lost the All Asia Tag Team Championship to Nomura and a healed Aoyagi. In February 2021, he let his contract with All Japan expire.

===DDT Pro-Wrestling (2020–present)===
In June 2020, it was announced that Akiyama would transfer to [[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] (DDT) for the remainder of the year.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rose |first1=Bryan |title=JUN AKIYAMA MOVING TO DDT FOR THE REST OF 2020 |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/jun-akiyama-moving-ddt-rest-2020-314181 |website=f4wonline |publisher=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] |access-date=13 February 2021 |date=June 26, 2020}}</ref> On December 27, he won the [[D-Oh Grand Prix#2021|D-Oh Grand Prix 2021]], thus earning a title match for the [[KO-D Openweight Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|title=D King Grand Prix 2021 (22.11.2020 bis 27.12.2020) |url=http://www.purolove.com/misc/ddt/history/dkinggp21.php |website=PuroLove.com |access-date=December 31, 2021 |language=de}}</ref>

In February 2021 it was announced that Akiyama had let his contract with AJPW expire and was a free agent. He then won the KO-D Openweight Championship at [[Kawasaki Strong 2021]] from [[Tetsuya Endo (wrestler)|Tetsuya Endo]]. On February 15, 2021, it was announced that he had signed a one-year contract with DDT. On December 7, DDT announced that, at the request of Akiyama and Tetsuya Endo, Kenta Kobashi had endorsed the reformation of Burning for its fourth incarnation.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ddtpro.com/news/17114 | script-title=ja:小橋建太氏公認で、遠藤哲哉が秋山準らとプロレス界の頂点目指す“新生BURNING”を結成！ | date=December 7, 2021 | access-date=December 7, 2021 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> Akiyama and Endo were immediately joined by Yusuke Okada and [[Yuya Koroku]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/ddt/3843551/ | script-title=ja:小橋建太氏公認で、遠藤哲哉が秋山準らとプロレス界の頂点目指す“新生BURNING”を結成！ | date=December 7, 2021 | access-date=December 7, 2021 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja}}</ref> On December 26, at [[Never Mind 2021]] in Yoyogi, this new stable debuted by defeating [[The37Kamiina]] ([[Shunma Katsumata]], [[Yuki Ueno]], [[Mao (wrestler)|Mao]] and [[Toui Kojima]]).<ref name=Burning2021Debut>{{cite web | url = https://proresu-today.com/archives/177429 | script-title=ja:【DDT】佐々木大輔が高梨将弘を退けUNIVERSAL王座V3！22年1・30後楽園で因縁の藤田ミノルが挑戦 | date=December 27, 2021 | access-date=December 30, 2021 | work=Proresu-Today.com | language=ja}}</ref> On December 4, Akiyama defeated [[Joey Janela]] in a [[Tables, ladders, and chairs match]] to win the [[DDT Extreme Championship]].<ref name="DDTExtreme">{{cite web |author=[[DDT Pro Wrestling]] |date=December 4, 2022 |title=DDT ProWrestling |script-title=ja:D王 GRAND PRIX 2022 the FINAL |url=https://www.ddtpro.com/results/19351 |access-date=December 4, 2022 |work=ddtpro.com |language=Japanese}}</ref>

=== All Elite Wrestling (2022; 2024) ===
Through a working relationship between DDT and American professional wrestling company [[All Elite Wrestling]], Akiyama made his AEW debut, on the November 18, 2022 episode of [[AEW Rampage|''Rampage'']], teaming with fellow DDT wrestler [[Konosuke Takeshita]], to defeat the team of [[Santana and Ortiz|Ortiz]] and [[Eddie Kingston]]. After the match, Kingston demanded a singles match between himself and Akiyama, which AEW President [[Tony Khan]] scheduled for the Zero Hour of [[Full Gear (2022)|Full Gear]]. On November 19 at the event, Kingston defeated Akiyama, as the two bowed and embraced, showing their respect for one another after the match.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/11/19/aew-full-gear-zero-hour-pre-show-results-eddie-kingston-vs-jun-akiyama-ricky-starks-vs-brian-cage-in-an-aew-eliminator-tournament-semifinal-match-orange-cassidy-chuck-taylor-trent-beretta-rock/ | title=AEW Full Gear Zero Hour pre-show results: Eddie Kingston vs. Jun Akiyama, Ricky Starks vs. Brian Cage in an AEW Eliminator Tournament semifinal match, Orange Cassidy, Chuck Taylor, Trent Beretta, Rocky Romero, and Danhausen vs. QT Marshall, Aaron Solo, Lee Johnson, Cole Karter, and Nick Comoroto | date=19 November 2022 }}</ref> Akiyama made his return to AEW on the February 24, 2024 episode of ''[[AEW Collision|Collision]]'', where he was defeated by [[Bryan Danielson]]. After the match, Danielson attacked Akiyama but was thwarted by Kingston who was doing commentary for the match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Suit |date=2024-02-24 |title=AEW Collision live results: Bryan Danielson vs. Jun Akiyama |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/results/aew-collision-live-results-bryan-danielson-vs-jun-akiyama |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, AEW News, AEW results |language=en}}</ref>

==Championships and accomplishments==
* '''[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[All Asia Tag Team Championship]] ([[All Asia Tag Team Championship#Title history|4 times]]) – with [[Takao Omori]] (1), [[Yoshinobu Kanemaru]] (1), [[Yuji Nagata]] (1) and [[Kotaro Suzuki]] (1)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/alljapan/asia-t.html |title=All Asia Tag Team Title (Japan) |website=Wrestling-titles.com |access-date=2016-05-12}}</ref>
** [[Gaora TV Championship]] ([[Gaora TV Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=AJPW031217/>
** [[Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship]] ([[Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship#Reigns|2 times]])<ref name=AJPW102311/><ref name=AJPW110115/>
** [[World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)|World Tag Team Championship]] ([[World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)#Title history|7 times]]) – with [[Kenta Kobashi]] (2), [[Mitsuharu Misawa]] (1), [[Go Shiozaki]] (1), and [[Takao Omori]] (3)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestling-titles.com/japan/alljapan/aj-t.html |title=World Tag Team Title (AJPW) |website=Wrestling-titles.com |access-date=2016-05-12}}</ref>
** All Japan vs. Ehime Pro 1 Day Six Man Tag Tournament (2019) - with [[Carbell Ito]] and [[Rising Hayato]]
** Asunaro Cup (1994)<ref name="PuroLove" />
** Asunaro Tag Cup (1998) – with Takao Omori<ref name=PuroLove/>
**[[Champion Carnival]] ([[Champion Carnival#2013|2013]])<ref name=CC2013/>
**[[Ōdō Tournament]] ([[Ōdō Tournament#2015|2015]])<ref name=AJPW092615/>
** One Night Six Man Tag Team Tournament (1999) – with [[Kenta Kobashi]] and [[Kentaro Shiga]]<ref name=PuroLove>{{cite web|url=http://www.purolove.com/noah/profiles/junakiyama.php|title=Purolove profile|access-date=2010-05-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081017200747/http://www.purolove.com/noah/profiles/junakiyama.php|archive-date=2008-10-17|url-status=dead}}</ref>
**[[World's Strongest Tag Determination League]] ([[World's Strongest Tag Determination League#1998|1998]], [[World's Strongest Tag Determination League#1999|1999]]) – with Kenta Kobashi
**[[World's Strongest Tag Determination League]] ([[World's Strongest Tag Determination League#2014|2014]]) – with Takao Omori<ref name=Strongest2014/>
** Zen Nihon Award (2014)<ref name=AJPW121414>{{cite web|url=http://battle-news.com/?p=3585|script-title=ja:全日本12.14後楽園大会和田京平レフェリー40周年＆還暦記念大会、全試合を京平レフェリーがプロデュース|date=2014-12-15|access-date=2014-12-14|work=Battle News|language=ja}}</ref>
* '''[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[DDT Extreme Championship]] ([[DDT Extreme Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="DDTExtreme" />
** [[Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship]] ([[Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship#Title history|4 times]])<ref name=MaxBump2014/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/8096/ |title=2014 スーパーパワーシリーズ神奈川･横浜ラジアントホール |access-date=2014-05-17 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518003942/https://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/8096/ |archive-date=2014-05-18 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/8106/ |title=2014 スーパーパワーシリーズ千葉･Blue Field |access-date=2014-05-25 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525232155/https://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/8106/ |archive-date=2014-05-25 }}</ref>
**[[KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship]] ([[KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship#Reigns|1 time, current]]) – with [[Danshoku Dino]] and [[Makoto Oishi]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ddtpro.com/results/21682 |title=Get Alive 2023 TOUR in SHINJUKU |date=November 16, 2023 |work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref>
**[[KO-D Openweight Championship]] ([[KO-D Openweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=739| title = Reference at www.cagematch.net}}</ref>
** [[D-Oh Grand Prix]] ([[D-Oh Grand Prix#2021|2021]])
* '''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'''
** Singles Best Bout (2003) vs. [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]] on August 17<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2003-awards.html|title=2003 New Japan Awards|access-date=2011-04-28|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref>
** Tag Team Best Bout (2001) with [[Yuji Nagata]] vs. [[Hiroshi Hase]] and [[Keiji Mutoh]] on October 8<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2001-awards.html|title=2001 New Japan Awards|access-date=2011-04-28|work=Strong Style Spirit|archive-date=2015-09-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924083303/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2001-awards.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*'''''[[Nikkan Sports]]'''''
**Match of the Year (2001) with Yuji Nagata vs. Keiji Mutoh and Hiroshi Hase on October 8<ref name= NIKKAN2001>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2001|title=Nikkan Sports Awards - 2001|website=wrestlingscout|date=February 16, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2018|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126120612/https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2001|url-status=dead}}</ref>
**Match of the Year (2004) vs. Kenta Kobashi on July 10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2004|title=Nikkan Sports Awards - 2004|website=wrestlingscout|date=February 21, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2018|archive-date=October 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025160939/https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2004|url-status=dead}}</ref>
**Match of the Year (2007) with Mitsuharu Misawa vs. Kenta Kobashi and Yoshihiro Takayama on December 2<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2007|title=Nikkan Sports Awards - 2007|website=wrestlingscout|date=February 26, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2018|archive-date=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204182301/https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>
**Match of the Year (2011) vs. Suwama on October 23<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2011|title=Nikkan Sports Awards - 2011|website=wrestlingscout|date=September 13, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2018|archive-date=November 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120152137/https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
**Outstanding Performance Award (2000, 2001)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2000|title=Nikkan Sports Awards - 2000|website=wrestlingscout|date=February 14, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2018|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126120611/https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2000|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name= NIKKAN2001/>
**Fighting Spirit Award (1998)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-1998|title=Nikkan Sports Awards - 1998|website=wrestlingscout|date=February 11, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2018|archive-date=December 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202120158/https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-1998|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
** Ranked No. 6 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the [[PWI 500]] in 2012<ref>{{cite journal|title=none|year=2012|journal=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|volume=33|issue=7|issn= 1043-7576|page=23}}</ref>
** PWI ranked him #'''90''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the "PWI Years" in 2003
* '''[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]'''
** [[GHC Heavyweight Championship]] ([[GHC Heavyweight Championship#Title history|3 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah-usa.cc/GHC%20Heavyweight%20Champion%20sub%20title%20page.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=August 8, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801050149/http://www.noah-usa.cc/GHC%20Heavyweight%20Champion%20sub%20title%20page.html |archive-date=August 1, 2009 }}</ref>
** [[GHC Tag Team Championship]] ([[GHC Tag Team Championship#Title history|3 times]]) – with [[Akitoshi Saito]] (2), and [[Takeshi Rikio]] (1)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah-usa.cc/GHC%20Heavyweight%20Tag%20Team%20Champ%20sub%20title%20page.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=May 2, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130421035028/http://www.noah-usa.cc/GHC%20Heavyweight%20Tag%20Team%20Champ%20sub%20title%20page.html |archive-date=April 21, 2013 }}</ref>
** [[GHC Openweight Hardcore Championship]] ([[GHC Hardcore Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah-usa.cc/G%20HARDCORE%20CROWN%20Champ%20sub%20title%20page.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=August 17, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070716173528/http://www.noah-usa.cc/G%20HARDCORE%20CROWN%20Champ%20sub%20title%20page.html |archive-date=July 16, 2007 }}</ref>
** [[Global Tag League]] ([[Global Tag League#2011|2011]]) – with Akitoshi Saito<ref name=GlobalTagLeague2011/>
* '''''[[Tokyo Sports]]'''''
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Best Tag Team Award|Best Tag Team Award]] (1999) with Kenta Kobashi<ref name=TokyoSportsAwards90s/>
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Fighting Spirit Award|Fighting Spirit Award]] (1998)<ref name=TokyoSportsAwards90s/>
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Best Bout Award|Match of the Year Award]] (2004) vs. Kenta Kobashi on July 10<ref name=TokyoSportsAwards00s/>
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Newcomer Award|Newcomer of the Year Award]] (1992)<ref name=TokyoSportsAwards90s>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/wrestling/wrestling_past3/|script-title=ja:東京スポーツプロレス大賞|access-date=2014-01-20|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref>
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Outstanding Performance Award|Outstanding Performance Award]] (2000, 2001, 2011)<ref name=TokyoSportsAwards00s>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/wrestling/wrestling_past4/|script-title=ja:東京スポーツプロレス大賞|access-date=2014-01-20|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/wrestling/wrestling_past5/|script-title=ja:東京スポーツプロレス大賞|access-date=2014-01-20|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref>
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Technique Award|Technique Award]] (2003)<ref name=TokyoSportsAwards00s/>
* '''''[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
**[[Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame]] (class of 2020)<ref name=2020HallofFame>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/november-16-2020-observer-newsletter-2020-observer-hall-fame-issue-325041|title=November 16, 2020 Observer Newsletter: 2020 Observer Hall of Fame Issues |last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=November 13, 2020|access-date=November 13, 2020|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>
** [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Match of the Year|Match of the Year]] (1996) – with Mitsuharu Misawa vs Steve Williams and Johnny Ace @ AJPW Super Power Series - Tag 15
** Match of the Year (2004) vs. Kenta Kobashi @ Noah Departure
** [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Rookie of the Year|Rookie of the Year]] (1993)
** [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Tag Team of the Year|Tag Team of the Year]] (1996, 1997) with Mitsuharu Misawa
** Tag Team of the Year (1999) with Kenta Kobashi

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons}}
*{{Twitter}}
*{{Professional wrestling profiles}}
*{{IMDb name}}

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Universal Wrestling Association

2025-06-09T21:21:49Z

89.136.44.148: /* Championships */

{{short description|Mexican professional wrestling promotion}}
{{Infobox Wrestling promotion
| name = Universal Wrestling Association
| image = UWALogo.jpg
| acronym = UWA
| established = {{dts|1975|1|29}}
| folded = {{dts|1995}}
| style = [[Lucha Libre]]
| location = [[Naucalpan]]
| founder = [[Francisco Flores (wrestling promoter)|Francisco Flores]] [[Ray Mendoza]] Benjamín Mora, Jr.
| owner = Francisco Flores Ray Mendoza Benjamín Mora, Jr.
}}
The '''Universal Wrestling Association''' ('''UWA''') was a Mexican ''[[Lucha Libre]]'' or [[professional wrestling promotion]] based in [[Naucalpan]], [[Mexico State]] that operated from 1975 until 1995. The name of the actual promotion was '''Promociones Mora y Asociados''' and later '''Lucha Libre Internacional''' ('''LLI''') ("International wrestling") but outside of Mexico it is generally referred to as the UWA as it was the name of the fictional international sanctioning body that in storyline terms oversaw all championships promoted by LLI. The company was founded by wrestler and trainer [[Ray Mendoza]], promoter [[Francisco Flores (wrestling promoter)|Francisco Flores]] and investor Benjamín Mora, Jr. as when they broke away from [[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre|Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre]] to form their own promotion. The company had working agreements with wrestling promotions both in the United States and Japan as they worked with [[Lou Thesz]]'s American-based Universal Wrestling Association, [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW), the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF), [[Universal Lucha Libre]] (UWF), and [[Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling]] (JWP) amongst other promotions.

==History==
In 1974, [[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre|Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre]] (EMLL, later CMLL) founder and owner [[Salvador Lutteroth|Salvador Lutteroth González]] brought his son into the promotion, grooming him to take over when the aging [[Salvador Lutteroth|Lutteroth, Sr.]] eventually had to retire. This action combined with a very rigid and conservative promotional philosophy led EMLL's promoter in [[Naucalpan]], [[Mexico State]], [[Francisco Flores (wrestling promoter)|Francisco Flores]], EMLL wrestler and trainer [[Ray Mendoza]] and investor Benjamin Mora, Jr. to break away from EMLL to form their own company and challenge EMLL's dominance in Mexico.<ref name=MondoMendoza>{{cite book | author= Madigan, Dan | title= Mondo Lucha a Go Go: the bizarre & honorable world of wild Mexican wrestling | publisher= HarperCollins Publishers | year= 2007 | chapter = Ray Mendoza and Los Villaños | pages = 1936–196 | isbn=978-0-06-085583-3}}</ref> With the impending change of management in EMLL many wrestlers who had previously been loyal to Lutteroth decided to leave with Flores, Mendoza and Mora including Mendoza's close friends [[Rene Guajardo]] and [[Karloff Lagarde]] and a number of young wrestles, frustrated with the lack of opportunities in EMLL. They formed the company ''Promociones Mora y Asociados'' (later ''Lucha Libre Internacional'' (LLI)), which would later become widely known as the Universal Wrestling Association (UWA), the name of its fictional governing body which was adopted from the short-lived American-based UWA promotion ran by [[Lou Thesz]], and held their first show on January 29, 1975, creating the first true rival for EMLL in decades.<ref name=MondoMendoza/>

To some the promotion was known as "Lucha Libre from El Toreo de Naucalpan" (simply "El Toreo"), after the promotion's home base, El Toreo de Naucalpan, which was a building Flores had promoted wrestling in for years before the split. [[Toreo de Cuatro Caminos|El Toreo de Naucalpan]] (a former bullring turned into an arena in 1968, now demolished and formerly located near [[Metro Cuatro Caminos]] station) became UWA's main venue, used for major title matches, their anniversary shows and significant ''[[Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|Lucha de Apuesta]]'' (bet matches) events.

UWA's more relaxed approach to wrestling, combined with their willingness to promote younger wrestlers made the promotion a quick success as they drew repeated sell-out crowds at El Toreo de Naucalpan. The promotion was the first to elevate wrestlers such as [[El Canek]], [[Dos Caras]], [[Fishman (wrestler)|Fishman]], [[Villano III]] to main event status. El Canek became the "face of the UWA", holding the [[UWA World Heavyweight Championship]] no less than 13 times during the promotion's life span,<ref name=UWAHeavy/> drawing full houses when he "defended Mexico's honor" against foreign wrestlers such as [[Hulk Hogan]], [[Tatsumi Fujinami]] and [[Big Van Vader]].<ref name=LuchaBook>{{cite book | author= Various | title= Lucha Libre: Masked Superstars of Mexican Wrestling | publisher= Distributed Art Publishers, Inc. | year= 2005 | chapter = El Principle Maya / the Mayan Prince | pages = 58–59 | isbn=968-6842-48-9}}</ref><ref name=FigurasCanek>{{cite news | author = L.L. Staff | title = Lucha Libre: Conoce la historia de las leyendas de cuadrilátero | work = El Canek (1952) | location = [[Mexico]] | id = Grandes Figuras de la Lucha Libre | page = 15 | year = 2008 | language = es}}</ref>

The UWA also reached out to promotions around the globe and forged working relationships with the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF) in the United States and [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) and [[Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling]] in Japan. This working relationship resulted in a larger influx of foreign wrestlers than EMLL was ever able to produce and also led to the UWA actually gaining exclusive rights to promote a WWF branded championship, the [[WWF World Light Heavyweight Championship]] in the early 1980s, even if the promotion does not acknowledge this lineage in their official title history today.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/lightheavyweight/|title=History of the Light Heavyweight Championship|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] | access-date=July 12, 2010}}</ref>

The UWA even began working with EMLL in the 1980s, co-promoting shows and allowing EMLL to book UWA wrestlers on their shows. By the early 1990s UWA began to struggle financially as several of their top wrestlers left the company to work for EMLL who could offer them more money.

In 1992 [[Antonio Peña]] broke away from EMLL, much like the UWA had 18 years earlier, and formed a new company called [[Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide|Asistencia Asesoría y Administración]] (AAA) further affecting the UWA's finances. As the peso devaluated sharply in the mid-1990s, the UWA was forced to close its doors in 1995.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ernesto|last=Ocampo|title=The Fall of the UWA//Toreo|url=https://superluchas.com/descanse-en-paz-carlos-maynez-semblanza-de-uno-de-los-mas-grandes-promotores-de-mexico/|website=superluchas.com|lang=es|date=30 April 2015|access-date=30 April 2015}}</ref>

==Legacy==
The UWA is remembered as the place where a lot of the main event wrestlers of the 1980s and 1990s for both CMLL and AAA got their starts, including El Canek, now considered a legend in lucha libre.<ref name=FigurasCanek/> The UWA also helped popularize the match format that is now the most common in Mexico, the [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Trios rules (Relevos Australianos)|Best two out of three falls six-man tag team match]], or ''trios'' match when they put together the ''[[Heel (professional wrestling)|rudo]]'' (bad guy) trio ''[[Los Misioneros de la Muerte]]'' ([[Negro Navarro]], [[El Signo]] and [[El Texano]]) and matched them up against trios of popular ''[[Face (professional wrestling)|tecnicos]]'' (good guys) and drew so many sell-crowds that other promotions began to heavily promote the ''trios'' format as well.<ref name=MondoMendoza/>

''Los Misionares de la Muerte'' were originally workhorse midcarders in the UWA, but their stock rose immediately in a UWA match on November 2, 1980 in a match where the three faced [[Huracan Ramirez]], [[Black Shadow (wrestler)|Black Shadow]], and the legendary [[El Santo]]. Santo, 63 years old at the time, suffered a legitimate heart attack during the match, which ended in a no contest while he was rushed to the hospital. The three were then re-cast as fallen angels sent to Earth to take out Santo, and were programmed against trios of other tecnicos.<ref name=won>{{cite journal|author=Dave Meltzer|title=El Santo|journal=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|date=February 18, 2009}}</ref>

==Championships==
The Universal Wrestling Association promoted a large number of wrestling championships, spread out over several [[Lucha Libre#Weight classes|weight classes]] like in [[professional boxing]] and even co-promoted championships with the WWF in the United States and with the UWF and JWP in Japan. Some UWA titles are still being used today, some in Japanese promotions who bought the rights to the belts and the name to give them a ''lucha libre'' link, others are considered more "vanity" championships, personally owned by whoever holds them and are often used more as a storyline prop, although they are at times defended and even change hands. In some cases the UWA championship belts are bought and sold by the champions.<ref name=SL140>{{cite news | author = Súper Luchas staff | title = 2005 Lo Mejor de la Lucha Mexicana | work =[[Súper Luchas]]| id = issue 140 | date = January 3, 2006 | language = es}}</ref> At times both CMLL and AAA have acknowledged and promoted UWA championships. This has occurred as recently as 2011.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+Universal Wrestling Association championships
|-
!Championship !! Last official champion(s) !! Date won !! Current/last champion(s) !! Date won !! Promotion(s) !! Active?
|-
|[[UWA World Heavyweight Championship]]
|[[El Canek]]
|{{dts|1994|3|18}}<ref name=UWAHeavy>{{cite book|author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will|title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=MEXICO: Universal Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Title|page=397|year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
|[[Dr. Wagner, Jr.]]
|{{dts|2004|6|18}}<ref name="WebUWAHeavy">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/mexico/uwa/uwa-h.html|title=Universal Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Title|access-date=July 12, 2010 |publisher=wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
|Personal
|{{no}}
|-
|[[UWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship]]
|Aero Flash
|{{dts|1995|9}}<ref name="UWAJuniorHeavy">{{cite web | url = http://www.wrestling-titles.com/mexico/uwa/uwa-j.html | title = Universal Wrestling Association World Light Heavyweight Title | access-date = 2009-02-28 |publisher = Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref>
|The Wolf
|{{dts|April 14, 2024}}
|Fight of the Ring
|{{yes}}
|-
|[[UWA World Light Heavyweight Championship]]
|[[Villano V]]
|{{dts|1994|1|1}}<ref>{{cite book |author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will |title=Wrestling Title Histories |publisher=Archeus Communications |chapter = Mexico: Universal Wrestling Federation Light Heavyweight Title |page = 397 |year= 2000 |isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
|[[Chessman (wrestler)|Chessman]]
|{{dts|2007|8|18}}<ref name="WebUWALightHeavy">{{cite web |url = http://www.wrestling-titles.com/mexico/uwa/uwa-lh.html |title = Universal Wrestling Association World Light Heavyweight Title |access-date = July 12, 2010 |publisher = wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
|AAA
|{{no}}
|-
|[[UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship]]
|[[Gran Hamada]]
|{{dts|1993|9|22}}<ref name=UWAJrLightH>{{cite book |author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will |title=Wrestling Title Histories |publisher=Archeus Communications |chapter = Mexico: Universal Wrestling Federation Junior Light Heavyweight Title |page = 397 |year= 2000 |isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
|[[Super Nova (wrestler)|Súper Nova]]
|{{dts|2013|5|17}}
|Personal
|{{no}}
|-
|[[UWA World Middleweight Championship]]
|[[El Texano]]
|{{dts|1995|2|12}}<ref name=UWAMiddle>{{cite book | author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will | title=Wrestling Title Histories | publisher=Archeus Communications | chapter= Mexico: UWA Middleweight Title | page= 399 | year= 2000 | isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
|[[Kyu Mogami]]
|{{dts|2019|06|20}}
|[[Active Advance Pro Wrestling]]
|{{yes}}
|-
|[[UWA World Welterweight Championship]]
|[[Shinjiro Otani]]
|{{dts|1994|12|13}}<ref name=UWAWelter>{{cite book | author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will | title=Wrestling Title Histories | publisher=Archeus Communications | chapter= Mexico: UWA Welterweight Title | page= 399 | year= 2000 | isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
|{{n/a}}
|{{n/a}}
|{{n/a}}
|{{no}}
|-
|[[UWA World Lightweight Championship]]
|[[Mosco de la Merced|Loco Valentino]]
|{{dts|1994|9|22}}<ref name=UWALight>{{cite book | author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will | title=Wrestling Title Histories | publisher=Archeus Communications | chapter= Mexico: UWA Lightweight Title | page= 400 | year= 2000 | isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
|Kancho Nagase
|{{dts|2015|9|3}}<ref name="WebUWALight">{{cite web |url = http://www.wrestling-titles.com/mexico/uwa/uwa-l.html |title = Universal Wrestling Association World Lightweight Title |access-date = July 12, 2010 |publisher = wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
|Fight of the Ring
|{{yes}}
|-
|[[UWA World Featherweight Championship]]
|Coralillo
|{{dts|1992|8|25}}<ref name=UWAFeather>{{Cite book | author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will | title=Wrestling Title Histories | publisher=Archeus Communications | chapter= MEXICO: UWA World Featherweight Title | pages= 398–399 | year= 2000 | isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
|{{n/a}}
|{{n/a}}
|{{n/a}}
|{{no}}
|-
|[[UWA World Tag Team Championship]]
|''Los Villanos'' ([[Villano IV]] and [[Villano V]])
|{{dts|1993|3}}<ref name=UWATag>{{Cite book | author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will | title=Wrestling Title Histories | publisher=Archeus Communications | chapter= MEXICO: UWA World Tag Team Title | pages= 398 | year= 2000 | isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
|[[Tatsuhito Senga|Yapper Man #1]] and [[Tsutomu Oosugi|Yapper Man #2]]
|{{dts|2019|10|19}}<ref name="WebUWATagJapan">{{cite web |url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/eldorado/jp-uwa-t.html |title=Universal Wrestling Association World Tag Team Title [Japan] |access-date=March 24, 2021 |publisher=Puroresu Dojo}}</ref>
|[[Michinoku Pro Wrestling]]
|{{yes}}
|-
|[[UWA World Trios Championship]]
|''Los Misionares de la Muerte'' (Negro Navarro, Rocky Santana and El Signo)
|{{dts|1994|10|9}}<ref name=UWATrios>{{cite book | author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will | title=Wrestling Title Histories | publisher=Archeus Communications | chapter= Mexico: UWA Trios Title | page= 399 | year= 2000 | isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
|Aagan Iisou {{small|([[Shuji Kondo]], [[Takuya Sugawara]] and [[Toru Owashi]])}}
|{{dts|2021|10|21}}<ref name="WebUWATrios">{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/mexico/uwa/uwa-6.html |title=U.W.A. World Trios Title |access-date=October 9, 2015 |publisher=Puroresu Dojo}}</ref>
|[[Big Japan Pro Wrestling]] [[Pro-Wrestling Basara]]
|{{yes}}
|-
|[[UWA/UWF Intercontinental Tag Team Championship]]
|[[Gran Hamada]] and [[Great Sasuke]]
|{{dts|1992|11|20}}
|[[Kazma Sakamoto|Kazma]] and [[Kengo Mashimo]]
|{{dts|2005|3|6}}<ref name="WebUWAICTag">{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/mexico/uwa/uwa-ic-t.html |title=UWA/UWF Intercontinental Tag Team Title |access-date=July 12, 2010 |publisher=Puroresu Dojo}}</ref>
|[[Michinoku Pro Wrestling]]
|{{no}}
|-
|UWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship
|{{n/a}}
|{{n/a}}
|[[Kenichiro Arai]] and The Wolf
|{{dts|May 8, 2023}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=titles&titel=6568|title=UWA Intercontinental Tag Team Titles|work=WrestlingData|accessdate=December 19, 2023}}</ref>
|Fight of the Ring
|{{yes}}
|-
|[[UWA Asia Pacific Heavyweight Championship]]
|{{n/a}}
|{{n/a}}
|[[Shogun Okamoto]]
|{{dts|April 22, 2021}}<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.purolove.com/misc/rjpw/results21.php |title=Real Japan Pro-Wrestling Results: 2021 |access-date=August 10, 2021 |website=PuroLove.com |language=de}}</ref>
|[[Strong Style Pro-Wrestling]]
|{{yes}}
|-
|[[UWA World Women's Championship]]
|[[Zuleyma]]
|{{dts|1991|2|23}}<ref name=UWAWomen>{{cite book | author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will | title=Wrestling Title Histories | publisher=Archeus Communications | chapter= MEXICO: UWA World Women's Title | page= 399 | year= 2000 | isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
|[[Miss Janeth]]
|2002<ref name="ByL2593">{{cite news | author = Box y Lucha staff | title = 2002: considerar detrás | work = Box y Lucha Magazine | id = issue 2593 | date = January 19, 2003 | language = es}}</ref>
|Personal
|{{no}}
|-
|[[UWA World Women's Tag Team Championship]]
|[[Yumiko Hotta]] and [[Takako Inoue]]
|{{dts|1993|9|5}}<ref name="WebUWAWomenTag">{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/zenjo/uwa-wt.html |title=U.W.A. World Women's Tag Team Title |access-date=July 12, 2010 |publisher=Puroresu Dojo}}</ref>
|{{n/a}}
|{{n/a}}
|{{n/a}}
|{{no}}
|-
|UWA Women's International Championship
|[[Harley Saito]]
|{{dts|1991|2|11}}
|{{n/a}}
|{{n/a}}
|{{n/a}}
|{{no}}
|-
|UWA Women's Junior Championship
|[[Cutie Suzuki]]
|{{dts|1991|10|10}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/jwpw/uwa-wm-j.html|title=UWA/ Junior Title|publisher=wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
|{{n/a}}
|{{n/a}}
|{{n/a}}
|{{no}}
|-
|[[WWF Light Heavyweight Championship]]
|Aero Flash
|{{dts|1995|6|15}}
|{{n/a}}
|{{n/a}}
|{{n/a}}
|{{no}}
|}

==Shows==
{| class="wikitable" align="center"
!width="9%"|Event
!width="6%"|Date
!width="10%"|City
!width="9%"|Venue
!width="30%"|Main Event
|-
|[[List of Universal Wrestling Association Shows#UWA Debut Show|UWA Debut Show]]
|{{dts|1975|1|29}}
|[[Naucalpan]], [[Mexico State]]
|''El Toreo de Naucalpan''
|[[Aníbal]] defeated [[Rene Guajardo]]<ref name=Debut>{{cite web | url= http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/mexico/uwa/misccards.html#012975| title= UWA Debut Show | date= January 29, 1975 | access-date= July 12, 2010 | publisher= ProWrestlingHistory}}</ref>
|-
|UWA 1st Anniversary Show
|1976
|[[Naucalpan]], [[Mexico State]]
|''El Toreo de Naucalpan''
|No record found for match results
|-
|UWA 2nd Anniversary Show
|1977
|[[Naucalpan]], [[Mexico State]]
|''El Toreo de Naucalpan''
|No record found for match results
|-
|UWA 3rd Anniversary Show
|1978
|[[Naucalpan]], [[Mexico State]]
|''El Toreo de Naucalpan''
|No record found for match results
|-
|UWA 4th Anniversary Show
|1979
|[[Naucalpan]], [[Mexico State]]
|''El Toreo de Naucalpan''
|No record found for match results
|-
|UWA 5th Anniversary Show
|1980
|[[Naucalpan]], [[Mexico State]]
|''El Toreo de Naucalpan''
|No record found for match results
|-
|[[List of Universal Wrestling Association Shows#UWA 6th Anniversary Show|UWA 6h Anniversary Show]]
|{{dts|1981|2|7}}
|[[Naucalpan]], [[Mexico State]]
|''El Toreo de Naucalpan''
|[[El Solitario]] wrestled [[Villano III]] to a time-limit draw.<ref name=DiaFeb8>{{cite web | url= http://superluchas.com/2015/02/08/en-un-dia-como-hoy-1981-aniversario-independiente-solitario-vs-villano-iii-por-el-campeonato-mundial-de-peso-semicompleto-uwa/ | title=En un día como hoy... 1981: Aniversario independiente, Solitario vs. Villano III por el Campeonato Mundial de Peso Semicompleto UWA | date=February 7, 2015 | access-date=July 6, 2015 | first=Teddy | last=Centinela | work=[[Súper Luchas]] | language=es}}</ref>
|-
|[[List of Universal Wrestling Association Shows#UWA 7th Anniversary Show|UWA 7th Anniversary Show]]
|{{dts|1982|2|14}}
|[[Naucalpan]], [[Mexico State]]
|''El Toreo de Naucalpan''
|[[Abdullah the Butcher]] and [[Perro Aguayo]] defeated [[Antonio Inoki]] and [[Tatsumi Fujinami]]<ref name=UWA7th>{{cite web | url= http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/mexico/uwa/anniversary.html#7| title= 7th Anniversary Show | date= February 14, 1982 | access-date= July 12, 2010 | publisher= ProWrestlingHistory}}</ref>
|-
|UWA 8th Anniversary Show
|1983
|[[Naucalpan]], [[Mexico State]]
|''El Toreo de Naucalpan''
|No record found for match results
|-
|[[List of Universal Wrestling Association Shows#UWA 9th Anniversary Show|UWA 9th Anniversary Show]]
|{{dts|1984|1|29}}
|[[Naucalpan]], [[Mexico State]]
|''El Toreo de Naucalpan''
|[[El Canek]] defeated [[André the Giant]]<ref name=UWA9th>{{cite web | url= http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/mexico/uwa/anniversary.html#9| title= 9th Anniversary Show | date= February 12, 1984 | access-date= July 12, 2010 | publisher= ProWrestlingHistory}}</ref>
|-
|UWA 10th Anniversary Show
|1985
|[[Naucalpan]], [[Mexico State]]
|''El Toreo de Naucalpan''
|No record found for match results
|-
|UWA 11th Anniversary Show
|1986
|[[Naucalpan]], [[Mexico State]]
|''El Toreo de Naucalpan''
|No record found for match results
|-
|UWA 12th Anniversary Show
|1987
|[[Naucalpan]], [[Mexico State]]
|''El Toreo de Naucalpan''
|No record found for match results
|-
|UWA 13th Anniversary Show
|1988
|[[Naucalpan]], [[Mexico State]]
|''El Toreo de Naucalpan''
|No record found for match results
|-
|[[List of Universal Wrestling Association Shows#UWA 14th Anniversary Show|UWA 14th Anniversary Show]]
|{{dts|1989|1|29}}
|[[Naucalpan]], [[Mexico State]]
|''El Toreo de Naucalpan''
|[[El Canek]] defeated [[Konnan]]<ref name=UWA14th>{{cite web | url= http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/mexico/uwa/anniversary.html#14 | title= 14th Anniversary Show | date= January 29, 1989 | access-date= July 12, 2010 | publisher= ProWrestlingHistory}}</ref>
|-
|UWA 15th Anniversary Show
|1990
|[[Naucalpan]], [[Mexico State]]
|''El Toreo de Naucalpan''
|No record found for match results
|-
|[[List of Universal Wrestling Association Shows#UWA 16th Anniversary Show|UWA 16th Anniversary Show]]
|{{dts|1991|1|27}}
|[[Naucalpan]], [[Mexico State]]
|''El Toreo de Naucalpan''
|[[Canek (wrestler)|El Canek]], [[Mil Mascaras]] and [[Dos Caras]] defeated [[The Headshrinkers|The Hawaiian Beasts]] ([[Solofa Fatu|Fatu]], [[Yokozuna (wrestler)|Great Kokina]] and [[Sam Fatu|The Samoan Savage]])<ref name=UWA16th>{{cite web | url= http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/mexico/uwa/anniversary.html#16 | title= 16th Anniversary Show | date= January 27, 1991 | access-date= July 12, 2010 | publisher= ProWrestlingHistory}}</ref>
|-
|[[List of Universal Wrestling Association Shows#UWA 17th Anniversary Show|UWA 17th Anniversary Show]]
|{{dts|1992|1|26}}
|[[Naucalpan]], [[Mexico State]]
|''El Toreo de Naucalpan''
|[[Chris Benoit]] defeated [[Villano III]]<ref name=UWA17th>{{cite web | url= http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/mexico/uwa/anniversary.html#17 | title= 17th Anniversary Show | date= January 26, 1992 | access-date= July 12, 2010 | publisher= ProWrestlingHistory}}</ref>
|-
|[[List of Universal Wrestling Association Shows#UWA 18th Anniversary Show|UWA 18th Anniversary Show]]
|{{dts|1993|1|31}}
|[[Naucalpan]], [[Mexico State]]
|''El Toreo de Naucalpan''
|[[Vampiro]] defeated [[El Canek]]<ref name=UWA18th>{{cite web | url= http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/mexico/uwa/anniversary.html#18 | title= 18th Anniversary Show | date= January 31, 1993 | access-date= July 12, 2010 | publisher= ProWrestlingHistory}}</ref>
|-
|[[List of Universal Wrestling Association Shows#UWA 19th Anniversary Show|UWA 19th Anniversary Show]]
|{{dts|1994|1|30}}
|[[Naucalpan]], [[Mexico State]]
|''El Toreo de Naucalpan''
|[[Kim Duk (wrestler)|Yamato]], [[Villano III]] and [[Villano V]] defeated [[El Canek]], [[Gran Hamada]] and Transformer<ref name=UWA19th>{{cite web | url= http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/mexico/uwa/anniversary.html#19 | title= 19th Anniversary Show | date= January 30, 1994 | access-date= July 12, 2010 | publisher= ProWrestlingHistory}}</ref>
|}

==Former personnel==
{{main|List of former Universal Wrestling Association personnel}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Mexico}}
*[[List of professional wrestling promotions in Mexico]]

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

{{Universal Wrestling Association Championships}}
{{Professional wrestling in Mexico}}

[[Category:Lucha libre]]
[[Category:Mexican professional wrestling promotions]]
[[Category:Entertainment companies established in 1975]]
[[Category:Entertainment companies disestablished in 1995]]
[[Category:1975 establishments in Mexico]]
[[Category:1995 disestablishments in Mexico]]
[[Category:Universal Wrestling Association]]
[[Category:Defunct professional wrestling promotions]]

Nihon University

2025-06-09T21:18:17Z

89.136.44.148: /* Alumni */

{{Short description|Private, higher education institution in Japan}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}}
{{Infobox university
| name = Nihon University
| image_name = 170312 Nihon University Ochanomizu Square Building Tokyo Japan01s3.jpg
| image_size = 270
| caption = Nihon University Casals Hall
| motto =
| established = 1889
| type = Private
| founder = [[Yamada Akiyoshi]]
| president = Takeo Sakai (until 31 March 2024)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231130_02/|title=Nihon University formalizes resignation of president, vice president|date=30 November 2023|publisher=NHK World-Japan|access-date=29 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129195643/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231130_02/|archive-date=29 November 2023}}</ref>
| city = [[Chiyoda, Tokyo|Chiyoda]]
| state = [[Tokyo]]
| country = Japan
| academic_staff = 4,168<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/nihon-university|title = Nihon University}}</ref>
| students = 70,821<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/nihon-university|title = Nihon University}}</ref>
| undergrad = 68,817
| administrative_staff = 1,720
| campus = {{convert|622|acre|ha|lk=on}}
| colors = Pink
| free_label =
| free =
| mascot = Phoenix
| website = {{URL|http://www.nihon-u.ac.jp}}
| coor = {{nowrap|{{Coord|35.691|N|139.737608|E|region:JP-13_type:edu_source:dewiki|display=inline,title|format=dms}}}}
}}
[[File:NUBuilding.jpg|thumb|150px|Nihon University head office]]{{Infobox US university ranking
| USNWR_NU = 39
| USNWR_W = 1381
}}

{{Nihongo|'''Nihon University'''|日本大学|Nihon Daigaku|{{Lit|Japan University}}}}, abbreviated as {{Nihongo||日大|Nichidai}}, is a [[private university|private]] research university in Japan. Its predecessor, Nihon Law School (currently the Department of Law), was founded by [[Yamada Akiyoshi]], the [[Minister of Justice (Japan)|Minister of Justice]], in 1889.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndl.go.jp/portrait/e/datas/211.html|title=Yamada, Akiyoshi {{!}} Portraits of Modern Japanese Historical Figures |website=www.ndl.go.jp |language=en|access-date=2019-07-20}}</ref> The university's name is derived from the Japanese word "Nihon" meaning Japan. Nihon University now has 16 colleges and 87 departments, 20 postgraduate schools, one junior college which is composed of five departments, one correspondence division, 32 research institutes and three hospitals.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/nihon-university |title=Nihon University |date=2015-07-16|publisher=Top Universities |language=en|access-date=2020-03-19}}</ref> The number of students exceeds 70,000 and is the largest in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/190960 |title=定員厳格化でも｢学生が多い大学｣トップ200 {{!}} 本当に強い大学|date=2017-09-30|website=東洋経済オンライン|language=ja |access-date=2019-07-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cst.nihon-u.ac.jp/en/ |title=College of Science and Technology, Nihon University |website=www.cst.nihon-u.ac.jp|access-date=2019-07-20}}</ref>

== University profile ==
Most of the university's campuses are in the [[Kantō region]], with the vast majority in [[Tokyo]] or surrounding areas, although two campuses are as far away from Tokyo as [[Shizuoka Prefecture]] and [[Fukushima Prefecture]]. These campuses mostly accommodate single colleges or schools ({{nihongo||学部|gakubu}} in Japanese). In December 2016 the university acquired the former [[Newcastle Court House]] in {{NSWcity|Newcastle}}, [[New South Wales]], [[Australia]] for {{AUD}}6.6 million as its inaugural international campus.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/4551286/japanese-buyers-give-new-life-to-law-courts/ |title=Nihon University buys former Newcastle Court House for $6.6 million as first international campus |work=[[Newcastle Herald]] |location=Australia |author=McGowan, Michael |date=24 March 2017 |access-date=7 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107170232/http://www.theherald.com.au/story/4551286/japanese-buyers-give-new-life-to-law-courts/ |archive-date=7 November 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-15/heritage-listed-courthouse-in-newcastle-goes-under-the-hammer/8124212 |title=Heritage-listed courthouse in Newcastle goes under the hammer for $6.6m |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |location=Australia |author=Cox, Dan |date=15 December 2016 |access-date=7 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502170919/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-15/heritage-listed-courthouse-in-newcastle-goes-under-the-hammer/8124212 |archive-date=2 May 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

The university comprises a federation of colleges and institutes known for having produced numerous Japanese [[Chief executive officer|CEOs]]. Its College of Art (日芸 — ''Nichigei''), located right next to [[Ekoda Station|Ekoda]] train station in Tokyo's [[Nerima]] ward, is well-known for producing many artists who represent Japan in [[photography]], [[theater]], and [[Film|cinema]]. In addition, the university has over 20 affiliated high schools bearing its name across Japan, from which a significant number of students go on to study at the institution as undergraduates.{{fact|date=November 2024}}

== Faculties and graduate schools ==

=== Colleges and departments ===
* College of Law (1889-; [[Chiyoda, Tokyo]] & [[Saitama, Saitama]])
** Law / Political Science and Economics / Journalism / Management Law / Public Administration
* College of Humanities and Sciences (1901-; [[Setagaya, Tokyo]])
** Philosophy / History / Japanese Language and Literature / Chinese Language and Culture / English Literature / German Literature
** Sociology / Education / Physical Education / Psychology
** Geography / Geosystem Sciences / Mathematics / [[World Wide Web|Computer]] Science and System Analysis / Physics / Integrated Science in Physics and Biology / Chemistry
* College of Economics (1904-; [[Chiyoda, Tokyo]])
** Economics (1st division / 2nd division / international course) / Industrial Management / Finance and Public Economics
* College of Commerce (1904-; [[Setagaya, Tokyo]])
** Commerce / Business Administration / Accounting
[[File:Nihon Univ College of Art Tokyo Japan 20110628.JPG|thumb|Nihon University Nerima campus]]
* College of Art (1921-; [[Nerima, Tokyo]] & [[Tokorozawa, Saitama]])
** Photography / Cinema / Fine Arts / Music / Literary Arts / Drama / Broadcasting / Design
* College of International Relations (1978-; [[Mishima, Shizuoka]])
** International Relations / Intercultural Relations / Global Exchange Studies / International Business and Information
* College of Science and Technology (1920-; [[Chiyoda, Tokyo]] & [[Funabashi, Chiba]])
** Civil Engineering / Transportation Engineering and Socio-Technology / Architecture / Oceanic Architecture and Engineering / Mechanical Engineering / Precision Machinery Engineering / Aerospace Engineering / Electrical Engineering / Electronics and Computer Science / Materials and Applied Chemistry / Physics / Mathematics
* College of Industrial Technology (1952-; [[Narashino, Chiba]])
** Mechanical Engineering / Electrical and Electronic Engineering / Civil Engineering / Architecture and Architectural Engineering / Applied Molecular Chemistry / Industrial Engineering and Management / Mathematical Information Engineering / Liberal Arts and Basic Science
* College of Engineering (1947-; [[Koriyama, Fukushima]])
** Civil Engineering / Architecture / Mechanical Engineering / Electrical and Electronics Engineering / Materials Chemistry and Engineering / Computer Science
* School of Medicine (1925-; [[Itabashi, Tokyo]])
** Medicine
* School of Dentistry (1921-; [[Chiyoda, Tokyo]])
** Dentistry
* School of Dentistry at Matsudo (1971-; [[Matsudo, Chiba]])
** Dentistry
* College of Bioresource Science (1943-; [[Fujisawa, Kanagawa]])
** Plant Science and Resources / Animal Sciences and Resources / Marine Sciences and Resources / Forest Sciences and Resources / Bioenvironmental and Agricultural Resources / Food Science and Technology / Agricultural and Biological Chemistry / Applied Biological Sciences / Food Economics / International Development Studies / Veterinary Medicine
* College of Pharmacy (1952-; [[Narashino, Chiba]])
** Pharmacy / Biological Pharmacy
* Correspondence Division (1948-; [[Chiyoda, Tokyo]])

=== Graduate schools ===
* Advanced Research Institute for the Sciences and Humanities
* Graduate School of Law
* Graduate School of Liberal Arts
* Graduate School of Science and Technology
* Graduate School of Integrated Basic Sciences
* Graduate School of Economics
* Graduate School of Commerce
* Graduate School of Art
* Graduate School of International Relations
* Graduate School of Industrial Technology
* Graduate School of Engineering
* Graduate School of Medicine
* Graduate School of Dentistry
* Graduate School of Dentistry at Matsudo
* Graduate School of Bioresource Science
* Graduate School of Pharmacy
* Graduate School of Business
* Graduate School of Social and Cultural Studies
* Law School

== Teaching staff ==
''See {{c|Academic staff of Nihon University}}''

== Alumni ==
{{More citations needed section|date=May 2013}}

* Abe Shuji, President and CEO of [[Yoshinoya]]
* [[Akio Mori]], physiologist and writer
* [[Akira Gomi]], photographer
* [[Ayumu Nakajima]], actor
* [[Banana Yoshimoto]], writer<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Banana-Yoshimoto|title = Banana Yoshimoto | Biography, Books, & Facts}}</ref>
* [[C. W. Nicol]], environmentalist
* [[Daishōmaru Shōgo]], sumo wrestler
* [[Daisuke Ono]], voice actor
* [[Takehiko Orimo]], basketball player
* [[Dong Biwu]], Chinese communist revolutionary, Acting President of the People's Republic of China (1972–1975)
* [[Endō Shōta]], sumo wrestler<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:相撲部遠藤聖大選手角界入門記者会見|url=http://www.nihon-u.ac.jp/2013/02/548033/|publisher=Nihon University|access-date=24 July 2015|language=ja|date=14 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725075258/http://www.nihon-u.ac.jp/2013/02/548033/|archive-date=25 July 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* [[Hamanoshima Keishi]], sumo wrestler
* [[Hidenoumi Takuya]], sumo wrestler
* [[Higonoumi Naoya]], sumo wrestler
* [[Hiroko Mima]], Miss Japan Universe and 15th runner-up for Miss Universe
* [[Hiroshi Suga]], photographer<ref name="suganikon">[http://www.nikon-image.com/activity/nikkor/club/manager/index.htm Profiles of Nikkor Club consultants] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130130094527/http://www.nikon-image.com/activity/nikkor/club/manager/index.htm |date=2013-01-30 }}, Nikon. {{in lang|ja}} Accessed 27 November 2010.</ref>
* [[Hiroshi Watanabe (photographer)|Hiroshi Watanabe]], photographer
* [[Hiroshi Yamazaki]], photographer
* [[Hiroyuki Sanada]], actor and martial artist
* [[Ian Buruma]], writer<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bard.edu/academics/faculty/details/?id=153|title=Ian Buruma}}</ref>
* [[Ichiro Ozawa]], statesman*
* [[Ishiura Masakatsu]], sumo wrestler
* [[Jōkōryū Takayuki]], sumo wrestler
* [[Jun Konno]], judo wrestler
* [[Junya Koizumi]], statesman
* [[Kōtarō Iizawa]], photographic critic
* [[Kei Tomiyama]], voice actor*
* [[Ken Domon]], photographer*
* [[Kentaro Miura]], mangaka
* [[Kishin Shinoyama]], photographer
* [[Kōichi Hamada (politician)|Kōichi Hamada]], politician
* [[Kotomitsuki Keiji]], sumo wrestler
* [[Kyu Mogami]], [[professional wrestler]]
* [[Kyuichi Tokuda]], lawyer, politician, leader of the [[Japanese Communist Party]] (1945–1950)
* [[Kusano Naoya]], sumo wrestler
* [[Mainoumi Shūhei]], sumo wrestler
* [[Makoto Hasegawa (basketball)|Makoto Hasegawa]], basketball player
* [[Makoto Koga]], statesman
* [[Makoto Takimoto]], judo wrestler
* [[Masato Matsuura]], CEO of Avex Group
* [[Maximo Blanco]], wrestler; professional [[Mixed Martial Artist]] in the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]]'s Featherweight Division<ref>{{cite web|title=Maximo Blanco UFC Profile|url=https://www.ufc.com/athlete/maximo-blanco|access-date=1 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214105220/http://www.ufc.com/fighter/Maximo-Blanco|archive-date=14 December 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* [[Megumi Han]], Voice actress and singer
* [[Miyako Matsumoto]], actress and professional wrestler
* [[Remi Matsuo]], musician and artist<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://shingakunet.com/journal/column/40167/|title=GLIM SPANKYから迷える高校生へ「ワイルド・サイドを行け」Part1|work=Study Sapuri|language=Japanese|date=2016-08-30|access-date=2023-03-18}}</ref>
* [[Satoyama Kōsaku]], sumo wrestler
* [[Shoji Meguro]], video game music composer<ref name="Meguro Profile">{{cite web|last1=Greening|first1=Chris|title=Shoji Meguro Profile|date=20 January 2013|url=http://www.vgmonline.net/shojimeguro/|publisher=Game Music Online|access-date=2015-01-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401123315/http://www.vgmonline.net/shojimeguro/|archive-date=2015-04-01|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Sido Nakamura]], actor*
* [[Takamisakari Seiken]], sumo wrestler
* [[Takashi Sasano]], actor*
* [[Tetsuya Ichimura]], photographer*
* [[Tomoyuki Furumaya]], film director
* [[Toru Yano]], professional wrestler
* [[Toshiaki Kasuga]], comedian
* [[Toshiaki Okamura]], baseball player and coach
* [[Tsutomu Sato (politician)|Tsutomu Sato]], statesman
* [[Wajima Hiroshi]], sumo wrestler, the 54th ''[[yokozuna]]''
* [[Yasu Urano]], professional wrestlers
* [[Yasuaki Kurata]], [[actor]] and [[martial artist]]
* [[Yasuhiro Sonoda]], statesman
* [[Yoshikazu Tanaka]], CEO and Founder of GREE Inc.
* [[Yoshino Ōishi]], photojournalist<ref name="nikonprofile">[http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/activity/npci/npci2010-2011/profile03.htm Profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101015235105/http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/activity/npci/npci2010-2011/profile03.htm |date=2010-10-15 }} of Ōishi, Nikon Corp. Accessed 2010-11-03.</ref>
* [[Yoshinobu Nishizaki]], animator
* [[Yoshisada Yonezuka]], 9th Dan (Kudan) Judo Instructor
* [[Yoshiyuki Tomino]], animator
* [[Yui Hasegawa]], footballer
* [[Yutaka Takanashi]], photographer
* [[Yutaka Yaguchi]], 9th Dan Shotokan Karate Master

== Controversies ==

=== American football team scandals ===
{{See also|Nihon Phoenix football#Controversies}}
====Dirty tackle====
In May 2018, at an [[American football]] game between the [[Nihon Phoenix football|Nihon University Phoenix]] and the [[Kwansei Gakuin Fighters football|Kwansei Gakuin University Fighters]], a Nihon University team member violently tackled an opposing team member from behind after play was over. The tackled Kwansei Gakuin team member received an injury in his back ligaments as a result, and had to take a month out from football to recover. A third-party committee convened by Nihon University to investigate the incident found that the Nihon University team's coach and assistant coach had instructed a team member to dirty-tackle that particular player on the Kwansei Gakuin team. Furthermore, another independent investigation, by the Kantoh Collegiate American Football Association, reached the same conclusion, and expelled the coaches from the Association. Nihon University reached an out-of-court settlement with the injured Kwansei Gakuin team player. A decision by Tokyo's Metropolitan Police Department not to prosecute the coaches was harshly criticized by those who had carried out the above investigations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191116/p2a/00m/0na/014000c|title=Anger as coaches in Japan college football dirty tackle scandal avoid prosecution|date=2019-11-16|newspaper=Mainichi Daily News|language=en|access-date=2021-12-22}}</ref>

====Drug possession====
Three members of the Nihon University American football team were arrested between August and November 2023 for suspicion of using [[cannabis]]. In August 2023 police searched the team's [[dormitory]] after the university found pieces of a plant and pills there the previous month.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/08/af0263e6b27a-police-search-nihon-university-gridiron-team-dorm-over-cannabis.html|title=Police search Nihon University gridiron team dorm over cannabis|date=3 August 2023|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=29 November 2023}}</ref> The university suspended the team's activities in September following the first arrest.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14974742|title=Scandal for Nihon University as football player busted for drugs|date=5 August 2023|publisher=The Asahi Shimbun|access-date=29 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/09/ab1763b122ee-nihon-univ-suspends-football-team-again-over-cannabis-allegations.html|title=Nihon Univ. suspends American football team again over cannabis allegations|date=2 September 2023|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=29 November 2023}}</ref> Following a second arrest in October, it was reported that notes from an August meeting of university executives suggested ten or more members of the American football team may have used cannabis.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/10/22/japan/nihon-university-drug-scandal/|title=Drug scandal at Nihon University American football club seen spreading|date=22 October 2023|website=www.japantimes.co.jp|publisher=Jiji Press|access-date=29 November 2023|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

In November 2023 the Nihon University Board of Trustees recommended the resignation of its President Takeo Sakai and its Vice President Yasuhiro Sawada, while Trustees Chair Mariko Hayashi agreed to a 50% pay cut.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2023112300046|title=Nihon University Recommends President, Vice President Resign|date=22 November 2023|publisher=Jiji Press|access-date=29 November 2023}}</ref> Soon after a third person was arrested, Japanese news sources reported that Nihon University planned to disband its American football team after a history of 83 years, during which it won the [[Koshien Bowl]] 21 times and the [[Rice Bowl]] four times.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231130_02/|title=Nihon University formalizes resignation of president, vice president|date=30 November 2023|publisher=NHK World-Japan|access-date=29 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129195643/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231130_02/|archive-date=29 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/11/5b8d28b879a5-japan-university-to-disband-scandal-hit-american-football-club.html|title=Japan university to disband scandal-hit American football club|date=29 November 2023|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=29 November 2023}}</ref> A third-party investigation into how the matter was handled, led by lawyer Hideaki Kubori, suggested a culture of [[secrecy]] and [[xenophobia]] on the part of university officials.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231204_21/|title=Nihon University's board chair apologizes over handling of drug scandal|date=4 December 2023|publisher=NHK World-Japan|access-date=4 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204120309/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231204_21/|archive-date=4 December 2023}}</ref>

=== Alleged tax evasion by Chairman of the Board ===
On 29 November 2021, the former chairman of the board of Nihon University, Hidetoshi Tanaka, was arrested for alleged tax evasion, and indicted by prosecutors on 20 December. Tanaka had allegedly received approximately 118 million yen in bribes from 2018 to 2020 paid by contractors in return for contracts being awarded for work at Nihon University. He had allegedly failed to declare the money as income, thus allegedly evading payment of approximately 52 million yen in tax.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://japantoday.com/category/crime/Nihon-University-former-board-chairman-indicted-for-alleged-tax-evasion |title=Nihon University former board chairman indicted for alleged tax evasion|date=2021-12-21|website=[[Japan Today]] |language=en|access-date=2021-12-22}}</ref> Tanaka announced his resignation on December 1, 2021. By accepting his resignation rather than dismissing him, the board ensured that Tanaka would remain eligible for a retirement bonus of hundreds of millions of yen.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/a52bae9b850e48b0c20bc0d9442a10d745cb9d9e|title=盗人に追い銭！"日大のドン"田中前理事長に億単位の慰労金…最側近のアメフト元監督には7000万円|date=2021-12-02 |publisher=[[Yahoo! News]] Japan |agency=[[Nikkan Gendai]] |language=ja|access-date=2021-12-22}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{stack|{{Portal|Japan}}}}
* [[Casals Hall]], a chamber music venue owned by Nihon University

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Nihon University}}
* {{Official website|http://www.nihon-u.ac.jp/en/}} (English portal)
* {{Official website|http://www.nihon-u.ac.jp/}} {{in lang|ja}}
{{Chiyoda, Tokyo}}
{{Itabashi}}
{{Nerima}}
{{Nihon University}}
{{Tohoku Collegiate American Football Association navbox}}
{{Kantoh Collegiate American Football Association navbox}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Nihon University| ]]
[[Category:Private universities and colleges in Japan]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges established in 1889]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges in Tokyo]]
[[Category:1889 establishments in Japan]]
[[Category:American football in Japan]]
[[Category:Kantoh Collegiate American Football Association Top 8 university]]

Masato Tanaka

2025-06-08T07:25:59Z

89.136.44.148: /* Championships and accomplishments */

{{short description|Japanese professional wrestler}}
{{Update|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler|name=Masato Tanaka|image=20221030tanaka.jpg|alt=|caption=Tanaka in 2022|names=Masa Tanaka '''Masato Tanaka''' SWORD|height=1.81 m<ref name=NJPW>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/data/detail_profile.php?f=096|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130071055/http://www.njpw.co.jp/data/detail_profile.php?f=096|script-title=ja:田中将斗|archive-date=2012-11-30|access-date=2013-09-09|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref>|weight=95 kg<ref name=Zero1>{{cite web|url=http://www.z-1.co.jp/zero1/wrestlers |title=Wrestlers |access-date=2013-09-09 |work=[[Pro Wrestling Zero1]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202230059/http://www.z-1.co.jp/zero1/wrestlers |archive-date=2013-12-02 }}</ref>|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1973|02|28}}<ref name=NJPW/><ref name=Zero1/>|birth_place=[[Wakayama, Wakayama]], [[Japan]]<ref name=NJPW/><ref name=Zero1/>|death_date=|death_place=|resides=|billed=[[Tokyo]]|trainer=[[Atsushi Onita]]|debut=July 23, 1993<ref name=NJPW/>|retired=}}

{{nihongo|'''Masato Tanaka'''|田中正人, ring name: 田中将斗|Tanaka Masato|born February 28, 1973}}<ref name=OWOW>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/bios/m/masato-tanaka/|title=Masato Tanaka profile|access-date=2014-10-12|work=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref name=Puro>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/tanaka.html|title=Profile at Puroresu Central|publisher=Puroresu Central|access-date=2014-10-12}}</ref> is a Japanese [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], best known for his appearances with [[Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling]] (FMW) in Japan where he was a [[FMW Brass Knuckles Heavyweight Championship#Title History|one-time]] [[FMW Brass Knuckles Heavyweight Championship|FMW Brass Knuckles Heavyweight Champion]] and a [[WEW Heavyweight Championship#Title history|one-time]] [[WEW Heavyweight Championship|WEW World Heavyweight Champion]] and in [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] (ECW) in the United States where he was a [[List of ECW World Heavyweight Champions|one-time]] [[ECW World Heavyweight Championship|ECW World Heavyweight Champion]]. He is currently splitting his time wrestling for both [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] (Noah) and [[Pro Wrestling Zero1]] (Zero1). He is overall a ten-time [[Professional wrestling championship#World championships|world champion]] in major [[professional wrestling promotions]].

==Professional wrestling career==
===Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (1993–1999)===
Originally a trainee for [[George Takano|George]] and [[Shunji Takano]]'s Pro Wrestling Crusaders (Crusaders), Tanaka transferred to [[Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling]] (FMW), where he trained under [[Atsushi Onita]]. Tanaka debuted on July 23, 1993, in [[Saga, Saga|Saga City]], facing [[Ricky Fuji]]. He quickly began moving up the card in FMW, widely regarded as the top [[Hardcore wrestling|hardcore]] [[professional wrestling promotion]] in Japan. Wrestling in matches featuring [[Professional wrestling match types#Explosion Deathmatch|explosions]] and [[Professional wrestling match types#Barbed Wire Steel Cage match|barbed wire]], Tanaka earned a variety of scars, and the nickname "[[Bullet|Dangan]]", which he would often shout during his matches. By 1996 he was one of the promotion's major stars, and had [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feuded]] with fellow wrestlers Mr. Pogo, Mr. Gannosuke, [[Terry Funk]] and [[Mike Awesome]]. His feud with Awesome would eventually span ten years and two continents. In December 1999, he left FMW for ECW, after he and Tetsuhiro Kuroda lost to [[Eiji Ezaki|H]] and [[Mr. Gannosuke]].

===Extreme Championship Wrestling===
====Teaming with Balls Mahoney (1998)====
{{BLP unreferenced section|date=October 2024}}
[[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] (ECW) owner [[Paul Heyman]] became interested in Tanaka through ECW's working relationship with FMW, and eventually hired him. Tanaka debuted in ECW on March 1, 1998, at [[Living Dangerously (1998)|Living Dangerously]], defeating [[Doug Furnas]] in a match that, compared to Tanaka's extremely well-received future matches, was very much hated by the fans in attendance, who greeted the unusually sloppy wrestlers with a chorus of boos throughout their fumbled offense. In July 1998 he reprised his feud with Awesome, who he defeated at [[ECW Heat Wave#1998|Heat Wave 1998]].

Tanaka formed a short-lived [[tag team]] with [[Balls Mahoney]], and at [[ECW November to Remember#1998|November to Remember]] on November 1, 1998, they defeated [[The Dudley Boyz]] to win the [[ECW Tag Team Championship|ECW World Tag Team Championships]]. In doing so, he became the first person to ever kick out of the Dudleys' ''3D'' finisher. The Dudley Boyz would regain the titles five days later, and Tanaka returned to Japan to attend the wedding of his friend [[Sabu (wrestler)|Sabu]] in December and eventually returning to FMW in January 1999.

====World Heavyweight Champion (1999–2000)====
{{BLP unreferenced section|date=October 2024}}
Tanaka returned to ECW in the summer of 1999, this time vying for the [[ECW World Heavyweight Championship]]. On September 19 at [[Anarchy Rulz (1999)|Anarchy Rulz]], Taz, about to leave ECW for the [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF), defended the ECW World Heavyweight Championship against the returning Mike Awesome and Tanaka in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic elimination matches|three-way dance]]. After just two minutes Taz was eliminated by a combined assault at the hands of his opponents. After a further eleven minutes of brawling, Awesome pinned Tanaka with a [[Powerbomb#Top rope powerbomb|Kamikaze Awesome Bomb]] to become the new ECW World Heavyweight Champion.

Tanaka faced Awesome for the title at November to Remember on November 7, but was defeated once more. He finally overcame Awesome on December 17, 1999, at an ''[[ECW on TNN]]'' TV Taping in [[Nashville, Tennessee]], becoming the first ECW World Heavyweight Champion not to be an American citizen. After the match, Awesome shook Tanaka's hand and fastened the belt around his waist in a show of respect, then attacked him as he left the ring and [[powerbomb]]ed him through a [[Table (furniture)|table]]. Awesome would regain the title at the next weeks TV Taping in [[White Plains, New York]], on December 23.

Continuing his rivalry with Awesome, Tanaka joined forces with Tommy Dreamer to face [[Raven (wrestler)|Raven]] and Awesome. Dreamer and Tanaka defeated the [[Impact Players]] for the ECW World Tag Team Championship on February 26, 2000, in Cincinnati, but lost them to Mike Awesome and Raven on March 4, 2000, at The ECW Arena. This led to a tag team three-way dance at [[Living Dangerously (2000)|Living Dangerously]] on March 12, with Tanaka and Dreamer facing ECW World Tag Team Champions Mike Awesome and Raven and the Impact Players. Tanaka pinned Awesome, who had already defended his ECW World Heavyweight Title earlier that night beating Kid Kash, costing Awesome and Raven the tag team titles, but lost the match after Dreamer was pinned by the Impact Players.

Tanaka's feud with Awesome was brought to an abrupt end when Awesome left ECW for WCW in April 2000. He faced Balls Mahoney in at ECW on TNN and at Hardcore Heaven 2000. He remained with ECW until mid-2000 before returning to Japan.

===Return to Japan (2000–present)===
[[File:Masato Tanaka.jpg|thumb|Tanaka in 2011]]
Tanaka returned to FMW in the spring of 2000, briefly feuding with H, before joining forces with H (by now back under the Hayabusa persona) to feud with Team No Respect, until leaving in February 2001, allegedly as a result of animosity between him and the owner of FMW, [[Shoichi Arai]], mostly over [[Hiromichi Fuyuki|Kodo Fuyuki]]'s role as booker. Before departing FMW, Tanaka formed the "Complete Players" stable with former Fuyuki protégés [[Keiji Takayama|Gedo]] and [[Shoji Akiyoshi|Jado]], as well as real-life sweetheart Kaori Nakayama. They would work on the Japanese [[independent circuit]], making appearances for [[Pro Wrestling ZERO-ONE]] (ZERO-ONE) and [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW). Tanaka wrestled Shinya Hashimoto on the March 2 ZERO-ONE anniversary show, impressing ZERO-ONE officials and earning himself a job.

In January 2002 Tanaka formed a tag team named "Emblem" with [[Shinjiro Otani]], with whom he twice won the NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championships. In February 2004, he [[List of professional wrestling terms#T|turned]] [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] and sided with the "Apache Army". In September 2004 he formed his own [[List of professional wrestling terms#S|stable]], "Team Erotics", continuing his feud with Otani. In late 2007, he was chosen to lead a new stable named "Sword Army", the name was chosen by fans in a contest. [[Takao Omori]] was also given a stable named "Axe Army" to compete against Tanaka.

In mid-2009 Tanaka returned to [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) as an outsider. He reformed the Complete Players with Jado and Gedo, and he participated in the 2009 G1 Climax tournament, although he failed to advance past the block stages. In New Japan, he's an ally of the stable, [[Chaos (professional wrestling)|Chaos]], especially Jado, Gedo and [[Yujiro Takahashi]]. On October 10, 2011, at [[Destruction '11]], Tanaka defeated [[Montel Vontavious Porter|MVP]] to win the [[IWGP Intercontinental Championship]], becoming only the second champion in the title's history.<ref name=IWGPIC>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=412|title=Destruction '11|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=2011-10-10|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111014001109/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=412|archive-date=2011-10-14|url-status=dead}}</ref> He would make his first successful title defense on November 12 at [[Power Struggle (2011)|Power Struggle]] against [[Hirooki Goto]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=469|title=Power Struggle|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=2011-11-12|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114175302/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=469|archive-date=2011-11-14}}</ref> On December 4, Tanaka defeated MVP in a rematch, with help from Yujiro Takahashi, to retain the IWGP Intercontinental Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=481|title=New Japan Alive 2011|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=2011-12-04|language=ja}}</ref> On January 4, 2012, at [[Wrestle Kingdom VI in Tokyo Dome]], where Tanaka and Takahashi were defeated by MVP and [[Shelton Benjamin]] in a tag team match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=470 |title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour. レッスルキングダムVI in 東京ドーム |access-date=2012-01-04 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108044116/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=470 |archive-date=2012-01-08 }}</ref> On February 12 at [[The New Beginning (2012)|The New Beginning]], Tanaka lost the IWGP Intercontinental Championship to Hirooki Goto in his fourth defense.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=513|title=The New Beginning|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=2012-02-12|language=ja}}</ref>

On November 15, 2012, Tanaka entered a tournament to determine the inaugural [[NEVER Openweight Championship|NEVER Openweight Champion]]. After wins over [[Yujiro Kushida|Kushida]],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=671 | title = NEVER | access-date=2012-11-19 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> [[Taishi Takizawa]] and [[Tomohiro Ishii]], Tanaka defeated [[Karl Anderson]] in the finals of the tournament on November 19 to become the inaugural NEVER Openweight Champion.<ref name=NEVER111912>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=672 | title = NEVER | access-date=2012-11-19 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> Tanaka made his first successful title defense on January 4, 2013, at [[Wrestle Kingdom 7 in Tokyo Dome]], where he defeated Shelton Benjamin.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=657|title=Wrestle Kingdom 7 ～Evolution～ in 東京ドーム|access-date=2013-01-04|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> Tanaka's second successful title defense took place on February 3, when he defeated Chaos stablemate Tomohiro Ishii.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=684 | title = Road to The New Beginning | access-date=2013-02-03 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> On May 3 at [[Wrestling Dontaku 2013]], Tanaka made his third successful title defense against [[Tomoaki Honma]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=708|script-title=ja:レスリングどんたく 2013|access-date=2013-05-03|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> On July 20, Tanaka made his fourth successful title defense against [[Tetsuya Naito]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=738|title=吉野家Presents Kizuna Road 2013|access-date=2013-07-20|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> On September 29 at [[Destruction (2013)|Destruction]], Tanaka lost the NEVER Openweight Championship in a rematch with Naito, ending his reign at 314 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=759|title=Destruction|access-date=2013-09-29|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref>

After forming the [[Dangan Yankies]] stable in Zero1, Tanaka began working for [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] (Noah) in early 2014, teaming with stablemate [[Takashi Sugiura]]. On April 27, the two defeated [[Katsuhiko Nakajima]] and [[Naomichi Marufuji]] to win the [[Global Tag League#2014|2014 Global Tag League]].<ref name=GTL2014>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1272|script-title=ja:グローバル・タッグリーグ戦2014|access-date=2014-04-27|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000642/http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1272|archive-date=2016-03-04|url-status=dead}}</ref> On May 6, Tanaka and Sugiura won the NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/fight/index.php?QBlog-20140506-2 | title = 【Zero1】耕平vs鈴木の世界ヘビー戦、大谷＆カミカゼvs田中＆杉浦のICタッグ戦 | date=2014-05-06 | access-date=2014-05-06 | work=Battle News | language=ja}}</ref> On May 31, Tanaka and Sugiura became double champions, when they defeated [[Maybach Taniguchi]] and [[Takeshi Morishima]] for Noah's [[GHC Tag Team Championship]].<ref name=Noah053114>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1283|title=Navig. with Breeze 2014|access-date=2014-05-31|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531165536/http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1283|archive-date=2014-05-31|url-status=dead}}</ref> They lost the GHC Tag Team Championship to [[The Mighty Don't Kneel|TMDK]] ([[Mikey Nicholls]] and [[Shane Haste]]) on January 10, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/tour_detail.php?tour_id=1381|title=New Year Navig. 2015|access-date=2015-01-10|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114120028/http://www.noah.co.jp/tour_detail.php?tour_id=1381|archive-date=2014-11-14|url-status=dead}}</ref> On May 4, Tanaka and Sugiura won their second Global Tag League in a row.<ref name=GTL2015/>

In June 2017, he competed for the theater-based promotion MAKAI in the "iZANAGI" series, where he took up the ring name "SWORD". He faced [[Jun Kasai]], who was under the ring name of X1112.

On January 1, 2021, Tanaka won his 5th Zero1 World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web | title=Naito Talks, Zero1 Kicks off the Year, All Japan, Freedoms, Noah and more from Japan| website=PWInsider.com | date=1 January 2021 | url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=142667 | access-date=16 December 2023}}</ref>

By late 2021, Tanaka was wrestling regularly for Pro Wrestling Noah.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1449957220276326408|user=noah_ghc|title=📢10.17川崎試合後コメント×中嶋勝彦望月成晃vs杉浦貴田中将斗〇29分18秒スライディングD→片エビ固め田中「(中嶋に)負けたことないっていうのは絶対的な自信。俺が持ってたベルト(世界ヘビー)を今持ってる男が今…|date=18 October 2021}}</ref> In 2022, Tanaka would begin to achieve significant success in the promotion. He challenged for the GHC Heavyweight Title against Kazuyuki Fujita and participated in the N1 Victory League singles tournament. In this round robin tournament, Tanaka pinned then-GHC Heavyweight Champion [[Kenoh]] among a star studded list of opponents.

===Return to the United States (2002–present)===
On November 9, 2002, Tanaka debuted for [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH), wrestling on ROH's ''All Star Extravaganza'' show, where he teamed with Shinjiro Otani to defeat [[Steve Corino]] and [[Low Ki]].

On June 12. 2005 Tanaka revived his feud with [[Mike Awesome]] at the [[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) produced [[ECW One Night Stand (2005)|ECW One Night Stand 2005]] reunion PPV. He was defeated after Awesome delivered a running [[Powerbomb#Crucifix Powerbomb|Awesome Bomb]] through a table outside the ring and followed up with an [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Splash|Awesome Splash]]. He returned to WWE one year later at [[ECW One Night Stand (2006)|ECW One Night Stand 2006]], losing to [[Balls Mahoney]]. On October 26, 2007, Tanaka beat Takao Omori for the [[WSL World Heavyweight Championship|AWA World Heavyweight Championship]].

On January 23, 2010, Tanaka made his debut for [[Jersey All Pro Wrestling]] (JAPW) at the promotion's 12th Anniversary Show, where he was defeated by [[Homicide (wrestler)|Homicide]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1264357799.php?style=dark|title=Indy News #5: January 24 (JAPW)|date=2010-01-24|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=2010-01-24|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref>

On April 4, 2014, Tanaka returned to the United States, he performed at his first [[WrestleCon]] defeating Kevin Steen. Later in the night he defeated [[Chris Hero]] at a [[Dragon Gate USA]] event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_77487.shtml|title=iPPV results - 4/4 DGUSA in New Orleans, La.: Radican's Report on historic main event result, Hero vs. Tanaka, more|last=Radican|first=Sean|date=2014-04-05|access-date=2014-04-05|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

In December 2018 Tanaka made another return to the United States. He would face [[Pierre Carl Ouellet|PCO]] in a match for the [[Game Changer Wrestling]] Extreme Title at GCW's The Dynasty event.

On September 15–16, 2023, Tanaka competed in local Cleveland Promotion Absolute Intense Wrestlings 10th JT Lightning Invitational Tournament making it to the Semi-finals.

On November 12, 2023, Tanaka made his debut for [[Deadlock Pro-Wrestling]] (DPW), wrestling on DPW's ''World's Strongest'' event, where he teamed with [[Bryan Keith (wrestler)|Bryan Keith]] and [[Calvin Tankman]] to defeat [[Tom Lawlor]], [[Jorel Nelson]], and [[Royce Isaacs]]. He would return the next year at the promotion's ''No Pressure'' event where he was defeated by [[Colby Corino]], son of his former rival [[Steve Corino]], in a no disqualification match.

On January 9, 2024, Tanaka made his debut for Wrestling Revolver at the ''Vybe Check'' event in Dayton Ohio.

On October 13, 2024, Tanaka challenged pro wrestler [[Adam Priest]] for the DPW National Championship at DPW's ''Super Battle,'' but failed to take the title.On October 17 at Timebomb Pro Forever Masato wrestled Jordan for vacant Timebomb Title, but was unsuccessful. Later, on October 18, Tanaka faced [[Mike Santana]] in the [[House of Glory]] World Championship, with Santana pinning Tanaka to win the fight after 15 minutes.

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[KO-D Openweight Championship]] ([[KO-D Openweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ddtpro.com/results/13503|title=Sweet Dreams！2020|date=January 26, 2020|website=DDT Pro Wrestling|language=ja|access-date=January 26, 2020}}</ref>
**[[D-Oh Grand Prix]] ([[D-Oh Grand Prix#2020|2020]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ddtpro.com/results/13340|title=D王 GRAND PRIX 2020 the FINAL!!|access-date=December 29, 2019|work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref>
*'''[[Extreme Championship Wrestling]]'''
**[[ECW Championship|ECW World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of ECW Champions|1 time]])
**[[ECW Tag Team Championship|ECW World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of ECW Tag Team Champions|2 times]]) – with [[Balls Mahoney]] (1) and [[Tommy Dreamer]] (1)
*'''[[Frontier Martial Arts Wrestling]]'''
**[[FMW Brass Knuckles Heavyweight Championship]] ([[FMW Brass Knuckles Heavyweight Championship#Reigns|1 time]])
**[[FMW Brass Knuckles Tag Team Championship]] ([[FMW Brass Knuckles Tag Team Championship#Title History|2 times]]) – with [[Eiji Ezaki|Hayabusa]] (1) and [[Tetsuhiro Kuroda]] (1)
**[[FMW Independent Heavyweight Championship]] ([[FMW Independent Heavyweight Championship#Title History|2 times]])
**[[FMW World Street Fight 6-Man Tag Team Championship]] ([[FMW World Street Fight 6-Man Tag Team Championship#Title History|4 times]]) – with Hayabusa and Hisakatsu Ōya (1), Hayabusa and Kōji Nakagawa (1), Tetsuhiro Kuroda and Kōji Nakagawa (1), and [[Atsushi Onita]] and [[Hideki Hosaka]] (1)
**[[WEW 6-Man Tag Team Championship]] ([[WEW 6-Man Tag Team Championship#Title History|1 time]]) – with Gedo and Jado
**[[WEW Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WEW Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
**[[WEW World Tag Team Championship]] ([[WEW World Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Keiji Takayama|Gedō]]
**[[FMW tournaments#Young Spirit Tournament|Young Spirit Tournament (1995)]]
**[[FMW tournaments#FMW Brass Knuckles Tag Team Championship Tournament (1999)|FMW Brass Knuckles Tag Team Championship Tournament (1999)]] – with Tetsuhiro Kuroda
*'''Greektown Pro Wrestling'''
**Greektown Wrestling Championship (1 time)<ref>[https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=3287 Greektown Wrestling Championship] Cage Match</ref>
*'''Guts World Pro Wrestling'''
**GWC Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Daisuke<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=2536&page=5&reign=1 | title=Title Reigns « GWC Tag Team Championship « Titles Database « CAGEMATCH - the Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
**GWC Tag Team Championship Tournament (2009) – with Daisuke<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=3378&page=2 |title = Matches « GWC Tag Team Championship Tournament « Tournaments Database « CAGEMATCH - the Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
*'''[[Hustle (professional wrestling)|Hustle]]'''
**[[Hustle Hardcore Hero Championship]] ([[Hustle Hardcore Hero Championship#Title History|1 time, inaugural]])
**[[Hustle King Memorial Six Man Tag Team Tournament|Hustle King Memorial Six-Man Tag Tournament]] (2006) – with [[Tadao Yasuda]] and Shinjiro Otani<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/hustle/tournaments.html#sixman |title = Hustle Tournaments}}</ref>
*'''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[IWGP Intercontinental Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Intercontinental Champions|1 time]])<ref name=IWGPIC/>
**[[NEVER Openweight Championship]] ([[List of NEVER Openweight Champions|1 time, inaugural]])<ref name=NEVER111912/>
**[[NEVER Openweight Championship#Championship tournament|NEVER Openweight Championship Tournament (2012)]]<ref name=NEVER111912/>
*'''''[[Nikkan Sports]]'''''
**Best Tag Team Award (2014) with Takashi Sugiura<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2014|title=Nikkan Sports Awards - 2014|website=wrestlingscout|date=September 6, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2018|archive-date=August 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827170004/https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
**Technique Award (2011)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2011|title=Nikkan Sports Awards - 2011|website=wrestlingscout|date=September 13, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2018|archive-date=November 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120152137/https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*'''Premier Wrestling Federation'''
**PWF Universal Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with [[Shinjiro Otani]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2002-11.html | title=Independent Wrestling Results - November 2002 | access-date=2008-07-06|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref>
**Match of the Year (2003, 2004)<ref name="Award Winners">{{Cite web | url=https://pwfwrestling.squarespace.com/award-winners | title=Award Winners | access-date=2020-04-17 | archive-date=2022-01-23 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123130903/https://pwfwrestling.squarespace.com/award-winners | url-status=dead }}</ref>
**PWF MVP (2004)<ref name="Award Winners"/>
**Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (2004)<ref name="Award Winners"/>
*'''Pro Wrestling Expo'''
**Continent Confrontation Tag Team League (2008) – with [[Daisuke Sekimoto]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/misc/prowres.html#tag |title= ProWres Expo|website=www.prowrestlinghistory.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601091115/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/misc/prowres.html |archive-date=2013-06-01}}</ref>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]'''
**[[GHC Tag Team Championship]] ([[GHC Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Takashi Sugiura]]<ref name=Noah053114/>
** [[GHC Openweight Hardcore Championship]] ([[GHC Openweight Hardcore Championship#Title history|1 time]])
**[[Global Tag League]] ([[Global Tag League#2014|2014]], [[Global Tag League#2015|2015]]) – with Takashi Sugiura<ref name=GTL2014/><ref name=GTL2015>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1424|script-title=ja: グローバル・タッグリーグ戦2015|access-date=2015-05-04|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505003543/http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1424|archive-date=2015-05-05|url-status=dead}}</ref>
**Global League Tournament Technique Award (2014)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=6623|script-title=ja:「グローバル・リーグ戦 2014」各賞発表|date=2014-11-09|access-date=2014-11-09|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja}}</ref>
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**Ranked No. 21 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2000<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50000.htm |access-date=2010-08-01 |title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 - 2000 |publisher=Wrestling Information Archive |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080415151621/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50000.htm |archive-date=2008-04-15 }}</ref>
**Ranked No. 285 of the 500 singles wrestlers of the PWI Years in 2003
*'''Pro Wrestling World-1'''
**World-1 Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.titlehistories.com/Pro_Wrestling_World_1.htm| title=Pro Wrestling World-1 Heavyweight Championship| access-date=2008-07-15| publisher=titlehistories.com| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723161420/http://www.titlehistories.com/Pro_Wrestling_World_1.htm| archive-date=2008-07-23| url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=F4W0207>{{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-0207-bobby-roode-austin-aries-win-tag-team-gold-229726 | title=On this day in pro wrestling history (Feb 7): Bobby Roode & Austin Aries wins tag gold | date=February 7, 2017 | access-date=February 15, 2017 | first=Brian | last=Hoops | publisher=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online}}</ref>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Zero1]]'''
**[[WSL World Heavyweight Championship|AWA World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WSL World Heavyweight Championship#World Heavyweight Title(2005-present)|1 time]])
**[[NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship#Title history|8 times]]) – with Shinjiro Otani (2), [[Wataru Sakata]] (1), [[Zeus (Japanese wrestler)|Zeus]] (1), [[Takashi Sugiura]] (1), [[James Raideen]] (1), [[Yuji Hino]] (1) and [[Takuya Sugawara]] (1)
**[[NWA United National Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA United National Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])1
**[[World Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)|World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[World Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)#Title history|6 times, inaugural]])
**Estasi Cup (2012) – with Paul Tracey and Ryouji Sai<ref>cite web|url= https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=7157</ref>
**[[Fire Festival]] ([[Fire Festival#2006|2006]], [[Fire Festival#2008|2008]], [[Fire Festival#2012|2012]], [[Fire Festival#2017|2017]])
**[[Furinkazan (wrestling)|Furinkazan]]
***([[Furinkazan (wrestling)#2011|2011]]) – with [[Fujita Hayato]]
***([[Furinkazan (wrestling)#2014|2014]]) – with Takashi Sugiura
***([[Furinkazan (wrestling)#2023|2023]]) – with [[Yoshikazu Yokoyama]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://z-1.co.jp/zero1/interview?targetId=871|script-title=ja:12/24風林火山タッグトーナメント決勝戦・後楽園大会試合結果|date=2014-12-24|access-date=2014-12-25|work=[[Pro Wrestling Zero1]]|language=ja}}</ref>
**[[Tenkaichi Junior]] (2007)
**Five-Man Tag Team Tournament (2015) – with [[Shinjiro Otani]], [[Kohei Sato]], [[Yusaku Obata]] and [[Hideki Suzuki]]
**MVP (2007, 2008)<ref>[http://www.purolove.com/zero1/results/results07.php Pro Wrestling Zero1-Max Results: 2007] at purolove.com retrieved October 7, 2018</ref><ref name="purolove.com">[http://www.purolove.com/zero1/results/results08.php Pro Wrestling Zero1-Max Results: 2008] at purolove.com retrieve October 7, 2018</ref>
**Best Bout (2008) vs. [[Manabu Nakanishi]] on April 6<ref name="purolove.com"/>
**Best Bout (2011) vs. [[Daisuke Sekimoto]] on August 7
*'''Super Fireworks Pro Wrestling'''
**Blast King Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/775975/|title=【超花火】田中将斗が大仁田破り爆破２冠王|access-date=September 25, 2017|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref>
**Blast King Tag Team Championship (2 times, final) – with [[Yoshikazu Taru|Taru]] (1),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/672702/|title=大仁田＆長与田中＆Taruに敗れ爆破王タッグ王座陥落|access-date=April 8, 2017|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref> Hide Kubota (1)
*'''''[[Tokyo Sports]]'''''
**[[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Fighting Spirit Award|Fighting Spirit Award]] (2008)
**[[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Newcomer Award|Best Newcomer Award]] (1995)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/wrestling/wrestling_past3/|script-title=ja:東京スポーツプロレス大賞|access-date=2014-01-20|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref>
**[[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Best Tag Team Award|Best Tag Team Award]] (2014) – with Takashi Sugiura<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/343313/|title=【プロレス大賞：最優秀タッグ賞】杉浦と田中の弾丸ヤンキースが海外進出宣言|date=2014-12-09|access-date=2014-12-09|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref>
*'''[[Wrestle-1]]'''
**[[Wrestle-1 Tag Team Championship]] ([[Wrestle-1 Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Jiro Kuroshio]]
1This title is not to be confused with the [[NWA United National Championship]], an NWA singles title that has been integrated into and is now part of the [[Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship]].

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons}}
*{{IMDb name|0849027}}
*{{Professional wrestling profiles|cagematch=928&}}
*[https://www.z-1.co.jp/superstars/profile_103_1.html Zero1 profile]

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[[Category:21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]

Takuya Sugi

2025-06-07T16:30:30Z

89.136.44.148:

{{Short description|Japanese professional wrestler}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name= Takuya Sugi
|image= 20230718sugi.jpg
|caption= Sugi in July 2023
|names= Sugi San '''Sugi''' El Blazer Yoshitsune Shanao Mini Cima Little Dragon Hustle Kamen Ranger Red Michinoku Ranger Gold Ahii The★Zest (2nd generation) Namazu Man Rabbit Boy Super Milo Uwai #32 NOIZ El Fuerte
|height={{convert|1.63|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
|weight={{convert|65|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1983|10|6|mf=y}}
|death_date =
|birth_place = [[Shizuoka City]], Japan
|resides=
|billed= Hustle Nebula (as Hustle Kamen Ranger Red) [[Hiraizumi, Iwate|Hiraizumi]] (as Shanao/Yoshitsune)
|trainer=[[Último Dragón]] [[Jorge Rivera (wrestler)|Jorge "Skayde" Rivera]]
|debut= May 11, 2003
|retired=
|}}

{{nihongo|'''Takuya Sugi'''|杉卓也|Sugi Takuya|born October 6, 1983}}<ref name=Puro>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/yoshitsune.html|title=Profile at Puroresu Central|publisher=Puroresu Central|accessdate=2012-01-15}}</ref> is a Japanese [[professional wrestler]] from [[Shizuoka City|Shizuoka]]. He currently works in [[Pro Wrestling Zero1]] (Zero1) as '''Sugi''' (stylized in all capital letters), but he has used many aliases, most commonly '''Yoshitsune''' and '''Sugi''', through his career in many Japanese promotions. He is mainly known for his high-flying abilities.

==Career==
===Toryumon (2002–2004)===
Immediately after graduating in the 11th [[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon]] school class term, Sugi debuted in 2003 in [[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon Mexico]], moving to the [[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon X]] brand shortly after. He went under the [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] of '''{{Nihongo|Mini Cima|ミニCIMA|Mini Cima}}''', a lighter version of the popular Toryumon wrestler [[Nobuhiko Oshima|Cima]], who was a part of the Mini Crazy Max [[Stable (professional wrestling)|stable]] along with [[Kagetora|Suwacito]] and [[Masaki Okimoto|Small Dandy Fuji]]. Aligning themselves as [[Tweener (professional wrestling)|tweeners]], they got into a [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] with [[BabyFace (professional wrestling)|babyface]] faction Sailor Boys ([[Taiji Ishimori]], [[Brahman Brothers|Kei Sato and Shu Sato]]), having several matches against them, sometimes accompanied by senior members of the actual Crazy Max.

In December 2003, Mini Cima and his team competed in the ''Young Dragons Cup 2003'' scramble match, but none of them grabbed the prize, being [[Takeshi Minamino]] the eventual tournament winner. They would be more successful at the ''Yamaha Cup 2004'' tag team tournament, with Mini Cima and Suwacito defeating [[Manabu Murakami (wrestler)|Manabu Murakami]] and [[Naoki Tanizaki]] in the first round and the Sailor Boys in the second to crown themselves as winners. On September 9, 2003 the group competed in an elimination match for the [[UWA World Welterweight Championship]], eliminating the team of Los Carros Exóticos (Gallardo, Lambo Miura and Murcielago) before falling short to Los Salseros Japoneses (Minamino, [[Kenichi Sakai|Pineapple Hanai]] and [[Takayasu Fukuda|Mango Fukuda]]). This was the Toryumon X final event, with the promotion folding shortly after. Mini Crazy Max had its last reunion in the special event Dragon Fire The Final Challenge on October 14, where they competed in another special challenge match.

===Hustle (2004–2006)===
In September 2004, although still based on Toryumon, Sugi and his partners started wrestling for the [[Hustle (professional wrestling)|Hustle]] promotion. They appeared as the Hustle Kamen Rangers, a ''[[Power Rangers]]''-inspired [[super sentai]] stable that worked as a special division of the Hustle Army led by top babyface [[Naoya Ogawa]]. Sugi himself played '''{{Nihongo|Hustle Kamen Red|ハッスル仮面レッド|Hassuru Kamen Reddo}}''' (a role formerly played by [[Masaki Okimoto]]), and teamed up with [[Masaki Okimoto|Hustle Kamen Blue]] and [[Takayasu Fukuda|Hustle Kamen Yellow]] as a power trio. They competed in the undercard of events against villainous characters from the [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] Takada Monster Army commanded by [[Nobuhiko Takada|Generalissimo Takada]]; their usual opponents were [[Brahman Brothers|Devil Pierroth I and Devil Pierroth II]], whom they defeated in many occasions.

In the event Hustle House Vol.10, held on October 27, 2005, Hustle Kamen Rangers were defeated by [[Brahman Brothers|Demon Spider Blue, Demon Spider Yellow]] and [[Taiji Ishimori|Riser Glen]], being the latter a character come from the TV [[tokusatsu]] series ''Phantom Star God Justirisers'', only brainwashed to serve the Monster Army. In order to counter him, Hustle Kamen Rangers introduced another character from said series, [[Kota Ibushi|Liosazer]], who helped them to defeat the heel stable at the Hustlemania 2005 event and turn Riser again to good. The rangers would still competing for Hustle, being later opposed by an [[itako]] wrestler named Kyou Itako.

On February 10, 2006, the Monster Army introduced a cadre of [[Evil twin|evil clones]] of the Hustle Kamen Rangers, called the Monster Kamen Rangers. They consistently defeated Sugi and his team, forcing them to introduce a new member, [[Kota Ibushi|Hustle Kamen Orange]], in order to get the first win against the villains. The win was short-lived, however, as the Monster Kamen Rangers defeated them again, and this time they kidnapped Hustle Kamen Yellow in order to [[brainwash]] him. Now with Yellow as an enemy, Red and new member Hustle Kamen Green attempted to reason with him, but they were beaten when Yellow pinned Red. The storyline continued until Hustlemania 2006, where they finally managed to bring Yellow back and defeat the Monster Kamen Rangers for good. The team then announced they would travel to the stars in order to defend the peace and justice beyond Hustle, ceasing their appearances on the promotion.

===Michinoku Pro Wrestling (2004–2009)===
Sugi started wrestling for [[Michinoku Pro Wrestling]] (Michinoku Pro) in October 2004. He debuted during the ''Futaritabi Tag Team Tournament 2004'' under the gimmick of '''{{Nihongo|Michinoku Ranger Gold|MICHINOKU レンジャー金|Michinoku Renjā Kin}}''', a super sentai character similar to the one he played in Hustle. Teaming up with [[Masaki Okimoto|Michinoku Ranger Silver]], Sugi got important victories over [[Jinsei Shinzaki]] and [[Shinjitsu Nohashi]] and Los Salseros Japoneses, but they did not win the league. They kept their gimmicks until December, when Sugi adopted the gimmick of '''{{Nihongo|Shanao|遮那王|Shanao}}''', a masked [[Buddhist monk]] inspired on the youth of the historical [[Minamoto no Yoshitsune]]. Shanao would come to the ring carrying a [[katana]] and saying prayers, and drew popularity among the audience for his high-risk, aerial style of wrestling.
[[File:FUKUMEN-MANIA2018022048.jpg|thumb|240px|SUGI in 2019.]]
In 2005, Shanao joined forces with the Sailor Boys (now composed solely by Kei and Shu Sato) to participate in the ''Michinoku Trios League'', being unsuccessful. The final night of the tournament, from which they had been eliminated by points, Shanao teamed up with his master, [[Yoshihiro Asai|The Tiger II]], to defeat [[Fumiyuki Hashimoto|Kagetora]] and [[Shinjitsu Nohashi]]. The alliance with the Sailor Boys lasted until mid-year, when Shanao formed a tag team with [[Masaki Okimoto|Rasse]]. He also had a brief tenure in the ''Tetsujin Tournament'', but he was forced to forfeit most of his matches due to an injury. Shanao returned on September 10 in a losing effort to Takeshi Minamino, but he got his revenge the same night, defeating Minamino and Los Salseros Japoneses along with Kagetora, [[Kazuya Yuasa|Gaina]] and [[Hayato Fujita]].

Kagetora and he eventually kept their alliance and participated in the ''Futaritabi Tag Team Tournament 2005'', which they won after beating Los Salseros Japoneses again, but Kagetora suddenly turned [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] and attacked Shanao, going to form the villainous stable Stoned. Now back with Rasse, Shanao and his partner had a shot for the [[Tohoku Tag Team Championship]] held by [[The Great Sasuke]] and [[Dick Togo]], but despite their effort, they were beaten. Days after, Shanao announced he was going to perform a [[genpuku]] ceremony in order to advance in his career, which was officiated by [[Jinsei Shinzaki]]. Shanao then changed his name to '''{{Nihongo|Yoshitsune|義経|Yoshitsune}}''', openly showing his identity, and changed his outfit to a [[samurai]]-like attire in purple, red and golden, product of a coproduction between M-Pro and [[FromSoftware]] to promote their videogame ''[[Yoshitsune Eiyūden: The Story of Hero Yoshitsune|Yoshitsune Eiyuden Shura]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dengekionline.com/data/news/2005/12/8/4362063553fb69dc7d37245122ad7df3.html|title=『義経英雄伝修羅』とみちのくプロレスがコラボ！遮那王選手の新技「修羅」とは!? - 電撃オンライン|website=dengekionline.com}}</ref> Yoshitsune had his first match teaming up with Shinzaki, who came out dressed as [[Saitō Musashibō Benkei]], defeating Rasse and Garuda with his new Shura finishing maneuver.

The next year, Yoshitsune's fame granted him a title match for the [[Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Championship]] against [[Taka Michinoku]], falling short in his challenge. Nonetheless, Yoshitsune allied with The Great Sasuke and the now babyface Los Salseros Japoneses to wage war against Stoned, exchanging wins with them. He performed a new title pursuit by taking part in a tournament for the Tohoku Tag Team Championship with [[Tsutomu Oosugi|Rei]] as his partner, losing to [[Makoto Oishi]] and [[Shiori Asahi]]; Yoshitsune took part in the 2006 edition of the ''Tetsujin Tournament'', but he had to relinquish it again due to an injury. Upon his recovering, Yoshitsune recruited Rasse to compete in the ''Futaritabi Tag Team Tournament 2006'', but success seemed to be away from him that year, as they were eliminated at the finals by Kei and Shu Sato.

In 2007, Yoshitsune qualified for the ''Fukumen World League'' by defeating [[Kenichi Sakai|Ken45º]] and Shinjitsu Nohashi in respective matches. During the tournament, he eliminated [[Tatsuhito Senga|Shibaten]] first and legendary [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) member [[Jyushin Thunder Liger]] second, but he eventually fell to Mexican representative [[Atlantis (wrestler)|Atlantis]] thanks to an intervention by Atlantis's cornerman [[Olimpico (wrestler)|Olímpico]]. Ended the league, Yoshitsune returned to his alliance with the home army and joined The Great Sasuke for the ''Futaritabi Tag Team League''; although Sasuke and him eliminated the team of Rasse and Kagetora, an injury to Sasuke forced them to exit the tournament and allow their opponents to advance round. Stardom finally came to Yoshitsune on November, however, when he defeated [[Osaka Pro Wrestling]] representative Gaina in a match for the Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Championship. Yoshitsune then would open 2008 becoming a double champion, when Sasuke returned from his injury and joined him to defeat Rasse and Kagetora for the title.

Sugi retained his titles for most of 2008, beating challengers like Rasse, Takeshi Minamino, Shinji Nohashi and [[Tigers Mask]], as well as the team of [[Mens Teioh]] and [[Shinobu Sugawara|Shinobu]]. However, he would get in a new feud when [[Hayato Fujita]] turned heel and formed the faction Kowloon with the remnants of Stoned. After months of warfare, Hayato challenged Sugi to a match for the Tohoku Junior Heavyweight title, and he won the bout and the championship in an upset. Only months after, Sasuke and Yoshitsune faced Kei and Shu Sato from Kowloon in a match to unify their tag team titles with the [[UWA World Tag Team Championship]], but they were defeated and lost the belts. Concluded his reigns, Yoshitsune announced his departure from Michinoku Pro and had his last match in March 2009.

===Dragondoor and El Dorado Wrestling (2005–2007)===
Along with most of his Toryumon class, Sugi joined the Dragondoor promotion in July 2005. He was introduced in a [[Vignette (professional wrestling)|vignette]] by top babyface Taiji Ishimori, who described him as a close ally carrying the genes of [[Último Dragón]]. As such, Sugi appeared as '''{{Nihongo|Little Dragon|リトル・ドラゴン|Ritoru Doragon}}''', a character wearing a mask and suit patterned after Dragón, very much like the wrestler [[Dragon Kid]] from rival promotion [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]. In his first match, Little Dragon teamed up with Ishimori and the rest of his allies, [[Kota Ibushi]] and [[Tsutomu Oosugi|Milanito Collection a.t.]], in a losing effort against the popular stable Aagan Iisou ([[Shuji Kondo]], [[Yasushi Tsujimoto|Yasshi]] and [[Takuya Sugawara]]). His next and last high level match in the short-lived promotion would be at the final event, fighting with Ishimori against Stoned ([[Brahman Brothers|Kei Sato and Shu Sato]]), being defeated after an intervention by [[KAGETORA (wrestler)|Kagetora]] and [[Manabu Murakami (wrestler)|Maguro Ooma]]. Dragondoor folded down shortly after.

When the promotion was reopened as El Dorado Wrestling in April 2006, Sugi returned with the rest of wrestlers. This time he took the gimmick of '''{{Nihongo|El Blazer|エルブレイザー|Eru Bureizā}}''', a mysterious, bizarre [[phoenix (mythology)|phoenix]]-like character in a gold and blue armored outfit. Blazer formed a tag team with Milanito Collection a.t. and took part in the very first match of the promotion, getting a victory over Kei and Shu Sato. They also avenged their defeats to Aagan Iisou by beating them with Kota Ibushi's aid, and also took another victory over Stoned in a [[Global Professional Wrestling Alliance]] (GPWA) event along with [[Jumping Kid Okimoto]]. In December 2006, the trio split up to compete in the ''Treasure Hunters Tag Tournament 2006'', as Ibushi teamed up with [[Milano Collection A.T.]] while Blazer stayed in Milanito's side; Sugi and his ally were defeated, and Milano and Kota advanced round before being eliminated by Dick Togo and Shuji Kondo at the finals. Milanito and Blazer, however, won the reserve bout of the tournament, defeating the Sato brothers through an intervention of a now unaligned Kagetora. In Sugi's last match in the promotion, he teamed up with Milano and Milanito to defeat a Stoned cell aided by [[Harashima]]. Blazer then announced he was going freelance, and put an official end to his team with Milanito, leaving El Dorado.

===All Japan Pro Wrestling (2006–2008)===
On August 20, 2006, Sugi made his first apparition in [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW) playing the character of '''Ahii''', the result of a cooperation between [[Sanrio]] and AJPW. He was introduced by [[Keiji Mutoh]], and revealed himself as a strange character wearing an orange and black full body suit that represented the Mexican [[Habanero]] chili pepper. He made his first in-ring work the same night, entering after the main event to save Mutoh, [[Masanobu Fuchi]] and [[Kaz Hayashi]] from an attack by the [[Voodoo Murders]], and his official debut one day later, defeating VM member [[Fumiyuki Hashimoto|Voodoo Mask]]. Ahii remained as an ally to Mutoh and his babyface wrestlers against Voodoo Murders until November, when he got his own opponents in the form of [[Takayasu Fukuda|Mastodon]] and [[Takeshi Minamino|Tow Van John]], two personal enemies of his. Their enmity would be resolved on February 17, 2007, when Ahii defeated them both in a handicap match with the aid of his storyline brother, a green version of Ahii (played by [[Masaki Okimoto]]).

Sugi returned to AJPW on February 15, 2008 for a special event copromoted with [[Playboy]]. He played the one night gimmick of '''{{Nihongo|Rabbit Boy|ラビット・ボーイ|Rabitto Bōi}}''', a character wearing a [[rabbit]] mask and a black playboy jacket. In his only apparition, Rabbit Boy defeated [[Masaki Okimoto|Giant Jet]].

On December 23, Sugi made his last apparition for AJPW for another one night character, this time as part of AJPW's usual copromotions with [[A Bathing Ape]]. Sugi portrayed '''Super Milo''', a [[monkey]] [[superhero]] wearing in green and yellow, and teamed up with [[Mitsunobu Kikuzawa|Teriyaki Boy]] to defeat Ebessan III and [[Kuishinbo Kamen]] in a comedy match.

===Independent circuit (2006–2009)===
[[File:FUKUMEN-MANIA2018022152.jpg|thumb|240px|SUGI along with Mr. Cacao (center) and El Hornet (right) in 2019.]]
He also appeared as Yoshitsune in some shows of Big Mouth LOUD and several others Japanese independent promotions, including the [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] LOCK UP sub-brand.

Sugi continued using the El Blazer gimmick as his main freelancing character. El Blazer then turned to a comedic character prone to mysteriously [[Fainting|faint]] at his entrance, and had an appearance in [[Dramatic Dream Team]] (DDT)'s brand ''Cruiser's Game'' wrestling against [[Kyohei Mikami|Mikami]] after ([[kayfabe]]) having been smoking [[marijuana]].

Soon after becoming a freelancer, Sugi continued appearing randomly in several Japanese promotions as El Blazer, including [[Inoki Genome Federation|IGF]].

Starting from June 3, 2007, Sugi appeared in [[Kensuke Office]] as '''Namazu Man''' (なまずマン, "Catfish Man"), but shortly after, Namazu Man started to be played by other wrestlers.

Another gimmick he used in 2007 is '''UWAI # 32''', a robot character only used in UWAI Station.

On December 29, 2008, Sugi appeared in an Akiba Pro Wrestling event as '''El Fuerte''' (エル・フォルテ), a character inspired from the [[Street Fighter (video game)|Street Fighter]] video game saga.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1221018_1124.html | script-title=ja:ソリッド・スネークが無線で指示！？アキバプロレス第2弾“ゲームリミックス湾岸有明危機一髪！”が開催 | date=2008-12-29 | accessdate=2016-10-04 |work=Famitsu.com | language=Japanese}}</ref>

===Pro Wrestling Zero1 (2007–2009)===
Sugi started wrestling for [[Pro Wrestling Zero1-Max]] (Zero1-Max) in May 2007 under his El Blazer character. After an unsuccessful battle royal match for the [[AWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship]], which was won by [[Dick Togo]], Blazer aligned himself under [[Masato Tanaka]]'s Sword Army, getting in battles against [[Takao Omori]]'s Axe Army. He got a shot at the [[ZERO1-MAX International Junior Heavyweight Championship]] held by [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]] wrestler [[Masaaki Mochizuki]], but he was unsuccessful. Mochizuki offered him to team up and invited him to his promotion.

For most of his tenure in the company, however, Sugi ditched his Blazer identity and played a new character, '''The☆ZEST''', sponsored by the homonymous Japanese [[pachinko]] company. The gimmick had been played before by wrestler Kamikaze, and would be later played by him again. On July 24, Zest won the WWA Junior Lightweight Championship by beating Osamu Namiguchi, and retained it until April 6, when Sugi relinquished both the character and the title in order to adopt yet a new gimmick, '''Noiz''', sponsored by rock band [[UchuSentai:Noiz]]. Now as Noiz, Sugi defeated Kamikaze as Zest and won again the championship. NOIZ also inherited Blazer's loyalty to Masato Tanaka, wrestling for him occasionally, and retained the title before Osamu Namiguchi before vacating him upon his departure from Zero1.

===Dragon Gate (2008)===
Blazer originally debuted in [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]] in March 2008 as a Zero1 representative, but he was in storyline recognized by [[Kenichiro Arai]] as a Toryumon graduate. Blazer's first match was a special tag team with fellow high-flyer [[Ben Satterly|Pac]] against Tozawa-juku (Arai and [[Taku Iwasa]]), which he lost, but he also aided New Hazard ([[BxB Hulk]] and [[Shinobu Sugawara|Shinobu]]) in the Mochizuki Buyuden events and Typhoon ([[Anthony W. Mori]] and [[Cima (wrestler)|Cima]]) against the [[Muscle Outlaw'z]]. In April, Blazer took part in a tournament for the [[Open the Brave Gate Championship]], eliminating [[Genki Horiguchi]] but being eliminated himself by [[Gamma (wrestler)|Gamma]] following outside interference. After his unsuccessful feud with Muscle Outlaw'z, Blazer concluded his tenure in Dragon Gate forming an alliance with fellow outsiders [[Takeshi Minamino]] and [[Shinjitsu Nohashi]], defeating [[Hayato Fujita]], [[Munenori Sawa]] and Yuta Yoshikawa in Mochizuki Buyuden and WORLD-1 ([[Kzy|mcKZ]] & [[Naoki Tanizaki]]) & Super Shenlong in Dragon Gate NEX.

===Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (2008)===
Sugi made his [[United States|America]]n debut (as El Blazer) for [[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]] (PWG) on May 17, 2008. Replacing [[Kota Ibushi]], he teamed with Kagetora on PWG's second annual ''DDT4'' tournament, defeating [[Scott Lost]] and [[Joey Ryan (wrestler)|Joey Ryan]] in the first round, but losing to the [[PWG World Tag Team Championship|PWG World Tag Team Champions]] [[Kevin Steen and El Generico]] in a title match in the next.

===Lucha Libre AAA World Wide (2009–2012)===
[[File:Sugi - Lucha Libre - Japan Expo 2011 - P1210485 Crop.jpg|thumb|right|170px|Sugi in 2011]]
Sugi signed up with [[Lucha Libre AAA World Wide]] (AAA) in 2009 and made his return to México, now under a modified, black and red version of his Yoshitsune outfit and the name of '''Sugi San''' (his last name followed by the [[Japanese honorifics|Japanese honorific -san]]). He was introduced by [[Kenzo Suzuki]] as a part of his [[heel (professional wrestling)|rudo]] stable La Yakuza, thus clearly turning heel for the first time in Sugi's his career. The faction, which also included [[El Oriental]], amassed a number of tag team wins until a match in [[Verano de Escándalo (2009)|Verano de Escándalo]] where they fell to [[The Psycho Circus]]. On August 30, Sugi competed individually in a [[Steel Cage Match]] where the last wrestler would be fired; Sugi escaped safely, but he injured his knee upon doing a theatrical backflip from the cage to the floor.
[[File:Sugi.jpg|thumb|250px|Sugi in an AAA event.]]
A month later, with La Yakuza dissolved and now unaligned, Sugi competed in a Five Way Ladder Match for the [[AAA World Cruiserweight Championship]] along with [[Extreme Tiger]], [[Jack Evans (wrestler)|Jack Evans]], [[Rocky Romero]] and [[Teddy Hart]], but he would be (kayfabe) injured by a piledriver by Hart and had to be stretchered out while Tiger won the title. After his return from the injury, Sugi took part in the ''Torneo Alas de Oro 2009'', leaving in second place along with [[Billy Boy]]. On October 9, Suzuki gathered La Yakuza again with [[Go Shiozaki]] replacing El Oriental to face Los Wagner Maniacos ([[Dr. Wagner Jr.]], [[Electroshock (wrestler)|Electroshock]] & [[Último Gladiador]]), but they were defeated. Afterwards, Sugi announced his return to Japan, leaving AAA.

After a year of hiatus, Sugi would compete in [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] (Noah) as an AAA representative, now under the name of '''Sugi''' (in all caps), getting in a feud with [[Tatsuhito Senga|Ronin]] and [[Taiji Ishimori]]. He returned to México along with Ronin, having some touring matches against him, and finally coming back to TV as an unofficial member of [[Aero Star]]'s stable [[Real Fuerza Aerea]]. On June 28, Sugi and Ronin were sent to [[Paris, France]] in order to represent [[puroresu]] in the [[Japan Expo|Japan Expo 12th Impact]], returning to México on July 5.

On July 9, 2012, Sugi held a press conference to announce his involvement in a conspiracy that had gotten [[Kazushige Nosawa]] and [[Io Shirai]] arrested for marijuana possession and smuggling.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://superluchas.com/sugi-san-confiesa-complot-en-contra-de-nosawa/ | title = Sugi San confiesa complot en contra de Nosawa. | author=Dark Angelita | date=2012-07-10 | accessdate=2012-07-10 | publisher=[[Super Luchas]] Magazine | language=Spanish}}</ref>

===Return to Michinoku Pro Wrestling (2016)===
Following the drug smuggling scandal, Sugi remained inactive for more than four years, with the exception of a single match held on November 18, 2015, when he faced [[Takeshi Minamino]] in an event held at [[Shinjuku Face]] to celebrate the 10th anniversary since his debut.
After this long hiatus, Sugi returned to the ring for a charity event held on August 28, 2016, in support of the population hit by the [[2016 Kumamoto earthquakes|2016 Kumamoto earthquake]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://lineblog.me/mentaikid/archives/9986865.html | script-title=ja:スタイル！ | date=2016-08-29 | accessdate=2016-10-06 |work=Mentai Kid Blog | language=Japanese}}</ref> Shortly thereafter, on September 16, he competed in a Michinoku Pro event for the first time in seven years, entering the 2016 Fukumen World League.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/?p=23839 | script-title=ja:カリスティコ（初代ミスティコ）がみちのくのリングに凱旋！4年前の不祥事で活動を休止していたSugiが復活！ | date=2016-09-17 | accessdate=2016-09-17 |work=Battle News | language=Japanese}}</ref> He defeated Leprechaun and Eisa8, but was eliminated by [[Carístico]] at the semi-finals.

===Return to Zero1 (2017–2021)===
After a few appearances in Pro Wrestling Land's End (Land's End) in 2017, Sugi returned to [[Pro Wrestling Zero1]] (Zero1) in August. He challenged unsuccessfully [[Kotaro Suzuki]] for the [[International Junior Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)|International Junior Heavyweight]] and [[NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)|NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship]]s, after which he declared he would challenge [[Ikuto Hidaka]] and [[Takuya Sugawara]] for the [[NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship]] with an unknown partner, who would be revealed to be [[Psycho (wrestler)|Psycho]]. Sugi and him defeated Hidaka and Sugawara in a non-title match, but failed at taking the titles. Sugi replaced Psycho by Sean Guinness for the ''Furinkazan Tag Tournament 2017'', only to be eliminated in the first round by Hidaka and Sugawara again. He spent the next weeks teaming with several wrestlers against his old enemy faction [[Voodoo Murders]], until he announced [[Masamune (wrestler)|Masamune]] as his next tag team partner in his quest for the tag titles. On January 1, 2018, Sugi officially joined Zero1,<ref name=Zero1010118/> and the same day, he and Masamune won the NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship from Sugawara and Hidaka.<ref name=Zero1010118/>
[[File:FUKUMEN-MANIA2018022147.jpg|thumb|250px|SUGI at the Fukumen Mania 2019.]]
Their reign ended in June, when Sugi and Masamune lost the titles to the new team of Ikuto Hidaka and Fuminori Abe. The same month, Sugi joined [[Kohei Sato]] and challenged [[Masato Tanaka]] and [[Yuji Hino]] for the [[NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship]], but they were defeated. He followed with a significantly successful tenure in the ''Fire Festival 2018'', scoring wins over Hino, [[Shinjiro Otani]] and [[Hiroshi Yamato]], though victory escaped his grasp again. In November, Sugi would prove better in the short ''Tenka-Ichi Junior Tournament 2018'' for the vacated [[International Junior Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)|International Junior Heavyweight Championship]] and [[NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)|NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship]], winning the tournament and the titles after beating [[Tatsuhito Takaiwa]], Asuka and [[Hayata (wrestler)|Hayata]]. Now as a champion, he resumed his team Kohei Sato to compete in the ''Furinkazan Tag Tournament 2018'', where they also won by defeating Chris Vice and [[Shogun Okamoto]] at the finals.

Sugi invested early 2019 in further championship pursuings. He retained his singles titles against Ikuto Hidaka, Shoki Kitamura and [[Tatsuhito Takaiwa]]. However, tag team titles remained away from him, with two failed challenges for the NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championships and NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championships teaming up with [[Madoka (wrestler)|Hagane Shinnou]] and usual partner Sato respectively. In July, he participated in the ''Fire Festival 2019'', where he gained victories over Yuya Aoki, Asuka and [[Yuji Sakuragi|Super Tiger II]], but he was unable to win the tournament after a double countout with [[Yuji Hino]]. He looked to improve his odds in the ''Tenka-Ichi Junior Tournament 2019'', reaching the finals over Raicho and Sean Guiness, but being shockingly eliminated by Hub. This streak continued in the ''Furinkazan Tag Tournament 2019'', where Sugi and [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]] representative [[Kenichiro Arai]] were defeated by [[Shuji Kondo]] and Takuya Sugawara in a match of former [[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon]] wrestlers.

In January 2020, Sugi lost his championships to Hub and was eliminated from the ''Tenka-Ichi 2020'' by Raicho, but he bounced back by allying with the latter and defeating the former and Billy Ken Kid for the promotion's tag team titles. Beginning 2021, Sugi ended his exclusive participation with Zero1 and became a freelancer again.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.z-1.co.jp/topics/detail_1317.html|title=1/1 後楽園ホール全カード＆SUGI専属終了、岩﨑契約解除のお知らせ【ZERO1】プロレスリングゼロワンからのお知らせ|first=プロレスリングZERO1(プロレスリング・ゼロワン)|last=株式会社iFD|date=December 28, 2020|website=プロレスリングZERO1(プロレスリング・ゼロワン) 公式ホームページ}}</ref>

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)|World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)#Title history|2 times]])<ref name=AJPWJrHeavy>{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/alljapan/aj-j.html | title=World Junior Heavyweight Title [All Japan] | date= November 29, 2018 | access-date=January 20, 2019 | work=Wrestling-Titles}}</ref>
*'''Kyushu Pro Wrestling'''
**Kyushu Pro Tag Team Championship (1 time, current) - with Raicho<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=3426|title=Kyushu Pro Tag Team Championship « Titles Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref>
*'''[[Michinoku Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
**[[Tohoku Tag Team Championship]] ([[Tohoku Tag Team Championship#Title history|2 times]]) – with [[Great Sasuke]] (1) and [[Fumiyuki Hashimoto|Kagetora]] (1)
**Fukumen World League Qualifying Tournament (2007)
**Futaritabi Tag Team League (2005) – with [[Fumiyuki Hashimoto|Kagetora]]
**M-12 Battle Royal (2006) with Kagetora
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''
**Ranked No. 346 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated|PWI 500]] in 2022<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thesportsgrail.com/pwi-500-2022-list-rankings-full-list-male-and-female-wrestlers/|title=PWI 500 2022 List Rankings Full List Male And Female Wrestlers|work=thesportsgrail.com|first=Abhishek|last=Dilta|date=September 16, 2022|access-date=October 1, 2022}}</ref>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Zero1]]'''
**[[International Junior Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)|International Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[International Junior Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)|1 time]])
**[[NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)|NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)|1 time]])
**[[NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship|2 times]]) – with [[Masamune (wrestler)|Masamune]] (1)<ref name=Zero1010118>{{cite web | url = https://www.z-1.co.jp/topics/detail_625.html | script-title=ja:小幡が世界ヘビー、岡本＆吉江はインター―コンチ獲得、Sugiは入団＆政宗とライトタッグ奪取、ブードゥに朱崇花加入…1・1後楽園リポート！ | date=2018-01-01 | accessdate=2018-01-01 | work=[[Pro Wrestling Zero1]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> and Raicho (1, final)
**[[WWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship|WWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship ''(Zero1 version)'']] ([[WWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship#Title history|2 times]])
**[[Tenkaichi Junior]] (2018)
**[[Furinkazan (wrestling)|Furinkazan]] ([[Furinkazan (wrestling)#2018|2018]]) – with [[Kohei Sato]]
*'''[[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon X]]'''
**Yamaha Cup Tag Tournament (2004) – with [[Fumiyuki Hashimoto|SUWAcito]]
*'''Valerie Office'''
**Copa El Jefe (2012) – with Argos

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Takuya Sugi}}
*[http://luchalibreaaa.com/sugi-san.php AAA profile]
*[http://ameblo.jp/elblazer/ El Blazer official Blog (Japanese)]
*[http://yoshitune.jugem.jp/ Yoshitsune official blog (Japanese)]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20061215012855/http://dgusa.puroresufan.com/doradodata.html El Dorado Roster Page at DGUSA (English)]
*[http://www.puroresucentral.com/yoshitsune.html Yoshitsune profile at Puroresu Central (English)]
*[http://www.michipro.net/ Michinoku Pro Wrestling official website (Japanese)]
*[http://blog.livedoor.jp/dragon_door/archives/cat_50009189.html El Blazer El Dorado Blog (Japanese), no longer active]
*[http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/yumemaboroshi_nob_naga/ El Blazer official YAHOO Blog (Japanese), no longer active]
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)}}
{{International Junior Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)}}
{{Furinkazan}}
{{Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{Tohoku Tag Team Championship}}
{{International Lightweight Tag Team Championship (Zero1)}}
{{World Junior Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Japan}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sugi, Takuya}}
[[Category:1983 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:People from Shizuoka (city)]]
[[Category:Masked wrestlers]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from Shizuoka Prefecture]]
[[Category:World Junior Heavyweight Champions (AJPW)]]
[[Category:Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Tohoku Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champions (Zero1)]]
[[Category:International Lightweight Tag Team Champions (Zero1)]]

Kohei Sato

2025-06-07T16:18:07Z

89.136.44.148:

{{short description|Japanese professional wrestler}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name=Kohei Sato 佐藤耕平
|names='''Kohei Sato''' Monster K
|image=Kohei Sato in June 2016 (cropped).jpg
|caption=Sato in June 2016
|height={{convert|1.93|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
|weight={{convert|100|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1977|9|21|mf=y}}
|birth_place=[[Tokyo]], Japan
|death_date=
|death_place=
|billed=
|trainer=[[Inoki Dojo]] [[Shinya Hashimoto]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=445 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303202425/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=445 |archive-date=March 3, 2023 |title=Kohei Sato |work=CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |access-date=March 3, 2023}}</ref>
|debut=June 14, 2001<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.purolove.com/zero1/profiles/koheisato.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919080452/http://www.purolove.com/zero1/profiles/koheisato.php |archive-date=September 19, 2020 |title=Kohei Sato |work=PUROLOVE.com |language=de |access-date=March 3, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/kohei-sato-2814.html?sort=rev |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200119000007/http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/kohei-sato-2814.html?sort=rev |archive-date=January 19, 2020 |title=Kohei Sato Profile & Match Listing |work=The Internet Wrestling Database |access-date=March 3, 2023}}</ref>
|retired=
|website=
}}
{{nihongo|'''Kohei Sato'''|佐藤耕平|Satō Kōhei|born September 21, 1977}} is a Japanese [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] contracted with [[Pro Wrestling Zero1]]. Sato is also a former [[mixed martial artist]].

==Career==
A former [[judoka]] and [[amateur wrestler]], Sato made his transition to mixed martial arts after meeting [[Kazunari Murakami]] and Sanshu Tsubakichi. He joined the [[Shooto]] promotion, winning the 1998 All Japan Amateur Shooto Championships over [[Giant Ochiai|Takashi Okada]] in the heavyweight class,<ref>[http://blog.livedoor.jp/shooto_news/archives/50731359.html 第5回全日本アマチュア修斗選手権大会　公式結果]</ref> and later turning professional and gaining two wins over Anthony Netzler and [[Katsuhisa Fujii]]. He then retired from MMA in order to start in professional wrestling, debuting in [[Pro Wrestling ZERO-ONE]] in 2001.

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Active Advance Pro Wrestling]]'''
:*[[Active Advance Pro Wrestling Openweight Championship|2AW Openweight Championship]] (1 time)
*'''[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]'''
:*[[All Asia Tag Team Championship]] ([[All Asia Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Hirotaka Yokoi]]
:*[[World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)|World Tag Team Championship]] ([[World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)|1 time]]) – with [[Shuji Ishikawa]]
:*All Asia Tag Team Title League (2003) – with Hirotaka Yokoi<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/alljapan/ajtagtitle.html#asiantag2003 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224194208/http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/alljapan/ajtagtitle.html#asiantag2003 |archive-date=February 24, 2023 |title=All-Asian Tag Team Title League 2003 |work=Pro Wrestling History |date=July 2003 |access-date=March 25, 2019}}</ref>
*'''[[Big Japan Pro Wrestling]]'''
:*[[BJW World Strong Heavyweight Championship]] ([[BJW World Strong Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|date=August 25, 2019|title=【大日本】佐藤耕平が岡林からストロング王座奪取「何とか勝てた」|url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/bjw/1523754/|access-date=February 7, 2021|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=Japanese}}</ref>
:*[[BJW Tag Team Championship]] ([[BJW Tag Team Championship#Title history|3 times]]) – with [[Daisuke Sekimoto]] (1), and [[Shuji Ishikawa]] (2)
:*[[Yokohama Shopping Street 6-Man Tag Team Championship]] ([[Yokohama Shopping Street 6-Man Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Daisuke Sekimoto]] and Hideyoshi Kamitani
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
:*PWI ranked him #'''150''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[PWI 500]] in 2016<ref>{{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/pwi-500/2016.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2016|access-date=2016-09-01|work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Zero1]]'''
:*[[NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship#Title history|7 times]]) – with [[Ryoji Sai]] (2), [[Yoshihiro Takayama]] (1), Kamikaze (2), Daisuke Sekimoto (1), and [[Hideki Suzuki]] (1)
:*[[NWA United National Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA United National Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
:*[[World Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)|World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[World Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)#Title history|6 times]])
:*[[Zero-One United States Heavyweight Championship|ZERO1-MAX United States Openweight Championship]] ([[Zero-One United States Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
:*[[Fire Festival]] ([[Fire Festival#2004|2004]], [[Fire Festival#2015|2015]])
:*[[Furinkazan (wrestling)|Furinkazan]] ([[Furinkazan (wrestling)#2010|2010]]) – with Kamikaze
:*[[Furinkazan (wrestling)|Furinkazan]] ([[Furinkazan (wrestling)#2018|2018]]) – with [[Takuya Sugi|Sugi]]
:*Passion Cup Tag Tournament (2008) – with [[Ryoji Sai]]
:*Five-Man Tag Team Tournament (2015) – with [[Yusaku Obata]], [[Masato Tanaka]], [[Shinjiro Otani]] and [[Hideki Suzuki]]
*'''[[Tenryu Project]]'''
:*[[Tenryu Project United National Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[Tenryu Project United National Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|1 time, current]]) – with [[Masayuki Kono]]
:*[[Tenryu Project World 6-Man Tag Team Championship]] ([[Tenryu Project World 6-Man Tag Team Championship#Reigns|1 time]]) – with [[Kenichiro Arai]] and [[Masayuki Kono]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://yu39.net/title/detail?id=5974|script-title=ja:天龍プロジェクト認定WAR世界6人タッグ選手権|work=Syu-Kaku Kombu|access-date=February 2, 2022|language=ja}}</ref>
*'''World Entertainment Wrestling'''
:*[[WEW World Tag Team Championship]] ([[WEW World Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with Kamikaze

==Mixed martial arts record==
{{MMArecordbox
|wins=2
|losses=0
|ko-wins=1
|ko-losses=0
|sub-wins=0
|sub-losses=0
|dec-wins=1
|dq-wins=0
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align="center"| 2–0
| [[Katsuhisa Fujii]]
| TKO ([[Punch (combat)|punches]])
| [[1999 in Shooto#Shooto - Renaxis 2|Shooto - Renaxis 2]]
| {{dts|1999|July|16}}
| align='center'| 1
| align='center'| 4:05
| [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]]
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align="center"| 1–0
| Anthony Netzler
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[1999 in Shooto#Shooto - Renaxis 1|Shooto - Renaxis 1]]
| {{dts|1999|March|28}}
| align="center"| 2
| align="center"| 5:00
| [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]]
|
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://www.z-1.co.jp/superstars/profile_105_1.html Zero1 profile]
* {{Sherdog}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{2AW Openweight Championship}}
{{All Asia Tag Team Championship}}
{{World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)}}
{{BJW Tag Team Championship}}
{{BJW World Strong Heavyweight Championship}}
{{WAR World Six-Man Tag Team Championship}}
{{WEW World Tag Team Championship}}
{{Yokohama Shopping Street 6-Man Tag Team Championship}}
{{Pro Wrestling Zero1}}
{{World Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)}}
{{United National Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)}}
{{Intercontinental Tag Team Championship (Zero1)}}
{{Fire Festival}}
{{Furinkazan}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Martial arts|Japan}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sato, Kohei}}
[[Category:1977 births]]
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from Tokyo]]
[[Category:Japanese male mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing judo]]
[[Category:2AW Openweight Champions]]
[[Category:All Asia Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:Tenryu Project World 6-Man Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:WEW World Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:BJW Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:BJW World Strong Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:Yokohama Shopping Street 6-Man Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:Zero1 World Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:Zero1 Intercontinental Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:Zero1 United National Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:Fire Festival winners]]

Shinjiro Otani

2025-06-07T16:17:13Z

89.136.44.148:

{{Short description|Japanese professional wrestler (born 1972)}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Shinjiro Otani
|image = Wiki-otani.jpg
|alt =
|caption =Otani in 2008
|names = Achichi Mr. Otani '''Shinjiro Otani'''
|height = {{convert|1.80|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name=PWI500-2004>{{cite news|title=Pro Wrestling illustrated 500 – 2004 :87 Shinjiro Ohtani|work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]|publisher=Sports and Entertainment publications LLC|location=Blue Bell, [[Pennsylvania]], [[United States]]|id=December 2004|page=27|date=October 2004}}</ref>
|weight = {{convert|97|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<ref name=PWI500-2004/>
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1972|7|21|mf=y}}
|birth_place = [[Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi|Yamaguchi City]], [[Yamaguchi Prefecture]], Japan
|death_date =
|death_place =
|trainer = [[Animal Hamaguchi]] [[Hiroshi Hase]] [[Kensuke Sasaki]]
|debut = June 25, 1992
}}
{{nihongo|'''Shinjiro Otani'''|大谷晋二郎|Ōtani Shinjirō|born July 21, 1972}}<ref name=Puro>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/otani.html|title=Profile at Puroresu Central|publisher=Puroresu Central|access-date=2013-11-26}}</ref> is a Japanese semi-retired [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] and the current acting president of [[Pro Wrestling Zero1]] (Zero1). He is currently inactive from pro-wrestling competition due to a cervical spine injury sustained in April 2022. A product of the [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling|New Japan Pro Wrestling]] (NJPW) dojo, Otani is best known for his longtime association with Zero1, a promotion he founded in 2001 along with [[Shinya Hashimoto]].

Starting his career in NJPW as a [[Cruiserweight (professional wrestling)|junior heavyweight]], Otani gained a reputation as a gutsy underdog and would go on to hold several championships during his nine-year run with the promotion, including the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]] and the [[J-Crown]], as well as forming a successful tag team with dojo classmate [[Tatsuhito Takaiwa]], [[List of IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions|twice]] holding the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]]. After jumping to the heavyweight division in 2001, Otani would leave New Japan the same year, joining [[Shinya Hashimoto]] as one of the founders of Pro Wrestling Zero1 (Zero1). Following the departure of Hashimoto in 2004, Otani was pushed as one of the promotions top stars, becoming a six time [[Intercontinental Tag Team Championship (Zero1)|Intercontinental Tag Team Champion]], a one time [[World Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)|World Heavyweight Champion]] and a four-time winner of the [[Fire Festival]]. In addition to his role as a wrestler, Otani has also served as acting company president since 2007.

== Early life ==
Otani was born in [[Yamaguchi Prefecture|Yamaguchi]] and was a big pro wrestling fan during his youth, specifically [[Antonio Inoki]]'s [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling|New Japan Pro Wrestling]] (NJPW). He attended the only two events NJPW ran in Yamaguchi yearly and idolised [[Kengo Kimura]]. At one point during his childhood, he snuck into a hotel in a bid to try and meet Antonio Inoki; initially stopped by security, they allowed him in upon Inoki's instruction, who signed Otani's "闘魂" (fighting spirit) [[hachimaki]], after which the young Otani vowed to Inoki that he would one day make it to NJPW.<ref name="kaminoge122145">東邦出版『KAMINOGE』vol.85 pp.122-145</ref> Otani was successful in [[amateur wrestling]] during high school.

== Professional wrestling career ==

===Training===
Upon graduation, Otani planned to move almost 600 miles from Yamaguchi to [[Tokyo]] to join a professional wrestling dojo. Otani's dream was strongly opposed by his parents, which resulted in him running away from home in January 1992 at the age of 19, leaving for Tokyo with only between ¥50,000-¥60,000 of [[Japanese New Year|otoshidama]] money to his name. After being homeless for a brief period of time, Otani finally found a place to stay, a small [[Tatami|tatami-like]] dwelling for ¥24,000, located next to a public toilet and without a futon to sleep on.

At the time, the only wrestling school Otani knew of was [[Animal Hamaguchi]]'s dojo, where he would travel and introduce himself to Hamaguchi. Hamaguchi accepted Otani into his dojo where he began his training, in addition to feeding him and getting Otani a part-time job in a local liquor store, which allowed him to pay for better living quarters. Hamaguchi brought Otani to the NJPW dojo in February 1992 and he enrolled soon after, training in the same class as [[Tatsuhito Takaiwa]] and [[Yuji Nagata]].<ref name="kaminoge122145" /> As part of his rookie duties, Otani would also spend two years working closely with [[Shinya Hashimoto]] as his assistant, which led to the two developing a long-lasting friendship.<ref name="kaminoge122145" />

=== New Japan Pro Wrestling (1992–2001) ===

==== Early career (1992–1996) ====

Otani made his in-ring debut on June 25, 1992, losing to [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan|Hiroyoshi Yamamoto]] at a house show in [[Fukushima Prefecture|Fukushima]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Masters Of Wrestling - Tag 7 |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=81604 |access-date=12 April 2022 |website=cagematch.net}}</ref> His televised debut came a little under a month later, losing to [[Osamu Nishimura]] in [[Gifu]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Summer Struggle 1992 - Tag 1 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=56967 |access-date=19 October 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> Early in his career, Otani became known for his [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques|springboard]] [[dropkick]], his corner [[Professional wrestling attacks#Facewash|face wash]], and developed a reputation as a likeable underdog thanks to his sympathetic performances and his willingness to challenge senior wrestlers, in particular [[Jushin Liger|Jushin Thunder Liger]]. The two met for the first time on May 25, 1993, in a [[Best of the Super Juniors|Top of the Super Juniors]] tournament match in [[Korakuen Hall]], with Liger victorious.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Explosion Tour 1993 - Tag 3 |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=55359 |access-date=12 April 2022 |website=cagematch.net}}</ref> Otani would struggle throughout his first foray into the tournament, failing to advance past the first stage but managing to earn a solitary win over [[Eddie Guerrero]] in [[Hamamatsu]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Explosion Tour 1993 - Tag 11 |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=56059 |access-date=12 April 2022 |website=cagematch.net}}</ref> He spent much of 1992 and 1993 trading wins and losses with fellow dojo classmates such as [[Tatsuhito Takaiwa]], [[Kendo Kashin|Tokimitsu Ishizawa]] and [[Yuji Nagata]], customary for younger wrestlers in Japan as they develop and earn their place within the company. He represented NJPW during their feud with [[WAR (wrestling promotion)|Wrestle Association-R]] (WAR) on January 16, 1994, losing to [[Masao Orihara]] at a WAR's Super Revolution event.<ref>{{Cite web |title=WAR Super Revolution 1994 |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=67036 |access-date=12 April 2022 |website=cagematch.net}}</ref> He would once again enter the renamed [[Best of the Super Juniors]] tournament that summer and performed much better, defeating the likes of [[Taka Michinoku]] and [[Eddie Guerrero|Black Tiger]], however also once again losing to Jushin Liger and failing to advance to the finals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Best Of The Super Junior I - Tag 11 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=49012 |access-date=19 October 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Best Of The Super Junior I - Tag 3 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=48997 |access-date=19 October 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Best Of The Super Junior I - Tag 14 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=49031 |access-date=19 October 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> In October, he partnered up with [[Chris Benoit|Wild Pegasus]] for the Super Grade Junior Heavyweight Tag League. The two would reach the semi-finals on October 18, beating [[Dean Malenko]] and Tokimitsu Ishizawa to book their place in the final, where they defeated Black Tiger and [[The Great Sasuke]] in a highly acclaimed bout to win the tournament, giving Otani his first taste of success in the company.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Super Grade Tag League IV - Tag 9 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=78914 |access-date=19 October 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> His strong performances throughout 1994 earned him his first [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]] opportunity on October 30, however, he was unable to overcome champion [[Norio Honaga]] and lost by referee's decision at [[Ryogoku Kokugikan]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Super Grade Tag League IV - Tag 19 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=6669 |access-date=19 October 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> He received a big opportunity at the annual "Dream Win" card on October 30, where he was defeated by [[Keiji Muto]], one of the top stars of New Japan in a singles match.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Titles « Keiji Muto « Wrestlers Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=258&page=11 |access-date=19 October 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref>

Otani won the first championship of his career on December 13, 1994, beating Norio Honaga to win the [[UWA World Welterweight Championship]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Battle Final 1994 - Tag 16 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=49228 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> After two successful defences, he dropped the title to IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion [[Koji Kanemoto]] in a double title match on April 16 in [[Hiroshima]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Battle Rush 1995 - Tag 3: GRAND CROSS 2 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=49245 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> Otani would turn his attention to the Best of the Super Juniors tournament in June where he would have his best outing to date, making it all the way to the final where he was narrowly defeated by former partner Wild Pegasus.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Best Of The Super Junior II - Tag 18 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=51848 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref>

==== Championship success (1996–2000) ====
By 1996, Otani had firmly established himself as a serious contender for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, and unsuccessfully challenged Jushin Thunder Liger for the title in the main event of a card in [[Amagasaki]] on March 17.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Hyper Battle 1996 - Tag 7 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=40033 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> Just days later on March 20, he defeated [[Wild Pegasus]] to become the inaugural [[WCW Cruiserweight Championship|WCW Cruiserweight Champion]]; he held the title until May 2, when he was defeated by [[Dean Malenko]] in [[Orlando, Florida]] (the match would air on the May 18, 1996 edition of [[WCW Worldwide]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Hyper Battle 1996 - Tag 9 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=40328 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> On June 17, he captured the vacant [[UWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship|UWA World Junior Lightweight Championship]], beating [[UWF International|UWFi]] representative [[Kazushi Sakuraba]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Skydiving J « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=41889 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> He held the title until August, when he was one of the wrestlers who entered their championship into the [[J-Crown]]; his defeat to [[Ultimo Dragon]] in the semi-final of the inaugural J-Crown Champion tournament meant that he relinquished the UWA World Junior Lightweight Championship. Almost a year later on August 10, 1997, he would capture the J-Crown for himself, defeating [[El Samurai]] in [[Nagoya Dome|Nagoya]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW The Four Heaven In Nagoya Dome « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=41733 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> After his third successful defence against Wild Pegasus in November, the World Wrestling Federation ordered its [[WWF Light Heavyweight Championship|Light Heavyweight Championship]] to be returned to them; in the aftermath, Otani relinquished all belts except for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, returning all other titles to their respective promotions and effectively dissolving the J-Crown. Otani would continue to solely defend the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship until February 1998, when he dropped the title to Jushin Thunder Liger.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Fighting Spirit 1998 - Tag 10 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=40971 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> After an unsuccessful [[Best of the Super Juniors]] tournament in the summer, Otani turned his attention to the emerging junior tag team division in New Japan; with the introduction of the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]]s, a tournament was announced to crown the inaugural champions in July, where Otani would partner dojo classmate [[Tatsuhito Takaiwa]], with the two of them defeating [[Koji Kanemoto]] and [[Dr Wagner Jr]] in the finals to become the first ever holders of the belts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=41339|title=NJPW Rising The Next Generations In Osaka Dome « Events Database |website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> On December 11, Takaiwa and Otani travelled to [[Wrestle Association R]] where they defeated [[Masaaki Mochizuki]] and [[Masao Orihara]] to win the vacant [[International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]], making themselves double champions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=163707|title=WAR « Events Database |website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Their days as double champions didn't last long, however, as they would lose the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship to [[Kendo Kashin]] and Dr Wagner Jr at [[January 4 Dome Show|Wrestling World 1999]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3132|title=NJPW Wrestling World In Tokyo Dome 1999 « Events Database |website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Later in the year they would regain the championships, defeating Jushin Thunder Liger and [[The Great Sasuke]] in July.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=46568|title=NJPW Summer Struggle 1999 - Tag 16 « Events Database |website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> In 2000, both Otani and Takaiwa took part in the Best of the Super Juniors tournament, with both men winning their blocks and reaching the final, where, on June 9, Takaiwa defeated Otani to win the 2000 Best of the Super Juniors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=47839|title=NJPW Best Of The Super Junior VII - Tag 17 « Events Database |website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Later in the month after just under a year as champions, Otani and Takaiwa lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships to the [[Junior Stars]] (Koji Kanemoto and [[Minoru Tanaka (wrestler)|Minoru Tanaka]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=47896|title=NJPW Summer Struggle 2000 - Tag 1 « Events Database |website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> After dropping the titles, both men would go their separate ways, with Takaiwa focusing on the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship and Otani beginning to be groomed for a run as a heavyweight.

==== Division change and departure (2000–2001) ====

After a largely lacklustre summer of 2000, Otani was sent on excursion by New Japan officials in August, with the intention of him gaining weight and returning as a heavyweight. Otani toured with [[All Star Wrestling]] (ASW) in the United Kingdom and spent time training under [[Mr. Hito|Tokyo Joe]] in [[Canada]], where he developed his new [[Cobra clutch|King Cobra Clutch]] finishing move.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 April 2022 |title=Nattie on Twitter: "I'm keeping Shinjiro Otani in my prayers. A revolutionary talent, an innovator of springboards. I remember when he came to Calgary to train with our coach Tokyo Joe so he could move up to a heavier weight class. So dedicated and so disciplined." |url=http://www.twitter.com/NatbyNature/status/1513517309251538948 |access-date=12 April 2022 |website=twitter.com}}</ref> Otani returned to New Japan on January 4, 2001, teaming with [[Keiji Muto]] as a member of Muto's new [[Bad Ass Translate Trading]] stable, to convincingly defeat [[Manabu Nakanishi]] and [[Jushin Liger|Jushin Thunder Liger]], who, like Otani, had also been converted into a heavyweight; Otani would submit Liger for the win with his new King Cobra Clutch. The following month, he would unsuccessfully challenge [[Kensuke Sasaki]] for the [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]] on February 16 in [[Ryogoku Kokugikan]]. This would go on to be Otani's last match signed to the company, as he would depart New Japan after nine years soon after to help [[Shinya Hashimoto]] found his new promotion, [[Pro Wrestling Zero1|Pro Wrestling Zero-One]].

===Pro Wrestling Zero1 (2001–present)===

==== Formation (2000–2004) ====

In November 2000, during Otani's time spent overseas, it was announced by longtime associate and former ace of NJPW [[Shinya Hashimoto]], who had recently been fired by the company, that Otani was one of the names that would be joining him in his new promotion, [[Pro Wrestling Zero1|Zero-One]].<ref name="kaminoge122145" /> At the time, Otani had not yet agreed to join the promotion, and in 2019, he said that this premature announcement was what led to him leaving New Japan, the promotion he had loved since his childhood, so suddenly.<ref name="kaminoge122145" /> Hashimoto would meet with Otani and apologise for using his name without permission upon his return to Japan, but said that he had only done so because Otani was the main person he wished to see compete in Zero1, and that Otani was free to stay with New Japan if he wished.<ref name="kaminoge122145" /> Otani, convinced by Hashimoto's words and concerned about Hashimoto feeling alone after his firing from New Japan, agreed to join Zero1 as one of the founders. Otani would relay his decision to New Japan officials soon after, who accepted his decision; he was also told by then head-booker [[Riki Choshu]] that the door was always open for a potential return in the future.<ref name="kaminoge122145" />

Otani competed on the inaugural Zero1 card on March 2, 2001, remaining a heavyweight and beginning his feud with [[Mixed martial arts|MMA fighter]] turned [[Puroresu|pro-wrestler]] [[Kazunari Murakami]]. Otani lost their first meeting by referee's decision, a wild and scrappy brawl that lasted less than five minutes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ZERO-ONE Truth Century Creation « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=5321 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> As a result of Zero1's working relationship with [[Battlarts]], Otani would have a brief run with the promotion around this time, where he formed an alliance with [[Yuki Ishikawa]]. The two would also team up in Zero1, defeating [[Steve Corino]] and Mike Rapada to win the [[NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship]] on July 12 in [[Zepp|Tokyo]].<ref name="cagematch.net">{{Cite web |title=ZERO-ONE True Century Battle 2001 - Tag 1 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=5324 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> In September, Otani entered the inaugural [[Fire Festival|Himatsuri]] (火祭り), "fire festival" tournament, remaining undefeated on his way to the final where he defeated [[Kohei Sato]]. As a result of winning, Otani was presented with the Fire Sword for the first time, an accessory that would go on to be commonly associated with his ring entrance.<ref name="cagematch.net"/> Otani and Ishikawa would vacate their championships in October 2001, after Ishikawa's departure from the promotion. Otani would instead form a new tag team with [[Masato Tanaka]], collectively known as "Emblem". The duo won the vacant championships on January 6, 2002, defeating [[Samoa Joe]] and [[Tom Howard (wrestler)|Tom Howard]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=ZERO-ONE Vast Energy « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=5332 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> In singles action, Otani entered the now round-robin Fire Festival once again in August, winning all but one of his matches and defeating [[Tetsuhiro Kuroda]] in the final to become a two-time Fire Festival winner, retaining the Fire Sword for another year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ZERO-ONE Fire Festival 2002 - Tag 5 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=5395 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> After ten months and five successful defences as champions, Otani and Tanaka dropped their titles to [[Jon Heidenreich|John Heidenreich]] and [[Nathan Jones (wrestler)|Nathan Jones]] in Korakuen Hall on October 20.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ZERO-ONE Improvement II 2002 - Tag 1 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=7076 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> By this time, the two had established themselves as one of the best tag teams in Japan, and were invited by [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW) to compete in its [[Real World Tag League]] in late 2002. Four wins and a solitary defeat to [[Keiji Muto]] and [[Road Warrior Animal|Animal Warrior]] was enough to see them through to the final, where they were defeated by [[Satoshi Kojima]] and [[Taiyo Kea]] in the main event at [[Nippon Budokan]] on December 6.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AJPW Real World Tag League 2002 - Tag 11 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=21806 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> The two would also briefly tour with [[Mitsuharu Misawa]]'s [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] in January 2003, the highlight of their run being a memorable if unsuccessful [[GHC Tag Team Championship]] match against [[Jun Akiyama]] and [[Akitoshi Saito]] in Budokan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NOAH Great Voyage 2003 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=5910 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref>

Back in Zero1, Otani looked to win his third successive Fire Festival tournament and again made it to the final, though, this time, he was defeated by AJPW representative Satoshi Kojima.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ZERO-ONE Fire Festival 2003 - Tag 4 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=46612 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> Otani would get his revenge over in AJPW on September 6, when he defeated Kojima in the semi-final of the vacant [[Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship]] tournament, though he was later defeated by [[Toshiaki Kawada]] in the final.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AJPW Summer Action Series II 2003 - Tag 13 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=23074 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref>

==== Main event push (2004–2007) ====
As 2004 progressed, Otani began to be pushed as one of Zero1's top stars, starting in April when he was narrowly defeated by former partner and then-current [[NWA United National Heavyweight Championship|NWA United National Heavyweight Champion]] [[Masato Tanaka]], the beginning of a rivalry between the former partners.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ZERO-ONE Destructive Revolution 2004 ~ Tenka-Ichi Jr. ~ - Tag 10 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=65190 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> The two would have several [[Professional wrestling match types#Steel cage|steel cage]] matches against each other throughout the summer, as Otani formed an alliance with [[Takao Omori]] after he was betrayed by former ally [[Wataru Sakata]], who instead formed a new tag team with Tanaka. This culminated in a sixty-minute, ten-man elimination cage death match on October 16 in [[Sapporo, Hokkaido|Sapporo]], as Otani's team of himself, Omori, [[Ikuto Hidaka]], [[Minoru Fujita]] and [[Tomohiro Ishii]] defeated Tanaka, Sakata, [[Jun Kasai]], [[Tetsuhiro Kuroda]] and Yoshihito Sasaki after Hidaka last eliminated Kuroda for the win.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ZERO-ONE New Whirlpool-1 Truth II 2004 - Tag 8 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=111989 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> Upon Hashimoto's departure from Zero1 in late 2004, after which he retained the rights to the Zero1 name, Otani would take over Hashimoto's role as owner of the promotion in 2005 and re-introduced it in [[Korakuen Hall]] as Pro-Wrestling Zero-One Max. In August 2005, Otani would enter the fifth annual Fire Festival, again reaching the final where he defeated [[Kensuke Sasaki]] to win his third tournament.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ZERO-ONE MAX Fire Festival 2005 - Tag 5 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=53307 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref>

[[File:Monster C and Shinjiro Otani.jpg|thumb|Otani (background) cheers on [[Steve Corino|Monster C]] during a Hustle event.]]

After taking over Zero1, he would establish a working partnership with Dream Stage Entertainment, which led to Otani making regular appearances in DSE's comedy wrestling promotion, [[Hustle (professional wrestling)|Hustle]]. Initially appearing under his own name, Otani was later renamed to '''Achichi Otani''', a character that seemed to gain the power of fire, as Otani would seemingly burn opponents and partners with a single touch. Otani would also establish a working relationship between Zero-One Max and [[New Japan Pro Wrestling]], which led to Otani appearing in a New Japan ring for the first time since February 2001 on October 8, 2005, in the [[Tokyo Dome]]. Otani and his Zero-One Max team of Kamikaze, [[Ryoji Sai]] and [[Kohei Sato]] were defeated by [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]], [[Takashi Iizuka]], [[Yoshi Tatsu|Naofumi Yamamoto]] and [[Yutaka Yoshie]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Toukon Souzou New Chapter « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=12074 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> He would again return to New Japan on January 4, 2006, in the same venue, re-igniting his feud with old rival and ally [[Koji Kanemoto]] where Otani was victorious in singles action.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Toukon Shidou Chapter I « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=5709 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> Back in Zero-One Max, Otani defeated [[Steve Corino]] on January 22 to win the [[WSL World Heavyweight Championship|AWA World Heavyweight Championship]], the first major heavyweight singles title of Otani's career.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ZERO1-MAX Faithfully - Tag 1 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=112909 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> Otani held the title until April 1, when he dropped it to [[Takao Omori]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=ZERO1-MAX Yasukuni Shrine Festival « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=112987 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref>

==== Championship pursuits (2007–2015) ====

On December 24, 2007, it was announced by Zero-One Max's parent company, First On Stage, that Otani would solely take over from Yoshiyuki Nakamura as president of Zero-One Max, taking office on January 23, 2008, as Nakamura became the new director of First On Stage. After taking over as president, Otani further expanded the promotion's working deal with NJPW, which led to an inter-promotional feud between the two beginning in 2008. As a result of this, Otani would enter his first G1 Climax in August 2008, where he earned 7 points, though a defeat against [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]] prevented him from advancing past the first stage.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW G1 Climax 2008 ~ Heroes of Supremacy - Tag 7 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=26020 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> On February 27, 2009, at a Zero-One Max event in [[Korakuen Hall]], he defeated former NJPW dojo classmate [[Yuji Nagata]] to become the new [[World Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)|World Heavyweight Champion]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=ZERO1 Wrestler's Belief 2009 - Tag 6 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=35974 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> Otani held the belt until March, successfully defending it against [[Steve Corino]] and [[Epico Colón|Orlando Colón]] before dropping it to [[Ryoji Sai]] on March 29.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ZERO1 Yasukuni Shrine Festival « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=36919 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> On October 12, 2009, at [[Masahiro Chono]]'s 25th anniversary event in [[Ryogoku Kokugikan]], Otani received his first opportunity at the [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]] in over nine years, challenging [[Shinsuke Nakamura]]. Despite entering to a mixed reaction as an outsider, Otani's performance would prompt a loud reaction from the audience, who, by the end, were cheering for Otani, even though he was narrowly defeated by Nakamura.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Masahiro Chono 25th Anniversary ~ Aristrist In Ryogoku Kokugikan~ « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=43873 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref>

In late 2009, Otani formed a new partnership with former sumo wrestler [[Akebono Tarō|Akebono]], prior to the upcoming [[Furinkazan (professional wrestling)|Furinkazan]] tag tournament, dubbing themselves "Kazan" (火山, volcano). The two reached the final on December 19, where they defeated [[Masaaki Mochizuki]] and Otani's former Emblem partner [[Masato Tanaka]] to win the tournament.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ZERO1 Wrestler's ~ Furinkazan - Tag 7 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=46192 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> A month later in [[Shinjuku Face|Tokyo]], they beat [[Ikuto Hidaka]] and [[Munenori Sawa]] to win the [[NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=ZERO1 Wrestler's 9 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=47575 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> In August 2010, he entered the [[Fire Festival]] tied with Masato Tanaka for the most tournament wins at three; Otani progressed to the final, where he defeated Tanaka to become the first ever four-time winner of the tournament.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ZERO1 Fire Festival 2010 - Tag 7 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=54557 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> Otani would try and once again capture the World Heavyweight Championship in November, but fell to champion [[Daisuke Sekimoto]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=ZERO1 Must « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=57957 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> On March 6, 2011, Otani competed in the main event of Zero1's special 10th anniversary card in [[Ryogoku Kokugikan]], where he would lose to [[Yoshihiro Takayama]].<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web |title=ZERO1 Big March Presents ZERO1 10th Anniversary ~ Pro-Wrestling « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=60784 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> This event also saw the debut of [[Daichi Hashimoto]], the son of Otani's since deceased longtime associate [[Shinya Hashimoto]]. Both Otani and [[Masahiro Chono]] handled his training, and Otani would go on to become a frequent tag team partner for the young Hashimoto during his early career in Zero1.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

Otani would unite with former rivals [[Koji Kanemoto]] and [[Osamu Nishimura]] in NJPW for one night only in October 2011, where they were defeated by the reunited Okami Gundan team of [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]], [[Masahiro Chono]] and [[Hiro Saito]], in the main event of Tenzan's 20th anniversary event in [[Korakuen Hall]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Hiroyoshi Tenzan 20th Anniversary ~Hard Mogyu~ « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=69814 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> He would later reunite with [[Keiji Muto]] in the [[Tokyo Dome]], at [[Wrestle Kingdom 7]], replacing the injured Daichi Hashimoto as the two were defeated by [[Tencozy]] (Hiroyoshi Tenzan and [[Satoshi Kojima]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 7 ~ Evolution ~ In Tokyo Dome « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=85376 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> Beginning in September 2015, Otani downgraded himself back to the junior heavyweight division, proclaiming that the division had "lost its way" and "needed more heart". On September 23, he reformed his junior heavyweight team with Tatsuhito Takaiwa and defeated [[NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship|NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Champions]] [[Takuya Sugawara]] and [[Yasushi Tsujimoto|Brother Yasshi]] to win the titles, the team's fourth tag team title overall and their first in 15 years. On October 11 Otani defeated [[Minoru Tanaka (wrestler)|Minoru Tanaka]] (who had defeated him and Takaiwa in 2000, along with [[Koji Kanemoto]], to end their second IWGP junior tag reign) to win both the [[Zero1 International Junior Heavyweight Championship|Zero1 International]] and [[NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)|NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championships]].<ref name=Zero1Jr>{{cite web | url = http://www.z-1.co.jp/zero1/interview?targetId=1326| script-title=ja:10/11Zero １『 Change the World 』後楽園大会試合結果| date=2015-10-11 | access-date=2015-10-11 | work=[[Pro Wrestling Zero1]] | language=ja}}</ref> After three successful defenses, he lost the titles to [[Kotaro Suzuki]] on February 3, 2017.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.z-1.co.jp/topics/detail_207.html | script-title=ja:2.3後楽園大会試合結果 | date=2017-02-04 | access-date=2017-02-04 | work=[[Pro Wrestling Zero1]] | language=ja}}</ref>

==== Later career and injury (2016–2022) ====
After Otani won [[Real Japan Pro Wrestling]] (RJPW)'s [[Legend Championship]] in 2016, he again began occasionally competing in the heavyweight division. He held the title until June 2017, when he dropped it to [[Masakatsu Funaki]], the man he initially defeated to win the title.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RJPW Legend Of The Gold VII « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=178736 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> On June 22, 2019, at 46 years old, he challenged [[Daisuke Sekimoto]] for the [[World Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)|World Heavyweight Championship]]. Otani was defeated after a hard-fought 22 minute match, but earned plaudits from the crowd for the strong effort he displayed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ZERO1 Fire Festival 2019 - Tag 2 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=232702 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> He again returned to [[New Japan Pro Wrestling]] on January 4, 2020, taking part in one of [[Jushin Liger|Jushin Thunder Liger]]'s retirement matches, where he, [[Tatsuhito Takaiwa]], [[Ryusuke Taguchi]] and [[Naoki Sano]] defeated Liger, [[Tatsumi Fujinami]], [[The Great Sasuke]] and [[Tiger Mask IV|Tiger Mask]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 14 In Tokyo Dome - Tag 1 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=246211 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> In December, Otani allied himself with [[Yumehito Imanari]] for the upcoming [[Furinkazan (professional wrestling)|Furinkazan]], where the [[NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship]] would be awarded to the winner.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{Cite web |title=ZERO1 2020 Final Show ~ Christmas Night « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=299618 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref> Otani and Imanari defeated the Kubota Brothers (Yasu and Hide) in the final to win the tournament and the titles.<ref name="ReferenceB"/> In August 2021 he entered what would be his last Fire Festival, reaching the final where he fell to [[Takuya Sugawara]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=ZERO1 21st Midsummer Festival ~ Fire Festival 2021 - Tag 7 « Events Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=319557 |access-date=5 November 2023 |website=CageMatch}}</ref>

On April 10, 2022, Otani was booked to challenge [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] (Noah)'s [[Takashi Sugiura]] for Zero1's World Heavyweight Championship at Zero1's anniversary event in [[Ryogoku Kokugikan]]. At one point in the match, Otani became unresponsive after taking a [[Suplex|German suplex]] into the turnbuckles. Otani was transported to hospital, where he awoke, however, he was unable to move his limbs; he was diagnosed with a cervical spinal injury. It was later announced he would undergo surgery on April 13, which was successful, after which Otani was moved to another hospital to begin further treatment and rehabilitation for his injuries.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/.amp/news/shinjiro-otani-conscious-unable-to-move-limbs-following-injury-on-zero1-show|title = Shinjiro Otani conscious, unable to move limbs following injury on ZERO1 show | WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, AEW News, AEW results| newspaper=Won/F4W - Wwe News, Pro Wrestling News, Wwe Results, Aew News, Aew Results | date=11 April 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2022/04/14/shinjiro-otani-undergoes-successful-surgery-otanis-wife-issues-statement/|title = Shinjiro Otani undergoes successful surgery, Otani's wife issues statement|date = 14 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=株式会社iFD |first=プロレスリングZERO1(プロレスリング・ゼロワン) |title=大谷晋二郎近況報告【ZERO1】プロレスリングゼロワンからのお知らせ |url=https://www.z-1.co.jp/topics/detail_1616.html |access-date=2022-04-28 |website=プロレスリングZERO1(プロレスリング・ゼロワン) 公式ホームページ |date=14 April 2022 |language=ja}}</ref>

==Personal life==

Otani married his wife Eriko on February 16, 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |title=大谷が結婚披露宴日本刀でケーキ入刀 – 東京スポーツ新聞社 |url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/235748/ |access-date=2022-04-28 |website=東スポＷeb |date=17 February 2014 |language=ja}}</ref>

==Championships and accomplishments==
[[File:Shinjiro Otani stomping on Tajiri.jpg|thumb|Otani performing his signature corner facewash on [[Yoshihiro Tajiri|Tajiri]].]]
*'''[[Hustle (professional wrestling)|Hustle]]'''
**[[Hustle King Memorial Six Man Tag Team Tournament|Hustle King Hashimoto Memorial Six-Man Tag Tournament]] (2006) – with [[Tadao Yasuda]] and [[Masato Tanaka]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/hustle/tournaments.html#sixman|title = Hustle Tournaments}}</ref>
*'''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champions|1 time]])
**[[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions|2 times]]) – with [[Tatsuhito Takaiwa]]
**[[J-Crown]] ([[J-Crown#Title history|1 time]])
**[[NWA World Welterweight Championship]] ([[NWA World Welterweight Championship#Title history|2 times]])
**[[UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship]] ([[UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship#Title history|2 times]])
**[[UWA World Welterweight Championship]] ([[UWA World Welterweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
**[[WWE Cruiserweight Championship (1991–2007)|WCW Cruiserweight Championship]] ([[List of WWE Cruiserweight Champions (1991–2007)|1 time, inaugural]])
**[[WWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
**[[WWF Light Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WWF Light Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
**Super Grade Junior Heavyweight Tag League (1994) – with [[Wild Pegasus]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/newjapan/miscjr.html#sg | title=Super Grade Junior Heavyweight Tag League | access-date=June 19, 2015 | publisher=Pro Wrestling History}}</ref>
**One Night Eight Man Tag Team Tournament (1994) – with [[El Samurai]], [[Gran Hamada]] and [[Great Sasuke]]<ref name=YIR1994>{{cite news|title=1994 Especial!|work=Box y Lucha Magazine|pages=2–28|id=issue 2176|date=January 8, 1994|language=es}}</ref>
**Yuke's Cup Tag Tournament (2008) – with [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]]
*'''Nikkan Sports'''
**Fighting Spirit Award (2002)<ref name="purolove.com">{{Cite web|title=Puroresu Awards|url=http://www.purolove.com/awards.php|access-date=2025-01-25|website=PuroLove.com}}</ref>
*'''Premier Wrestling Federation'''
**PWF Universal Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Masato Tanaka<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2002-11.html|title=Independent Wrestling Results – November 2002|access-date=2008-07-06|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''
**PWI ranked him #'''125''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "[[PWI Years]]" in 2003
**PWI also ranked him #'''42''' of the 100 best tag teams of the "PWI Years" with [[Tatsuhito Takaiwa]] in 2003
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Zero1]]'''
**[[WSL World Heavyweight Championship|AWA Superstars of Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WSL World Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
**[[International Junior Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)|International Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[International Junior Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=Zero1Jr/>
**[[NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship#Title history|7 times]]) – with [[Yuki Ishikawa (wrestler)|Yuki Ishikawa]] (1), [[Masato Tanaka]] (2), [[Akebono Tarō|Akebono]] (1), [[Takao Omori]] (1), Kamikaze (1) and [[Yumehito Imanari]] (1)
**[[NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|2 times]]) – with [[Tatsuhito Takaiwa]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://z-1.co.jp/zero1/interview?targetId=1296 | title=9月23日後楽園ホール大会試合結果 | access-date=September 23, 2015 | work=[[Pro Wrestling Zero1]] | language=ja}}</ref>
**[[NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)|NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=Zero1Jr/>
**[[World Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)|World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[World Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)#Title history|1 time]])
**[[Fire Festival]] ([[Fire Festival#2001|2001]], [[Fire Festival#2002|2002]], [[Fire Festival#2005|2005]], [[Fire Festival#2010|2010]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.puroresumission.com/tournaments/zero1_firefestival.html |title=PuroresuMission R [ Reborn, Return, Revolution ] |website=www.puroresumission.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101014235628/http://www.puroresumission.com/tournaments/zero1_firefestival.html |archive-date=2010-10-14}}</ref>)
**[[Furinkazan (wrestling)|Furinkazan]] ([[Furinkazan (wrestling)#2009|2009]]) – with [[Akebono Tarō|Akebono]] (2009)
**Five-Man Tag Team Tournament (2015) – with [[Masato Tanaka]], [[Kohei Sato]], [[Hideki Suzuki]] and [[Yusaku Obata]]
*
*'''[[Real Japan Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[Legend Championship]] ([[Legend Championship#Combined reigns|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/591776/ | script-title=ja:【リアルジャパン】王者・船木が初防衛に失敗深刻な肋骨負傷の影響 | date=2016-09-10 | access-date=2016-09-11 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja}}</ref>
*'''[[Tokyo Sports]]'''
**[[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Best Tag Team Award|Best Tag Team Award]] (2002) – with [[Masato Tanaka]]<ref name="purolove.com"/>
**[[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Newcomer Award|Rookie of the Year]] (1993) – tied with [[Jinsei Shinzaki]]<ref name="purolove.com"/>
*'''[[WAR (wrestling promotion)|Wrestle Association "R"]]'''
**[[Dragon Gate I-J Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|WAR International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[Dragon Gate I-J Heavyweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with Tatsuhito Takaiwa
*'''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards]]'''
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Technical Wrestler|Best Technical Wrestler]] (1999)
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Tag Team of the Year|Tag Team of the Year]] (1998) with Tatsuhito Takaiwa

1The championship was won in Tokyo, Japan as part of an interpromotional card between New Japan Pro-Wrestling and [[World Championship Wrestling]].

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*[https://www.z-1.co.jp/superstars/profile_101_1.html Zero1 profile]
*{{Commonscatinline}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}

{{Navboxes
|list1=
{{International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship}}
{{IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship}}
{{NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{NWA World Welterweight Championship}}
{{UWA World Welterweight Championship}}
{{WWE Cruiserweight Championship (1991-2007)}}
{{WWF Light Heavyweight Championship}}
{{International Junior Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)}}
{{World Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)}}
{{World Junior Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)}}
{{International Lightweight Tag Team Championship (Zero1)}}
{{Intercontinental Tag Team Championship (Zero1)}}
{{Fire Festival}}
{{Furinkazan}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Otani, Shinjiro}}
[[Category:1972 births]]
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Yamaguchi (city)]]
[[Category:IWGP Junior Heavyweight champions]]
[[Category:IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:WCW/WWE Cruiserweight Champions]]
[[Category:NWA World Welterweight Champions]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
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[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
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[[Category:British Commonwealth Junior Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:UWA World Welterweight Champions]]
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[[Category:Tenryu Project International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:J-Crown champions]]
[[Category:WWF Light Heavyweight Champions]]
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[[Category:NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champions (Zero1)]]
[[Category:Zero1 Intercontinental Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:International Lightweight Tag Team Champions (Zero1)]]
[[Category:Fire Festival winners]]

Akebono Tarō

2025-06-07T16:16:49Z

89.136.44.148:

{{Short description|American-born Japanese professional sumo wrestler and professional wrestler (1969–2024)}}
{{Family name hatnote|Akebono|lang=Japanese}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox sumo wrestler
| name = Akebono Tarō
| native_name = {{nobold|曙太郎}}
| image = YokozunaAkebonoPuttingOnRopeBelt.jpg
| caption = Akebono in 2001
| birth_name = Chadwick Haheo Rowan
| birth_date = {{birth date|1969|5|8|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Waimānalo|Waimānalo, Hawaii]], U.S.
| death_date = {{death date and age|2024|4|6|1969|5|8|df=y}}
| death_place = [[Tokyo]], Japan
| height = 203 cm<ref name="Cagematch">{{cite web |title=Cagematch Bio |url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=2529/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208214423/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=2529/ |archive-date=8 December 2015 |url-status=dead |publisher=Cagematch |access-date=3 November 2008}}</ref>
| weight = {{convert|233|kg|lb st|abbr=on}}
| heya = [[Azumazeki stable|Azumazeki]]
| rank =
| record = 654–232–181
| debut = March 1988
| highestrank = Yokozuna (January 1993)<ref>{{cite news |title=This Day in Sports: Sumo Goes (Kind of) Global|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/sportscenter/post/_/id/26571/this-day-in-sports-sumo-goes-kind-of-global |publisher=ESPN |date=27 January 2010 |access-date=7 July 2011}}</ref>
| yushos = 11 (Makuuchi)
| retireddate = January 2001
| eldername = Akebono
| prizes = Outstanding Performance (4) Fighting Spirit (2)
| goldstars = 4 [[Asahifuji]] (2) [[Ōnokuni]] [[Hokutoumi]]
| update = June 2020
| native_name_lang=ja
}}

{{Nihongo|'''Akebono Tarō'''|曙太郎|Akebono Tarō|born '''Chadwick Haheo Rowan'''; 8 May 1969 – 6 April 2024<ref>{{cite magazine |title=元横綱曙の亡くなられた日付について (''Moto-yokozuna Akebono no naku narareta hizuke ni tsuite'') |language=Japanese |magazine=相撲 (Sumō) |publisher=BBM Sports |publication-date=4 July 2024 |volume=73 |issue=10 |page=62}}</ref>|lead=yes}} was an American-born Japanese professional [[sumo]] wrestler and [[professional wrestler]] from [[Waimānalo, Hawaii]]. Joining sumo in Japan in 1988, he was trained by pioneering Hawaiian wrestler [[Takamiyama]] and rose swiftly up the rankings, reaching the top division in 1990. After two consecutive ''[[yusho]]'' or tournament championships in November 1992 and January 1993 he made history by becoming the first non-Japanese-born wrestler ever to reach ''[[Yokozuna (sumo)|yokozuna]]'', the highest rank in sumo.

One of the tallest and [[List of the heaviest sumo wrestlers|heaviest wrestlers ever]], Akebono's rivalry with the young Japanese hopefuls, [[Takanohana Kōji|Takanohana]] and [[Wakanohana Masaru|Wakanohana]], was a big factor in the increased popularity of sumo at tournament venues and on TV in the early 1990s.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lewis |first=Ferd |date=2 July 2006 |title=Akebono |url=http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/150/sesq5akebono |newspaper=[[Honolulu Advertiser]] |access-date=25 May 2007}}</ref> During his eight years at the ''yokozuna'' rank, Akebono won a further eight tournament championships, for a career total of eleven, and was a runner-up on thirteen other occasions, despite suffering several serious injuries. Although his rival ''yokozuna'' Takanohana won more tournaments in this period, their individual head-to-heads remained very close.

Akebono became a [[Japanese citizen]] in 1996, and after retiring in 2001 he worked as a coach at [[Azumazeki stable]] before leaving the [[Sumo Association]] in 2003. After an unsuccessful period as a [[K-1]] fighter, he became a [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. In [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW) he was a two-time [[Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship|Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion]], two-time [[World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)|World Tag Team Champion]], and two-time [[All Asia Tag Team Championship|All Asia Tag Team Champion]]. He also won the 2015 [[Champion Carnival]]. He retired from professional wrestling in 2017 due to health problems.

==Early life==
Chad Rowan was born on 8 May 1969, to Randolph and Janice Rowan,<ref name="greatath">{{cite book|last1=Ardolino|first1=Frank|editor1-first=Dawn P|editor1-last=Dawson|title=Great Athletes|edition=Revised|volume=1|year=2002|orig-year=1992|publisher=Salem Press|isbn=978-1-58765-008-6|pages=[https://archive.org/details/greatathletes0000unse/page/23 23–25]|url=https://archive.org/details/greatathletes0000unse/page/23}}</ref> and was of [[Native Hawaiians|Hawaiian]] descent. He grew up with two younger brothers, one of whom, Ola, also became a [[sumo]] wrestler for a brief period after Chad.<ref name="greatath" /> He attended [[Henry J. Kaiser High School (Hawaii)|Kaiser High School]], where he played [[basketball]] and became an all-star [[Center (basketball)|center]].<ref name="greatath" /> He went to [[Hawaii Pacific University]] on a basketball scholarship, but sat out his freshman season.<ref name="greatath" />

== Sumo career ==

=== Early career ===
Rowan was planning to study for a career in hotel management,<ref name="Sharnoff">{{cite book |author=Sharnoff, Lora |title=Grand Sumo|publisher=Weatherhill |year=1993 |isbn=978-0-8348-0283-4}}</ref> but he had always been interested in sumo from watching television broadcasts. A family friend introduced him to Azumazeki Oyakata, the former [[Takamiyama Daigoro|Takamiyama]], who also originally hailed from Hawaii.<ref name="Sharnoff" /> Azumazeki overcame his initial concerns that Rowan might be too tall and his legs too long for sumo and agreed to let him join his [[Azumazeki stable]], founded in 1986. Rowan flew to Japan in early 1988. Adopting the ''[[shikona]]'' of Akebono, meaning "new dawn" in [[Japanese language|Japanese]],<ref>{{cite book | last=Hall | first=Mina | title=The Big Book of Sumo | publisher=Stone Bridge Press | year=1997 | location=Berkeley, CA, US | isbn=978-1-880656-28-0 | page=[https://archive.org/details/bigbookofsumohis00hall/page/89 89] | url-access=registration | url=https://archive.org/details/bigbookofsumohis00hall/page/89 }}</ref> he made his professional debut in March 1988.<ref name="Akebono">{{cite web|title=Akebono |publisher=[[Japan Sumo Association]] |url=http://sumo.goo.ne.jp/eng/ozumo_meikan/rikishi_joho/rikishi.php?A=35 |access-date=2 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070603045116/http://sumo.goo.ne.jp/eng/ozumo_meikan/rikishi_joho/rikishi.php?A=35 |archive-date=3 June 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This entry cohort was one of the most successful ever, producing two other ''yokozuna'', [[Takanohana Kōji|Takanohana]] and [[Wakanohana Masaru|Wakanohana]] (sons of the popular champion from the 1970s, [[Takanohana Kenshi]]), as well as a great ''[[Makuuchi#Ōzeki|ōzeki]]'', [[Kaio Hiroyuki|Kaiō]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Kaio |publisher=[[Japan Sumo Association]] |url=http://sumo.goo.ne.jp/eng/ozumo_meikan/rikishi_joho/rikishi_6.html |access-date=2 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070529062615/http://sumo.goo.ne.jp/eng/ozumo_meikan/rikishi_joho/rikishi_6.html |archive-date=29 May 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[File:Akebono original tegata.jpg|thumb|right|Original ''[[tegata]]'' (handprint and signature) of sumo wrestler ''yokozuna'' Akebono]]
Akebono rose rapidly through the ranks, equaling the record for the most consecutive ''[[kachi-koshi]]'' (majority of wins in a sumo tournament) from debut, reaching ''[[sekiwake]]'' before suffering his first ''[[make-koshi]]'' or losing record. He was promoted to ''[[jūryō]]'' in March 1990, the first ''[[sekitori]]'' from his stable, and to ''[[makuuchi]]'' in September of the same year.<ref name="sumogames" /> He made his top division debut in the same tournament as Wakanohana, as well as [[Takatōriki]] and [[Daishōyama Naoki|Daishōyama]]. In the November 1990 tournament he was awarded his first [[Sansho (sumo)|special prize]], for Fighting Spirit, and in January 1991 he earned his first [[kinboshi|gold star]] for defeating ''yokozuna'' [[Asahifuji]]. In March 1991 he defeated ''ōzeki'' [[Konishiki]] in the first ever match between two non-Japanese wrestlers in the top division.<ref name="Sharnoff" />

=== Promotion ===
In 1992, after a year of 8–7 or 7–8 records near the top of the ''makuuchi'' division, Akebono suddenly came alive with a 13–2 record in January of that year, narrowly losing the top division championship to Takanohana.<ref name="szumo">{{cite web|title=Rikishi in Makunouchi and Juryo|publisher=szumo.hu|url=http://www.szumo.hu/sekitori/Akebono.html|access-date=2 June 2007}}</ref> A second 13–2 record two tournaments later, in May, saw him win the top division championship for the first time, and with it promotion to ''ōzeki''.<ref name="szumo" /> After an injury during the summer, he went on to win consecutive championships in November 1992 and January 1993 to win promotion to ''yokozuna''.<ref name="szumo" />

At the time of his promotion, the rank of ''yokozuna'' had been vacant for eight months (an exceedingly rare occurrence) and his promotion, despite the fact that he was the first foreign ''yokozuna'', was welcomed by many. He had met the stipulation of winning two consecutive tournaments that had been mentioned by the [[Yokozuna Deliberation Council]] when turning down Konishiki the previous year, and was also seen as having conducted himself with the dignity and humility necessary for such an exalted rank.<ref name="nytimes">{{cite news|author=Pollack, Andrew|title=Sumo Bows and Opens Sacred Door to U.S. Star|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CEEDE1338F935A15752C0A965958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all|date=26 January 1993|access-date=17 April 2008}}</ref> One commentator remarked, "He makes me forget he is a foreigner because of his earnest attitude toward sumo."<ref name="nytimes" />

=== ''Yokozuna'' era ===
Akebono was a long-standing and strong ''yokozuna'', lasting nearly eight years in the rank and winning the top division championship on a further eight occasions. His career highlights include the rare achievement of winning the top division championship in three consecutive tournaments, in 1993. In July 1993 he beat Takanohana and Wakanohana in consecutive matches to win the ''[[honbasho]]'' when all three ended up tied at the end of the 15-day tournament,<ref name="greatath" /> and in May 1997 he defeated Takanohana twice on the final day, once in their regular match and once in a playoff, to win his first title in over two years. The competition between Akebono and Takanohana, who reached ''yokozuna'' himself in 1995, was said to be one of the great defining rivalries of postwar sumo.<ref>{{cite news |title=THE INSIDE GRIP: Association cheering as much as fans |newspaper=[[Yomiuri Shimbun]] |date=30 May 2007 |id={{ProQuest|285862519}}}}</ref> The two finished their careers with a 25–25 tie in bouts against one another.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lewin |first=Brian |title=What will become of the dynasty? |work=Sumo Fan Magazine |url=http://www.sumofanmag.com/content/Issue_2/Hanada4.htm |date=August 2005 |access-date=5 June 2008}}</ref> At the opening ceremony of the [[1998 Winter Olympics]] in [[Nagano, Nagano|Nagano]], a professional sumo wrestler was chosen to represent each of the competing countries and lead them into the stadium. After Takanohana fell ill, Akebono was given the honor of representing Japan in the opening ceremony.<ref>{{cite news|title=Winter Olympics: Akebono to lead sumo's debut on Olympic stage |work=The London Independent|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_19980129/ai_n9651719 |date=29 January 1998 |access-date=2 June 2007 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071228212101/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_19980129/ai_n9651719 |archive-date=28 December 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> Akebono also led other sumo wrestlers in a ring cleansing ceremony at the Opening Ceremony (also meant to cleanse the stadium itself).

Akebono suffered frequent injuries during his career.<ref name="BBC News 2001">{{cite news|title=Sumo great Akebono retires|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/1130668.stm|date=22 January 2001|access-date=2 June 2007}}</ref> His first serious knee injury came in May 1994 when, after winning his first ten matches of the tournament, he lost a bout to [[Takatōriki]] and fell awkwardly. He flew to [[Los Angeles]] and underwent career-saving surgery.<ref name="Panek">{{Cite book |author=Panek, Mark |title=Gaijin Yokozuna |publisher=University of Hawaii Press |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-8248-3043-4 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/gaijinyokozuna00mark }}</ref> From November 1998 to March 1999 he missed three successive tournaments due to a [[herniated disc]] in his lower back and faced calls for his retirement.<ref name="Panek" /> After receiving the personal backing of the Chairman of the [[Japan Sumo Association]],<ref name="Panek" /> he scored a respectable 11–4 record in his comeback tournament in May 1999. In 2000 he enjoyed his first completely injury-free year since 1993 and won two tournaments, finishing as runner-up in three others. He won 76 bouts out of a possible 90, the best record of any wrestler that year.

=== Fighting style ===
Akebono was one of the tallest sumo wrestlers ever, at {{convert|203|cm|ftin|abbr=on}} tall, and also one of [[List of the heaviest sumo wrestlers|the heaviest]] with a peak weight of {{convert|233|kg|lb|abbr=on}} in March 1999.<ref name="sumogames" /> He was also one of the most aggressive and ferocious sumo wrestlers. Despite having long legs, considered a disadvantage in sumo as it tends to make one top heavy and susceptible to throws, he covered for this by training exceptionally hard, and using his long reach to thrust his opponents out of the ''[[dohyo|dohyō]]'' (ring).<ref name="Panek" /> In his prime, he had incredible thrusting strength and on many occasions would blast lesser wrestlers out of the ring in one or two strokes using ''[[tsuppari]]'' techniques.<ref name="Panek" /> His most common winning ''[[kimarite]]'' was ''oshi-dashi'', a simple push out, and he also regularly won by ''tsuki-dashi'', the thrust out. In later years he also used his reach to more often grab his opponent's ''[[mawashi]]'', or belt, and then use his weight and power to force the opponent from the ring by ''yori-kiri''. He liked a ''migi-yotsu'', or left hand outside, right hand inside grip, and was fond of using his left hand to employ ''uwatenage'', or overarm throw.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5adc90b81aef1df0df5e6cba/t/5b3a7b1a03ce640b06a8668a/1530559258875/Newsletter+V1.03+15+Jun.pdf |title=American Sumo |page=7 |journal=United States Sumo Federation |access-date=2024-04-13 |year=2015}}</ref>

=== Retirement ===
After winning his eleventh top division title in November 2000,<ref>{{cite news|title=Akebono claims 11th title|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/1030992.stm|date=19 November 2000|access-date=2 June 2007}}</ref> Akebono suffered another injury and, after sitting out the tournament in January 2001, he decided to retire rather than face a daunting struggle back to fighting fitness.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/23/sports/injuries-force-akebono-out-of-the-sumo-ring.html|title=Injuries Force Akebono Out of the Sumo Ring|date=23 January 2001|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=1 August 2017}}</ref> Upon retirement, his topknot was ceremonially cut off in the ring by 320 of his friends and previous opponents in front of 11,000 people.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-68787193 |title=Taro Akebono: Hawaiian-born Japanese sumo legend dies |publisher=BBC News |access-date=2024-04-13 |date=2024-04-12}}</ref> After his retirement, he became a member (or elder) of the [[Japan Sumo Association]] as a coach, or ''oyakata'', and worked with his former mentor in the [[Azumazeki stable]].<ref name="BBC News 2001" /> He helped train the [[Mongolia]]n wrestler [[Asashōryū Akinori|Asashōryū]] who also became a ''yokozuna'', and Akebono instructed him on how to perform the ''[[dohyo-iri|dohyō-iri]]'', or ''yokozuna'' ring-entering ceremony.<ref name="Panek" />

While an ''oyakata'', Akebono also appeared in TV commercials and opened a restaurant called ZUNA.<ref>{{cite web|title=New TV Commercial for BOSS On-Air|publisher=[[Suntory]]|url=http://www.suntory.com/about/news/2003-08.html|date=26 August 2003|access-date=2 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070525222925/http://www.suntory.com/about/news/2003-08.html|archive-date=25 May 2007 |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Akebono lives life to the full|newspaper=[[Japan Times]]|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fg20030523a1.html|date=23 May 2003|access-date=2 June 2007}}{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

In June 2013 he returned to Azumazeki stable for the first time since leaving the Sumo Association to oversee some training sessions as an assistant instructor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sumoforum.net/forums/topic/30800-akebono-back-in-the-heya|title=Akebono back in the heya – Ozumo Discussions – Sumo Forum|last=Akinomaki|date=9 June 2013|publisher=Sumo Forum|access-date=16 February 2017}}</ref>

== Kickboxing and mixed martial arts career ==
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Akebono
| image =
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_name = Chadwick Haheo Rowan
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1969|05|08}}
| birth_place = [[Waimānalo, Hawaii]], U.S.
| death_date = {{death date and age|2024|4||1969|5|8|df=y}}
| death_place = [[Tokyo]], Japan
| death_cause =
| other_names = Akebono
| residence =
| nationality = Japanese
| height =
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 8
| height_m =
| height_footnote =
| weight =
| weight_lb = 514
| weight_kg =
| weight_footnote =
| weight_class = [[Super heavyweight]]
| reach =
| reach_in =
| reach_footnote =
| style = [[Sumo]], [[Kickboxing]]
| stance = Orthodox
| fighting_out_of = [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]]
| team = Team Yokozuna
| trainer =
| rank = ''Yokozuna'' in [[sumo]]
| wrestling =
| years_active = 3 (2003–2006)
| box_win =
| box_kowin =
| box_loss =
| box_koloss =
| box_draw =
| box_nc =
| kickbox_win = 1
| kickbox_kowin =
| kickbox_loss = 9
| kickbox_koloss = 5
| kickbox_draw =
| kickbox_nc =
| mma_win = 0
| mma_kowin =
| mma_subwin =
| mma_decwin =
| mma_dqwin =
| mma_otherwin =
| mma_loss = 4
| mma_koloss =
| mma_subloss = 3
| mma_decloss = 1
| mma_dqloss =
| mma_otherloss =
| mma_draw = 0
| mma_nc =
| occupation =
| university =
| spouse =
| relatives =
| students =
| club =
| school =
| website = 
| boxrec =
| sherdog = 11899
| footnotes =
| updated =
}}
Akebono left the Sumo Association in November 2003 to join [[K-1]].<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Making a big move|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|url=http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,544736,00.html|date=18 November 2003|access-date=2 June 2007|first=Jim|last=Frederick|archive-date=5 February 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080205042327/http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,544736,00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The decision was influenced by financial problems due to the failure of his restaurant, among other financial difficulties. His ''[[koenkai]]'', or supporters network, had dissolved after his marriage in 1998, depriving him of a valuable source of income.<ref name="Panek" /> In addition, he earned far less as an ''oyakata'' than he had as a ''yokozuna''.<ref name="Panek" /> K-1 offered him a chance to clear his debts by fighting for them.<ref>{{cite web|title=Akebono dumps sumo to roll in K1 pay dirt |publisher=[[Mainichi Daily News]] |url=http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/waiwai/archive/news/2003/11/20031111p2g00m0dm999000c.html |date=11 November 2003 |access-date=2 June 2007 }}{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

=== K-1 ===
==== 2003–2004 ====
At the time of his debut, Akebono was involved in a highly publicized matchup at K-1 Premium 2003 against popular superheavyweight fighter [[Bob Sapp]]. The combined popularity of Sapp and Akebono attracted a crowd of 45,000 to the Nagoya Dome and granted the event a 43% viewership, making it the first time a combat sports event outdrew the [[NHK]] [[music festival]] ''[[Kōhaku Uta Gassen]]'', Japan's traditionally biggest New Year show.<ref name="Chung">Jayson Makoto Chung, ''A Nation of a Hundred Million Idiots?: A Social History of Japanese Television'', Routledge, 2006</ref> The classical matchup of an American foreigner like Sapp against a Japanese national like Taro, a cultural contraposition, also gained comparisons with [[Puroresu|Japanese professional wrestling]] legend [[Rikidōzan]] in his bouts against [[The Sharpe Brothers]].<ref name="Chung" /> The match was short and intense. Outweighing Sapp by over 150 pounds, Akebono pushed him toward the ring corners with energetic, fast punches, but his stamina fell minutes into the round. The more experienced Sapp then attacked him with [[low kick]]s and punching combinations to the head and body, knocking the ''yokozuna'' down twice before finishing him by KO at 2:58.<ref name="Jet">"Former NFL Player Bob Sapp Trades the Field for the Fighting Ring", ''[[Jet (magazine)|Jet]]'', January 2004</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=Mark|last=Panek|author-link=Mark Panek|title=Gaijin Yokozuna: A Biography of Chad Rowan|publisher=University of Hawaii Press|date=2006|isbn=9780824838041}}</ref>

Some months later, Akebono followed with another high level match, this time against the famed [[Musashi (kickboxer)|Musashi]]. Akebono had improved his conditioning under [[Ray Sefo]] and Fai Falamoe and outweighed Musashi by more than twice his weight, so there was expectation about his performance.<ref name="Musa">{{cite web|title=K-1 – Musashi, Hoost and Sapp Win in Saitama – Musashi vs Akebono|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/10/K1-Musashi-Hoost-and-Sapp-Win-in-Saitama-1541 |website=Sherdog|access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref> As expected, Akebono started strong, overwhelming Musashi with sumo charges against the ropes through the first round. He shocked the crowd with unsportsmanlike conduct in the second, as he suddenly started unloading illegal [[Hook (punch)|hook]]s and [[rabbit punch]]es on a seated Musashi when the latter slipped and fell. Referee [[Nobuaki Kakuda]] warned Akebono while the fight looked to be stopped in a DQ, but a still dazed Musashi insisted to keep on.<ref name="Musa" /> The fight continued for the remnant time, but although Akebono achieved a significant offense, Musashi ultimately rallied up with punches and several kinds of kicks, controlling the exchanges. After Akebono ended the match with a new foul, a sumo throw, unanimous decision was given to his opponent.<ref name="Musa" />

After another decision loss against Chinese fighter Zhang Qingjun in South Korea, Akebono travelled to United States to fight American legend [[Rick Roufus]] in K-1 Las Vegas. During the fight, Roufus avoided being cornered by Akebono's pushes and counterattacked with ineffective kicks and punches.<ref name="Linda" /> Again, Akebono showed an unsportsmanlike side when he tried repeatedly to throw Roufus out of the ring, leading referee Cecil Peoples to warn him. At one point, Akebono even pushed away Peoples himself.<ref name="Linda">J. Michael Plott, Linda Campbell, "Siliaga Wins at K-1's Battle at the Bellagio III", ''[[Black Belt (magazine)|Black Belt]]'', November 2004</ref> Due to the fouls and to Roufus's incessant attacks, decision was given to the American.<ref name="Linda" />

The next month, Akebono faced Dutch striker [[Remy Bonjasky]] back in Japan. Ignoring his opponent's signature high kicks, Akebono pressed with punches and pushes, but Bonjasky kept dodging and attacking, even landing a sharp kick to the head by springing from the top rope. The bout transpired this way until the third round, when Bonjasky scored a [[roundhouse kick]] that knocked Akebono out.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

At the end of the year, Akebono had his mixed martial arts debut against [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] pioneer [[Royce Gracie]] at K-1 Premium 2004. The bout was not easy to negotiate, as Royce demanded it to be refereed by [[John McCarthy (referee)|John McCarthy]], former UFC referee and Gracie's trainee, or he would not fight.<ref name="BigJo">"Big" John McCarthy, ''Let's Get It On!: The Making of MMA and Its Ultimate Referee''</ref> The ''yokozuna'' had trained now under Maz Tanaka and would be Gracie's biggest opponent, so some believed he could overcome the [[Brazilian jiu-jitsu]] groundwork by smothering him with his large size advantage.<ref name="Royce">{{cite web|title=Brazilian Dynamite: Royce submits Akebono|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/1/Brazilian-Dynamite-Gracie-Submits-Akebono-2275|website=Sherdog|access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref> Come the match, Akebono charged toward Gracie and pushed him to the ground, where he passed his [[Guard (grappling)|guard]] momentarily before the Brazilian escaped to his feet. Gracie then seized Akebono's arm and locked in an [[omoplata]]/[[wristlock]] combination, forcing a submission.<ref name="BigJo" /> Akebono was disappointed with his performance: "I did everything my trainers told me not to do."<ref name="Royce" />

====2005–2006====
In March 2005, Akebono was granted a place in the K-1 Korea Grand Prix, whose first round saw him facing [[Nobuaki Kakuda]], a 44 years old [[Seidokaikan|Seidokaikan Karate]] fighter who usually refereed his matches. Through his usual strategy, Akebono surprisingly dominated the match, as Kakuda was unable to mount an offense. After wearing Kakuda down with knees and uppercuts while leaving him no space to counterattack, Akebono was given his first win by unanimous decision. He would advance round to face a fellow superheavyweight, [[Choi Hong-man]], who had just defeated another former sumo wrestler in [[Wakashoyo]]. It would be the first time Akebono found an enemy capable to outwrestle him, given Choi's 350 pounds and strong [[ssireum]] background, and it showed when the Korean stopped Akebono's first charges, capitalizing too on his large reach to strike freely. The match was stopped at 24 seconds when Akebono's corner threw the towel.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Choi-Wins-K1-Asian-GP-Bonjasky-Dispatches-Mercer-2562 |title=Choi Wins K-1 Asian GP; Bonjasky Dispatches Mercer |work=Sherdog |date=21 March 2005 |access-date=12 April 2024}}</ref>

Akebono and Choi rematched in July at K-1 Grand Prix event in Hawaii. Akebono lasted longer, but he found the same problems as the first time, with Choi scoring repeated jabs from the safety of his reach while he blocked the sumo's push and charge style. Akebono was eventually knocked down, and although he resumed his attack, Choi knocked him out to end the match.<ref>Billy Hull, [http://archives.starbulletin.com/2005/07/30/sports/story1.html Hilo's Penn decisions Gracie], Starbulletin-com</ref><ref>[https://www.mmaweekly.com/penn-beats-gracie-big-daddy-shocks-everyone BJ Penn beats Gracie, Big Daddy shockss everyone], mmaweekly.com</ref> Akebono then returned to MMA format to end the year, going against former comedian [[Bobby Ologun]] at K-1 Premium. The sumo champion neutralized Ologun's striking by taking him down and smothering him during the earlier rounds, but he was later stunned by a barrage of punches and controlled for the rest of the match, losing the decision.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

In 2006, Akebono had his third mixed martial arts match against another [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] veteran, [[Don Frye]], at K-1's Hero's 5 event. As usual, Akebono used his size, charging through Frye's punches and clinching him against the ropes and corners. He controlled the first round, but became fatigued at the second, moment in which Frye came back with punches, dropping Akebono multiple times. After some [[ground and pound]], Frye locked a [[guillotine choke]] for the win.<ref>{{cite web|title=Freakshow Fight of the Week: Don Frye vs. Akebono|url=http://themmacorner.com/2015/03/01/freakshow-fight-of-the-week-don-frye-vs-akebono/|website=Themmacorner.com|access-date=5 January 2019|archive-date=6 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106010348/http://themmacorner.com/2015/03/01/freakshow-fight-of-the-week-don-frye-vs-akebono/|url-status=dead}}</ref> A rubber match between Akebono and Choi Hong-man happened then, in which would be Akebono's last bout under kickboxing rules. He tried his best to control the fight, but Choi did the same, delivering even a [[flying knee]] during the first round. At the last of the second round, the Korean landed a left hook that knocked Akebono out.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/70822-k-1-revenge-2006 |title=K-1 Revenge 2006 |work=Tapology |accessdate=2024-04-14}}</ref>

Akebono's last MMA match saw him meeting [[professional wrestler]] [[Giant Silva]], another sizable opponent. The rikishi started the match pushing Silva against the ropes, both of them almost falling out of the ring due to the combined weight, but Silva interrupted his attack by locking a Kimura lock standing. Although they went to the mat with Akebono on top, Silva finally rolled him over and submitted him to the hold. With this last result, Akebono managed only one win in 14 bouts in his K-1 and mixed martial arts career. Because of this, he was referred to as "Makebono" (''make'' meaning "lose" in Japanese) by some fight fans and magazines in Japan.<ref name="Makebono">{{cite web|title=After K-1 KO, 'Makebono' bounces back from the dead |publisher=Mainichi Daily News |url=http://mdn.mainichi.jp/culture/waiwai/archive/news/2006/02/20060228p2g00m0dm002000c.html |date=28 February 2006 |access-date=13 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071231212549/http://mdn.mainichi.jp/culture/waiwai/archive/news/2006/02/20060228p2g00m0dm002000c.html |archive-date=31 December 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Rizin Fighting Federation===
Akebono fought a rematch against [[Bob Sapp]] on 31 December 2015, at [[Rizin Fighting Federation]] Grand Prix event.<ref>{{cite web|title = Rizin FF – Rizin Fighting Federation 2|url = http://www.sherdog.com/events/Rizin-FF-Rizin-Fighting-Federation-2-48359|website = Sherdog|access-date=25 November 2015}}</ref> He lost the fight by technical decision when a cut on his head could not be stemmed.

== Professional wrestling career ==
{{Infobox professional wrestler
| name = Akebono
| birth_name = Chadwick Haheo Rowan
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1969|5|8}}
| birth_place = [[Waimānalo]], [[Hawaii]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|2024|4||1969|5|8|df=y}}
| death_place = [[Tokyo]], Japan
| height = 203 cm
| weight = {{convert|200|kg|0|abbr=on}}
| names = Akebono Bono-chan Bono-kun Bono Tiger Great Bono Monster Bono
| trainer = [[Riki Choshu]] [[Keiji Muto]]
| debut = 31 March 2005
| retired = 11 April 2017
}}

=== World Wrestling Entertainment (2005) ===
On March 29, 2005, Akebono made an appearance on what would be the March 31, 2005 episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown!]]'' in [[Houston]], Texas, to accept the [[Big Show]]'s challenge to a ([[kayfabe]]) sumo match at the [[WrestleMania 21]] pay-per-view in [[Los Angeles]], California.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050331.html|title=WWE SmackDown! results – 31 March 2005|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=10 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Jon Waldman|title=WrestleMania 21 Breaking down the numbers|publisher=SLAM! Sports|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/04/06/985171.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629171918/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/04/06/985171.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=29 June 2012|date=6 April 2005|access-date=7 July 2007}}</ref> Akebono made his wrestling debut later that night, defeating [[Job (professional wrestling)|job]]ber Eddie Vegas. At WrestleMania 21, Akebono defeated Big Show with a [[Kimarite#Koshinage 腰投げ|koshinage]], throwing him entirely out of the ring.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/04/06/985171.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629171918/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/04/06/985171.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=29 June 2012|title=WrestleMania 21 Breaking down the numbers|date=6 April 2005|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=10 March 2011|publisher=Slam! Sports|work=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>

On 1 July, Akebono made an appearance in a house show in Japan to help Big Show during a match against [[Carly Colón|Carlito]] after Carlito's bodyguard [[Matt Morgan (wrestler)|Matt Morgan]] had interfered. The next day, Akebono teamed with Big Show to defeat Carlito and Morgan in a tag team match.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2005/06-08-2005 |title=Japanese Legend Akebono to Team With Big Show As World Wrestling Entertainment |publisher=WWE |date=2005-08-06 |access-date=2024-04-13}}</ref>

=== All Japan Pro Wrestling (2005-2007) ===
{{More citations needed section|date=April 2024}}
[[File:Keiji Mutoh 2008.jpg|left|thumb|Akebono (left) and his mentor, [[Keiji Mutoh]]]]
On 4 August 2005, Akebono made his official wrestling debut in Japan, appearing at AJPW's Wrestle-1 event against the [[Keiji Mutoh|Great Muta]] in the first match of the Wrestle-1 Grand Prix Tournament, in a losing effort. The same month, it was announced that Akebono had been hired by AJPW and placed under the tutelage of Keiji Mutoh, the Great Muta's true identity. Akebono took on the role of Mutoh's [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#E|enforcer]] and forming a tag team called "Mutoh Room" to combat the [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] stable [[Voodoo Murders|Voodoo-Murders]]. On 19 November, Akebono defeated Voodoo-Murders member [[Matt Bloom|Giant Bernard]] in a singles match. The same night, Akebono appeared in a match between [[The Great Muta]] and the imposter [[Yoshikazu Taru|The Great Ruta]] to defend Muta from Voodoo-Murders, showing his own Muta impersonation called The Great Bono.

Later, Akebono and Mutoh competed in the Real World Tag League 2005, during the tournament, making it all the way to the finals, but were defeated by [[Dudley Boyz|Team 3D]]. At the end of the year, Akebono won the [[Tokyo Sports]] award for "Rookie of the Year" and "Team of the Year" with Mutoh, who then stated that Akebono had successfully graduated from his lessons, and was then released from his contract to move to other companies and gain experience.

=== New Japan Pro Wrestling (2006–2007) ===
On 4 January 2006, Akebono appeared in [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) alongside [[Yutaka Yoshie]] in a match against [[Junji Hirata|Black Strong Machine]] and [[Hiro Saito]],<ref name="NJPW obituary">{{cite web |title=In Memoriam: Akebono (1969-2024) |url=https://www.njpw1972.com/174427 |website=New Japan Pro-Wrestling}}</ref> coming out victorious. Later that month, Akebono competed for [[Pro Wrestling NOAH]], teaming up with his old friend [[Takeshi Rikio]] to defeat [[Jun Izumida|Junji Izumida]] and [[Kenta Kobashi]]. After the match, Akebono announced that he had been hired by NJPW and was congratulated by Rikio, promising to team again in the future, which never happened due to Rikio having to retire due to his injuries in 2010.

In February, Akebono made his official debut in New Japan as an ally of [[Riki Choshu]], defeating then [[IWGP Tag Team Championship|IWGP Tag Team Champions]] [[Cho-Ten]] ([[Masahiro Chono]] and [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]]). On 19 March, he faced [[Brock Lesnar]] for the [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]],<ref name="NJPW obituary" /> but was defeated when Lesnar got the pinfall after hitting him with the title. Months later, after the championship had become vacant, Akebono participated in a tournament for it, defeating Hiroyoshi Tenzan in the first round, but being eliminated by Giant Bernard in the second.

In October, Akebono and Choshu participated in the [[G1 Tag League#2006|2006 G1 Tag League]], advancing to the last round before losing to [[Takashi Iizuka]] and [[Yuji Nagata]]. In August 2007, Akebono participated in the [[G1 Climax]] tournament, defeating [[Togi Makabe]] and [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]] and completing the tournament with a 2-2-1 record.<ref name="NJPW obituary" /> In October, Akebono and Masahiro Chono competed in the 2007 G1, beating [[Hirooki Goto]] and [[Milano Collection AT]], [[Yoshi Tatsu|Naofumi Yamamoto]] and Takashi Iizuka and [[Manabu Nakanishi]] and Yuji Nagata, but were eliminated in the final stage by Giant Bernard and [[Travis Tomko]]. During his stay at New Japan, Akebono began to show his comedic side and began imitating and parodying other fighters. On 13 September 2006, Akebono was presented with a [[Tiger Mask (professional wrestling)|tiger mask]] and the name of Bono Tiger to team with [[Tiger Mask IV]]. On 4 March 2007, he made a brief appearance in [[Michinoku Pro Wrestling]] as The Great Bonosuke, fighting on the side of [[The Great Sasuke]] wearing the same outfit. On 17 February 2007, Akebono briefly returned to All Japan Pro Wrestling to team with [[Toru Owashi]] against Jonidan (Nobutaka Araya) and [[Rikishi (wrestler)|SUMO Rikishi]] in an extravagant match between sumos, resulting in a win for his team. After training with [[Satoru Sayama]] (the original Tiger Mask) in MMA and pro wrestling, he returned to the New Japan ring to participate in the 2007 G1 Climax tournament. He defeated [[Togi Makabe]] and [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]] but failed to progress to the semifinal stage.<ref>{{cite web|title=G1 Climax 2007 |publisher=Puroresufan.com |url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/g107.php |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070808153832/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/g107.php |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 August 2007 |access-date=22 August 2007 }}</ref>

=== Hustle (2007–2009) ===
[[File:Giant Silva.jpg|thumb|Akebono facing down Takada Monster Army member [[Giant Silva]]]]
[[File:Akebono spalsh.jpg|thumb|Akebono performing the ''[[Professional wrestling attacks#Big splash|Yokozuna Press]]'' on [[Yoji Anjo|Commander An Jo]] in Hustle]]
{{More citations needed section|date=April 2024}}
Akebono debuted in [[Hustle (professional wrestling)|Hustle]] in 2007, being the storyline son of [[Yinling]] and [[The Great Muta]]. Under the name Monster Bono, Akebono was introduced being unrealistically born from a giant egg before easily defeating [[Makoto Izubuchi|RG]] in his first bout. After that, Monster Bono (who had a simple, childlike personality), under the control of his mother, entered the service of Takada Monster Army and competed against several other wrestlers in a winning streak. Due to the constant abuse from Yinling, and wanting to meet his father, Monster Bono rebelled against it and left the Monster Army, changing his name to Bono-chan and allying with A-chan and [[Yutaka Yoshie|Yoshie-chan]] to form a sumo-style [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] stable. Soon after, Yinling faced Bono-chan and demanded that he return to the Monster Army, but the outcome of the battle was a victory for Bono-chan, and Yinling ([[kayfabe]]) died under his weight. In retaliation to this, [[Toshiaki Kawada]] and Mr. Kawada (Toshiaki's elder father) scheduled a match between them and Bono and his father, The Great Muta, at Hustlemania 2008. Bono and Muta came victorious, but were attacked by [[Nobuhiko Takada|The Esperanza]], leading Muta to sacrifice himself to drag Esperanza to the underworld. Without his parents, Bono-chan changed his name to Bono-kun as a sign of maturity and joined the Hustle Army, making a promo based on that of [[Barack Obama]] campaign slogan "[[Yes We Can (slogan)|Yes, We Hustle]]". Later in Hustle Aid, before his scheduled match with [[Genichiro Tenryu]] against [[Travis Tomko|Arma]] & [[René Dupree|Geddon]], Bono had a strange dream and transformed into The Great Bono, his last stage of maturity. After The Great Bono defeated their opponents with forcefulness, Hustle announced he was leaving to search for his father.

=== Dragon Gate (2008–2010) ===
On 21 September 2008, Akebono appeared in the Battle Royal of [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]'s Storm Gate 2008 event, which was won by [[Akira Tozawa]]. Akebono made some more appearances, defeating the likes of [[Stalker Ichikawa]], [[Don Fujii]] and [[Masaaki Mochizuki]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://openthegaroongate.com/2009/04/04/infinity-127-or-sumo-silliness/ |title=Infinity 127 or Sumo Silliness |date=4 April 2009 |access-date=10 October 2012 |work=Open the Garoon Gate |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054038/http://openthegaroongate.com/2009/04/04/infinity-127-or-sumo-silliness/ |archive-date=21 September 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://openthegaroongate.com/2009/05/05/dead-or-alive-2009/ |title=Dead or Alive 2009 |date=5 May 2009 |access-date=10 October 2012 |work=Open the Garoon Gate |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054658/http://openthegaroongate.com/2009/05/05/dead-or-alive-2009/ |archive-date=21 September 2013 }}</ref> That month, Akebono, Mochizuki and Fujii agreed to form a trio called Chou Zetsurins to face the team of World-1 (BxB Hulk, Masato Yoshino and PAC) for the [[Open the Triangle Gate Championship]], but were defeated. On 14 October 2009, Chou Zetsurins finally won the title,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://openthegaroongate.com/2009/10/14/infinity-150-or-more-sumo-silliness/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411144914/http://openthegaroongate.com/2009/10/14/infinity-150-or-more-sumo-silliness/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 April 2013 |title=Infinity 150 or More Sumo Silliness |date=14 October 2009 |access-date=10 October 2012 |work=Open the Garoon Gate }}</ref> and defended them until May 2010, when they were defeated by Deep Drunkers ([[Kzy]], [[Takuya Sugawara]] and [[Yasushi Kanda]]).

=== Pro Wrestling Zero1 (2009–2013) ===
In March 2009, Akebono appeared in [[Pro Wrestling Zero1]] defeating [[Kohei Sato]]. Later, Akebono joined the Sword Army stable, led by [[Masato Tanaka]]. Akebono also participated in the Fire Festival 2009 defeating several other wrestlers, but failed to win in the end. After that, he formed an irregular team with [[Shinjiro Otani]] called Kazan, which defeated [[Masaaki Mochizuki]] & Masato Tanaka in the final round of the Furinkazan tournament, as well winning the [[NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship]] on 24 January 2010 before vacating them on December of that year. On 3 February 2013, Akebono teamed with [[Daisuke Sekimoto]] to win the vacant championship by defeating [[Kohei Sato]] and Zeus.

=== Return to AJPW (2008–2015) ===
Akebono returned to AJPW, allying himself with [[Ryota Hama]]. On 23 September 2009, Akebono and Hama, known collectively as S.M.O.P. (Super Megaton Ohzumo Powers), won the [[All Asia Tag Team Championship]], defeating [[Minoru Suzuki]] and [[Nosawa Rongai]]. S.M.O.P. also participated in the 2009 World's Strongest Tag Determination League, finishing 5th out of 9 teams with four victories and four defeats. S.M.O.P. would only defend the title once before losing them 7 months later to Voodoo-Murders members [[Viscera (wrestler)|Big Daddy Voodoo]] and [[Yoshikazu Taru|TARU]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/akebono.html|title=Akebono}}</ref> After that, Akebono split with Hama and became the enforcer for the group Partisan Forces ([[Minoru Suzuki]], [[Masakatsu Funaki]] and [[Taiyo Kea]]) to continue his feud with the Voodoo-Murders. Partisan Forces broke up in June 2011, so Akebono reformed S.M.O.P. with Hama. After having an unsuccessful shot at [[KENSO]] and The Great Muta for the vacant [[World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)|World Tag Team Championship]], Akebono and Hama entered a short feud with Big Daddy and Mazada, whom they defeated on several occasions, and also competed in the 2011 Real World Tag League, receiving two more chances for the All Asia Tag Team Championship against [[Daisuke Sekimoto]] and [[Yuji Okabayashi]], lost both times. S.M.O.P. finally regained the All Asia title by defeating Sekimoto and Okabayashi on 1 July 2012, but vacated them on 4 September 2012, due to Akebono being sidelined with [[pneumonia]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://ajpw.puroresufan.com/history/aatagtitle.php |title=AJPW All Asia Tag Team Championship title history|access-date=29 August 2007|publisher=Shining Road|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929083312/http://ajpw.puroresufan.com/history/aatagtitle.php |archive-date=29 September 2007}}</ref> In November 2012, Akebono debuted his [[Wrestling mask|masked]] alter ego "Brazo de Bono", based on [[Brazo de Plata]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/p-bt-tp0-20121108-1043930.html|script-title=ja:ブラソ・デ・ボノ初登場／ルチャ・フェス|date=8 November 2012|access-date=9 November 2012|work=[[Nikkan Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref> On 1 September 2013, Akebono signed a contract with All Japan, officially ending his freelancing days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/180837/|script-title=ja:フリーを卒業！曙が全日本プロレスに入団|date=6 September 2013|access-date=6 September 2013|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja|archive-date=29 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029193430/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/180837/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 11 September, Akebono entered the [[Ōdō Tournament#2013|2013 Ōdō Tournament]] and, in his first match under an All Japan contract, defeated former [[Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship|Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion]] [[Jun Akiyama]], unveiling his new finishing maneuver, ''[[Piledriver (professional wrestling)|Yokozuna Impact]]'', in the process.<ref name="AJPW091113BN">{{cite web|url=http://battle-news.com/battle/2013/09/001952.php|title=王道トーナメント1回戦で曙が新技で秋山を撃破！潮崎が鼓太郎との同門対決に勝利！諏訪魔vs宮原が開戦！ドリフがアジアタッグ挑戦表明！|date=12 September 2013|access-date=11 September 2013|work=Battle News|language=ja}}</ref> After wins over [[Low Ki]] and [[Chris Raaber|Bambi Killer]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=417 |script-title=ja:「王道トーナメント～2013オープン選手権～」 |access-date=23 September 2013 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224112229/http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=417 |archive-date=24 December 2013 }}</ref><ref name="AJPW091913">{{cite web|url=http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=419 |script-title=ja:「王道トーナメント～2013オープン選手権～」 |access-date=19 September 2013 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224103323/http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=419 |archive-date=24 December 2013 }}</ref> Akebono reached the finals, where, on 23 September, he defeated [[Go Shiozaki]] to win the tournament.<ref name="Odo2013">{{cite web|url=http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=421 |script-title=ja:「王道トーナメント～2013オープン選手権～」 |access-date=23 September 2013 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224113244/http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=421 |archive-date=24 December 2013 }}</ref> On 27 October, Akebono defeated [[Kohei Suwama|Suwama]] to win the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship for the first time.<ref name="AJPW102713">{{cite web|url=http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=430 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224105814/http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=430 |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 December 2013 |title=Anniversary Tour |access-date=27 October 2013 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja }}</ref> Akebono made his first successful title defense on 24 November against [[Joe Doering]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=434 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131222224543/http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/schedule/tour03.php?taikai_id=434 |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 December 2013 |title=2013 王道ルネサンス |access-date=24 November 2013 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja }}</ref> His second successful defense took place on 3 January 2014, against [[Takao Omori]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/1144/ |script-title=ja:ニューイヤーウォーズ 2014 東京・後楽園ホール大会 |access-date=3 January 2014 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103190556/http://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/1144/ |archive-date=3 January 2014}}</ref> On 23 February, Akebono made his third successful title defense against Go Shiozaki.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/1240/ |title=エールクリエイトpresents 2014 沖縄Impact vol.1 |access-date=23 February 2014 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227082529/http://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/1240/ |archive-date=27 February 2014 }}</ref> Akebono's fourth title defense took place on 18 March, when he defeated [[Kento Miyahara]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/6375/ |title=2014 ドリームパワーシリーズ【開幕戦】東京･後楽園ホール |access-date=18 March 2014 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318162401/https://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_tour/6375/ |archive-date=18 March 2014 }}</ref> In April, Akebono looked to enter a rare group of men who have won the [[Champion Carnival]], while holding the Triple Crown Championship, but on 22 April, after securing the top spot in his block, Akebono was forced to pull out of the tournament and forfeit his two remaining matches, after being hospitalized with poor health.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/247275/|script-title=ja:曙必殺張り手で全日ＣＣ全勝Ｖ誓う|date=19 March 2014|access-date=22 April 2014|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja|archive-date=8 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508025613/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/247275/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://battle-news.com/index.php?QBlog-20140422-3|script-title=ja:曙が緊急入院のため、チャンピオン・カーニバル残り3大会を欠場！|date=22 April 2014|access-date=22 April 2014|work=Battle News|language=ja}}</ref> On 30 May, Akebono officially relinquished the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship due to his health issues.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_news/9783/ |script-title=ja:曙選手三冠ヘビー級王座返上のお知らせ |date=30 May 2014 |access-date=30 May 2014 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714182315/https://www.all-japan.co.jp/post_news/9783/ |archive-date=14 July 2014 }}</ref> On 27 July, it was announced that Akebono had been appointed to All Japan's board of directors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/294538/|script-title=ja:曙が全日取締役就任へ戦列復帰も宣言|date=28 July 2014|access-date=28 July 2014|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja|archive-date=11 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811190745/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/294538/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Akebono wrestled his return match on 16 August.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/p-bt-tp0-20140817-1352164.html|script-title=ja:曙118日ぶり復活勝利 30日に３冠挑戦|date=17 August 2014|access-date=17 August 2014|work=[[Nikkan Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref> On 30 August, Akebono received his rematch for the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship, but was defeated by the defending champion, Joe Doering.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/f-bt-tp0-20140831-1359180.html|script-title=ja:ドーリング２度目防衛！曙を失神ＫＯ|date=31 August 2014|access-date=30 August 2014|work=[[Nikkan Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref>

On 22 March 2015, Akebono won the World Tag Team Championship for the second time, when he and Yutaka Yoshie defeated Jun Akiyama and Takao Omori.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.all-japan.co.jp/archives/match/【3-22】-2015-ドリームパワーシリーズ%E3%80%80福岡大会/|script-title=ja:【3.22】 2015 ドリームパワーシリーズ福岡大会|date=22 March 2015|access-date=22 March 2015|work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150409125344/https://www.all-japan.co.jp/archives/match/%E3%80%903-22%E3%80%91-2015-%E3%83%89%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%A0%E3%83%91%E3%83%AF%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B7%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BA%E3%80%80%E7%A6%8F%E5%B2%A1%E5%A4%A7%E4%BC%9A/|archive-date=9 April 2015}}</ref> On 25 April, Akebono defeated Suwama in the finals to win All Japan's premier tournament, the Champion Carnival.<ref name="CC2015">{{cite web|url=http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/sports/fight_all/4116|script-title=ja:全日本プロレス「2015 チャンピオン・カーニバル」優勝決定戦|date=25 April 2015|access-date=25 April 2015|work=Sports Navi|publisher=[[Yahoo!]]|language=ja}}</ref> In the build-up to Akebono's challenge for the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship against Go Shiozaki, he and Yoshie lost the World Tag Team Championship to Shiozaki and Kento Miyahara on 6 May.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.all-japan.co.jp/archives/match/【5-6】-2015-スーパーパワーシリーズ%E3%80%80開幕戦・後楽園/|script-title=ja:【5.6】 2015 スーパーパワーシリーズ開幕戦・後楽園大会|date=6 May 2015|access-date=6 May 2015|work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=ja}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> On 21 May, Akebono defeated Shiozaki to win the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship for the second time.<ref name="AJPW052115">{{cite web|url=https://www.all-japan.co.jp/archives/match/【5-21】-2015-スーパーパワーシリーズ%E3%80%80最終戦・後楽園/|script-title=ja:【5.21】 2015 スーパーパワーシリーズ最終戦・後楽園大会|date=21 May 2015|access-date=21 May 2015|work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=ja}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Akebono eventually went on to lose the championship to Jun Akiyama in his third defense on 1 November 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.all-japan.co.jp/archives/match/【11-1】全日本プロエス　チャリティー弘前大会/ |script-title=ja:【11.1】全日本プロレスチャリティー弘前大会 |date=2 November 2015 |access-date=2 November 2015 |work=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=ja }}{{dead link|date=October 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The following day, it was announced that Akebono was leaving All Japan and once again becoming a freelancer, looking to return to martial arts.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/466951/ | script-title=ja:３冠陥落の曙９年ぶり格闘技再挑戦へ | date=2 November 2015 | access-date=2 November 2015 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja | archive-date=2 November 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102070910/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/466951/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> It was also announced that he would continue working for All Japan as a freelancer.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/468514/ | script-title=ja:曙退団を当サイト既報通り全日本が正式発表 | date=5 November 2015 | access-date=5 November 2015 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja | archive-date=7 November 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107194624/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/468514/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Ōdō (2015–2017) ===
On 4 December 2015, Akebono announced he was forming a new company named Ōdō. He would serve as its president with the backing of Motoko Baba, the widow of All Japan founder [[Giant Baba]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/480012/ | script-title=ja:曙新会社設立を発表「王道ＶＳ全日本」対抗戦に意欲 | date=4 December 2015 | access-date=4 December 2015 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja | archive-date=4 December 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151204174612/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/480012/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> On 13 March 2016, Akebono made his debut for AJPW splinter promotion [[Wrestle-1]], reuniting with SMOP partner Ryota Hama.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/517610/ | script-title=ja:【Ｗ-１】「ＳＭＯＰ」復活曙＆浜が肉弾連係 | date=13 March 2016 | access-date=13 March 2016 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja | archive-date=13 March 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313202522/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/517610/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> Ōdō held its first event on 20 April in [[Korakuen Hall]]. The main event of the show saw Akebono, Ryota Hama and Taiyo Kea defeat Daisuke Sekimoto, Masato Tanaka and Yuji Okabayashi.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/533106/ | script-title=ja:【王道】曙メーンで快勝！「初日としては合格」 | date=21 April 2016 | access-date=22 April 2016 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja | archive-date=23 April 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423011233/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/533106/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> In early June, Akebono took part in the [[Lucha Libre World Cup (2016)|Lucha Libre World Cup]] in Mexico.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/05/63-65-aaa-lucha-world-cup-results-usalucha-underground-vs-team-aaa-finals-tna-represented-mens-womens-tournament-noah-mysterio/ | title = 6/3 & 6/5 AAA "Lucha World Cup" Results – USA/Lucha Underground vs. Team AAA finals, TNA represented in men's & women's tournament, Noah, Mysterio, more | date=5 June 2016 | access-date=6 June 2016 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On 16 September, Ōdō formed a partnership with [[Pro Wrestling Zero1]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/594331/ | script-title=ja:新体制のゼロワンが「王道」と業務提携 | date=17 September 2016 | access-date=17 September 2016 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja | archive-date=18 September 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918082251/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/594331/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>

Akebono's last recorded match happened on 11 April 2017, for [[Dramatic Dream Team]], where he teamed with [[Yasu Urano]] and [[Harashima]] and lost to fellow former Triple Crown champion [[Yoshihiro Takayama]] and his team with [[Yuto Aijima]] and [[Shigehiro Irie]]. Following Akebono's heart disability in April 2017 (below), and Motoko Baba's death on 14 April 2018, Ōdō became an inactive promotion.

== Personal life ==
[[File:Akebono statue by Prayitno Photography.jpg|alt=Statue of Akebono in Waimānalo, Hawaii.|thumb|Statue of Akebono in its original location in Waimānalo, Hawaii]]
Akebono was born to Randy, a taxi driver of [[Irish American|Irish]] and [[Native Hawaiian]] descent and Janice, an office worker of [[Cuban American|Cuban]] and Native Hawaiian descent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lemondedusumo.com/english/MDS1_ake_career.php?mag=mds&num=1|title=Akebono, a Yokozuna who came from the isles|first=Stéphane|last=Castella|website=Le Monde De Sumo|url-status=live|access-date=16 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508030006/http://www.lemondedusumo.com/english/MDS1_ake_career.php?mag=mds&num=1|archive-date=8 May 2014}}</ref> He became a Japanese citizen in 1996, [[Relinquishment of United States nationality|giving up his American citizenship]] and changing his legal name from Chad Rowan to Akebono Tarō,<ref name="Panek" /> saying "Changing my nationality has nothing to do with who I am, just like I am still my mother's son even after I became a Japanese [citizen]."<ref>{{cite news|last=Matsubara|first=Hiroshi|url=http://www.japantimes.com/cgi-bin/getarticle.pl5?nn20010420a4.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050210150217/http://www.japantimes.com/cgi-bin/getarticle.pl5?nn20010420a4.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 February 2005|title=Foreigners face long slog to Japanese citizenship |newspaper=[[The Japan Times]]|date=20 April 2001}}</ref>

At the end of 1996, he was engaged to Yu Aihara, a television ''[[tarento]]'', but broke it off the following year.<ref name="Panek" /> In February 1998, Akebono announced his engagement to Christiane Reiko Kalina, a teacher who is of Japanese and American descent.<ref>{{cite news |first=Joji |last=Sakurai |title=Love story spans across the pacific |newspaper=[[Honolulu Star Bulletin]] |url=http://starbulletin.com/98/02/10/features/story1.html |date=10 February 1998 |access-date=23 July 2007 |archive-date=21 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071021183339/http://starbulletin.com/98/02/10/features/story1.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> They married in September 1998 and have two sons and a daughter.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gordon |first=Mike |title=Aching knees at rest, Akebono rides again |url=http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/2001/Feb/05/25localnews12.html |newspaper=[[Honolulu Advertiser]] |date=5 February 2001 |access-date=17 March 2008}}</ref>

In April 2017, he was hospitalized after feeling unwell while on a wrestling tour in [[Kitakyushu]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.staradvertiser.com/2018/05/06/sports/ferds-words/sumo-legend-akebono-in-the-middle-of-his-biggest-battle-yet/?HSA=697051e210d8438959a930a067f4460fe9b4e529|title=Sumo legend Akebono in the middle of his biggest battle yet|last=Lewis|first=Ferd|date=6 May 2018|newspaper=Honolulu Star Advertiser|access-date=10 May 2018}}</ref> Early reports indicated that he had been placed in a medically-induced [[coma]] after suffering a cardiac condition,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.staradvertiser.com/2017/04/18/sports/sports-breaking/former-hawaii-sumotori-musashimaru-and-akebono-hospitalized-in-japan/|title=Former Hawaii sumotori Musashimaru and Akebono hospitalized in Japan|last=Lewis|first=Ferd|date=18 April 2017|newspaper=Honolulu Star Advertiser|access-date=19 April 2017}}</ref> but his family later released a statement on Akebono's website criticizing "misleading" articles and saying he was undergoing treatment "due to a right leg [[cellulitis]] and an infection."<ref name="kitv">{{cite news|url=http://www.kitv.com/story/35183275/2-of-hawaiis-sumo-grand-champions-hospitalized-in-japan|title=2 of Hawaii's sumo grand champions hospitalized in Japan|date=18 April 2017|publisher=[[KITV]]|access-date=19 April 2017|archive-date=20 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420045931/http://www.kitv.com/story/35183275/2-of-hawaiis-sumo-grand-champions-hospitalized-in-japan|url-status=dead}}</ref> A family spokesperson thanked Akebono's fans for their support, saying "The number of messages from around the world has been overwhelming."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/35172093/reports-akebono-hospitalized-in-japan-following-wrestling-match|title=Akebono's family overwhelmed with messages of support during hospitalization|date=18 April 2017|work=Hawaii News Now|access-date=19 April 2017}}</ref>

The ''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'' reported that the original story was correct and the cellulitis claim was a cover story for a serious heart issue.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Meltzer | first = Dave | author-link = Dave Meltzer | date = 8 May 2017 | title = May 8, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE Payback review, WWE financials, plus tons of news | journal = [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] | issn = 1083-9593 | page=62}}</ref> Akebono's wife confirmed in March 2018 that her husband had suffered acute heart failure and had been in a medically induced coma for two weeks. He lost nearly 130 pounds, much of it in muscle, and still could not walk, requiring a wheelchair. He was to begin intensive physical therapy.<ref>{{cite web|title=Long road to recovery begins for yokozuna Akebono|url=http://www.kitv.com/story/37693438/long-road-to-recovery-begins-for-yokozuna-akebono|publisher=KITV|date=10 March 2018|access-date=11 March 2018|archive-date=12 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312083601/http://www.kitv.com/story/37693438/long-road-to-recovery-begins-for-yokozuna-akebono|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 2 January 2019, it was reported that he had lost the use of his legs and suffered from partial memory loss, unable to remember his pro-wrestling days. For a short period, he was unable to speak without the aid of his wife.<ref>{{cite web|title=Despite memory loss, the first foreign Yokozuna does not forget his fights with the Waka-Taka brothers|url=https://hochi.news/articles/20190101-OHT1T50047.html|date=2 January 2019|language=ja}}</ref>

Although still unable to walk, he attended a memorial service for his former ''tsukebito'' [[Ushiomaru]] at [[Azumazeki stable]] in December 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hochi.news/articles/20191218-OHT1T50299.html|title=急死の東関親方の弔問に闘病中の元横綱・曙が来た...振分親方に「部屋を頼んだぞ」|date=19 December 2019|work=Hochi|language=ja|access-date=20 December 2019}}</ref>

Akebono died of heart failure in April 2024 at age 54 after being admitted to a hospital in [[Tokyo]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Hawai'i-born sumo legend Akebono dies of heart failure at 54 |url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/39918617/hawaii-born-sumo-legend-akebono-dies-heart-failure-54 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=11 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Akebono, a pioneering giant in the sumo world and a 'proud Hawaiian,' dies at 54 |url=https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2024/04/11/akebono-giant-sumo-world-proud-hawaiian-dies-54/ |work=Hawaii News Now |date=10 April 2024}}</ref> His death was announced on the morning of April 11 in Japan,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202404110000325.html|title=元横綱の曙太郎さん死去、亡くなる直前「アイラブユー」と妻に最期の言葉今月に入り体調が急変 |date=11 April 2024|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=14 April 2024|language=ja}}</ref> and a funeral was held in Tokyo three days later.<ref name="ns_funeral">{{cite web |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202404140002083.html|title=曙さん、緑のアロハシャツは「彼が好きだった色」夫人が明かす遺骨の半分はハワイの海へ|date=14 April 2024|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=14 April 2024|language=ja}}</ref> Akebono's widow Christiane Reiko told reporters after the funeral that he had suffered from [[arrhythmia]] for seven years.<ref name="ns_funeral" /> She also said that Akebono's body would be [[cremation|cremated]], with half of his ashes remaining with his family in Japan and the other half placed into the ocean off of the Hawaiian coast.<ref name="ns_funeral" />
{{clear}}

== Career record ==
{{Sumo record box start|Akebono Tarō<ref name="sumogames">{{cite web |title=Akebono Tarō Rikishi Information |website=Sumo Reference |url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi.aspx?r=1&l=e |access-date=25 July 2012}}</ref>}}
{{Sumo record year start link|1988}}
{{Basho}}
{{Basho|MAEZUMOU}}
{{Basho|jk|19|e|6|1}}
{{Basho|jo|97|e|5|2}}
{{Basho|jo|52|e|5|2}}
{{Basho|jo|15|w|6|1}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|1989}}
{{Basho|sa|60|e|5|2}}
{{Basho|sa|33|e|6|1}}
{{Basho|ma|55|w|6|1}}
{{Basho|ma|28|e|5|2}}
{{Basho|ma|14|w|5|2}}
{{Basho|ma|5|e|5|2}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|1990}}
{{Basho|ma|2|e|4|3}}
{{Basho|j|12|w|8|7}}
{{Basho|j|10|w|11|4}}
{{Basho|j|3|e|11|4}}
{{Basho|m|14|e|9|6}}
{{Basho|m|7|w|9|6|||f}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|1991}}
{{Basho|m|1|w|8|7|||o|*}}
{{Basho|k|1|e|8|7|||o}}
{{Basho|s|1|w|7|8}}
{{Basho|m|1|w|8|7|||*|*}}
{{Basho|k|1|w|7|8}}
{{Basho|m|1|w|8|7|||*}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|1992}}
{{Basho|k|1|w|13|2||j|o|f}}
{{Basho|s|1|e|8|7}}
{{Basho|s|1|w|13|2||y|o}}
{{Basho|KYUJO|rank=o|r-no=1|tozai=e}}
{{Basho|o|2|e|9|6}}
{{Basho|o|1|w|14|1||y}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|1993}}
{{Basho|o|1|e|13|2||y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|10|5}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|13|2||j}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|13|2|PP|y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|14|1||y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|13|2|P|y}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|1994}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|11|4}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|12|3|PP|y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|10|2|3}}
{{Basho|KYUJO|rank=y|r-no=1|tozai=e}}
{{Basho|KYUJO|rank=y|r-no=1|tozai=e}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|10|5}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|1995}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|12|3}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|14|1||y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|13|2||j}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|11|4}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|12|3||j}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|7|3|5}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|1996}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|0|3|12}}
{{Basho|KYUJO|rank=y|r-no=1|tozai=w}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|10|5}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|12|3||j}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|10|5}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|11|4|P|j}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|1997}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|12|3}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|12|3|PP|j}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|13|2|P|Y}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|12|3||j}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|9|6}}
{{Basho|KYUJO|rank=y|r-no=1|tozai=w}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|1998}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|10|5}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|13|2||j}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|10|5}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|11|4}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|10|5}}
{{Basho|KYUJO|rank=y|r-no=2|tozai=e}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|1999}}
{{Basho|KYUJO|rank=y|r-no=2|tozai=e}}
{{Basho|KYUJO|rank=y|r-no=2|tozai=e}}
{{Basho|y|2|e|11|4}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|13|2|P|j}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|2|2|11}}
{{Basho|KYUJO|rank=y|r-no=2|tozai=e}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|2000}}
{{Basho|y|2|w|11|4}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|12|3||j}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|13|2||j}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|13|2||y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|13|2||j}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|14|1||y}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|2001}}
{{Basho|INTAI|rank=y|r-no=1|tozai=e|absent=15}}
{{Basho}}
{{Basho}}
{{Basho}}
{{Basho}}
{{Basho}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record box end}}

== Kickboxing record ==
{{More citations needed section|date=April 2024}}
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="clear:both; margin:1.5em auto;"
|+Akebono Tarō kickboxing record: 1 win, 9 losses
|-
!scope="col" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Result
!scope="col" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Record
!scope="col" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Opponent
!scope="col" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Method
!scope="col" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Event
!scope="col" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Date
!scope="col" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Round
!scope="col" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Time
!scope="col" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Location
!scope="col" style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Notes
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|1–9
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Bob Sapp]]
|Technical decision
|[[Rizin Fighting Federation 2]]
|{{dts|2015|december|31|format=dmy}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|0:49
|[[Saitama, Saitama]], Japan
|align=left|{{small|[[Shoot boxing]] rules.}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|1–8
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|KOR}} [[Choi Hong-man]]
|KO (left hook)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2006 in Sapporo]]
|{{dts|2006|July|30|format=dmy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|2
|style="text-align:center;"|0:57
|[[Sapporo, Japan]]
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|1–7
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|KOR}} [[Choi Hong-man]]
|TKO (referee stoppage)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Hawaii]]
|{{dts|2005|July|29|format=dmy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:center;"|2:52
|[[Honolulu, Hawaii|Honolulu, Hawaii, US]]
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|1–6
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|KOR}} [[Choi Hong-man]]
|TKO (corner stoppage)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Seoul]]
|{{dts|2005|March|19|format=dmy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:center;"|0:24
|[[Seoul, South Korea]]
|align=left|{{small|K-1 Korea Grand Prix semifinal.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|1–5
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|JPN}} [[Nobuaki Kakuda]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Seoul]]
|{{dts|2005|March|19|format=dmy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|3
|style="text-align:center;"|3:00
|[[Seoul, South Korea]]
|align=left|{{small|K-1 Korea Grand Prix opening round.}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|0–5
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|NED}} [[Remy Bonjasky]]
|KO (right high kick)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 Final Elimination]]
|{{dts|2004|September|25|format=dmy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|3
|style="text-align:center;"|0:33
|[[Tokyo, Japan]]
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|0–4
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Rick Roufus]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in Las Vegas II]]
|{{dts|2004|August|7|format=dmy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|3
|style="text-align:center;"|3:00
|[[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas, Nevada, US]]
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|0–3
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|CHN}} Zhang Qingjun
|Extra round decision (unanimous)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in Seoul]]
|{{dts|2004|July|17|format=dmy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|4
|style="text-align:center;"|3:00
|[[Seoul, South Korea]]
|align=left|{{small|K-1 Korea Prix opening round.}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|0–2
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|JPN}} [[Musashi (kickboxer)|Musashi]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in Saitama]]
|{{dts|2004|March|27|format=dmy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|3
|style="text-align:center;"|3:00
|[[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama, Japan]]
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|0–1
!scope="row"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Bob Sapp]]
|KO (right hook)
|[[K-1 PREMIUM 2003 Dynamite!!]]
|{{dts|2003|December|31|format=dmy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:center;"|1:55
|[[Nagoya, Japan]]
|
|}

{{flatlist}}
;Legend
: {{legend2|#CCFFCC|Win|border=1px solid #CCFFCC}}
: {{legend2|#FFBBBB|Loss|border=1px solid #FFBBBB}}
: {{legend2|#c5d2ea|Draw/No contest|border=1px solid #c5d2ea}}
{{endflatlist}}

== Mixed martial arts record ==
{{More citations needed section|date=April 2024}}
{{MMArecordbox
|draws=
|nc=
|ko-wins=
|ko-losses=
|sub-wins=
|sub-losses=3
|dec-wins=
|dec-losses=1
|dq-wins=
|dq-losses=
|other-wins=
|other-losses=
}}
{{MMA record start|Akebono Tarō mixed martial arts career statistics}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|0–4
!scope="row"|[[Paulo Cesar Silva]]
|Submission (kimura)
|[[K-1 PREMIUM 2006 Dynamite!!]]
|{{dts|format=dmy|2006|December|31}}
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:center;"|1:02
|[[Osaka, Japan]]
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|0–3
!scope="row"|[[Don Frye]]
|Submission (guillotine choke)
|Hero's 5
|{{dts|format=dmy|2006|May|3}}
|style="text-align:center;"|2
|style="text-align:center;"|3:50
|[[Tokyo, Japan]]
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|0–2
!scope="row"|[[Bobby Ologun]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[K-1 Premium 2005 Dynamite]]
|{{dts|format=dmy|2005|December|31}}
|style="text-align:center;"|3
|style="text-align:center;"|5:00
|[[Osaka, Japan]]
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|0–1
!scope="row"|[[Royce Gracie]]
|Submission (omoplata)
|[[K-1 PREMIUM 2004 Dynamite!!]]
|{{dts|format=dmy|2004|December|31}}
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:center;"|2:13
|[[Osaka, Japan]]
|
|}
Legend: {{legend2|#CCFFCC|Win|border=1px solid #CCFFCC}}
{{legend2|#FFBBBB|Loss|border=1px solid #FFBBBB}}
{{legend2|#c5d2ea|Draw/No contest|border=1px solid #c5d2ea}}

== Championships and accomplishments ==
=== Professional wrestling ===
* '''[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]'''
** [[All Asia Tag Team Championship]] ([[All Asia Tag Team Championship#Title history|2 times]]) – with [[Ryota Hama]]<ref name="AJPWprofile">{{cite web|url=http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/profile/akebono.php |title=Akebono AJPW profile |access-date=19 February 2012 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224102741/http://pre.all-japan.co.jp/profile/akebono.php |archive-date=24 December 2013 }}</ref>
** [[Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship]] ([[Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship#Reigns|2 times]])<ref name="AJPW102713" /><ref name="AJPW052115" />
** [[World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)|World Tag Team Championship]] ([[World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)#Title history|2 times]]) – with [[Maunakea Mossman|Taiyo Kea]] (1) and [[Yutaka Yoshie]] (1)<ref name="AJPWprofile" />
** [[Champion Carnival]] ([[Champion Carnival#2015|2015]])<ref name="CC2015" />
** 2 January Korakuen Hall Heavyweight Battle Royal (2010, 2015)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/results/10nyshiningseries.php|title=PUROLOVE.com}}</ref>
** [[Ōdō Tournament]] ([[Ōdō Tournament#2013|2013]])<ref name="Odo2013" />
* '''[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]'''
** [[Dragon Gate Open the Triangle Gate Championship]] ([[Dragon Gate Open the Triangle Gate Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Masaaki Mochizuki]] and [[Don Fujii]]<ref name="AJPWprofile" />
* '''[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]]'''
** [[KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – with [[Sanshiro Takagi]] and [[Toru Owashi]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ddtpro.com/report/ddt/article/1376807626/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130818094649/http://www.ddtpro.com/report/ddt/article/1376807626/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 August 2013 |title=【両国2日目2】ヤンキー二丁拳銃がKO-Dタッグ奪取 |date=18 August 2013 |access-date=18 August 2013 |work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja }}</ref>
* '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
** Ranked No. 115 of the top 500 wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2006<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2006.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2006|access-date=30 August 2012|work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
* '''[[Pro Wrestling Zero1]]'''
** [[NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship#Title history|3 times]]) – with [[Shinjiro Otani]] (1), [[Daisuke Sekimoto]] (1) and [[Shogun Okamoto]] (1)<ref name="AJPWprofile" />
** NWA Pan-Pacific Premium Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
** [[World Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)|World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[World Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="zero1">{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresuspirit.com/2012/03/02/results-for-march-2-2012/|title=Zero1, Noah, Osaka & 19pro Results for 2 March 2012|access-date=2 March 2012}}</ref>
** [[Furinkazan (wrestling)|Furinkazan]] ([[Furinkazan (wrestling)#2009|2009]]) – with Shinjiro Otani
* '''''[[Tokyo Sports]]'''''
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Best Tag Team Award|Best Tag Team Award]] (2005) {{small|with [[Keiji Mutoh]]}}<ref name="TokyoSportsAwards">{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/wrestling/wrestling_past4/|script-title=ja:東京スポーツプロレス大賞|access-date=2 February 2014|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref>
** Best Tag Team Award (2009) {{small|with Ryota Hama}}<ref name="TokyoSportsAwards" />
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Newcomer Award|Newcomer Award]] (2005)<ref name="TokyoSportsAwards" />

=== Other accomplishments ===
* ''[[Black Belt (magazine)|Black Belt]]''
** 1993 Competitor of the Year

== See also ==
*[[Glossary of sumo terms]]
*[[List of non-Japanese sumo wrestlers]]
*[[List of past sumo wrestlers]]
*[[List of sumo record holders]]
*[[List of sumo tournament top division champions]]
*[[List of sumo tournament top division runners-up]]
*[[List of the heaviest sumo wrestlers]]
*[[List of yokozuna]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Goo Sumo|35|Akebono Tarō}}
* {{IMDb name|id=1850858|name=Akebono}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20141208055022/https://www.all-japan.co.jp/archives/player/%E6%9B%99/ AJPW profile] {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}

{{Yokozuna box|previous=[[Asahifuji Seiya]]|number=64th|active=1993–2001|next=[[Takanohana Kōji]]}}

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{Champion Carnival}}
{{World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)}}
{{All Asia Tag Team Championship}}
{{All Japan Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship}}
{{KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship}}
{{Odo Tournament}}
{{Open the Triangle Gate Championship}}
{{World Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)}}
{{Intercontinental Tag Team Championship (Zero1)}}
{{Furinkazan}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Akebono Taro}}
[[Category:1969 births]]
[[Category:2024 deaths]]
[[Category:American people of Native Hawaiian descent]]
[[Category:Basketball players from Hawaii]]
[[Category:Japanese male kickboxers]]
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Japanese male mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Japanese people of Native Hawaiian descent]]
[[Category:Kickboxers from Hawaii]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists from Hawaii]]
[[Category:Native Hawaiian professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Naturalized citizens of Japan]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Honolulu County, Hawaii]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from Hawaii]]
[[Category:Sumo people from Hawaii]]
[[Category:Heavyweight kickboxers]]
[[Category:Super heavyweight mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Yokozuna]]
[[Category:American emigrants to Japan]]
[[Category:American men's basketball players]]
[[Category:Japanese sumo wrestlers]]
[[Category:American sumo wrestlers]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Sumo]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing wrestling]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing kickboxing]]
[[Category:All Asia Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers who competed in MMA]]
[[Category:World Tag Team Champions (AJPW)]]
[[Category:Triple Crown Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:Champion Carnival winners]]
[[Category:Odo Tournament winners]]
[[Category:KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Triangle Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Zero1 World Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:Zero1 Intercontinental Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:Deaths from congestive heart failure in Japan]]
[[Category:20th-century American sportsmen]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese sportsmen]]

Gamma (wrestler)

2025-06-01T21:45:10Z

89.136.44.148: /* Dragon Gate (2006–2022) */

{{short description|Japanese professional wrestler|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{Update|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name= Gamma
|birth_name=Yoshihito Sugamoto
|names=Gamma Gamma Daiou Kishiwada King Viewtiful Joe Yoshihito Sugamoto
|image=Gamma2016.jpg
|caption=Gamma in November 2016
|height={{convert|1.70|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
|weight={{convert|82|kg|lb st|abbr=on}}
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1973|5|16|mf=y}}
|death_date =
|birth_place =[[Iwaki, Fukushima]], Japan
|resides=
|billed=
|trainer=[[Super Delfin]]
|debut= April 23, 1996
|retired= August 14, 2022
}}

{{nihongo|'''Yoshihito Sugamoto'''|菅本儀人|Sugamoto Yoshihito|born May 16, 1973}} is a retired Japanese [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], better known by the [[ring name]] '''Gamma'''.<ref name=Puro>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/gamma.html|title=Profile at Puroresu Central|publisher=Puroresu Central|access-date=2013-12-03}}</ref> He is best known for his [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]] tenure.

==Professional wrestling career==
Yoshihito Sugamoto began his career in [[Michinoku Pro Wrestling]] when he entered their [[dojo]] along with [[K-ness|Makoto Saito]] and [[Susumu Mochizuki]]. He wrestled in several [[List of professional wrestling terms#Dark match|dark matches]] against Wellington Wilkins, but eventually left the promotion before gaining any status. A year later, he joined [[Osaka Pro Wrestling]].

===Osaka Pro Wrestling (1999–2005)===
Sugamoto spent some years in the low card of Osaka Pro until finally breaking up in 2001, where he adopted the [[ring name]] of Gamma and the [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] of a young punk. Turning [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]], he joined [[Dick Togo]]'s stable FLUXxx, whose leadership he inherited after Togo departed. Flanked by [[Magnitude Kishiwada|Big Boss MA-G-MA]] and Daio QUALLT, he achieved OPW's top heel status and feuded with [[Super Delfin|Super Delfín]] and the rest of [[Babyface (professional wrestling)|babyface]] wrestlers of the company. This lasted until 2003, when his henchmen betrayed him, kicked him out of the faction and renamed it Kishiwada Gurentai. Now as a face, Gamma allied himself with Delfín and his people and formed a tag team with Takehiro Murahama. However, a recurrent shoulder injury impeded him from recovering momentum, and in April 2005 he decided to leave the promotion.

===Independent circuit (2005–2006)===
After leaving OPW, Gamma started appearing as a freelancer in [[Michinoku Pro Wrestling]] and [[Pro Wrestling Zero1]], again as a villainous character. His activity in M-Pro was mainly outside of the rings, but he managed to corrupt the [[Brahman Brothers|Sato brothers]] into turning heel, attacking [[The Great Sasuke]] and helping him form the group STONED. At the same time, he exerted his influence over his tag team partner in Zero1, [[Takuya Sugawara]], turning him into an honorary STONED member. Gamma also appeared in Dragondoor, teaming up with yet another STONED recruit, [[Fumiyuki Hashimoto|Kagetora]], who he appointed as the stable's next leader after Gamma signed up with Dragon Gate.

===Dragon Gate (2006–2022)===
He turned up in [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]] on March 19, 2006, being brought in by [[Magnitude Kishiwada]] (previously known as Big Boss MA-G-MA) to take over his position in Blood Generation while he recuperated from a severe shoulder injury. He and stable head [[Cima (wrestler)|CIMA]] took an instant dislike to each other, however, and he was soon kicked out of the faction. [[Naruki Doi]], [[Masato Yoshino]], and [[Naoki Tanizaki]] followed him, causing Blood Generation to split in two, with them on one side and CIMA, [[Don Fujii]] and [[Shingo Takagi]] on the other. On April 23, 2006, he and Doi beat CIMA and Fujii in a tag match to earn full rights to the Blood Generation name, but they immediately renounced it, instead forming the [[Muscle Outlaw'z]] faction. Though Naruki Doi was seen as the leader, Gamma was considered a co-leader or even the real leader. The split also marked the beginning of a long feud he would have with CIMA.

As September 2007 neared, he challenged the group's personal referee [[Kinta Tamaoka]] to a match on September 22 where the loser would be banished from Muscle Outlaw'z, after Tamaoka had cost the group several matches due to misaimed protein powder attacks. He lost the match when the whole stable surprisingly interfered on Tamaoka's behalf, so he left the stable and also seemingly left Dragon Gate when he had his contract annulled soon after. However, he would return a month later, saving [[Typhoon]] and [[New Hazard]] from a MO'z beatdown, and pledged his allegiance to Typhoon. It was all a ruse, as he immediately attacked CIMA and rejoined MO'z, and then he and the others members mobbed Tamaoka and kicked him out.

After he returned, he was no longer treated as a top line player, instead wrestling mainly in tag matches in the midcards. However, at the end of the year, he won the [[King of Gate]] Tournament, beating CIMA in the finals. The victory came by referee stoppage, after he low-blowed CIMA and rendered him unable to continue. Speculation still exists as to whether this was the intended finish to the match or not, but nevertheless, his victory won him the right to face CIMA for his Open the Dream Gate Title, which was set for February 3, 2008. CIMA defeated him, and in the process settled their long feud.

On April 27, he captured the vacant Open the Brave Gate Championship, beating previous champion [[Anthony W. Mori]] in a tournament final. After winning it, he discarded the eight pieces that made up the logo plate on the belt's face and replaced it with his own plate, and renamed the title the Open the Gamma Gate Championship. During his reign, he mostly defended the belt against weak opponents, and sometimes retained his title through outrageous means, thanks to him going under his real name and playing the role of the belt's corrupt commissioner, with stablemate [[Genki Horiguchi]] enforcing the rules as secretary of the commissioner. He became a dual champion on May 14, when he, Shingo Takagi and [[Masato Onodera|YAMATO]] won the newly vacated Open the Triangle Gate titles, beating Naruki Doi, Masato Yoshino and [[BxB Hulk]] in a decision match. Both of his reigns were brought to an end on June 28 and 29: He and his team lost the Triangle Gate to [[Kenichiro Arai]], [[Taku Iwasa]] and [[Shinobu Sugawara|Shinobu]] on the former date (where he took the fall), and on the latter date he lost the Gamma Gate title when Masato Yoshino, as Dr. Muscle, defeated him, and the Brave Gate's faceplate was restored to the belt. He would win the Triangle Gate titles back with [[Yasushi Kanda]] and YAMATO on July 12, and lost them to [[Masaaki Mochizuki]], Don Fujii and Magnitude Kishiwada on September 28. He then got into a brief feud with BxB Hulk's "Killer Hulk" persona, and even came up with his own "killer" persona, Gamma Daiou, but he would lose their match on November 16 by countout after Hulk put him through a table on the outside with his E.V.O. finisher.

Shortly after losing the Triangle Gate titles, he began to have problems with Yasushi Kanda. These problems escalated when Kanda began to misfire on protein powder attacks during their tag matches, blinding him instead of their opponents and costing them the matches. He even chastized Kanda to the point that Kanda told him that he would rather team with [[Yūki Ōno|Cyber Kongcito]] than him. Eventually, a match was made - at the request of YAMATO - between him and Kanda for January 18, 2009, where the loser would be kicked out of Real Hazard. He got the victory, but then, Kenichiro Arai came out, seemingly to assist Kanda from a beatdown by him and the rest of Real Hazard. However, Arai attacked him, and then he, Kanda, and the other group members beat him down and booted him out of their ranks.

He began making a slow turn to the face side for the first time in his career, but a shadow of doubt was cast over his future in Dragon Gate. On February 15, he came to the aid of [[Susumu Yokosuka]] after [[Ryo Saito (wrestler)|Ryo Saito]] had turned on him to join Real Hazard and he and the stable were beating him down. This led to him and Yokosuka challenging for the Open the Twin Gate titles held by YAMATO & Cyber Kong on March 1, but with the added stipulation that he would be permanently banished from Dragon Gate if he lost. However, he and Yokosuka pulled through and won the titles after some assistance from Real Hazard member [[Fumiyuki Hashimoto|KAGETORA]], and when CIMA made his return that night, he brought them and KAGETORA into his new WARRIORS-5 stable. On April 15, he, CIMA & KAGETORA won the Open the Triangle Gate titles from Shingo Takagi, Taku Iwasa & Dragon Kid, but on May 5 he and Yokosuka lost the Twin Gate titles to Ryo Saito & Genki Horiguchi in a three-way Match, which included Kenichiro Arai & Yasushi Kanda. A month later, he, CIMA & KAGETORA would lose the Triangle Gate to Masato Yoshino, BxB Hulk & [[PAC (wrestler)|PAC]].

In August 2009, he and CIMA participated in the annual [[Summer Adventure Tag League]] Tournament, but they performed very poorly, winning only one match out of eight and finishing in last place. However, they would win the Open the Twin Gate Titles on December 29, beating champions Shingo Takagi & YAMATO. Then, they strangely turned the belts in, declaring themselves to be only tentative champions, and announced their desire to face a strong team to determine the actual champions. On February 10, he and CIMA defeated Naruki Doi & Masato Yoshino to become the full champions. On March 22 they lost the titles to Shingo and [[Cyber Kong]]. On May 13, 2010, Gamma, CIMA and Genki Horiguchi defeated [[Don Fujii]], [[Masaaki Mochizuki]] and [[Akebono Tarō|Akebono]] to win the Open the Triangle Gate Championship. On October 25, 2010, Gamma, CIMA and Horiguchi lost the Open the Triangle Gate Championship to Naoki Tanisaki, Yasushi Kanda and [[Takuya Sugawara]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1288376845 |title=Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly |date=2010-10-29 |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |access-date=2010-10-31 |work=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101030211328/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1288376845 |archive-date=2010-10-30 }}</ref> On November 13, Gamma betrayed WARRIORS by revealing his partner as Naruki Doi for his upcoming Twin Gate championship match at Gate of Destiny, joining Doi's unnamed unit. On November 23, 2010, Gamma and Doi defeated [[Makoto Saito (wrestler)|K-ness]] and [[Susumu Mochizuki|Susumu Yokosuka]] to win the Open the Twin Gate Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1290753672|title=Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly|date=2010-11-26|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|access-date=2010-11-26|work=WrestleView}}</ref> They would lose the title to Don Fujii and Masaaki Mochizuki on January 10, 2011. On January 14, 2011, Doi's unnamed unit aligned themselves with the WARRIORS stable, who turned heel in the process.<ref name=VivaLaRaza20110121>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1295648558 |title=Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |date=2011-01-21 |access-date=2011-01-22 |work=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410054824/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1295648558 |archive-date=2011-04-10 }}</ref> On January 18 the new group was named Blood Warriors.<ref name=VivaLaRaza20110121/> On May 27, the rest of Blood Warriors turned on Gamma and gave his spot in the group to [[M.c.KZ|Kzy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1306491682&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=5/27 AGGRESSIVE GATE - 27 May 2011|date=2011-05-27|access-date=2011-05-28|work=iHEARTdg|archive-date=2011-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818084214/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1306491682&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|url-status=dead}}</ref> Gamma then went on to join Masaaki Mochizuki's Junction Three stable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1307525978&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=6/8 Gate of Maximum Kickoff - 08 Jun 2011|date=2011-06-08|access-date=2011-06-08|work=iHeartDG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818084219/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1307525978&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-date=18 August 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> On June 18, Gamma, Masato Yoshino and YAMATO defeated the Blood Warriors team of CIMA, Naruki Doi and BxB Hulk to win the vacant Open the Triangle Gate Championship. They would go on to lose the title to the Blood Warriors team of Kzy, Naoki Tanisaki and Naruki Doi on September 2. On January 21, Gamma was pinned in a six-man "Loser Leaves Unit" match and was as a result forced to leave Junction Three. After aligning with Kaettekita Veteran-gun, Gamma and stablemates HUB and Magnitude Kishiwada won the Open the Triangle Championship on October 21.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1350808336&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103085303/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1350808336&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-01-03|title=10/21 The Gate of Destiny 2012 - 21 Oct 2012|date=2012-10-21|access-date=2012-10-23|work=iHeartDG}}</ref> They lost the title to Masato Yoshino, Naruki Doi and Shachihoko BOY just a month later. On June 14, 2015, he, CIMA and Don Fujii defeated the Jimmyz (Ryo "Jimmy" Saito, Genki Horiguchi H.A.Gee.Mee!!, and Jimmy Susumu) to win the Open the Triangle Gate Championship. On October 8, Gamma formed a new unit with CIMA, Eita, [[El Lindaman]], Punch Tominaga, and rookies [[Takehiro Yamamura]] and Kaito Ishida. On November 1, the unit was named Over Generation. The same day, he, CIMA, and Don Fujii defended the Open the Triangle Gate Championship against the Jimmyz (Jimmy Susumu, Jimmy K-Ness J.K.S., and Ryo "Jimmy" Saito), and vacated the titles afterwards.

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]'''
**[[Dragon Gate Open the Brave Gate Championship]] ([[Dragon Gate Open the Brave Gate Championship#Title history|1 time]])
**[[Dragon Gate Open the Twin Gate Championship]] ([[Dragon Gate Open the Twin Gate Championship#History|5 times]]) – with Susumu Yokosuka (1), [[Nobuhiko Oshima|CIMA]] (3) and [[Naruki Doi]] (1)
**[[Dragon Gate Open the Triangle Gate Championship]] ([[Dragon Gate Open the Triangle Gate Championship#Title history|13 times]]) – with Naruki Doi and Masato Yoshino (3), Naruki Doi and [[Magnitude Kishiwada]] (1), [[Masato Onodera|YAMATO]] and [[Shingo Takagi]] (1), [[Yasushi Kanda]] and Yamato (1), CIMA and KAGETORA (1), CIMA and [[Genki Horiguchi]] (2), [[Masato Yoshino]] and YAMATO (1), [[Hub (wrestler)|Hub]] and Magnitude Kishiwada (1) and Cima and [[Don Fujii]] (2), Strong Machine F and Strong Machine J (1)
**[[King of Gate]] ([[King of Gate#2007|2007]])
*'''[[Osaka Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[Osaka Pro Wrestling Championship]] ([[Osaka Pro Wrestling Championship#Title history|1 time]])
**[[Osaka Pro Wrestling Tag Team Championship]] ([[Osaka Pro Wrestling Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with Daio QUALLT
**Osaka Pro Tag Festival (2001) – with Daio QUALLT
**OPW Tag Team Championships (2 times) – with [[Super Shisa]] (1) and [[Super Delfin]] (1)
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''
**PWI ranked him #'''198''' of the top 500 wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2012.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2012|access-date=2012-08-25|work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>

===Luchas de Apuestas record===
{{See also|Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|l1=Luchas de Apuestas}}

{|class="wikitable sortable" width=100%
|-
!width=20%|Winner (wager)
!width=20%|Loser (wager)
!width=20%|Location
!width=20%|Event
!width=15%|Date
!width=5%|Notes
|-
|Gamma (hair) || [[Nobuhiko Oshima|CIMA]] (hair) || [[Osaka]], [[Japan]] || Live event || {{dts|2006|11|23}} ||
|-
|[[Takayuki Mori|Anthony W. Mori]] (hair) || Gamma (hair) || [[Nagoya]], [[Japan]] || Live event || {{dts|2007|08|11}} || <ref group=Note>This was a tag team Hair vs. Mask match, where Mori teamed with [[Dragon Kid]] and Gamma with [[Kinta Tamaoka]].</ref>
|}

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=Note}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20150423133840/http://iheartdg.com/gamma.html Gamma profile at I Heart DG.com]

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{Dragon Gate employees}}
{{King of Gate}}
{{Open the Brave Gate Championship}}
{{Open the Twin Gate Championship}}
{{Open the Triangle Gate Championship}}
{{Osaka Pro Wrestling Championship}}
{{Osaka Pro Wrestling Tag Team Championship}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gamma}}
[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Open the Brave Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Twin Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Triangle Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Osaka Pro Wrestling Champions]]
[[Category:Osaka Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:King of Gate winners]]
[[Category:People from Iwaki, Fukushima]]

Don Fujii

2025-06-01T21:42:25Z

89.136.44.148: /* Biography */

{{Short description|Japanese professional wrestler}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2015}}
{{Mcn|date=November 2024}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Don Fujii
|image =
|alt =
|caption =
|birth_name = Tatsuki Fuji
|names = Big Fuji '''Don Fujii''' Don Fujimmy Karaoke Machine (#1) Sumo Dandy Fuji Sumo Fujii<ref>{{cite web | url=http://battle-news.com/?p=16260 | title= ドラゴンゲート11.6後楽園大会スモーズvs.ヴェルセルク全面対抗戦3番勝負、Over Generation後楽園初登場 | date=November 7, 2015 | access-date=November 6, 2015 | work=Battle News | language=ja}}</ref>
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1970|7|6}}
|birth_place = [[Minoh, Osaka|Minoh-shi]], [[Osaka Prefecture|Osaka]], Japan
|death_date =
|resides =
|height = {{height|m=1.75|precision=0}}
|weight = {{convert|100|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
|billed =
|trainer = [[Último Dragón]] [[Dos Caras]] [[Animal Hamaguchi]]
|debut = May 11, 1997
|retired =
}}
{{nihongo|'''Tatsuki Fuji'''|藤井達樹|Fujii Tatsuki|born July 6, 1970}}, better known by his [[ring name]] {{nihongo|'''Don Fujii'''|ドン・フジイ}}, is a Japanese wrestler who currently works for [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]. He was one-half of the inaugural Open the Owarai Twin Gate Champions and is also a former two-time [[Dragon Gate Open the Twin Gate Championship|Open the Twin Gate Champions]] with [[Masaaki Mochizuki]]. He was previously in the Crazy Max and Blood Generation stables.

==Biography==
He was one of the original graduates from the [[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon]] dojo. He was also one of the founding members of the Crazy Max and Blood Generation stables. He made a few appearances in [[World Championship Wrestling]] as Sumo Fuji. He has wrestled as Karaoke Machine #1 at times as well. From 1999 until 2002, he changed his name annually. He first went from Sumo Fuji to Sumo "Dandy" Fuji, then to Sumo "Dandy" Fuji 2000, then to Big Fuji, and finally to Don Fujii.

Fujii has spent most of his Toryumon/Dragon Gate career in heel stables. He was a founding member of Crazy Max, as well as a founding member of Blood Generation. When Blood Generation ended in December 2006, Fujii signed on with Magnum Tokyo's ''Renaissance'' project. The project never went anywhere as Tokyo suffered a career-ending eye injury shortly after it started.

When Cima started the [[Typhoon]] stable, it caused the first split between Cima and Fujii, as Fujii did not want to align himself with [[Susumu Yokosuka]] and [[BxB Hulk]]. He is currently aligned with [[Masaaki Mochizuki]] and [[Makoto Saito (wrestler)|K-ness]] as part of a "seniors" unit. The three of them had an Open the Triangle Gate title run, but upon losing the belts, K-ness stepped back into a lower card role in the promotion while Fujii and Mochi have been focusing on representing Dragon Gate in other promotions. In 2008, the duo added [[Magnitude Kishiwada]] to their ranks, and the trio would eventually win the Open the Triangle Gate Titles from [[Yasushi Kanda]], [[Masato Onodera|Yamato]] and [[Yoshito Sugamoto|Gamma]] on September 28. They held them until February 15, 2009, dropping them to [[Shingo Takagi]], [[Taku Iwasa]] and [[Dragon Kid]].

On April 12, he teamed with [[Kikutaro]] to beat [[Kanji Ichikawa|Hollywood Stalker Ichikawa]] and Magnitude Kishiwada to become the inaugural Open the Owarai Twin Gate Champions. On October 14, he added the Triangle Gate titles to his collection, teaming with Masaaki Mochizuki and [[Akebono Taro|Akebono]] to defeat the champions [[Masato Yoshino]], [[BxB Hulk]] and [[PAC (wrestler)|Pac]]. On May 13, 2010, Fujii, Mochizuki and Akebono lost the Open the Triangle Gate Championship to [[Nobuhiko Oshima|Cima]], [[Yoshito Sugamoto|Gamma]] and [[Genki Horiguchi]]. On January 10, 2011, Fujii and Mochizuki defeated [[Naruki Doi]] and Gamma to win the [[Dragon Gate Open the Twin Gate Championship|Open the Twin Gate Championship]]. They would lose the title to Genki Horiguchi and [[Ryo Saito (wrestler)|Ryo Saito]] on February 6, 2011. On September 23, 2012, Fujii and Mochizuki, now representing the Kaettekita Veteran-gun stable, regained the title from Shingo Takagi and Yamato.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1348376141&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209105630/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1348376141&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 9, 2012|title=Dangerous Gate 2012 – 22 Sep 2012|date=September 23, 2012|access-date=September 23, 2012|work=iHeartDG}}</ref> They lost the title to BxB Hulk and [[Uhaa Nation]] on March 2, 2013. On June 14, 2015, he, Cima and Gamma defeated the Jimmyz (Ryo "Jimmy" Saito, Genki Horiguchi H.A.Gee.Mee!!, and Jimmy Susumu) to win the Open the Triangle Gate Championship. On October 8, Cima and Gamma formed a new unit called Over Generation with [[Eita (wrestler)|Eita]], [[El Lindaman]], [[Punch Tominaga]], and rookies [[Takehiro Yamamura]] and [[Kaito Ishida]]. Don Fujii did not join the new unit despite holding the Open the Triangle Gate Championship with Cima and Gamma. On November 1, he, Cima, and Gamma defended the Open the Triangle Gate Championship against the Jimmyz (Jimmy Susumu, Jimmy K-Ness J.K.S., and Ryo "Jimmy" Saito), and vacated the titles afterwards.

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]'''
**[[Dragon Gate Open the Dream Gate Championship|Open the Dream Gate Championship]] ([[Dragon Gate Open the Dream Gate Championship#Title history|1 time]])
**[[Dragon Gate Open the Triangle Gate Championship|Open the Triangle Gate Championship]] ([[Dragon Gate Open the Triangle Gate Championship#Title history|6 times]]) – with [[Nobuhiko Oshima|Cima]] and [[Naruki Doi]] (1), [[Masaaki Mochizuki]] and [[K-ness.]] (1), [[Masaaki Mochizuki]] and [[Magnitude Kishiwada]] (1), Masaaki Mochizuki and Akebono (1), and Cima and [[Gamma (wrestler)|Gamma]] (2)
**[[Dragon Gate Open the Twin Gate Championship|Open the Twin Gate Championship]] ([[Dragon Gate Open the Twin Gate Championship#History|2 times]]) – with Masaaki Mochizuki
**[[Dragon Gate Open the Owarai Gate Championship|Open the Owarai Gate Championship]] (1 time)
**Open the Owarai Twin Gate Championship (1 time) – with [[Mitsunobu Kikuzawa|Kikutaro]]
**[[Dragon Gate I-J Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|WAR International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[Dragon Gate I-J Heavyweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Masaaki Mochizuki]]
*'''[[International Wrestling Revolution Group]]'''
**[[Copa Higher Power]] (1998) – with, [[Takahiro Suwa|Judo Suwa]], Lyguila, [[Magnum Tokyo]], [[Ryo Saito (wrestler)|Ryo Saito]], [[Cima (wrestler)|Shiima Nobunaga]] and [[Yoshihiro Asai|Último Dragón]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecubsfan.com/cmll/events/arenas/arenanaucalpan1998.php |title=Arena Listing – Arena Nacaualpan 1008 |access-date=December 3, 2013 |publisher=The Cubsfan |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202235657/http://www.thecubsfan.com/cmll/events/arenas/arenanaucalpan1998.php |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |df=mdy }}</ref>
*'''[[Osaka Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[Osaka Pro Wrestling Tag Team Championship]] ([[Osaka Pro Wrestling Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Masaaki Mochizuki]]
**Osaka Tag Festival (2010) – Masaaki Mochizuki
*'''[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Toryumon Japan]]'''
**[[UWA World Trios Championship]] ([[UWA World Trios Championship#Title history|4 times]]) – with [[Nobuhiko Oshima|Cima]] and [[Takahiro Suwa|Suwa]] (3) and [[Nobuhiko Oshima|Cima]] and [[Yoshikazu Taru|Taru]] (1)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080914184320/http://dgusa.puroresufan.com/fujii.html Don Fujii at Dragon Gate USA]

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{Distrito Federal Trios Championship}}
{{Dragon Gate employees}}
{{International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship}}
{{Open the Dream Gate Championship}}
{{Open the Owarai Gate Championship}}
{{Open the Twin Gate Championship}}
{{Open the Triangle Gate Championship}}
{{Osaka Pro Wrestling Tag Team Championship}}
{{UWA World Trios Championship}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fujii, Don}}
[[Category:1970 births]]
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Minoh, Osaka]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:UWA World Trios Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Dream Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Twin Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Triangle Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Owarai Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Tenryu Project International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]]

Fumiyuki Hashimoto

2025-06-01T21:41:18Z

89.136.44.148: /* Dragon Gate (2008–present) */

{{Short description|Japanese professional wrestler}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name=Fumiyuki Hashimoto
|names='''Kagetora'''<ref name=CMProfile>{{cite web|title=CageMatch Profile|url=http://cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=4583&gimmick=Kagetora|publisher=CageMatch|access-date=29 July 2011}}</ref> SUWAcito<ref name=PCProfile>{{cite web|title=Puroresu Central Profile|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/kagetora.html|publisher=Puroresu Central|access-date=29 July 2011}}</ref> Monster Kamen Black<ref name=PCProfile /> Como Leopardo<ref name=PCProfile /> Yellow Devil Spider<ref name=CMProfile /> Jimmy Kagetora<ref name=FantasticGate/>
|image=Fumiyuki Hashimoto.jpg
|caption=KAGETORA in 2009
|height={{height|m=1.70|precision=0}}<ref name=DGProfile />
|weight={{convert|81|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=DGProfile />
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1982|4|21}}<ref name=DGProfile>{{cite web|title=Dragon Gate Profile|url=http://www.gaora.co.jp/dragongate/data/prfl/kagetora.html|publisher=Dragon Gate|access-date=29 July 2011}}</ref>
|death_date =
|birth_place = [[Tokyo]], Japan<ref name=DGProfile />
|billed=
|trainer=[[Skayde]]<ref name=CMProfile /> [[Último Dragón]]<ref name=CMProfile />
|debut=May 11, 2002<ref name=DGProfile />
|retired=
|}}

{{nihongo|'''Fumiyuki Hashimoto'''|橋本史之|Hashimoto Fumiyuki}} (born April 21, 1982), known by his [[ring name]] '''Kagetora''' (formerly stylized in all capitals), is a Japanese [[professional wrestler]] who works for [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]. He wrestles in independent wrestling leagues all around [[Japan]] and has wrestled in the [[United States]] for [[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]] and [[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/miscliveevents/article1001460.shtml|title=5/17 PWG in Burbank: Austin Aries vs. Jay Brisco, tag team title tournament, Excalibur mocks Kevin Steen's son|access-date=2009-04-13| last=Stradlin|first=Saul|date=2009-03-18|publisher=prowrestling.net}}</ref> He has wrestled many famous wrestlers including [[Jinsei Shinzaki]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.purodvd.com/mpro122207.htm |title=Puroresu King #164 12/22/07 "MPro: Tag League'07: Sasuke & Yoshitsune vs. Kagetora & Rasse" (11/23/07) @puroDVD.com |access-date=2009-04-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113053719/http://www.purodvd.com/mpro122207.htm |archive-date=2010-11-13 }}</ref>

==Career==

===Toryumon (2002–2004)===
Hashimoto was part of Mini Crazy MAX as SUWAcito early in his career with [[Takuya Sugi]] (Mini CIMA) and [[Masaki Okimoto]] (Small Dandy Fuji). They were little version of the Japanese wrestlers [[Nobuhiko Oshima|CIMA]], [[Takahiro Suwa|Suwa]] and [[Don Fujii]].

===Michinoku Pro Wrestling (2004–2009)===
Hashimoto started competing in [[Michinoku Pro Wrestling]] in 2005 under the new name of '''Kagetora''', based in [[Uesugi Kagetora]]. He initially wore a [[Mempo|menpō]] mask during his matches, but he dropped it. After a tag team tenure with [[Takuya Sugi|Shanao]], Kagetora turned on him and became a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]]. He joined [[Gamma (wrestler)|Gamma]]'s faction STONED, and after Gamma departed from Michinoku Pro, Kagetora became the leader of the stable. He won the [[Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Championship]] on March 19, 2006 but vacated the championship after the match so it could be decided in a tournament.

He turned face again after he was kicked from STONED in El Dorado Wrestling. In 2007, Kagetora and [[Masaki Okimoto|Rasse]] beat [[Shu and Kei Sato]] for the [[Tohoku Tag Team Championship]] and during their title reign they won the [[Osaka Pro Wrestling Tag Team Championship]], becoming dual champions.

===Dragondoor and El Dorado Wrestling (2006–2007)===
After Kagetora became the leader of STONED, the stable started appearing as well in Dragondoor, where they clashed with dominant stable Aagan Iisou, led by [[Shuji Kondo]]. As the promotion closed after a few events, Kagetora moved his independent ventures to [[Pro Wrestling Zero1]], where he found himself teaming up with a member of Aagan Iisou, [[Takuya Sugawara]], who had been recruited for STONED by Gamma.

When Dragondoor was reopened as El Dorado Wrestling, Kagetora started wrestling regularly there under the modified name of KAGETORA, in all caps. Under his command, STONED started a feud against Aagan Iisou over which would recruit Sugawara, as the latter was now a simultaneous member of both factions and there were friction between all three parties. Ultimately, Sugawara chose STONED, but he and the [[Brahman Brothers]] turned on KAGETORA and expelled him, renaming the group as HELL DEMONS.

Afterwards, KAGETORA allied ironically with another ex-member of Aagan Iisou, [[Toru Owashi]], as part of the latter's Animal Planets faction. He challenged [[Kota Ibushi]] for the [[Independent World Junior Heavyweight Championship]], but lost the match. He started teaming with Ibushi and they won the [[UWA World Tag Team Championship]], but they later vacated the titles.

===Dragon Gate (2008–present)===
On December 19, 2008, KAGETORA debuted in Dragon Gate after it was announced that El Dorado would be closing, intruding after the opening match. He openly declared war on Dragon Gate, attacking m.c. KZ and criticizing fellow former El Dorado wrestler Naoki Tanisaki for abandoning the company months prior. He stated that he himself had abandoned Dragon Gate in 2004, but was now back to wreak havoc.

However, Toryumon veteran [[Makoto Saito (wrestler)|K-ness]] reminded him that it was Dragon Gate who had abandoned KAGETORA and the rest of Toryumon X, not the other way around. K-ness did state that he was happy for Toryumon X wrestlers such as [[Takuya Sugi|El Blazer]] and [[Taro Nohashi|Shinjitsu Nohashi]] for returning, but not KAGETORA, and he dismissed him and referred to him by his dojo boy name, "Hashimoto-kun". This led to the announcement of KAGETORA first two Dragon Gate matches, against m.c.KZ and then K-ness. He then joined up with the Real Hazard stable.

He fought in the one-night Battle of Tokyo Tournament on January 25, 2009, where he beat K-ness in the opening round, and then would go on to win the tournament, beating [[Akira Tozawa]] in the finals. The victory earned him an Open the Brave Gate title shot against [[Masato Yoshino]] a few weeks later, but he failed to win it. [[Kenichiro Arai]] started verbally abusing him for the loss, which continued right up until March 1. On that day, he had had enough: When [[Masato Onodera|YAMATO]] & [[Cyber Kong]] were defending their [[Dragon Gate Open the Twin Gate Championship|Open the Twin Gate Championship]] against [[Susumu Yokosuka]] & [[Yoshito Sugamoto|Gamma]], he interfered and cost his stablemates the titles. He then left Real Hazard and joined Yokosuka, Gamma, and the returning [[Nobuhiko Oshima|CIMA]] in their WARRIORS-5 stable.

On April 15, he captured his first title in Dragon Gate, winning the Open the Triangle Gate titles with CIMA & Gamma. In August, he made another attempt on the Brave Gate by participating in a tournament for the vacant title, and though he made it to the finals, he lost to [[Naoki Tanizaki]].

When Susumu Yokosuka left WARRIORS-5 for Real Hazard on December 3, he began to distance himself from the remainder of the unit over the next few weeks, and then went missing. When he went missing, a new Dr. Muscle appeared in Real Hazard. When Dragon Kid left KAMIKAZE for WARRIORS-5 on January 11, 2010, he broke his silence the next day, posting a blog where he questioned why Kid was allowed into the stable, and he hinted at crashing the January 15th show, since he had no match scheduled for that day. He didn't show up, but the day after, he revealed himself to be the one under the Dr. Muscle mask, and re-joined Real Hazard.

[[File:Team Dragon Gate vs. The Osirian Portal.jpg|right|350px|thumb|KAGETORA, (far right) along with [[Akira Tozawa]] and [[Super Shisa]] represent [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]] in the [[King of Trios#2011|2011 King of Trios tournament]], where they faced [[the Osirian Portal]] in the quarter-finals.]]

However, he openly stated his distrust of everyone in the stable, except for Takuya Sugawara, and he very quickly began to regret joining them. Then, on February 7, he oddly went to [[Akira Tozawa]] for advice, asking him if he made the right decision in rejoining Real Hazard, or if he should have stayed in the WARRIORS-5 stable. Tozawa simply replied that it was his path, so he had to find his own answer. Things got worse for KAGETORA three days later, when he accidentally cost Sugawara a shot at becoming the next challenger for the Open the Dream Gate Title. This set up a match for the following day between himself and stablemate Kzy (the former m.c.KZ), where the loser would be kicked out of Real Hazard. He also sought advice from Tozawa again, wondering if his upcoming trip to Germany would go wrong just like how leaving WARRIORS-5 and joining Real Hazard went wrong, but they both couldn't come up with an answer. The next day, Kzy defeated him, expelling him from Real Hazard. [[Yasushi Kanda]] and Kenichiro Arai started to attack him afterwards, but Tozawa came to his rescue. He tried to console KAGETORA, but KAGETORA told him he wanted to be alone and ran off. After the main event match concluded, CIMA called him out. He came to the ring and apologized for deserting WARRIORS-5, and then tried to get some advice from him, prompting Tozawa to come back out and attempt to assert his newfound role as KAGETORA's mentor. As a result, a match was made for February 27, with CIMA, Gamma & Dragon Kid of Warriors-5 facing Tozawa, YAMATO & Shingo Takagi of KAMIKAZE, and the winning team would get KAGETORA. During the match, KAGETORA was hit by an errant cane attack from Gamma, and took the cane away from Gamma when he attempted to cheat again. The finish of the match occurred when KAGETORA accidentally hit Gamma with his cane, leading to Tozawa pinning Gamma for KAMIKAZE's win. KAGETORA thus joined KAMIKAZE, promising his new stablemates that he would do his best.

On April 15, 2011, KAGETORA represented Team Dragon Gate in the [[King of Trios#2011|2011 King of Trios tournament]] along with [[Akira Tozawa]] and [[Super Shisa]]. In the first round of the tournament, Team Dragon Gate defeated the Spectral Envoy ([[UltraMantis Black]], Hallowicked and [[Frightmare (wrestler)|Frightmare]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/DVDs_-_VGames_-_Books_25/article_49808.shtml|title=Radican's Chikara KoT Night 1 DVD Review 4/15 - Team Michinoku Pro vs. Team 1-2-3 Kid, Quackenbush & Toyota & Jigsaw vs. SAT's|last=Radican|first=Sean|date=2011-05-04|access-date=2011-05-05|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following day, Team Dragon Gate was eliminated from the tournament in the quarter-final stage by [[The Osirian Portal]] (Amasis, [[Jonathan Gresham|Hieracon]] and [[Ophidian (wrestler)|Ophidian]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/DVDs_-_VGames_-_Books_25/article_50050.shtml|title=Radican's Chikara DVD review series - "King of Trios 2011 Night 2" 4/16: F.I.S.T. vs. Osaka Pro, RDV tournament, Quackenbush & Toyota & Jigsaw vs. Michinoku Pro|last=Radican|first=Sean|date=2011-05-13|access-date=2011-05-14|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On April 17, the final day of the tournament, KAGETORA and Shisa took part in a gauntlet tag match and were the final team to enter, but they were defeated by [[Atsushi Kotoge]] and [[Daisuke Harada]].<ref name=PW1>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/DVDs_-_VGames_-_Books_25/article_50557.shtml|title=Radican's Chikara DVD review series: "KOT 2011: Night 3 4/17 - Kid vs. Generico, Toyota vs. Eagles, KOT tournament Finals|last=Radican|first=Sean|date=2011-06-05|access-date=2011-06-05|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

[[File:KAGETORA and Super Shisa.jpg|left|thumb|KAGETORA and [[Super Shisa]] attack [[the Osirian Portal|Amasis]].]]

On May 13, 2011, Takagi disbanded KAMIKAZE, after which KAGETORA followed him and YAMATO to [[Masaaki Mochizuki]]'s new stable, Junction Three. On December 1, KAGETORA and Susumu Yokosuka failed to capture the Open the Twin Gate Championship in a match against the Blood Warriors team of Akira Tozawa and [[BxB Hulk]] and as a result were forced to change their ring names to Jimmy KAGETORA and Jimmy Susumu, respectively.<ref name=FantasticGate>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1322731787&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=12/1 Fantastic Gate - 01 Dec 2011|date=2011-12-01|access-date=2011-12-01|work=iHeartDG|archive-date=2012-04-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424042536/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1322731787&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|url-status=dead}}</ref> On February 9, 2012, Junction Three was forced to disband, after losing a fourteen-man elimination tag team match to Blood Warriors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1328780215&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120712062018/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1328780215&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-07-12|title=2/9 TRUTH GATE, Blood Warriors vs. Junction Three Finale - 09 Feb 2012|date=2012-02-09|access-date=2012-02-10|work=iHeartDG}}</ref> On March 3, KAGETORA formed the Jimmyz stable with [[Genki Horiguchi|H-A-Gee-Mee]], [[Yasushi Kanda|Jimmy Kanda]], [[Ryo Saito (wrestler)|Ryo "Jimmy" Saito]] and Jimmy Susumu.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1330766526&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=3/3 Champion Gate in Osaka - 03 Mar 2012|date=2012-03-03|access-date=2012-03-04|work=iHeartDG|archive-date=2012-03-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331225842/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1330766526&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|url-status=dead}}</ref> The following day, KAGETORA and Jimmy Susumu defeated Akira Tozawa and BxB Hulk to win the Open the Twin Gate Championship.<ref name=ChampionGate>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1330842276&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=3/4 Champion Gate in Osaka - 03 Mar 2012|date=2012-03-04|access-date=2012-03-04|work=iHeartDG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331225827/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1330842276&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-date=31 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> They lost the title to BxB Hulk and "Naoki Tanisaki" on June 10, but regained them on June 17 in a 3-way Elimination tag team match which also included MadoGiwa Windows members K-ness & Kenichiro Arai.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1339306229&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=6/10 Gate of Maximum - 09 Jun 2012|date=2012-06-10|access-date=2012-06-10|work=iHeartDG|archive-date=2013-01-03|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103081329/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1339306229&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|url-status=dead}}</ref> They would lose the Twin Gate belts to -akatushi- members Shingo Takagi and YAMATO at the Kobe Pro-Wrestling PPV on July 22, 2012.

On June 19, 2016, Kagetora and Susumu defeated [[Tomahawk T.T.|T-Hawk]] and Big R Shimizu to capture their third Twin Gate Championship. They would lose the titles to CIMA and Dragon Kid on November 3. On March 20, 2017, Jimmy Kagetora defeated [[El Lindaman]] in the finals of a tournament to win the vacant Open the Brave Gate Championship. He made his first successful defense on May 5, 2017 at Dead Or Alive, against [[Takehiro Yamamura]].

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]'''
**[[Open the Triangle Gate Championship]] (3 times) - with [[Cima (wrestler)|CIMA]] & [[Gamma (wrestler)|Gamma]] (1), [[Genki Horiguchi|Genki Horiguchi H.A.Gee.Mee!!]] and [[Susumu Mochizuki|Jimmy Susumu]] (1), and [[BxB Hulk]] and [[Susumu Yokosuka]] (1,current)
**[[Open the Twin Gate Championship]] (3 times) - with Jimmy Susumu<ref name=ChampionGate/>
**[[Open the Brave Gate Championship]] (2 times)
**Battle of Tokyo Tournament (2009)
**[[Summer Adventure Tag League]] ([[Summer Adventure Tag League#2014|2014]]) - with Jimmy Susumu
*'''El Dorado Wrestling'''
**[[UWA World Tag Team Championship]] (1 time) - with [[Kota Ibushi]]
*'''[[Michinoku Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Championship]] (1 time)
**[[Tohoku Tag Team Championship]] ([[Tohoku Tag Team Championship#Title history|2 times]]) - with [[Masaki Okimoto|Rasse]] (1) and [[Takuya Sugi|Sugi]] (1)
**Iron Man Tournament (2005)
**Futaritabi Tag Team League (2005) - with [[Takuya Sugi|Shanao]]
**Futaritabi Tag Team League (2007) - with [[Masaki Okimoto|Rasse]]
**M-12 Battle Royal (2006) with [[Takuya Sugi|Yoshitsune]]
*'''[[Osaka Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[Osaka Pro Wrestling Tag Team Championship]] (1 time) - with [[Masaki Okimoto|Rasse]]
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**Ranked No. 230 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[PWI 500]] in 2017<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2017.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2017|access-date=September 8, 2017|work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
*'''[[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon]] X'''
**Yamaha Cup Tag Tournament (2004) - with [[Takuya Sugi|Mini CIMA]]
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Zero1]]'''
**[[NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship]] (1 time) - with Jimmy Susumu

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
*{{commonscatinline}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{Dragon Gate employees}}
{{Open the Brave Gate Championship}}
{{Open the Twin Gate Championship}}
{{Open the Triangle Gate Championship}}
{{Rey de Parejas winners}}
{{Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{UWA World Tag Team Championship}}
{{International Lightweight Tag Team Championship (Zero1)}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Japan}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hashimoto, Fumiyuki}}
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1982 births]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:Tohoku Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:UWA World Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Brave Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Triangle Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Osaka Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:International Lightweight Tag Team Champions (Zero1)]]

Ryoji Sai

2025-05-24T10:53:59Z

89.136.44.148:

{{Short description|Zainichi Korean wrestler (born 1980)}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Ryoji Sai
|image = Ryoji Sai.jpg
|caption =
|birth_name = Choi Young-ii (최영이)
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1980|6|3}}<ref name="z1fighters">{{cite web |url=http://zerooneusa.com/profiles.shtml |title=ZERO1-MAX fighters page |access-date=2007-07-18 |publisher=ZEROONEUSA.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070630003117/http://www.zerooneusa.com/profiles.shtml |archive-date=2007-06-30 }}</ref>
|birth_place = [[Osaka|Osaka, Japan]]<ref name="saiprofile">{{cite web|url=http://www.zero-one-max.com/fighters_sai.html|title=Ryouji Sai profile|access-date=2007-07-18|publisher=ZERO-ONE-MAX.com|language=ja}}</ref>
|resides =
|names = '''Ryoji Sai'''<ref name="z1fighters"/>
|height = {{height|ft=6|in=3}}<ref name="z1fighters"/>
|weight = {{convert|231|lb|kg|abbr=on|lk=on}} <ref name="z1fighters"/>
|billed =
|trainer = Gerard Gordeau [[Pro Wrestling ZERO1-MAX|Zero1]] Dojo
|debut = September 1, 2001<ref name="firefestival01">{{cite web |url= http://puroresufan.com/other/zero-one/results/fire01.php |title=ZERO-ONE Fire Festival 2001 tour results |access-date=2007-07-18 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070926234250/http://puroresufan.com/other/zero-one/results/fire01.php  |archive-date = 2007-09-26}}</ref>
|retired =
|website =
}}
{{nihongo|'''Ryoji Sai'''<ref name="z1fighters"/>|崔領二|Sai Ryōji|최영이}} (born '''Choi Young-ii''' June 3, 1980) is a Korean [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], [[Mixed martial arts|mixed martial artist]] and promoter who currently owns and operates [[Pro Wrestling Land's End]], where he is a former [[All Asia Heavyweight Championship|All Asia Heavyweight Champion]]. He is best known for working for [[Pro Wrestling Zero1]], where he is a former two-time [[World Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)|World Heavyweight Champion]].

He is the older brother of mixed martial artist Young Choi.

==Career==
Ryoji Sai is a 3rd Generation [[Zainichi Korean]] that was born in [[Osaka, Japan]]. His parents own a restaurant near [[Tsuruhashi Station]] in Osaka. At 15 years old, Ryouji attended the [[Sidmouth International School]] in [[Sidmouth]], [[England]]. He then attended Bloxham School in Oxfordshire between 1996 and 1999. While in Europe he studied martial arts under [[Gerard Gordeau]] in the Netherlands.

When he returned to Japan he joined [[Pro Wrestling ZERO-ONE]], debuting on September 1, 2001 at the ZERO-ONE "FIRE FESTIVAL 2001" versus [[Igor Meindert.]] in a non-tournament match. From 2002 to 2004, he would be out of pro wrestling with an unknown ailment. Returning in 2004, he would begin to regularly team with [[Kohei Sato]] winning the [[NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship]] in 2005 and 2006.

Ryoji twice finished as the runner-up in ZERO1 [[Fire Festival]] tournaments in both 2007 and 2006, losing to [[Masato Tanaka]]. He also regularly appeared for the [[Hustle (professional wrestling)|HUSTLE]] wrestling promotion during [[Pro Wrestling ZERO1]]'s working agreement with them. In late 2008 and early 2009, Sai took part on the popular Japan [[Fuji TV]] show [[Ainori]] (あいのり) under the name of "Wrestler" (レスラー).

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]'''
:*[[World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)|World Tag Team Championship]] ([[World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)|2 times]]) – with [[James Raideen|Dylan James]] (1) & [[Zeus (Japanese wrestler)|Zeus]] (1)
*'''[[Apache Pro-Wrestling Army]]'''
:*[[WEW World Tag Team Championship]] ([[WEW World Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Tetsuhiro Kuroda]]

*'''[[Hustle (professional wrestling)|HUSTLE]]'''
:*[[Hustle Super Tag Team Championship]] ([[Hustle Super Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Wataru Sakata]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/others/hustle-t.html|title=Hustle Super Tag Team Championship history}}</ref>

*'''[[Pro Wrestling Land's End]]'''
**[[All Asia Heavyweight Championship]] ([[All Asia Heavyweight Championship|1 time]])
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**Ranked No. 220 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[PWI 500]] in 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2014.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2014|access-date=September 13, 2018|work=internet wrestling database}}</ref>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Zero1]]'''
:*[[NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship#Title history|3 times]]) – with [[Kohei Sato]] (2) and Osamu Namiguchi (1)<ref name="icofficial">{{cite web |url=http://zerooneusa.com/title_ictag.shtml |title=NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship title history |access-date=2007-07-18 |publisher=ZEROONEUSA.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060514234337/http://zerooneusa.com/title_ictag.shtml |archive-date=2006-05-14 }}</ref>
:*[[NWA United National Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA United National Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="un-official">{{cite web |url= http://zerooneusa.com/title_un.shtml |title=NWA United National Heavyweight Championship title history |access-date=2007-07-18 |publisher=ZEROONEUSA.com }}</ref>
:*[[World Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)|World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[World Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)#Title history|2 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zerooneusa.com/title_world.php|title=Zero1 World Heavyweight Championship history}}</ref>
:*[[Fire Festival]] ([[Fire Festival#2009|2009]], [[Fire Festival#2014|2014]])<ref name=Tourney/>
:*Passion Cup Tag Tournament (2008) – with [[Kohei Sato]]<ref name=Tourney>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=1209&view=turniere#turniere|title=Tournaments}}</ref>

==MMA record==
{{MMArecordbox
|draws= 1
|nc= 1
|wins= 1
|losses= 1
|ko-wins= 1
|ko-losses= 1
|sub-wins=0
|sub-losses=0
|dec-wins=0
|dq-wins=0
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align="center"| 1-1-1 (1)
| Kenichi Serizawa
| TKO ([[Punch (combat)|Punches]])
| Titan Fighting Championship 2
| {{dts|2001|January|21}}
| align='center'| 2
| align='center'| 3:32
| [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]]
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align="center"| 1-0-1 (1)
| Koichi Sato
| TKO ([[Punch (combat)|Punches]])
| Titan Fighting Championship 2
| {{dts|2001|January|21}}
| align='center'| 1
| align='center'| 2:54
| [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]]
|
|-
| {{draw}}NC
| align="center"| 0-0-1 (1)
| Koichi Sato
| No contest (illegal knees)
| Titan Fighting Championship 2
| {{dts|2001|January|21}}
| align="center"| 1
| align="center"| 0:26
| [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]]
|
|-
| {{draw}}Draw
| align=center| 0–0–1
| [[Masakazu Imanari]]
| Technical Draw
| Titan Fighting Championship 1
| {{dts|2000|September|29}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:29
| Tokyo, Japan
|
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070410011640/http://www.zerooneusa.com/ ZERO1 USA English language website]
* [http://www.z-1.co.jp/index.html ZERO1 Japanese language website]
* [http://sairyoji.blog.players.tv/ Sai's Official Japanese language blog]

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)}}
{{Wrestle-1}}
{{Pro Wrestling Zero1}}
{{World Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)}}
{{United National Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)}}
{{Intercontinental Tag Team Championship (Zero1)}}
{{Fire Festival}}
{{All Asia Heavyweight Championship}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sai, Ryoji}}
[[Category:1980 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Japanese people of Korean descent]]
[[Category:Martial artists from Osaka]]
[[Category:Zainichi Korean professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:World Tag Team Champions (AJPW)]]
[[Category:WEW World Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:All Asia Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:Zero1 World Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:Zero1 Intercontinental Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:Zero1 United National Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:Fire Festival winners]]

Kintarō Ōki

2025-05-24T10:52:29Z

89.136.44.148:

{{Short description|Zainichi Korean wrestler (1929–2006)}}
{{about|the South Korean professional wrestler|the North Korean amateur wrestler|Kim Il (wrestler)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
| name = Kintarō Ōki
| names = Kim Il Kintarō Kongo Kintarō Ōki Tetsurō Sato
| birth_name = Kim Tae-sik<ref name="gs56">{{cite book|script-title=ja:Gスピリッツ Vol.56|year=2020|pages=17–18|publisher={{ill|Tatsumi Publishing|ja|辰巳出版}}|isbn=4777826074}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date|1929|2|24|mf=y}}
| birth_place = [[Goheung]], [[Zenranan-dō]] ([[South Jeolla Province]]), [[Korea under Japanese rule|Korea, Empire of Japan]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|2006|10|26|1929|2|24|mf=y}}
| death_place = [[Seoul]], South Korea
| trainer = [[Rikidōzan]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/> Mr. Moto<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/> [[Yoshino Sato]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/>
| debut = November 1959<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/>
| image = Kintaro Ohki 1962 Scan10015 161022 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Kintarō Ōki in 1962
| retired = 1982<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/>
| height = 185 cm<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/>
| weight = 120 kg<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/>
}}
{{family name hatnote|Kim||lang=Korean}}

'''Kim Tae-sik''' (February 24, 1929 – October 26, 2006) was a South Korean [[professional wrestler]] and ''[[ssireum]]'' player, better known by the [[ring name]]s '''Kintarō Ōki''' ({{langx|ja|大木金太郎}}) and '''Kim Il''' ({{Korean|hangul=김일|hanja=金一}}). His professional wrestling career spanned from the late-1950s to the early-1980s.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/22263833 |script-title=ko:박치기왕 임종 이틀 전…“내 머릿속 큰 돌멩이 좀 빼줘” |language=ko |date=2018-01-07 |access-date=2021-01-28}}</ref>

== Professional wrestling career ==
Kim was originally a [[Ssireum]] player, but he had hopes of becoming a student of fellow Korean wrestler [[Rikidōzan]], who had emigrated to Japan in 1940. He entered Japan illegally in 1958 to do so, but was arrested in 1959. After being released he was able to train with Rikidōzan and joined the [[Japan Wrestling Association]] (JWA).

Kim debuted in November 1959 under the [[ring name]] "Kintarō Ōki". On September 30, 1960, Ōki defeated fellow rookie [[Kanji Inoki]] (later Antonio Inoki), who was making his debut along with Shohei Baba (later [[Giant Baba]]). Ōki, Baba and Inoki were a rookie trio groomed to become the eventual successors to Rikidōzan himself. Ohki was also trained by Mr. Moto and [[Yoshino Sato]].<ref name="puro_puro">{{Cite web |title=Kintaro Ohki |author= |work=Puroresu Dojo |date= |access-date= |url= https://www.puroresu.com/personalities/kim_il/ }}</ref>

Upon Rikidōzan's murder in 1963, Ōki returned to his homeland to raise the profile of professional wrestling there. In 1964 and 1965 he went to Texas, where he competed for [[World Class Championship Wrestling|Big Time Wrestling]] in [[Dallas]] as "Kintarō Ōki" and for [[Dory Funk]]'s [[Western States Sports]] promotion in [[Amarillo, Texas|Amarillo]] as "Tetsurō Sato". He'd return to Amarillo in 1970 under the ring name "Kim Il", along with another Dallas tour.

In 1964, Ōki faced [[NWA World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Lou Thesz]] in what turned into a legitimate [[shoot (professional wrestling)|shoot]] contest. Originally scheduled for three falls, Ōki shot on Thesz in the first round. Ōki's move to shoot on Thesz ended things fast, as Thesz wounded him to the point that Ōki was stretchered off.<ref name="Lutzke "/>

After a brief JWA return in 1964 as "Kintarō Kongo", Ōki returned to the JWA when [[Toyonobori]] and Inoki left the promotion, though he returned the next year. In 1967, Ōki became the top star in Korea with his defeat of [[Mark Lewin]] to win the [[Worldwide Wrestling Associates World Heavyweight Championship]]. With this, the JWA wanted to rename him to "Rikidōzan", but the plan never went through.<ref name="puro_puro"/>

Ōki trained [[Kim Duk]], who debuted in 1968.<ref name="Saalbach"/> The duo went on to team together, winning the [[NWA International Tag Team Championship]] twice and several awards.

Inoki and Baba left the JWA in 1972 to found the [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] and [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] promotions respectively in 1972, letting Ōki become the JWA's top star, winning the [[NWA International Heavyweight Championship]].

In April 1973, the JWA closed and was absorbed into All Japan Pro Wrestling, and though Ōki competed for the new organization for a time he wrestled mostly as a freelancer in Japan and a main event star in South Korea, famously wrestling against his former fellow rookies Inoki and Baba in 1974 and 1975. He defended the NWA International Heavyweight Championship in [[International Wrestling Enterprise]] and South Korea until ordered by the NWA to vacate it in 1981.<ref name="puro_puro"/>

Following then Ōki did not compete much, with his official retirement card on April 2, 1995, held at a ''Weekly Pro-Wrestling'' magazine sponsored show at the [[Tokyo Dome]] in Japan. Wrestling legend [[Lou Thesz]] assisted Ōki at this, his last public appearance in Japan; Ōki was in a wheelchair at this time.

During his career Ōki also held the Far East Heavyweight Championship, [[All Asia Heavyweight Championship]], and [[All Asia Tag Team Championship]] four times each, the [[NWA Texas Tag Team Championship]] four times, and the [[NWA International Tag Team Championship]] four times.<ref name="puro_puro"/>

== Death ==
Ōki died in the Eulji General Hospital in [[Seoul]] on October 26, 2006, of a [[heart attack]] brought on by [[chronic kidney disease]] and [[kidney failure]].<ref name="Kang"/> In 2020, he was reburied in the [[Daejeon National Cemetery]] with the approval of the [[Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs]].<ref name="Boram"/>

== Professional wrestling style and persona ==
Ōki's finishing moves were a [[headbutt]] and a [[figure-four leglock]].<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/><ref name="Saalbach"/><ref name="Boram"/>

== Championships and accomplishments ==
*'''[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[All Asia Heavyweight Championship]] ([[All Asia Heavyweight Championship#Title history|2 times]])
**[[NWA International Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA International Tag Team Championship#Title history|2 times]]) - with [[Kim Duk]]
**Champion Carnival Fighting Spirit Award (1976)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/history/carnival76.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925014809/http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/history/carnival76.php |archive-date=September 25, 2022 |title=Champion Carnival 1976 |work=PUROLOVE.com |language=de |access-date=March 3, 2023}}</ref>
**World's Strongest Tag Determination Fair Play Award (1977) – with Kim Duk<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1538| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200809021243/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1538| archive-date = 2020-08-09| title = Open Tag League 1977 « Tournaments Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
**World's Strongest Tag Determination Effort Award (1978) – with Kim Duk<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/history/rwtl78.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407012752/http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/history/rwtl78.php |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |title=Real World Tag League 1978 |work=PUROLOVE.com |language=de |date=December 1978 |access-date=March 3, 2023}}</ref>
**World's Strongest Tag Determination Team Play Award (1979) – with Kim Duk<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/history/rwtl79.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230303200438/http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/history/rwtl79.php |archive-date=March 3, 2023 |title=Real World Tag League 1979 |work=PUROLOVE.com |language=de |access-date=March 3, 2023}}</ref>
*'''[[Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance|Japan Wrestling Association]]'''
**[[All Asia Heavyweight Championship]] ([[All Asia Heavyweight Championship#Title history|2 times]])
**[[All Asia Tag Team Championship]] ([[All Asia Tag Team Championship#Title history|4 times]]) – with Michiaki Yoshimura (3 times) and [[Antonio Inoki]] (1 time)
**[[NWA International Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA International Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
**[[NWA International Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA International Tag Team Championship#Title history|2 times]]) – [[Seiji Sakaguchi]] (1 time) and [[Umanosuke Ueda]] (1 time)
*'''Korean Wrestling Association'''
**Far East Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="j-fe-h">{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/korea/fe-h.html|title=Far East Heavyweight Title|accessdate=2024-01-16|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref>
*'''[[World Class Championship Wrestling|NWA Big Time Wrestling]]'''
**[[WCWA Texas Tag Team Championship|NWA Texas Tag Team Championship]] ([[WCWA Texas Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Pak Song]]<ref name=ETexTagTitleBook>{{cite book| last1=Will | first1=Gary | first2=Royal | last2= Duncan | title=Wrestling Title Histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present | publisher=Archeus Communications | year=2000 | location=Pennsylvania | chapter=Texas: NWA Texas Tag Team Title [Von Erich] | isbn=0-9698161-5-4 | pages=275–276}}</ref><ref name=ETexTagTitle>{{cite web| url = http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tx/tx-t.html | title = NWA Texas Tag Team Title [E. Texas]| access-date = December 27, 2019 | work= wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
*'''''[[Tokyo Sports]]'''''
**[[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Fighting Spirit Award|Fighting Spirit Award]] (1975)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/wrestling/wrestling_past1/|title=東京スポーツプロレス大賞：選考経過（1974～1979）|access-date=14 December 2017|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref>
**[[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Service Award|Service Award]] (2006)
*'''[[Western States Sports]]'''
**[[NWA Western States Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA Western States Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) - with Pak Song
*'''[[Worldwide Wrestling Associates]]'''
**[[WWA World Heavyweight Championship (Los Angeles)|WWA World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WWA World Heavyweight Championship (Los Angeles)#Title history|1 time]])
**[[NWA Americas Tag Team Championship|WWA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA Americas Tag Team Championship#title history|1 time]]) – with [[Tor Kamata|Mr. Moto]]
**[[WWA International Television Tag Team Championship]] ([[WWA International Television Tag Team Championship#title history|1 time]]) – with Mr. Moto
*'''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame]] ([[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame#Inductees|Class of 1996]])
*'''[[Korean Sport & Olympic Committee]]'''
**[[Korean Sport & Olympic Committee#Korean Sports Hall of Fame|Korean Sports Hall of Fame]] (2018)<ref name="Boram"/>

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=

<ref name="Boram">{{cite web|url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200521004900315|title=Late S. Korean pro wrestler Kim Il to be buried in nat'l cemetery|access-date=August 24, 2023|website=[[Yonhap News Agency]]|first=Kim|last=Boram}}</ref>

<ref name="Kang">{{cite web|last1=Kang |first1=Seung-woo |title=Obituary |url=http://www.koreatimes.kr/www/news/nation/2014/06/121_803.html |work=[[The Korea Times]] |date=26 October 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304035636/http://www.koreatimes.kr/www/news/nation/2014/06/121_803.html |archive-date= 4 March 2016 }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm">{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=4199|title=Kintaro Oki|access-date=August 11, 2023|website=Cagematch.net|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm}}</ref>

<ref name="Lutzke ">{{cite web |last1=Lutzke |first1=Andrew |title=When S*it got Real: Incidents of Pro Wrestling becoming a "Shoot" Vol. 4 |url=http://culturecrossfire.com/wrestling/when-sit-got-real-incidents-of-pro-wrestling-becoming-a-shoot-vol-4/ |website=Culture Crossfire |date=December 30, 2014 |access-date=May 13, 2020}}</ref>

<ref name="Saalbach">{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=2176|title=Kintaro Oki|access-date=August 24, 2023|website=WrestlingData.com|first=Axel|last=Saalbach}}</ref>

}}

== External links ==
{{commons}}
* [http://www.puroresu.com/wrestlers/kim_il/ Kim Il at Puroresu.com]
* {{Professional wrestling profiles|cagematch=4199|wrestlingdata=2176|iwd=kintaro-oki-1021}}

{{Navboxes
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{{All Asia Tag Team Championship}}
{{Korean Sports Hall of Fame}}
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{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ōki, Kintarō}}
[[Category:1929 births]]
[[Category:2006 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:All Asia Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:All Asia Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:Gimhae Kim clan]]
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling executives]]
[[Category:South Korean Buddhists]]
[[Category:South Korean emigrants to Japan]]
[[Category:South Korean male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:NWA Americas Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:NWA International Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:NWA International Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:People from Goheung County]]
[[Category:Zainichi Korean professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Burials at Daejeon National Cemetery]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese sportsmen]]

Masaaki Mochizuki

2025-05-24T09:16:49Z

89.136.44.148:

{{short description|Japanese professional wrestler|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name=Masaaki Mochizuki
|image= 望月成晃20171103.jpg
|names='''Masaaki Mochizuki'''<ref name=PCProfile /> BxB Masa
|height={{convert|1.75|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=DGProfile>{{cite web|title=Dragon Gate Official Profile|url=http://www.gaora.co.jp/dragongate/data/prfl/mochizuki.html|publisher=Dragon Gate|access-date=30 July 2011}}</ref> 
|weight={{convert|85|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<ref name=DGProfile />
|birth_date ={{Birth date and age|1970|1|17|mf=y}}<ref name=PCProfile>{{cite web|title=Puroresu Central Profile|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/mochizuki.html|publisher=Puroresu Central|access-date=30 July 2011}}</ref>
|death_date =
|birth_place =[[Kōtō, Tokyo|Kōtō]], [[Tokyo]]<ref name=DGProfile />
|resides=
|billed=
|trainer=[[Kōji Kitao]]
|debut=January 21, 1994<ref name=CageMatch>{{cite web|title=CageMatch Profile|url=http://cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=2899&gimmick=Masaaki+Mochizuki|publisher=CageMatch|access-date=30 July 2011}}</ref>
|retired=
|family= [[Mochizuki Jr.]] (son)
|}}

{{nihongo|'''Masaaki Mochizuki'''|望月成晃|Mochizuki Masaaki|born January 17, 1970}} is a Japanese [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], currently working for [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]] and [[Pro Wrestling Noah]]. Mochizuki is a former [[FIP World Heavyweight Championship|FIP World Champion]] and three-time [[Open the Dream Gate Championship|Open the Dream Gate Champion]].

==Professional wrestling career==

===Early years===

A former [[karateka]] and graduate of [[Koji Kitao]]'s Bukō Dōjō, Masaaki spent the early part of his career wrestling for various promotions across Japan, namely [[WAR (wrestling promotion)|WAR]] and [[BattlARTS]]. Most notable was his appearance in the 1995 [[Super J-Cup]], where he took on [[Shinjiro Otani]] of [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] in the first round. Despite losing, Masaaki looked very competitive, using his sharp kicks and quick submission holds to pose a serious threat to the more experienced Otani.

===Toryumon===

In late 1999, Masaaki joined [[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon]], [[Último Dragón]]'s upstart promotion, and quickly became recognized as one of the three "aces" of the company, alongside [[Nobuhiko Oshima|Cima]], and [[Katsumasa Kuroki|Magnum Tokyo]]. In April 2000, he formed the [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] group M2K with [[Susumu Mochizuki]] (no relation), and Yasushi Kanda, the stable's name coming from their surnames. Darkness Dragon and Chocoball KOBE would join later in the year as well. The group wreaked havoc on Toryumon's initial El Numero Uno Tournament in 2001, forcing every group member's matches, except for Susumu's, to end in double-countouts. However, Masaaki won a second-chance [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] to get back into the tournament. After defeating Cima via knockout in the semi-finals, he pinned Magnum Tokyo in the finals; his only pinfall victory of the whole tournament. His issue with both, namely Cima and his Crazy Max stable, would continue through the end of the year; such was M2K's chicanery that Crazy Max, the original renegade group of Toryumon, was turned [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] by default. After losing a hair vs. hair [[Professional wrestling match types#Lumberjack match|lumberjack match]] to Cima in December 2001, Mochizuki was humiliated into cleaning up M2K's act.

He returned in 2002, claiming to be a "good person", and made a conscious effort to rid M2K of its evil ways, something his stablemates would have none of; kicking him out of the group not long after. He got one back on them on February 24, though, when he beat Susumu for the rights to the Mochizuki surname, forcing Susumu to take on "Yokosuka" as his new surname.

He would then go on to lead the Toryumon Army with [[Nobuyoshi Nakamura|Dragon Kid]] and [[Ryo Saito (wrestler)|Ryo Saito]] throughout 2002. On January 23, 2003, he formed the much-maligned Shin M2K, and they lasted until December 16 when he lost to fellow member [[Kenichiro Arai]] in a match and was forced to disband the unit. At the beginning of 2004, he turned heel again to become leader of the Aagan Iisou stable. His time with them lasted a mere three months, when personality clashes between him and the other members resulted in him being kicked out. He turned face again and repented for his heel turn, and then on July 4, he and former M2K members from both generations banded with him to form Final M2K as Toryumon became [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]].

===Dragon Gate===

In December, he celebrated 10 years in wrestling by defeating Cima for Dragon Gate's top prize, the [[Dragon Gate Open the Dream Gate Championship|Open the Dream Gate Championship]]. He held the title for 11 months before losing it to [[Magnitude Kishiwada]] on November 4, 2005. When 2006 rolled around, he began to distance himself from Final M2K a bit, giving the reins of leadership to Susumu and joining up with Magnum Tokyo in his short-lived Renaissance project.

He also returned to the old [[WAR (wrestling promotion)|WAR]] promotion, reviving their International Junior Heavyweight Title, which he lost to Pentagon Black on July 27. He won it back on November 23, but vacated it immediately after winning it. He beat [[Gedo (wrestler)|Gedo]] in a decision match on January 26, 2007, to determine the final champion and then retired the title. He also teamed with fellow Renaissance member [[Don Fujii]] to win the revived WAR International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles on August 6, 2006, beating [[Yoshito Sugamoto|Gamma]] & Dr. Muscle in a tournament final. They would hold the title until January 7, 2007, when they lost them to [[Jado]] and Gedo.

In December 2006, he won the 2nd [[King of Gate]] Tournament, beating last year's champion Ryo Saito in the finals. On January 14, 2007, the Final M2K stable came to an end, after he, Susumu & K-ness lost to Cima, [[Don Fujii]] and [[Matt Sydal]] of the also-ending Blood Generation. He then decided that he would not become part of another unit, instead continuing his team with Don Fujii, who also refused to join another unit.

In 2007, he hosted his first self-produced show, Buyuden. The show became a success, and it has since become a monthly show, with talent from different promotions in Japan participating. He - along with Don Fujii - was made the company ambassador to promotions within Japan while Cima spearheaded the company's international expansion. He also challenged for the Dream Gate Title twice, but when he failed to win it either time, he decided to continue to focus on outside efforts with Fujii.

Towards the end of the year, they united with [[Makoto Saito (wrestler)|K-ness]] to form Mushozoku, a team of wrestlers 35 years and older. On September 9, they won the Open the Triangle Gate Titles, defeating [[Naruki Doi]], [[Masato Yoshino]] & Magnitude Kishiwada, and defended them right up until February 24, 2008, when they lost them to [[Shingo Takagi]], [[BxB Hulk]] & [[Cyber Kong]]. K-ness stepped into a background role, and soon, the newly-face Magnitude Kishiwada took his place, forming Zetsurins. On September 28, the trio won the Open the Triangle Gate Titles from Yasushi Kanda, [[Masato Onodera|Yamato]] & [[Yoshito Sugamoto|Gamma]]. They made a defense against [[Kenichiro Arai]], [[Akira Tozawa]] & [[Taku Iwasa]] of Tozawa-juku on November 16, and Tozawa added the stipulation that if his team lost, then Tozawa-juku would disband. Mochizuki scored the winning pinfall, bringing Tozawa-juku to an end.

Iwasa began a rivalry with him after swearing revenge on him for causing the end of Tozawa-juku. They faced off in a second round match in the King of Gate Tournament in December, where Mochizuki had promised that he would show Iwasa's one "fundamental flaw." Mochizuki won, and afterwards, he told Iwasa that his "fundamental flaw" was that he had been a tag team wrestler for so long that he had forgotten how to wrestle on his own, and would have to re-learn how. Mochizuki would get to the finals of the tournament, but lost to [[Naruki Doi]]. On February 15, 2009, he, Fujii & Kishiwada lost the Triangle Gate titles to [[Shingo Takagi]], Taku Iwasa & Dragon Kid, where he took the fall, being pinned by Iwasa.

In August, he teamed with [[Katsuhiko Nakajima]] to participate in the annual [[Summer Adventure Tag League]] Tournament, and they made it to the finals, but they lost to Shingo Takagi & Yamato. Two months later, he would hold the Triangle Gate titles for a third time, teaming with Don Fujii & [[Akebono Tarō|Akebono]] to beat Masato Yoshino, [[BxB Hulk]] & [[PAC (wrestler)|PAC]].

After teaming with [[Anthony W. Mori]] against [[Takuya Sugawara]] & [[Minoru Fujita]], Mori turned to Mochizuki and named him as the heir to the throne of Phillip J. Fukumasa. Mochi took the crown, and agreed the three would do the Royal Brothers (Anthony W. Mori, Henry III Sugawara, Phillip J. Mochizuki) on the first Buyuden after the generation war was over. On May 13, 2010, Mochizuki, Fujii and Akebono lost the Open the Triangle Gate Championship to Cima, [[Yoshito Sugamoto|Gamma]] and [[Genki Horiguchi]]. On January 10, 2011, Mochizuki and Fujii defeated Naruki Doi and Gamma to win the [[Dragon Gate Open the Twin Gate Championship|Open the Twin Gate Championship]]. They would lose the title to Genki Horiguchi and Ryo Saito on February 6, 2011.

On April 14, 2011, Mochizuki defeated Masato Yoshino to win the Open the Dream Gate Championship for the second time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1302775264&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=4/14 Champion Gate - 14 Apr 2011|date=2011-04-14|access-date=2011-04-14|work=iHeartDG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110420142840/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1302775264&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-date=20 April 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> On April 24 Mochizuki agreed to form a new alliance with former World-1 members Masato Yoshino, BxB Hulk, PAC and Susumu Yokosuka to battle the promotion's new top heel stable, Blood Warriors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1303633947&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=4/24 Gate of Passion - 24 Apr 2011|date=2011-04-24|access-date=2011-04-25|work=iHeartDG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818084151/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1303633947&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-date=18 August 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> On June 8, the new group was named Junction Three (JIII) in reference to it being a union between the former members of World-1, Kamikaze and the Veteran-gun.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1307525978&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=6/8 Gate of Maximum Kickoff - 08 Jun 2011|date=2011-06-08|access-date=2011-06-08|work=iHeartDG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818084219/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1307525978&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-date=18 August 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> And Mochizuki led their team to winning all four Titles on June 19 in Champion Gate. At the end of 2011, Masaaki Mochizuki shared the Fighting Spirit award with Yuji Nagata from New Japan. After a ten-month rivalry, Blood Warriors defeated Junction Three in a fourteen-man elimination tag team match on February 9, 2012, forcing JIII to disband.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1328780215&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=2/9 TRUTH GATE, Blood Warriors vs. Junction Three Finale - 09 Feb 2012|date=2012-02-09|access-date=2012-02-10|work=iHeartDG|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120712062018/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1328780215&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-date=12 July 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> After forming the Kaettekita Veteran-gun stable with some of Dragon Gate's veterans, Mochizuki and stablemate Don Fujii defeated Shingo Takagi and Yamato on September 23, 2012, to win the Open the Twin Gate Championship for the second time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1348376141&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=Dangerous Gate 2012 - 22 Sep 2012|date=2012-09-23|access-date=2012-09-23|work=iHeartDG|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209105630/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1348376141&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-date=9 December 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> On September 9, Masaaki Mochizuki took part in the Nagata's 20th anniversary, they defeat Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura and Yujiro Takahashi in the main event with Nagata and Jun Akiyama. From November 20 to December 1, Masaaki Mochizuki once again travelled to New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He and Nagata took part in the round-robin portion of the 2012 World Tag League, finishing with a record of four wins and two losses, narrowly missing advancing to the semifinals of the tournament.

In 2013, Mochizuki and teammate Don Fujii defeated the team Genki Horiguchi & Jimmy Kanda and team Naruki Doi and Ricochet at the beginning of the year, and they created the new defense record for Twin Gate so far. In February, Mochizuki took part in the Dragon Gate UK show from February 22 to 24. He defeated Yamato, [[Noam Dar]] and Naruki Doi in a raw and made his record from 0-2 to 3-2. While on March 2, 2013, Mochizuki and Fujii lost the Open the Twin Gate Championship to BxB Hulk and [[Uhaa Nation]]. Before the losing, they have defended 6 times and created the longest defense for the Twin Gate. On May 17, 2013, Mochizuki achieved his 2500th match in Kobe Sambo Hall in Kobe by beating K-ness, Jimmy Susumu and Jimmy Saito. After that he started the road to 3000th match by winning the Triangle Gate Champion with K-ness, Jimmy Susumu on June 5, 2013. In this match they appeared in M2K faction. However, they lost the title at Champion Gate on June 16, 2013. After Kaettekita Veteran-gun lost all the matches at Kobe World show, Mochizuki and K-Ness decided to align the two union and form the new union named Oretachi Veteran-gun. On August 19, 2013, Mochizuki and his teammates won the Triangle Gate Champion by beating Jimmys and it is the first title for the new union. On August 17, 2014, Mochizuki and Dragon Kid quit Oretachi Veteran-gun to form a new stable with BxB Hulk called Dia.HEARTS. On February 4, 2016, Dia.HEARTS was forced to disband after losing a match to Monster Express and VerserK. On September 18, 2017, Mochizuki defeated YAMATO at Dangerous Gate 2017 to become the Dream Gate Champion for the third time.

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]'''
**[[Open the Dream Gate Championship]] ([[Open the Dream Gate Championship#Title history|3 times]])
**[[Open the Twin Gate Championship]] ([[Open the Twin Gate Championship#History|3 times]]) – with [[Don Fujii]] (2) and [[Cyber Kong|Takashi Yoshida]] (1)
**[[Open the Owarai Gate Championship]] ([[Open the Owarai Gate Championship#Title history|2 times]])
**[[Open the Triangle Gate Championship]] ([[Open the Triangle Gate Championship#Title history|6 times]]) – with [[Makoto Saito (wrestler)|K-ness]] and [[Don Fujii]] (1), Don Fujii and [[Magnitude Kishiwada]] (1), Don Fujii & Akebono (1), and [[Susumu Mochizuki|Jimmy Susumu]] and K-Ness (1), and [[Dragon Kid]] and K-Ness (1), and Big R Shimizu and Dragon Kid (1)
**[[King of Gate]] ([[King of Gate#2006|2006]])
*'''[[Full Impact Pro]]'''
**[[FIP World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[FIP World Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
*'''[[Michinoku Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[British Commonwealth Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[British Commonwealth Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title History|1 time]])
*'''[[Osaka Pro Wrestling]]'''
:*[[Osaka Pro Wrestling Tag Team Championship]] ([[Osaka Pro Wrestling Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with Don Fujii
:*Osaka Tag Festival (2010) – with Don Fujii
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''
**Ranked No. 110 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[PWI 500]] in 2018<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=97&nr=230#2018|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2018|access-date=September 29, 2018|work=cagematch.net}}</ref>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]'''
**[[GHC Tag Team Championship]] ([[GHC Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Naomichi Marufuji]]
**[[GHC National Championship]] ([[GHC National Championship#Title history|1 time]])
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Zero1|Pro Wrestling Zero1-Max]]'''
**[[Zero1 International Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[Zero1 International Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
*'''[[Tokyo Gurentai]]'''
**[[Tokyo Intercontinental Tag Team Championship]] (1 time) – with [[Hikaru Sato]]<ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/fight/index.php?QBlog-20140707-1 | title = 【東京愚連隊】Fujitavsサスケの東京世界ヘビー戦、ワグナーJrと清水愛が参戦 | date=2014-07-07 | access-date=2014-07-07 | work=Battle News | language=ja}}</ref>
**[[Tokyo World Heavyweight Championship]] (1 time)<ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/?p=17239 | script-title=ja:東京愚連隊12.1後楽園大会 Nosawa20周年記念／マスカラス＆ドリー＆カブキ＆船木vs.論外＆藤原＆Cima＆カズ、Mazadavs.望月の東京世界ヘビー級戦 | date=2015-12-01 | access-date=2015-12-01 | work=Battle News | language=ja}}</ref>
*'''''[[Tokyo Sports]]'''''
**[[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Fighting Spirit Award|Fighting Spirit Award]] (2011)
*'''[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Toryumon Japan]]'''
**[[UWA World Trios Championship]] ([[UWA World Trios Championship#Title history|2 times]]) – with [[Makoto Saito (wrestler)|Darkness Dragon]] and Susumu Mochizuki (1) and with [[Kenichiro Arai]] and [[Dragon Kid]] (1)
**El Numero Uno (2001)
*'''[[WAR (wrestling promotion)|Wrestle Association "R"]]'''
**[[WAR International Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WAR International Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|3 times]])
**[[International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|WAR International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|2 time]]) – with Battle Ranger and with Don Fujii
**[[WAR World Six-Man Tag Team Championship]] ([[WAR World Six-Man Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Nobukazu Hirai]] and [[Koji Kitao]]

===Luchas de Apuestas record===
{{See also|Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|l1=Luchas de Apuestas}}

{|class="wikitable sortable" width=100%
|-
!width=20%|Winner (wager)
!width=20%|Loser (wager)
!width=20%|Location
!width=20%|Event
!width=15%|Date
!width=5%|Notes
|-
|Masaaki Mochizuki (hair) || [[Magnum Tokyo]] (hair) || [[Osaka]], [[Japan]] || Live event || {{dts|2001|09|30}} || <ref group=Note>Five-way [[Professional wrestling match types#Cages|steel cage match]], which also included [[Nobuhiko Oshima|Cima]], [[Makoto Saito (wrestler)|Darkness Dragon]] and [[Dragon Kid]].</ref>
|-
|[[Nobuhiko Oshima|Cima]] (hair) || Masaaki Mochizuki (hair) || [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]] || Live event || {{dts|2001|12|10}} || <ref group=Note>[[Professional wrestling match types#Lumberjack match|Lumberjack match]].</ref>
|}

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=Note}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090621140049/http://dgusa.puroresufan.com/mochi.html Dragon Gate USA profile]
*[http://spora.jp/mocchy Official website (Japanese)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142603/http://spora.jp/mocchy |date=2018-06-12 }}

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{{Dragon Gate employees}}
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{{International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship}}
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}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Mochizuki, Masaaki}}
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[[Category:Open the Owarai Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Tenryu Project International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:Tenryu Project International Junior Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:Tenryu Project World 6-Man Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:UWA World Trios Champions]]
[[Category:King of Gate winners]]

Ryuji Hijikata

2025-05-24T09:14:29Z

89.136.44.148:

{{short description|Japanese professional wrestler (born 1978)}}
{{BLP citations needed|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
| name = Ryuji Hijikata
| image =土方隆司2019.jpg
| caption = Professional wrestler Ryuji Hijikata
| names = {{unbulleted list|Ryuji Hijikata|'''Toshizō'''}}
| height = {{height|m=1.75|precision=0}}
| weight = {{convert|95|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1978|5|17}}
| death_date =
| birth_place = [[Sayama]], [[Saitama Prefecture|Saitama]], [[Japan]]
| trainer = {{unbulleted list|[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]|Yuki Ishikawa}}
| debut = February 7, 1998
| retired =
|}}

{{nihongo|'''Ryuji Hijikata'''|土方隆司|Hijikata Ryūji}} (born May 17, 1978) is a [[Japanese people|Japanese]] [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] also known under the [[ring name]] {{nihongo|'''Toshizo'''|歳三|Toshizō}}. Hijikata is best known for his tenure in [[Battlarts]] and [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] since 2002 where he is a former [[World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)|World Junior Heavyweight Champion]].<ref name=Puro>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/hijikata.html|title=Profile at Puroresu Central|publisher=Puroresu Central|accessdate=2014-02-08}}</ref>

==Professional wrestling career==

=== BattlARTS (1998–2002) ===
After a [[judo]] career in high school, Hijikata joined professional wrestling promotion [[BattlARTS]] in 1998. He feuded with Junji Tanaka before rising through the ranks and wrestled extensively in [[Michinoku Pro Wrestling]], [[Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling]], [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] and [[Toryumon Mexico]] as part of working agreements. However, despite teaming up with his mentor and promotion ace Yuki Ishikawa at several points, he never reached top status. In 2001, Hijikata signed up full-time with AJPW.

=== All Japan Pro Wrestling (2001–2017) ===
Hijikata wrestled in AJPW as a junior heavyweight for years, with mixed success. In 2004, he adopted a mask and the name of '''Toshizo''' (歳三), inspired on the historical [[Toshizo Hijikata]]. He challenged [[Taka Michinoku]] for the [[AJPW World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] in June 2005, but he lost, after which he took off his mask as a sign of respect for Taka.

In 2008, Hijikata managed to win the [[AJPW Junior Tag League#2008|Junior Tag League]] alongside [[Katsuhiko Nakajima]] on March 23. A little over a month later, Hijikata continued his success by defeating [[Silver King (wrestler)|Silver King]] for the [[World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)|World Junior Heavyweight Champion]] on April 29. He held the championship for nearly five whole months before losing it to [[Naomichi Marufuji]] on September 28. Following his title reign, Hijikata took part in the [[All Asia Tag Team Championship]] tournament in January 2009, where he teamed up with former [[Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship|Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion]] [[Kohei Suwama|Suwama]], but they were unsuccessful in winning the tournament and the title.

Following this, Hijikata resumed using his Toshizo ring name and gimmick and, alongside [[Minoru Tanaka (wrestler)|Minoru]], joined [[Voodoo Murders]] after betraying his partner [[Kaz Hayashi]]. Soon after joining VDM, Toshizo managed to his second consecutive Junior Tag League alongside Minoru, giving both an opportunity to compete for the World Junior Heavyweight Title, although they were unsuccessful in defeating Kaz Hayashi for the title. Following this, Hijikata left AJPW in August 2010. He eventually returned in 2013, working as a freelancer.

===Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2004)===
In 2004, Hijikata made his [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] debut as he competed as a member of [[Team Japan]] with [[Nobukazu Hirai|Mitsu Hirai, Jr.]], [[Taichi Ishikari]], and [[Kazushige Nosawa|Nosawa]] in TNA's [[TNA 2004 World X Cup Tournament|World X Cup Tournament]].

===Wrestle-1 (2017–2020)===
In November 2017, Hijikata debuted in [[Wrestle-1]].

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[All Asia Tag Team Championship]] ([[All Asia Tag Team Championship|1 time]]) – with [[Minoru Tanaka (wrestler)|Minoru]]
**[[Gaora TV Championship]] ([[Gaora TV Championship|1 time]])
**[[World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)|World Junior Heavyweight Champion]] ([[World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/alljapan/aj-j.html|title=AJPW World Junior Heavyweight Championship history}}</ref>
**[[AJPW Junior Tag League|Junior Tag League]] ([[AJPW Junior Tag League#2008|2008]]) – with [[Katsuhiko Nakajima]]<ref name="purolove.com">{{cite web|language=de|url=http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/profiles/ryujihijikata.php|website=PUROLOVE.com|title=Ryuji Hijikata profile|access-date=7 May 2024}}</ref>
**Junior Tag League ([[AJPW Junior Tag League#2009|2009]]) – with [[Minoru Tanaka (wrestler)|Minoru]]<ref name="purolove.com"/>
*'''[[Tenryu Project]]'''
**[[WAR International Junior Heavyweight Championship|Tenryu Project International Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WAR International Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/war/war-in-j.html|title=International Junior Heavyweight Championship history}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/profiles/ryujihijikata.php Profile at Purolove]
*[http://www.puroresucentral.com/hijikata.html Profile at Puroresucentral]

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{Voodoo Murders}}
{{AJPW Junior Tag League}}
{{All Asia Tag Team Championship}}
{{All Japan Gaora TV Championship}}
{{WAR International Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Japan}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hijikata, Ryuji}}
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:1978 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Japanese sportsperson-politicians]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:All Asia Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:World Junior Heavyweight Champions (AJPW)]]
[[Category:Gaora TV Champions]]
[[Category:Tenryu Project International Junior Heavyweight Champions]]

Colt Cabana

2025-05-21T12:46:57Z

89.136.44.148:

{{short description|American professional wrestler, color commentator, and podcaster}}
{{distinguish|text=American footballer [[Cole Cabana]]}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Colt Cabana
|image = Colt Cabana 2018 crop.jpg
|caption = Cabana in 2018
|birth_name = Scott Colton
|website = {{URL|coltcabana.com}}
|names = [[Ace Steel|Chris Guy]]<ref name=OWOW>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/colt-cabana/|title=OWOW profile|date=June 26, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2007/03/19/trump-card-wins-ace-steel-wwe-deal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809081956/https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2007/03/19/trump-card-wins-ace-steel-wwe-deal/ |archive-date=August 9, 2022 |title=Trump Card Wins Ace Steel WWE Deal |work=Slam Wrestling |last=Kamchen |first=Richard |date=March 19, 2007 |access-date=February 15, 2023}}</ref> '''Colt Cabana'''<ref name=OWOW/> Colt Nevada<ref name=OWOW/> Goon #1<ref name=OWOW/> Matt Classic<ref name=OWOW/> Masked Fipper #7<ref name=Cage>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=994|title=Cagematch profile}}</ref> Officer Colt Cabana<ref name="AboveTheLaw">{{cite web |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=60046&p=4 |title=Complete Juggalo Championship Wrestling 'Above The Law' iPPV Coverage |author=Matt Carter |date=July 20, 2011 |publisher=PWInsider.com |access-date=July 21, 2011}}</ref> Officer Jack Offerson<ref name="AboveTheLaw"/> Punchline<ref name="Meltzer 37">{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=October 24, 2011|title=October 24 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2011 Hall of Fame issue, GSP down, Bound for Glory and Bobby Roode, Hogan vs. Sting, giant issue|periodical=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=Campbell, CA|issn=1083-9593|page=37|quote=Jeff Katz’s Wrestling Revolution Project taped its first season in Los Angeles this past week. [...] Colt Cabana is doing a new character, a heel who is a failed stand-up comedian using the name Punchline. It was different, but said to be good.}}</ref> Scott Colton<ref name=OWOW/> Scotty Goldman<ref name=OWOW/> [[Twinkie the Kid]]<ref name=Bodyslamming>{{cite web|url=http://www.bodyslamming.com/wwe/cabana.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100121081001/http://www.bodyslamming.com/wwe/cabana.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 21, 2010|title=Bodyslamming profile}}</ref>
|height = {{height|ft=6|in=1}}<ref name=OWOW/>
|weight = {{convert|233|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name=OWOW/>
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1980|5|6}}
|birth_place = [[Deerfield, Illinois]], U.S.
|billed = [[Chicago, Illinois]]<ref name=OWOW/> '''[[Maxwell Street|Maxwell Street in Chicago, Illinois]]'''<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UPK5A5R3fk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/5UPK5A5R3fk |archive-date=December 13, 2021 |url-status=live|title=COLT CABANA VS PETER AVALON {{!}} AEW DARK - 3/11/20 SALT LAKE CITY, UT|publisher=All Elite Wrestling|date=March 20, 2020|access-date=April 18, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
|trainer = [[Ace Steel]]<ref name=OWOW/> Danny Dominion<ref name=OWOW/> Kevin Quinn<ref name=OWOW/>
|debut = June 19, 1999<ref name=OWOW/>
|alma_mater = [[Western Michigan University]]<ref name="Geekin' Out Wrestling"/>
}}
'''Scott Colton''' (born May 6, 1980), better known by the [[ring name]] '''Colt Cabana''', is an American [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], [[color commentator]], and podcaster. He is signed to [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW) as a wrestler and as a [[Agent (professional wrestling)|coach]], and he performs the same duties for AEW's sister promotion, [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH). He is a two-time [[NWA World Heavyweight Champion]], two-time [[NWA National Heavyweight Championship]], one-time [[British Heavyweight Championship (RevPro)|RevPro British Heavyweight Champion]], and one-time [[JCW Heavyweight Championship|JCW World Heavyweight Champion]]. He worked in [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) as '''Scotty Goldman''' and wrestled as old-school masked wrestler '''Matt Classic''' in [[Wrestling Society X]] and [[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]].

Cabana began competing routinely for Steel Domain Wrestling throughout 2000 and 2001 in [[St. Paul, Minnesota]], often teaming with or facing rival and later friend [[CM Punk]]. He made a name for himself when he joined ROH, where he was placed in a rivalry with Punk before uniting with Punk and [[Ace Steel]] to form the [[Second City Saints]]. He later formed a tag team with Punk, which led to him becoming a [[List of ROH World Tag Team Champions|two-time]] [[ROH World Tag Team Championship|ROH World Tag Team Champion]]. He also had rivalries with [[Homicide (wrestler)|Homicide]] and then-[[ROH World Championship|World Champion]] [[Bryan Danielson]].

Cabana was a part of the short-lived ''Wrestling Society X'' on [[MTV]] in late 2006, where he portrayed his old-school wrestling persona, the masked "Matt Classic". In 2007, he left ROH to wrestle in [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] (OVW), WWE's developmental territory, where he became a [[OVW Television Championship#Title history|one-time]] [[OVW Television Championship|Television Champion]] and a [[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship#Title history|two-time]] [[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship|Southern Tag Team Championship]]. He made several appearances as Scotty Goldman with WWE on its [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] brand before being released from his contract in 2009.

==Early life==
Scott Colton<ref name="Geekin' Out Wrestling">{{cite news|url=http://blogs.redeyechicago.com/geek-to-me/2009/06/23/geekin_out_wrestling_cuttin_loose_with_colt_cabana/|title=Geekin' Out Wrestling: Cuttin' Loose with Colt Cabana|date=June 23, 2009|access-date=June 28, 2009|newspaper=RedEye|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110408202826/http://blogs.redeyechicago.com/geek-to-me/2009/06/23/geekin_out_wrestling_cuttin_loose_with_colt_cabana/|archive-date=April 8, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> was born into a Jewish family in [[Deerfield, Illinois]], on May 6, 1980.<ref name="Geekin' Out Wrestling"/> He attended [[Western Michigan University]], and was a member of the [[Western Michigan Broncos|football team]] for one season,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1353239/colt-cabana-joined-ncaa-jim-ross-tv/ | title=Colt Cabana Joined Division 1 NCAA Team Just So Jim Ross Could Say So On TV | publisher=wrestlinginc.com | date=July 31, 2023 | accessdate=April 23, 2024 | author=Mutter, Eric}}</ref> until graduating in 2002 with a degree in [[business marketing]].<ref name="Geekin' Out Wrestling"/>

==Professional wrestling career==
===Ring of Honor (2002–2007)===
Scott Colton was trained by [[Ace Steel]] & Danny Dominion. He broke into [[Ring of Honor]] with the name Colt Cabana as CM Punk's rival before joining with Steel and Punk as [[the Second City Saints]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Ring of Honor Official results|date=March 22, 2003|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|quote=Raven & Colt Cabana defeated CM Punk & Ace Steel. After the match, Cabana turned on Raven to form the Second City Saints with Punk and Steel|access-date=September 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913070006/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=September 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Cabana and Punk later became two–time [[ROH World Tag Team Championship|ROH Tag Team Champions]].<ref name="ROHtag"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Ring of Honor Official results|date=May 15, 2004|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|quote=C.M. Punk & Colt Cabana defeated The Briscoe Brothers to win the ROH Tag Team Titles|access-date=September 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913070006/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=September 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> With Punk becoming a singles star, Cabana feuded with [[Austin Aries]] and [[Nigel McGuinness]]. On August 13, 2005, Cabana defeated Punk in a [[two out of three falls match]] in their hometown of Chicago in what was supposed to be Punk's last ROH match before going to [[World Wrestling Entertainment]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Ring of Honor Official results|date=August 13, 2005|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|quote=Colt Cabana beat CM Punk in a 2/3 falls match|access-date=September 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913070006/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=September 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Between August 2005 and April 2006, Cabana was involved in a feud with [[Homicide (wrestler)|Homicide]], which featured Cabana being strangled with a metal coat hanger, bleeding from numerous chair shots, having [[Drāno]] poured down his throat, being piledriven off the ring apron through a table, and getting his head crushed between a ladder.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/25/15979|title=Tape Review: ROH, "Final Battle 2005"|last=Vetter|first=Chris|date=February 1, 2006|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927010910/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/25/15979|archive-date=September 27, 2007}}</ref> On April 1, 2006, in Chicago, Cabana finally got his revenge and earned the respect of Homicide after a [[Hardcore wrestling|Chicago Street Fight]], which saw the feud settled with a handshake and an embrace.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Ring of Honor Official results|date=April 1, 2006|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|quote=Colt Cabana beat Homicide in a Chicago Street Fight|access-date=September 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913070006/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=September 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

After his decisive victory against Homicide, Colt Cabana challenged the ROH World Champion Bryan Danielson for the World Championship at Ring of Honor's 100th show on April 22, 2006, in [[Philadelphia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/25/17202|title=DVD Review: ROH, "The 100th Show,"|last=Vetter|first=Chris|date=June 29, 2006|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|quote=(4) Bryan Danielson defeats Colt Cabana at 4:58 to retain the ROH World Heavyweight Title|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070710230316/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/25/17202|archive-date=July 10, 2007}}</ref> Danielson defeated him in less than five minutes. Feeling he lost the match because he had spent the past eight months "brawling" as opposed to wrestling, Cabana rededicated himself. He eventually earned a rematch against Danielson at ''Chi-Town Struggle'' on June 24, though he once again lost. Cabana received one last shot against Danielson for the ROH World Championship on August 26. The two fought to a 60-minute time limit draw in a two out of three falls match, with each wrestler earning one fall.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Ring of Honor Official results|date=August 26, 2006|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|quote=Bryan Danielson vs. Colt Cabana went to a 6,000,000 minute time limit draw in a two out of three falls match for the ROH World Title|access-date=September 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913070006/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=September 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In October 2006, Cabana was involved in an auto accident with fellow Ring of Honor stars [[Adam Pearce]] and Dave Prazak. Cabana was driving from a Ring of Honor event in [[Dayton, Ohio]] when he lost control of their car due to the weather conditions. The car was totaled but everyone was wearing seat belts, which saved their lives. It was initially reported that Cabana had to have a toe amputated, though he had only bruised it. Despite the injury, Cabana wrestled the next night in Chicago Ridge, Illinois.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Ring of Honor Official results|date=October 28, 2006|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|quote=Colt Cabana & Jimmy Jacobs defeated Jimmy Rave & Sal Rinauro|access-date=September 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913070006/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=September 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Pearce and Prazak also walked away with only bruises.

On April 3, 2007, it was revealed by the Ring of Honor website that Colton had signed a WWE developmental contract and was to begin working for their developmental territory [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/article.aspx?id=1253|title=Colt Cabana To Say Farewell To ROH|date=April 3, 2007|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|quote=Cabana has signed a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=April 3, 2007|archive-date=April 8, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070408234243/http://rohwrestling.com/news/article.aspx?id=1253|url-status=dead}}</ref> At ''Good Times, Great Memories'' (named in his honor), held on April 28 in Chicago, Cabana defeated long-time friend and fellow Chicago wrestler Adam Pearce.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Ring of Honor Official results|date=April 28, 2007|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|quote=Colt Cabana defeated Adam Pearce in his farewell match|access-date=September 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913070006/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=September 13, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===International competition (2004–2007)===
In 2004 and 2005, Colton went on extensive tours of Europe, competing in Scotland, Germany and France, but mainly England. He received the 2004 Match of the Year in a [[British Wrestling|European rounds style]] bout with ''[[World of Sport (UK TV series)|World of Sport]]'' journeyman, [[Johnny Kidd (wrestler)|Johnny Kidd]]. Cabana also did a short tour of [[Puerto Rico]] for [[International Wrestling Association (Puerto Rico)|IWA PR]] in early 2005. During 2006, Cabana became a popular wrestler in the [[United Kingdom|British]] promotion [[1 Pro Wrestling]] (1PW), often tag teaming with Darren Burridge as Team SHAG (Street Hooligans Adventure Gang). During 1PW's first anniversary show Team SHAG won the 1PW Tag Team Championship during a three-way ladder match against the defending champions [[Jonny Storm]] and [[Jody Fleisch]], and the Southern Comfort team of [[Tracy Smothers|Tracey Smothers]] and [[Chris Hamrick]].

Cabana also made his Japanese debut for [[Pro Wrestling Zero1|Zero 1 Max]] in 2006. In a later tour, he formed an alliance with [[Steve Corino]] and Yoshi, known as the P Force Men, which wore all pink outfits. Colt's also appeared and wrestled for Ireland's [[Irish Whip Wrestling]], Austria's Rings of Europe and various Montreal & Toronto Canadian independents. Colton's final European appearance as an independent wrestler took place at UK promotion 1PW on April 6, 2007, where he, along with fellow Team SHAG member Darren Burridge, successfully defended the 1PW Tag Team Championship against [[Doug Williams (wrestler)|Doug Williams]] and Nigel McGuinness, before formally retiring his half of the title.

===Wrestling Society X (2006)===
In November 2006, Colton taped several matches for [[Wrestling Society X]] (WSX), a wrestling series on MTV. He competed under the name Matt Classic, who is a throwback to the wrestlers of the 1950s and 1960s.<ref name="WSX">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/shows/wsx/cast_member.jhtml?personalityId=8465|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129053107/http://www.mtv.com/shows/wsx/cast_member.jhtml?personalityId=8465|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 29, 2013|title=Wrestling Society X: Matt Classic|publisher=MTV|quote=A throwback to the old school wrestler of the 1950s and 60s, this ring technician is out to prove that high flying, death defying moves aren't the only way too min a wrestling match}}</ref> His gimmick used "old school" moves such as the [[Professional wrestling holds#Clawhold|skull vice]] and the [[abdominal stretch]] as finishers. To further enhance his gimmick as an old school wrestler, his WSX profile listed him as having won the Heavyweight Championship in 1952 (28 years before he was born).<ref name="WSX"/>

===World Wrestling Entertainment (2005, 2006, 2007–2009)===
[[File:Coltcabanalive.jpg|thumb|Cabana in [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] in 2007]]

In 2005 and 2006, Colton wrestled a number of preliminary matches in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), starting out on its ''[[WWE Heat|Heat]]'' and ''[[WWE Velocity|Velocity]]'' shows. On one occasion, he competed under the name Chris Guy,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tv.com/episode/711223/summary.html|title=WWE Raw Ep 486 Season 10 Umaga vs Chris Guy|date=April 10, 2006|publisher=TV.com|access-date=April 4, 2007|archive-date=February 6, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206214910/http://www.tv.com/episode/711223/summary.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> the real name of his trainer Ace Steel. The real Chris Guy wrestled in a match for WWE in 2004 under the name of Scott Colton, Colton's real name.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tv.com/sunday-night-heat/october-27-2006/episode/906482/summary.html|publisher=TV.com|title=WWE Heat Ep 419 Season 9 Hacksaw Jim Duggan vs Scott Colton|date=October 27, 2006|access-date=April 4, 2007|archive-date=February 9, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090209010559/http://www.tv.com/sunday-night-heat/october-27-2006/episode/906482/summary.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On April 3, 2007, it was announced that Colton had signed a contract with WWE. He was assigned to Ohio Valley Wrestling, their developmental territory, and made his debut at a TV taping on May 30. Wrestling as Colt "Boom Boom" Cabana, he lost to Michael W. Kruel in the first round of a tournament to determine the opponent against [[Mike Mizanin|The Miz]] at an OVW live event on June 8.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ovwrestling.com/Superstars/Superstars/colt_cabana.htm|title=Colt "Boom Boom" Cabana|access-date=June 11, 2007|publisher=[[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070809091154/http://ovwrestling.com/Superstars/Superstars/colt_cabana.htm  |archive-date = August 9, 2007}}</ref> He won his first match in OVW when he forced the Belgium Brawler to submit with the [[Boston Crab#Inverted Boston crab|Chicago Crab]] on June 23. After helping [[Al Snow]] regain the role of OVW Troubleshooter from Kruel, Cabana became involved in the [[OVW Television Championship]] picture, defeating champion [[Shawn Spears]] by count-out on August 11. Cabana twice came close to winning the title only to be denied by the TV time-limit expiring. Cabana defeated Spears on October 31, 2007, to win the OVW Television title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gerweck.net/news/1193888670.shtml|title=10/31 OVW TV Taping Results|access-date=November 1, 2007|date=October 31, 2007|publisher=Gerweck.net |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071102070938/http://www.gerweck.net/news/1193888670.shtml  |archive-date = November 2, 2007}}</ref> When OVW was replaced by [[Florida Championship Wrestling]] (FCW) as the WWE developmental territory, Cabana was moved down to FCW.

On the August 15, 2008, episode of ''SmackDown'', Colton made his WWE main roster debut as "Scotty Goldman", losing to [[The Brian Kendrick]]. On the August 22 episode of ''SmackDown'', Colton was a participant in a 10-man [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] match to determine a qualifier for the [[WWE Championship]] scramble match at [[Unforgiven (2008)|Unforgiven]], but was eliminated by [[Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder]]. His last singles match on ''SmackDown'' was a quick loss against [[The Great Khali]]. A show starring Colton premiered on WWE.com as ''What's Crackin'?'', later renamed ''Good as Goldman'', on January 14, 2009.<ref name="Geekin' Out Wrestling"/> In his first appearance on television in five months, Colton participated in an [[Elimination Chamber]] qualifying battle royal on February 6, 2009, but was eliminated first. Colton was released from his WWE contract on February 20, 2009,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/goldmanreleased| title=Scotty Goldman released|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|date=February 20, 2009|access-date=February 20, 2009}}</ref> the same day that his final match for WWE, a loss to [[Umaga (wrestler)|Umaga]], aired on ''SmackDown''.

===Return to the independent circuit (2009–2020)===
On February 21, 2009, Colton made his return to [[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]] at ''Express Written Consent'' where he, as Colt Cabana, challenged [[Chris Hero]] for the [[PWG World Championship]] in a 3-way match which also included [[Human Tornado]]. Hero was able to retain his belt by pinning Tornado and afterwards promised Cabana a 1-on-1 shot at the belt.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/8446/|last=Stradlin|first=Saul|title=PWG house show report 2-21 in Reseda featuring Colt Cabana and Paul London|magazine=Wrestling Observer|access-date=February 26, 2010}}</ref> That match took place on April 12 at PWG's hundredth show, where Hero was able to retain his title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2009/show0100.html|title=One Hundred|access-date=February 26, 2010|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]}}</ref> On March 14, 2009, he was defeated by Loca Vida at 2CW in Binghamton, New York, in a classic comedy match. On March 20, 2009, he wrestled for Firestorm Pro Wrestling in Cleveland at Rise of the Real Underground 2009 in a match up against J-rocc which he had won. On March 21, 2009, he made his surprise return to ROH. In a tag team match at the ''7th Anniversary Show'', he teamed with Bryan Danielson to defeat [[Bison Smith]] and Jimmy Rave, who was also returning to ROH.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1237748429|title=3/21 ROH Results: New York City|date=March 22, 2009|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=February 26, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> On April 25, Cabana received an ROH World Title shot against Jerry Lynn but lost.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1240738165|title=4/25 ROH Results: Chicago Ridge, IL|date=April 26, 2009|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=February 26, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> On June 6, Cabana debuted on ''[[Ring of Honor Wrestling]]'', ROH's television program, teaming with [[Brent Albright]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1244405367|title=ROH on HDNet Results – 6/6/09|date=June 7, 2009|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=February 26, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> On December 5 in Chicago Austin Aries successfully defended his ROH World Title against Cabana in a steel cage match and as a result Cabana can never again challenge for the title in his hometown.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_37198.shtml|title=12/5 ROH in Chicago: Austin Aries vs. Colt Cabana cage match, Briscoes vs. Dark City Fight Club, Jim Cornette gets involved|date=December 6, 2009|last=Kol|first=Rob|access-date=February 26, 2010|publisher=PWTorch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/Article.aspx?id=3107 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113061105/http://rohwrestling.com/news/Article.aspx?id=3107 |archive-date=January 13, 2010 |title=Colt Cabana's Amendment |publisher=[[Ring of Honor]] |date=December 2, 2009 |access-date=February 26, 2010}}</ref>
[[File:Matt Classic.jpg|thumb|right|Colton as Matt Classic in April 2010]]
On February 25, 2010, [[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]] announced that Colton was to take part in the [[King of Trios#2010|2010 King of Trios tournament]] in late April, under his Matt Classic persona, teaming up with [[Dasher Hatfield]] and Sugar Dunkerton as the Throwbacks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chikarapro.com/KingOfTrios2010.shtml|title=Chikara presents King of Trios 2010 @ The (ECW) Arena in Philadelphia, PA, on April 23–25, 2010!|work=[[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]]|access-date=February 26, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100505013446/http://www.chikarapro.com/KingOfTrios2010.shtml|archive-date=May 5, 2010}}</ref> On April 23, the trio of Classic, Hatfield and Dunkerton were defeated in the first round of the tournament by the reigning King of Trios winners F.I.S.T. ([[Chuck Taylor (wrestler)|Chuck Taylor]], [[Icarus (wrestler)|Icarus]] and [[Gran Akuma]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/13130/|title=Chikara King of Trios Night 1 Report|last=Streleckis|first=Brian|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|date=April 24, 2010|access-date=April 24, 2010}}</ref> On April 30, 2010, Cabana made his Australian debut. Cabana won a two-day tournament to become the winner of the NHPW Global Conflict Shield. The tournament was held in Perth, Australia. He defeated Balls Mahoney in the finals. On October 23, 2010, Colton won the RCW World Heavyweight Championship from Hank Calhoun. He has since been teaming with [[Sami Zayn|El Generico]] in his feud with [[Kevin Owens|Kevin Steen]] and Steve Corino.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1279223896|title=ROH HDNet Recap – 7/12/10|last=Valvo|first=Anthony J.|work=WrestleView|date=July 15, 2010|access-date=July 21, 2010}}</ref> On October 16, 2010, Cabana defeated Corino in an [["I Quit" match]] in Chicago Ridge to end their feud.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1287296138 |title=10/16 ROH Results: Chicago Ridge, Illinois |first=Adam |last=Martin |date=October 17, 2010 |access-date=October 17, 2010 |work=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101023062304/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1287296138 |archive-date=October 23, 2010 }}</ref> At the September 22 tapings of [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]]'s weekly television program ''[[TNA Impact!|Impact!]]'', Colton, under his Colt Cabana persona, wrestled in a dark match, where he defeated [[T. J. Perkins|Puma]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1253682921|title=Spoilers: 9/22 TNA Impact tapings|work=WrestleView|access-date=September 23, 2009}}</ref>

On March 6, 2011, Colton (as Cabana) won the [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]] from Adam Pearce at the ''[[NWA Championship Wrestling from Hollywood]]'' television tapings.<ref name=NWAWorld>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_48283.shtml|title=NWA News: NWA World Title spoiler result – Pearce vs. Cabana – from Sunday's NWA Hollywood TV taping (updated w/video)|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=March 6, 2011|access-date=March 7, 2011}}</ref> He lost the title to [[The Sheik II|The Sheik]] on April 23, 2011, in Jacksonville, Florida.<ref name="WorldLoss">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_49538.shtml|title=NWA News: New NWA World Hvt. champion, ending Cabana's title reign, one wrestler calls it a "terrible mistake"|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=April 23, 2011|access-date=April 24, 2011}}</ref>
On March 19 Cabana debuted for NWA Rampage in a World Heavyweight Championship defense against NWA RPW Heavyweight Champion J-Rod. The match ended in a no-contest after interference from Hot Like Lava. Cabana & J-Rod teamed up to defeat Hot Like Lava afterward.
On April 2 during the second night of ROH's [[Honor Takes Center Stage]] pay-per-view, Cabana started a new feud with House of Truth members [[Christopher Daniels]], [[Michael Elgin]], [[Roderick Strong]] and [[Truth Martini]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_48974.shtml|title=ROH Internet PPV report 4/2: Caldwell & Radican's ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live ROH PPV from Atlanta|last=Caldwell|first=James|author2=Radican, Sean|date=April 2, 2011|access-date=April 11, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Colton, as Matt Classic, returned to Chikara on April 15 for the [[King of Trios#2011|2011 King of Trios]], once again teaming with Dasher Hatfield and Sugar Dunkerton as the Throwbacks. The team was eliminated in the first round by Team [[Osaka Pro Wrestling|Osaka Pro]] ([[Atsushi Kotoge]], [[Daisuke Harada]] and Ultimate Spider Jr.).<ref name=ChikaraResults>{{cite web|url=http://www.chikarapro.com/results.php |title=Past results |work=[[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]] |access-date=April 16, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723015952/http://www.chikarapro.com/results.php |archive-date=July 23, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/DVDs_-_VGames_-_Books_25/article_49808.shtml|title=Radican's Chikara KoT Night 1 DVD Review 4/15 – Team Michinoku Pro vs. Team 1–2–3 Kid, Quackenbush & Toyota & Jigsaw vs. SAT's|last=Radican|first=Sean|date=May 4, 2011|access-date=May 5, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On July 20, Cabana (as '''Officer Colt Cabana''') defeated [[2 Tuff Tony]] to win the [[JCW Heavyweight Championship|JCW World Heavyweight Champion]] at [[Juggalo Championship Wrestling]]'s event Above the Law.<ref name="AboveTheLaw"/> He lost the championship to [[Steve Robinson (wrestler)|Corporal Robinson]] at the following event.<ref name="FuckthePolice">{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_51746.shtml|title=Radican's JCW "F--- The Police" iPPV coverage 7/28: U-Gene & Zack Gowen, Rhino, Cabana, Sabu & Raven|last=Radican|first=Sean|date=July 28, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=July 29, 2011}}</ref> On August 2, Cabana wrestled a dark match for WWE at a ''SmackDown'' taping, losing against [[Wade Barrett]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_51843.shtml |title=WWE News: Smackdown TV taping – Colt Cabana works dark match with former Intercontinental champion |last=Tucker|first=Benjamin|date=August 2, 2011 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date=August 3, 2011}}</ref> On August 6, 2011, Cabana tapped out to Ring of Honor World champion Davey Richards in [[Carrollton, Georgia|Carrollton]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] as part of the 2011 [[NWA Wrestling Legends Hall of Heroes|Wrestling Legends Fanfest Weekend]] activities.<ref>[http://www.NWALegends.com/index.htm Presents Mid-Atlantic Memories, The 2012 NWA Wrestling Legends Fanfest Weekend!]. Nwalegends.com (April 8, 2012). Retrieved on May 6, 2012.</ref> On August 20, Cabana wrestled in [[Aberdeen]], [[Scotland]] for Wrestlezone, losing a tag team title match.<ref>[http://www.wrestlezonescotland.co.uk/results/2011-08-20-Results.php Wrestle Zone Scotland] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407005239/http://www.wrestlezonescotland.co.uk/results/2011-08-20-Results.php |date=April 7, 2012}}. Wrestle Zone Scotland (August 20, 2011). Retrieved on May 6, 2012.</ref> On August 26, 2011, Colt headlined the inaugural show for [[Preston City Wrestling]], joining once again with Darren Burridge as Team SHAG. On October 15, 2011, Cabana made a surprise appearance at [[All Pro Wrestling|All Pro Wrestling's]] Halloween Hell XIV event in [[Hayward, California]], defeating "Wrestling Personified" Rik Luxury for his [[APW Worldwide Internet Championship]] after answering Luxury's open challenge.<ref name="Colt Cabana wins Internet Championship!">{{cite web | url=http://www.allprowrestling.com/2011/10/16/colt-cabana-wins-internet-championship/ | title=Colt Cabana wins Internet Championship! | publisher=All Pro Wrestling | date=October 15, 2011 | access-date=October 17, 2011}}</ref> On November 13, at [[Chikara High Noon]], Cabana faced and defeated [[Robert Evans (wrestler)|Archibald Peck]] after Colt Cabunny—a character that is essentially a parody of Cabana—turned on Peck and helped his "human counterpart" pick up the win.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_55114.shtml|title=Radican's Chikara "High Noon" iPPV coverage 11/13 -Quackenbush vs. Kingston, Young Bucks vs. The Colony|last=Radican|first=Sean|date=November 13, 2011|access-date=April 9, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Cabana and Peck then teamed at Chikara's next iPPV, [[Chikarasaurus Rex: How to Hatch a Dinosaur]], where they were defeated by The Throwbacks (Dasher Hatfield and [[Mark Angelosetti]]).<ref name=ChikarasaurusRex>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_62037.shtml|title=Radican's Chikara "Chikarasaurus Rex" iPPV review 6/2 - live coverage of event from Philaldephia|last=Radican|first=Sean|date=June 2, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=August 8, 2012}}</ref>

In March 2012 Cabana appeared on [[Progress Chapter One: In The Beginning]], the debut show of London-based promotion [[Progress Wrestling]], in a losing effort to Loco Mike Mason.<ref name="past results">{{cite web|url=http://progresswrestling.com/results/|title=Results|publisher=Progress Wrestling|access-date=January 2, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120010221/http://progresswrestling.com/results/|archive-date=November 20, 2012}}</ref> On April 8, 2012, Cabana defeated Adam Pearce to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship for the second time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_60167.shtml|title=New NWA World Hvt. champion|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=April 8, 2012|access-date=April 9, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> He re-lost the title to Pearce on July 21.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_63565.shtml|title=Pearce captures NWA Title in Match #4|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=July 21, 2012|access-date=July 22, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Cabana teamed with [[Eddie Edwards (wrestler)|Eddie Edwards]] to take part in [[Global Tag League#2012|Global Tag League 2012]] and gained five points but did not progress further.<ref name="NoahTagLeague12">{{cite web |url=http://www.noah-usa.cc/Global%20Tag%20Team%20Tournament%202012.html |title=Global Tag Team League Tournament 2012|access-date=April 11, 2012 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115163711/http://www.noah-usa.cc/Global%20Tag%20Team%20Tournament%202012.html |archive-date=January 15, 2013 }}</ref> On September 14, 2012, Colton returned to his Matt Classic persona as he, Dasher Hatfield and Mark Angelosetti entered the [[King of Trios#2012|2012 King of Trios]], losing to Team [[JWP Joshi Puroresu|JWP]] ([[Command Bolshoi]], [[Kaori Yoneyama]] and [[Tsubasa Kuragaki]]) in their first round match.<ref name=ChikaraResults/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1347717623 |title=9/14 Chikara "King of Trios: Night 1" Results: Easton, PA |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=September 15, 2012 |access-date=September 15, 2012 |work=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923000450/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1347717623 |archive-date=September 23, 2012 }}</ref> On October 27, Colton concluded a seven match series against Adam Pearce with a victory leading to Pearce vacating the NWA World Title<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c-SxzA3dCI |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205180205/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c-SxzA3dCI |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |title=#7LevelsOfHate Aftermath; Pearce steps down as NWA Champion |work=Warzone Wrestling Official |publisher=[[YouTube]] |date=October 28, 2012 |access-date=February 15, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_66235.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519122643/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_66235.shtml |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |title=NWA NEWS: Pearce vs. Cabana series concludes, but without NWA champ following "controversy" (w/Video) |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |last=Caldwel |first=James |date=October 28, 2012 |access-date=February 15, 2023}}</ref>

===Return to ROH (2016–2019, 2022)===
[[File:Colt Cabana in ROH.jpg|thumb|Colt Cabana returned to ROH in 2016 and became a wrestler and commentator.]]
On April 1, 2016, Cabana returned to ROH at [[Supercard of Honor X]], confronting and challenging ROH World Champion [[Jay Lethal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/01/41-roh-supercard-honor-results-lethal-vs-rush-roh-world-title-bucks-vs-mcmg/|title=4/1 ROH Supercard of Honor Results – Lethal vs. Rush for ROH Title, big return, Bucks vs. MCMG, more|access-date=April 1, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Cabana received his title shot against Lethal on May 8 at [[Global Wars (2016)|Global Wars]], but the match ended in a [[No contest (combat sports)|no contest]], when [[Bullet Club]] took over the ring. On September 30, at [[All Star Extravaganza VIII]] Cabana and [[Dalton Castle (wrestler)|Dalton Castle]] defeated [[The All Night Express]] ([[Rhett Titus]] and [[Kenny King (wrestler)|Kenny King]]) (with [[Caprice Coleman]]), [[Keith Lee (wrestler)|Keith Lee]] and Shane Taylor and [[War Machine (professional wrestling)|War Machine]] ([[Hanson (wrestler)|Hanson]] and [[Raymond Rowe]]) in a Four Corner Survival tag team match for the #1 contendership to the ROH World Tag Team Championship. On October 14, at [[Glory By Honor XV]] night one Cabana defeated [[Mark Briscoe]]. The next night Cabana was on Team ROH All-Stars with [[The Briscoes]] ([[Jay Briscoe]] and Mark Briscoe) and Dalton Castle against the Team ROH Champions ([[Adam Cole]], [[Bobby Fish]], and [[The Young Bucks]] (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) in an eight-man elimination tag team match that went to a no-contest because Cabana and Castle challenged Matt and Nick Jackson to a ROH World Tag Team Championship match where they were defeated. On the November 19, 2016, edition of ROH's television show, Colt Cabana turned heel by attacking Dalton Castle and splitting up his tag team.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/08/globalwarsppvresults/ | title = 5/8 ROH Global Wars PPV Results – Caldwell's Complete Live Report | last=Caldwell | first=James | date=May 8, 2016 | access-date=May 9, 2016 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At [[Final Battle (2016)|Final Battle]] Cabana was defeated by Dalton Castle.

On January 1, 2017, Cabana became a commentator for Ring of Honor, replacing Nigel McGuinness (while still also wrestling). On the January 7 episode of ''Ring of Honor Wrestling'', Cabana was defeated [[Chris Sabin]], with the help from The Boys. On February 18, episode of Ring of Honor Cabana defeated The Boys in a 1 on 2 Handicap Match. On March 4 at Manhattan Mayhem VI Cabana lost his rematch with Dalton Castle.

On April 15 episode of ''Ring of Honor Wrestling'' Cabana was involved in a random draw eight-man tag team match where he teamed with Bobby Fish, [[Lio Rush]], and Hanson as they were defeated by Jay Lethal, [[Adam Page (wrestler)|Hangman Page]], [[Jay White]] and [[Silas Young]], where the winners faced each other in a fatal four number one contender match for the ROH World Championship.

On August 13, Cabana challenged Dalton Castle and the Boys for the [[ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championship]] and teamed with [[The Tempura Boyz]] ([[Sho Tanaka|Sho]] & [[Yohei Komatsu|Yohei]]) in an unsuccessful effort at winning the championship on August 20. After the match, Cabana shook hands with Castle and the Boys, turning him face. Colt became more active as a color commentator alongside Ian Riccaboni. At the 2019 Crockett Cup, Colt Cabana won the [[NWA National Heavyweight Championship]] from Willie Mack. On June 29, 2019, he lost the championship to [[James Storm]] but subsequently regained it in a victory on [[NWA Power]]. He lost the title to [[Aron Stevens]] in a triple threat match also involving [[Ricky Starks]] at [[NWA Into the Fire]].

In 2022, he was a judge at [[Supercard of Honor XV]] for the [[ROH Pure Championship]]. On July 23, at [[Death Before Dishonor (2022)]], Cabana defeated [[Anthony Henry (wrestler)|Anthony Henry]] in the pre-show.

===New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2019–2020)===
On February 22, 2019, Cabana, alongside plenty of other ROH talent, appeared on Day 1 of [[Honor Rising: Japan 2019|Honor Rising: Japan]] which took place in Korakuen Hall. Alongside [[Delirious (wrestler)|Delirious]] and [[Cheeseburger (wrestler)|Cheeseburger]], they faced [[Ryusuke Taguchi]], [[Toru Yano]], and [[Togi Makabe]] for the [[NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship]], but in a losing effort. The next day, on Day 2 of Honor Rising: Japan, Cabana teamed with Toru Yano and were victorious in a match against Cheese Burger and Delirious. While the ROH talent headed back home after Honor Rising: Japan, Cabana would stay in Japan. On February 25, 2019, he was announced as one of the 32 participants in the [[New Japan Cup|New Japan Cup 2019]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/45019|title=Cards for 11th March – NEW JAPAN CUP 2019 released {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|last=NJPW|website=NJPW|language=en|access-date=March 24, 2019}}</ref> On March 8, 2019, Cabana stated that he would be making his official NJPW debut<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ColtCabana/status/1103944814058340354|title=My official @njpw1972 debut tonite in Korakuen Hall.pic.twitter.com/dsr50bxPkE|last=Cabana|first=Colt|date=March 8, 2019|website=@ColtCabana|language=en|access-date=March 24, 2019}}</ref> Cabana was eliminated from the [[New Japan Cup#2019|2019 New Japan Cup]] in the quarter-finals by [[Sanada (wrestler)|Sanada]] and on March 24, Cabana stated that he had finished the tour.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/ColtCabana/status/1109818680613847040|title=Just finished my first tour with @njpw1972 & I CAN CONFIRM... @cozy_lariat DOES LOVE BREAD!|last=Cabana|first=Colt|date=March 24, 2019|website=@ColtCabana|language=en|access-date=March 24, 2019}}</ref>

===All Elite Wrestling (2019–present)===
After making multiple appearances for [[All Elite Wrestling]] since 2019, Cabana signed with the promotion in February 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/colt-cabana-signs-aew|website=Fightful|title=Colt Cabana Signs With AEW|date=February 29, 2020|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|access-date=March 1, 2020}}</ref> He made a surprise appearance at [[Revolution (2020)|Revolution]] on February 29, 2020, attacking [[The Dark Order]]. In May 2020, Cabana began a losing streak as [[Brodie Lee]] tried to recruit him into The Dark Order. On the June 10 episode of ''Dynamite'', after Cabana lost to [[Sammy Guevara]], Lee came out to help Cabana to his feet and once again offer him a spot in the Dark Order. Later that night, Cabana was seen heading into Lee's office.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/aew-dynamite-61020-results-live-coverage-discussion-tonight-8pm-est|title=AEW Dynamite 6/10/20 Results: AEW TNT Championship Defense, FTR's In-Ring Debut & More!|website=Fightful}}</ref> The following week, Cabana was handed an envelope by Lee that stated they will team together against [[Joey Janela]] and Sonny Kiss. Cabana and Lee would defeat Janela and Kiss after Cabana pinned Janela.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/aew-dynamite-62420-results-live-coverage-discussion-8pm-est|title=AEW Dynamite 6/24/20 Results: Orange Cassidy Confronts Chris Jericho, FTR vs. SCU & More!|website=Fightful}}</ref> Over the next few weeks, Cabana experienced a winning streak while teaming with members of the Dark Order as he was slowly recruited into the group over time, thus slowly turning heel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/aew-fyter-fest-20-night-2-results-live-coverage-discussion-8pm-est|title=AEW Fyter Fest '20 Night 2 Results: Tag Team Title Match, Chris Jericho vs. Orange Cassidy & More!|website=Fightful}}</ref> Following the death of Brodie Lee, Cabana, alongside the rest of The Dark Order, transitioned into babyfaces.<ref>{{cite web |title=Anna Jay On How The Dark Order Has Changed: "We're Probably Nice Guys Now" |url=https://www.mandatory.com/wrestlezone/news/1218642-anna-jay-on-talk-is-jericho-dark-order-nice-guys-now |website=Wrestlezone |access-date=March 15, 2021 |date=January 17, 2021}}</ref> At the [[Brodie Lee Celebration of Life]] memorial show, Cabana teamed with [[The Young Bucks]] to defeat [[Matt Hardy]] and [[Private Party (professional wrestling)|Private Party]], securing the pinfall victory.<ref>{{cite web |title=12/30 AEW Dynamite results: Barnett's live review of the Brodie Lee (Jon Huber) celebration of life show featuring Cody Rhodes, Orange Cassidy, and 10 vs. Brian Cage, Powerhouse Hobbs, and Ricky Starks, Anna Jay and Tay Conti vs. Britt Baker and Penelope Ford |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/12/30/12-30-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-the-brodie-lee-jon-huber-celebration-of-life-show-featuring-cody-rhodes-orange-cassidy-and-10-vs-brian-cage-powerhouse-hobbs-and-ricky-star/ |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |access-date=March 15, 2021 |date=December 31, 2020}}</ref> Cabana wrestled his final match as a member of the Dark Order in August 2022.<ref name="KreikenbohmAEW">{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=994&page=4&promotion=2287|title=Colt Cabana - matches - All Elite Wrestling|access-date=April 4, 2024|website=Cagematch.net|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm}}</ref>

On the November 2, 2022, episode of ''Dynamite'', Cabana challenged [[Chris Jericho]] for the [[ROH World Championship]] in a losing effort. Cabana returned to the ring for AEW in September 2023, forming a new tag team with [[Brandon Cutler]]. Over the following months, Cabana and Cutler faced Cabana's former Dark Order stablemates in a series of tag team matches.<ref name="KreikenbohmAEW"/>

==Other media==
{{Infobox Twitch streamer
| name = Colt Cabana
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| years_active = 2020–present
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Colton hosts a podcast called ''The Art of Wrestling'', which has 409 episodes as of September 2024.<ref>[http://tsmradio.com/coltcabana/2014/11/26/aow-226-cm-punk/ AOW episode 226 CM Punk] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129185630/http://tsmradio.com/coltcabana/2014/11/26/aow-226-cm-punk |date=November 29, 2014 }} on November 26, 2014</ref>

On December 23, 2019, RetroSoft Studios announced Riccaboni and Cabana would be providing commentary for the sequel to the 1991 arcade game [[WWF WrestleFest]] [[RetroMania Wrestling]] on [[PlayStation 4]], [[Nintendo Switch]], [[Xbox One]], and PC.<ref name="Retro">{{cite web|url= https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2019/12/24/retromania-wrestling-commentary-team-announced/364198/ |title= RetroMania Wrestling Commentary Team Announced |date= December 24, 2019 |publisher= Hardcore Gamer|access-date=December 24, 2019}}</ref>

==Personal life==
While at [[Western Michigan University]], Colton became friends with [[Matt Cappotelli]], who went on to participate in ''[[WWE Tough Enough#Tough Enough|WWE Tough Enough]]''.<ref name="punkcabana">{{cite video|people=Colt Cabana; [[CM Punk]]|title=Straight Shootin' with CM Punk & Colt Cabana|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/shoponline.asp?point=morweinfo&catid=200&id=1397|medium=DVD|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|date=July 1, 2005}} {{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

In February 2015, WWE doctor Christopher Amann filed a lawsuit against Colton and long-time friend Phillip Brooks (better known as [[CM Punk]]) for comments made during a [[CM Punk#Initial retirement (2014)|November 2014 episode]] of Colton's ''Art of Wrestling'' podcast.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2015/02/20/wwes-ringside-doctor-is-suing-cm-punk-and-colt-cabana-for-1-million/|title=WWE's ringside doctor is suing CM Punk and Colt Cabana for $1 million|last=Payne|first=Marissa|date=February 20, 2015|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=February 22, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/buzzer/story/cm-punk-wwe-doctor-suing-1-million-for-defamation-022115|title=Report: WWE doctor suing CM Punk for $1 million for defamation|date=February 21, 2015|access-date=July 12, 2017|website=[[Foxsports.com]]}}</ref> Amann was seeking roughly $4 million in compensation and an undisclosed amount in [[punitive damages]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/amann-seeking-over-4-million-damages-punk-cabana-259101|title=Amann seeking over $4 million in damages from Punk & Cabana|website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|date=June 5, 2018|access-date=June 5, 2018}}</ref> In 2018, the case went to trial, where a jury ruled in favor of Colton and Brooks.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Kolur|first=Nihal|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2018/06/05/cm-punk-wins-civil-lawsuit-against-wwe-dr-chris-amann|title=CM Punk Wins Civil Lawsuit Against WWE Dr. Chris Amann|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|publisher=[[Meredith Corporation]]|date=June 5, 2018|access-date=June 5, 2018}}</ref> Later that year, Colton filed a lawsuit against Brooks, alleging breach of contract and fraud due to Brooks' alleged agreement and later refusal to pay Colton's legal fees for the Amann suit. Colton sought $200,000 in damages and an additional $1 million in punitive damages.<ref>{{cite web|last=Moore|first=Evan F.|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/colt-cabana-cm-punk-contract-legal-fees-lawsuit/|title=Colt Cabana sues CM Punk over legal fees|date=August 9, 2018|access-date=August 11, 2018|work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|publisher=[[Sun-Times Media Group]]}}</ref> Brooks filed a [[counterclaim]] against Colton for $600,000 and additional fees in June 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/cm-punk-files-countersuit-against-colt-cabana-legal-fees-battle-286786|title=CM Punk files countersuit against Colt Cabana in legal fees battle|date=June 26, 2019|access-date=March 5, 2020|last=Nason|first=Josh|website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> Both lawsuits were settled and dismissed in September 2019, which ''PWInsider'' stated involved no financial compensation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/129990/the-colt-cabana-vs-cm-punk-lawsuit-is-over-full-details.html|title=The Colt Cabana vs. CM Punk lawsuit is over, full details|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=September 29, 2019|access-date=March 5, 2020|website=PWInsider}}</ref>

==Championship and accomplishments==
*'''[[All American Wrestling]]'''
**[[AAW Heritage Championship]] ([[AAW Heritage Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aawrestling.com/titlehistory.html|title=AAW title histories|access-date=February 2, 2010|publisher=All American Wrestling|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100921223710/http://www.aawrestling.com/titlehistory.html|archive-date=September 21, 2010}}</ref>
*'''[[All Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[APW Worldwide Internet Championship]] ([[APW Worldwide Internet Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe/22582-sun-update-bound-for-glory-preview-smackdown-raw-ross-hogan-last-nights-ppv-sonnen|title=Sun. update: Bound for Glory preview, Smackdown Raw, Ross, Hogan, last night's PPV, Sonnen|date=October 16, 2011|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|access-date=October 16, 2011|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|archive-date=October 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018105242/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe/22582-sun-update-bound-for-glory-preview-smackdown-raw-ross-hogan-last-nights-ppv-sonnen|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*'''All-Star Championship Wrestling / [[List of NWA territories|NWA Wisconsin]]'''
**ACW/NWA Wisconsin Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/>
*'''All Star Wrestling'''
**ASW People's Championship (1 time)<ref name=Bodyslamming/>
*'''Championship of Wrestling'''
**cOw Manager of Champions Championship (1 time)<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=219346 |title = COw/GHW/CWE Forever Wrestling 2019 - Tag 1 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - the Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
*'''Christian Wrestling Alliance'''
**CWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=Bodyslamming/>
*'''[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship]] ([[List of Ironman Heavymetalweight Champions (2010–2019)#Title history|2 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/ddt/ironman-hm.html|title=Ironman Heavymetalweight Title|access-date=August 12, 2016|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref>
*'''Extreme Wrestling Federation'''
**EWF Xtreme 8 Tournament (2004)<ref name=Bodyslamming/>
*'''F1RST Wrestling'''
**World Mitzvah Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=232650 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508152122/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=232650 |archive-date=May 8, 2022 |title=F1RST Wrestling Mitzvah Mayhem |work=CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |date=June 5, 2019 |access-date=February 25, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.eventbrite.com/e/temple-of-wrestling-presents-mitzvah-mayhem-tickets-61451665586 | title=Temple of Wrestling Presents: Mitzvah Mayhem }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.profightdb.com/cards/f1rst/mitzvah-mayhem-39066.html | title=F1RST Mitzvah Mayhem at Temple of Aaron Synagogue wrestling results - Internet Wrestling Database }}</ref>
*'''Figure Wrestling Federation'''
**FWF Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/fwf-live-4-results-109-maven-faces-matt-cardona-colt-cabana-action |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020232439/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/fwf-live-4-results-109-maven-faces-matt-cardona-colt-cabana-action |archive-date=October 20, 2022 |title=FWF LIVE! 4 Results (10/9): Maven Faces Matt Cardona, Colt Cabana In Action |work=Fightful |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |date=October 10, 2022 |access-date=February 25, 2023}}</ref>
*'''Frontier Wrestling Alliance'''
**Round Robin Tournament (2005)
*'''[[Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South]]'''
**[[IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship]] ([[IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=OWOW/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://solie.org/titlehistories/mshtiwassoc.html | title=IWA – Mid-South Heavyweight Title History | access-date=July 10, 2008|publisher=solie.org}}</ref>
**ICW/ICWA Tex-Arkana Television Championship (4 times1)<ref name=CageTitles/>
*'''[[Insane Championship Wrestling]]'''
**[[ICW Tag Team Championship]] ([[ICW Tag Team Championship#Reigns|1 time]]) – with [[Grado (wrestler)|Grado]]
*'''Insane Wrestling Federation'''
**IWF Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/>
*'''International Wrestling Cartel'''
**[[IWC Heavyweight Championship|IWC World Heavyweight Championship]] (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://solie.org/titlehistories/hwtiwc2.html | title=IWC World Heavyweight Title History | access-date=July 10, 2008|publisher=solie.org}}</ref>
**IWC Super Indy Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2003-05.html | title=Independent Wrestling Results – May 2003 | access-date=July 5, 2008|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://solie.org/titlehistories/sitiwc2.html | title=IWC Super Indies Title History | access-date=July 10, 2008|publisher=solie.org}}</ref>
**IWC Super Indy Championship Tournament (2003)
*'''[[Juggalo Championship Wrestling]]'''
**[[JCW Heavyweight Championship]] ([[JCW Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
*'''Landmark Wrestling Federation'''
**LWF Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/>
*'''Legend City Wrestling'''
**LCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
*'''Mid-American Wrestling / [[List of NWA territories|NWA Mid-American Wrestling]]'''
**MAW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://solie.org/titlehistories/hwtmaw.html | title=MAW Heavyweight Title History | access-date=July 10, 2008|publisher=solie.org}}</ref>
* '''[[National Wrestling Alliance]]'''
** [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of NWA World Heavyweight Champions|2 times]])
** [[NWA National Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA National Heavyweight Championship#Reigns|2 times]])
*'''New Horizon Pro Wrestling'''
**Global Conflict Shield Tournament (2010)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://nhpw.com.au/index.php/roster/wrestlers.html#!prettyPhoto |title=NHPW - New Horizons Pro Wrestling - Perth Australia - Wrestlers |access-date=May 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904064119/http://nhpw.com.au/index.php/roster/wrestlers.html#!prettyPhoto |archive-date=September 4, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*'''[[List of NWA territories|NWA Midwest]]'''
**[[NWA Illinois Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Illinois Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=OWOW/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/nwa/nwa-midwest/nwa-il-h.html | title=N.W.A. Illinois Heavyweight Title | access-date=July 10, 2008|publisher=wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
*'''Nevermore Championship Wrestling'''
**NCW World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/>
*'''[[Ohio Valley Wrestling]]'''
**[[OVW Television Championship]] ([[OVW Television Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=OWOW/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestling-titles.com/us/ky/ovw/ovw-tv.html | title=OVW Television Championship title history | access-date=July 10, 2008|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref>
**[[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship]] ([[OVW Southern Tag Team Championship#Title history|2 times]]) – Charles Evans (1) and [[Shawn Spears]] (1)<ref name=OWOW/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://solie.org/titlehistories/ovsttnwa.html | title=OVW Southern Tag Team Title History | access-date=July 10, 2008|publisher=solie.org}}</ref>
**OVW Southern Tag Team Championship Tournament (2007) – with Shawn Spears<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=486 |title = OVW Southern Tag Team Title Tournament « Tournaments Database « CAGEMATCH - the Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
*'''[[One Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[1PW Tag Team Championship]] ([[1PW Tag Team Championship#Title History|1 time]]) – with [[Greg Burridge|Darren Burridge]]<ref name=OWOW/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1pwonline.co.uk/results.php?year=2006 |title=1-Pro Wrestling 2006 Results |access-date=July 8, 2008 |publisher=1pwonline.co.uk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924171704/http://www.1pwonline.co.uk/results.php?year=2006 |archive-date=September 24, 2008 }}</ref>
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**Ranked No. 44 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[PWI 500]] in 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2012.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2012|access-date=August 25, 2012|work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]'''
**Global Tag League Outstanding Performance Award (2015) – with [[Chris Hero]]<ref name=GTL2015Awards>{{cite web|url=http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/sports/fight_all/4263/|script-title=ja:ノア「グローバル・タッグリーグ戦2015」優勝決定戦|date=May 4, 2015|access-date=May 6, 2015|work=Sports Navi|publisher=[[Yahoo!]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304083857/http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/sports/fight_all/4263/|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
**Global Tag League Technique Award (2012) – with [[Eddie Edwards (wrestler)|Eddie Edwards]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=3990|script-title=ja:「グローバル・タッグリーグ戦 2012」各賞発表|date=April 30, 2012|access-date=April 24, 2013|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja}}</ref>
**Global Tag League Technique Award (2014, 2015) – with Chris Hero<ref name=GTL2015Awards/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=6071|script-title=ja:「グローバル・タッグリーグ戦2014」各賞発表|date=April 28, 2014|access-date=April 28, 2014|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja}}</ref>
*'''Pro Wrestling World-1 Great Lakes'''
**World-1 Great Lakes Openweight Championship (1 time, inaugural)<ref name=OWOW/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://solie.org/titlehistories/glowpww1.html | title=PWW1 – Great Lakes Open Weight Title History | access-date=July 10, 2008|publisher=solie.org}}</ref>
**World-1 Great Lakes Openweight Championship Tournament (2006)
*'''Professional Championship Wrestling'''
**PCW State Championship (1 time) <ref>{{cite web |url=http://wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=titles&titel=3031 |title = Wrestlingdata.com - The World's Largest Wrestling Database}}</ref>
*'''Revolution Championship Wrestling'''
**RCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
*'''[[Revolution Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[RPW British Heavyweight Championship]] (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.revolutionprowrestling.com/results/2013/03/31/high-stakes|title=Results from "High Stakes"|date=March 31, 2013|work=Revolution Pro Wrestling|access-date=November 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203001847/http://www.revolutionprowrestling.com/results/2013/03/31/high-stakes|archive-date=December 3, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*'''Revolución Lucha Libre'''
**RLL Absolute Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://superluchas.com/colt-cabana-nuevo-campeon-absoluto-rll-chile/|title=Colt Cabana Nuevo Campeon Absoluto de Revolucion Lucha Libre (Chile)|author=Gokucho|date=October 23, 2011|access-date=October 23, 2011|publisher=[[Super Luchas]] Magazine|language=es}}</ref>
*'''[[Ring of Honor]]'''
**[[ROH World Tag Team Championship|ROH Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of ROH World Tag Team Champions|2 times]]) – with [[CM Punk]]<ref name=OWOW/><ref name="ROHtag">{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohworldtagteamtitles.php |title=Ring Of Honor Tag Team Championship |access-date=April 5, 2010 |publisher=[[Ring of Honor]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412035856/http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohworldtagteamtitles.php |archive-date=April 12, 2010 }}</ref>
*'''Steel Domain Wrestling'''
**SDW Television Championship (1 time)<ref name=CageTitles>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=994&view=erfolge#erfolge|title=Cagematch title listings}}</ref>
*'''Temple of Wrestling'''
**TOW Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://thegreatrabbino.com/2019/12/12/mazel-tov-to-the-new-temple-of-wrestling-champion-colt-cabana/ | title=Mazel Tov to the NEW Temple of Wrestling Champion – Colt Cabana! | date=December 12, 2019 }}</ref>
*'''UWA Hardcore Wrestling'''
**UWA Canadian Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/>
*'''Wrestling Is Fun'''
**Wrestling Is Fun 24/7 Hardcore Championship (1 time)<ref name=IsFun>{{cite web|url=http://instagram.com/p/gi5mr3Mxvx/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/gi5mr3Mxvx |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|title=Estonian Thunderfrog 1st Defense.|date=November 10, 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
*'''Other titles'''
**Jew North American Championship (1 time)<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://lastwordonprowrestling.com/2018/06/27/andnew-colt-cabana-defeats-david-starr-to-become-jew-north-american-champion/ |title = #AndNEW: Colt Cabana Defeats David Starr to Become Jew North American Champion|date = June 27, 2018}}</ref>
**Jewish Heavyweight Championship (1 time, current)
**MCW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Steve Stone<ref name=Bodyslamming/>
**MMW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/>
**PWF Cruiserweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/>
**WC Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="Bodyslamming" />
**Jewish Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with [[Brandon Cutler]]
*1This is a "gimmick" title defended under the 24/7 rule by [[Larry Sweeney]] in a number of independent and regional promotions. Both Cabana and [[Delirious (wrestler)|Delirious]] held the title multiple times during a 3-Way Dance against Sweeney at an IWA Mid-South show on December 30, 2005.

==See also==
* [[List of Jewish professional wrestlers]]

==References==
;General
* 2004 ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'' Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts

;Specific
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{Twitch}}
* {{YouTube|channel=UCKYttsFVs-wDUmrrQAXq5CA}}
* {{Chikara profile|colt-cabana|Colt Cabana}}
* {{Gfw profile|coltcabana}}
* {{NJPW profile|id=42928|newlink=yes}}
* {{roh roster|colt-cabana|Colt Cabana}}
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Jimmy Jacobs

2025-05-21T12:45:24Z

89.136.44.148:

<ref name="writer" />{{short description|American professional wrestler}}
{{for|the handball player and boxing manager|Jimmy Jacobs (handballer)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
| name = Jimmy Jacobs
| image = Princess Jimmy Jacobs.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Jacobs in 2017
| alt =
| birthname = Christopher Scoville<ref>{{cite book|last1=Steen|first1=Kevin|title=Fight Owens Fight: The Kevin Owens Story (DVD)|date=July 4, 2017|publisher=WWE Home Video}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1984|02|17|mf=y}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/04/10/21594361.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722162527/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/04/10/21594361.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 22, 2017|title=Jimmy Jacobs a poetic Zombie Princess|website=canoe.com}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Grand Rapids, Michigan]], U.S.<ref name=Cage>{{cite web|url=http://cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=1052|title=Cagematch profile|access-date=February 14, 2010|publisher=Cagematch}}</ref>
| resides =
| names = '''Jimmy Jacobs'''
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=7}}<ref name="fiend">{{cite web|url=http://www.metrotimes.com/editorial/story.asp?id=3397|title=Fiend or faux?|date=June 19, 2002|last=DaRonco|first=Michael|access-date=June 17, 2009|publisher=Metro Times}}</ref>
| weight =
| billed =
| trainer = Joe Ortega<ref name=Cage/> Frankie the Face [[Truth Martini]]<ref name=Cage/>
| debut = May 1, 1999<ref name=OWOW>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/j/jimmy-jacobs.html|title=Online World of Wrestling profile|access-date=February 14, 2010|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
| retired =
}}
'''Christopher Scoville''' (born February 17, 1984) is an American [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], better known by his [[ring name]] '''Jimmy Jacobs'''. He is best known for his 12-year career in [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH), where he is a [[List of ROH World Tag Team Champions|five-time]] [[ROH World Tag Team Championship|World Tag Team Champion]]. He has also worked for [[WWE]],<ref name="writer" /> [[Impact wrestling|Impact Wrestling]], and [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW) as a writer and [[Road agent (professional wrestling)|producer]].

==Professional wrestling career==

===Early career (1999–2002)===
Scoville first became involved in the wrestling industry in June 1998 as a general assistant for Pro Wrestling Worldwide (PWW), a [[Professional wrestling promotion|promotion]] based in [[Grand Rapids, Michigan]], where his brother, Nick, was working. Scoville spent nine months performing various tasks, including providing [[Color commentator|color commentary]] and acting as the company [[webmaster]]. After PWW [[bankruptcy|folded]], Scoville began working for the Lakeshore Wrestling Organization (LsWO), and was made a [[Referee (professional wrestling)|referee]] on March 6, 1999, substituting for a referee who was on [[Holiday|vacation]]. He began training as a wrestler under veteran Joe "El Tejano" Ortega, a former student of [[Jose Lothario]] and the founder of the LsWO, in [[Holland, Michigan]] in March 1999, and wrestled his debut match on May 1, 1999, at the age of fifteen as "Jimmy Jacobs", losing to Michael Stryker. Scoville completed his training in August 1999 and went on to wrestle for various [[Independent circuit|independent]] promotions in the [[Michigan]] area on the weekends, while attending [[high school]] and working as a [[furniture]] mover during the week.<ref name="fiend"/> After graduating, he attended [[college]] for three years before deciding to focus on his wrestling career as a full-time job in May 2005.

===Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South (2002–2009)===
From 2002 to 2005, Jacobs worked for [[Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South]] (IWA Mid-South). On September 17, 2004, Jacobs defeated [[Delirious (wrestler)|Delirious]] in a [[ladder match]] to win the vacant [[IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Championship]]. On December 12, Delirious defeated Jacobs in a rematch to win the title. On April 1, 2005, Jacobs defeated [[Danny Daniels]] to win the [[IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship]]. At an AAW show on November 26, 2005, Jacobs threw the IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship in a garbage can, citing he needed to get paid after the shows he had been scheduled to wrestle on for IWA Mid-South that weekend had been cancelled. On January 21, 2006, he lost the IWA Mid-South World Championship to [[Arik Cannon]] and left the promotion. He returned in a surprise appearance on September 30, 2006, and has since made more surprise appearances and had a few matches, however in an "unofficial" capacity. On January 5, 2007, Jacobs wrestled his first match back as he faced his former friend [[Josh Abercrombie]]. Jacobs would end up losing that match due to outside interference. On April 12, 2008, Jacobs defeated long-time nemesis [[B. J. Whitmer]] in a no-rope, barbed wire match to end their feud. On March 7, 2009, Jacobs defeated Quick Carter Gray to win the IWA-MS Light Heavyweight Championship for the second time. On June 5, 2009, Jason Hades defeated Jacobs for the title.

===Ring of Honor (2003–2015)===
====Early appearances and Lacey's Angels (2003–2007)====
Jacobs joined [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) in 2003 along with rival [[Alex Shelley]] with whom he'd [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] against or occasionally [[Tag team|team]] with early on in ROH. After [[Dan Maff]] left the company as a result of a [[Dan Maff#Retirement|fallout]] with his trainer [[Homicide (wrestler)|Homicide]], Jacobs formed a tag team with Maff's former partner, B. J. Whitmer. On April 2, 2005, Jacobs and Whitmer defeated [[Samoa Joe]] and [[Jay Lethal]] for the vacant [[ROH World Tag Team Championship|ROH Tag Team Championship]].<ref name="ROHtag"/> They lost the title to [[The Carnage Crew]] on July 9, 2005, but regained them on July 23.<ref name="ROHtag"/> They went on to lose the title again, this time to the team of [[Sal Rinauro]] and [[Tony Mamaluke]], on October 1, 2005.<ref name="ROHtag"/>

[[File:Jacobs teeth.JPG|thumb|right|upright|Jacobs shortly after his [[Professional wrestling match types#Cages|steel cage match]] against [[B. J. Whitmer]]]]
Jacobs and Whitmer continued to team as part of Lacey's Angels managed by [[Lacey (wrestler)|Lacey]]. The team broke apart as Jacobs was more concerned with winning Lacey's affections than winning matches. Jacobs would go on to make music videos for ROH professing his love for Lacey. After Jacobs and Whitmer split, the two began feuding in brutal matches. In one match at the ''[[Dragongate|Dragon Gate]] Challenge'' on March 30, 2006, Whitmer slipped on the top turnbuckle while attempting a super [[powerbomb]] that dropped Jacobs head and neck first on the ropes and edge of the ring. The two continued to wrestle several minutes longer. At ''In Your Face'' on June 17, 2006, Whitmer super powerbombed Jacobs into the crowd. Jacobs went on to injure Whitmer at ''Gut Check'' on August 26, 2006.

It was later revealed in a storyline that Lacey was sleeping with [[Colt Cabana]]. Lacey arranged for the two to be a tag team. Cabana left the team because he was annoyed at Lacey, and tried to explain to Jacobs that she was using him. Jacobs seemingly accepted Cabana's explanation, before assaulting him. Whitmer made his way back from injury and continued his issue with Jacobs. When Brent Albright joined Lacey's Angels, their matches soon became tag team matches, where Whitmer and Cabana would face Jacobs and Albright. It later progressed when [[Daizee Haze]] joined forces with Whitmer, and Lacey, in turn as the leader of the group, hired an "assassin", [[Mercedes Martinez]]. At ''The Chicago Spectacular: Night 2'', Lacey was injured after Whitmer accidentally struck her in the face with a spike when Jacobs moved out of the way. Jacobs would go on to make his third music video (in which he has been described as being "demented") expressing his feelings on her disfigurement.

On March 31, 2007, in his native town of Detroit, Jacobs battled B. J. Whitmer in what the [[Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter]] called an instant classic. The two concluded their year-long feud in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Cages|steel cage match]]. Jacobs won the match, but afterwards, it was announced that Jacobs had lost a tooth and torn his [[Anterior cruciate ligament]] (an injury he previously sustained), and Whitmer had suffered a neck injury. While Jacobs was injured, ROH decided to continue the Lacey-Jacobs storyline with four small vignettes shown on [[YouTube]], detailing a trip that Lacey spent in Chicago with Jacobs; afterward, he accompanied Lacey to the [[Wrestling ring|ring]] for her matches, in which they appeared to have swapped personalities.

In August 2007, Jacobs returned to ROH winning three straight matches by defeating [[Rhett Titus]] on August 24, Mitch Franklin on August 25 and [[Chris Hero]] on September 14.

====The Age of the Fall (2007–2009)====
{{Main|Age of the Fall}}
For months leading into the ROH return to Chicago there were cryptic messages on a blog of a stable entering ROH that was code-named "Project 161". After making a successful return to ROH, Jacobs, the returning [[Necro Butcher]] and the debuting [[Seth Rollins|Tyler Black]] attacked the [[Briscoe Brothers]] immediately following their ladder match with [[Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn|Kevin Steen and El Generico]], which confirmed that Jacobs was behind Project 161. Jay Briscoe was hung upside from the rigging that was used to hoist the titles from the ladder match and, as Jay's blood dripped onto Jacobs, he announced the beginning of the [[Age of the Fall]]. The angle was so controversial that ROH decided to remove the footage from the [[pay-per-view]] that was being taped at the event. The footage was heavily requested by ROH fans, however, so it was shown on the ROH Videowire for the week of September 15, and a "blood edit" of their debut is featured on the DVD of the event, [[ROH Man Up|Man Up]]. Later on in the event, Tyler Black and Jack Evans faced off in a dark match until both Jacobs and Necro Butcher got involved. [[Crist Brothers|The Irish Airborne]] (David and Jake Crist) entered the ring to save Jack Evans, which led to a six-man tag team match between The Age of the Fall and the team of Evans and the Irish Airborne. The match ended a [[Professional wrestling#No contest|no contest]] as Necro Butcher attacked the referee.

[[File:Jimmy Jacobs and Tyler Black.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Jacobs (right) and [[Seth Rollins|Tyler Black]] in the ring together at a [[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]] event]]
The day after their debut, their website revealed that all the blog entries had been written by Tyler Black. In an interview with a German website, Jacobs revealed there would be more people involved. This was incorporated into British promotion 3CW in early November when Jacobs was revealed as the newest member of a similar faction in the promotion known as The Lost, managed by Sean David.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britwres.com/news/196174464.shtml|title=BritWres.com|website=www.britwres.com}}</ref> Jacobs faced [[Corey Graves|Sterling James Keenan]] on November 11 in a "Street Fight" in Middlesbrough, England.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britwres.com/news/196748192.shtml|title=BritWres.com|website=www.britwres.com}}</ref>

A woman named Allison Wonderland would also become a follower of Jacobs on November 30, debuting in Dayton during a 4-Way Tag Team Scramble match. At ''Unscripted III'', Jacobs defeated former ROH World Champion [[Bryan Danielson]] with his new finisher, the [[Professional wrestling holds#Guillotine choke|End Time]]. At ''Final Battle 2007'', Jacobs and Tyler Black defeated the Briscoe Brothers to win the ROH World Tag Team Championship.<ref name="ROHtag"/> On January 25, 2008, Jacobs teamed with the returning [[Joey Mercury|Joey Matthews]], the newest member of The Age of the Fall, in a losing effort against [[Roderick Strong]] and [[Rocky Romero]] of the [[No Remorse Corps]]. The following night, Jacobs and Black lost the ROH World Tag Team Championship to the No Remorse Corps' [[Davey Richards]] and Romero in an Ultimate Endurance match, also involving [[Brent Albright]] and B. J. Whitmer of The Hangmen 3, and Austin Aries and Bryan Danielson.<ref name="ROHtag"/> On February 22, 2008, Jacobs introduced [[Zach Gowen]] as the newest member of the group. Following the announcement the two of them were defeated by the Vulture Squad of [[Jigsaw (wrestler)|Jigsaw]] and [[Ruckus (wrestler)|Ruckus]].

The group at this time had an open invitation for [[Austin Aries]] to join them, writing blogs and posting YouTube videos about and directed at him. [[Tammy Lynn Sytch]] had made a counter offer to Aries of her services (including offering money and sex) against him joining the group. On March 30, 2008, Aries left the ring with Lacey, who was going to 'convince' him, and it was implied that the two had sex. At this show [[Bonnie Maxon|Rain]] accompanied the group to the ring, as she has done in [[Full Impact Pro]], because the show was in Florida. On April 19, Aries not only turned down the invitation into the group, Lacey left the group instead, siding with Aries romantically. Jacobs, heartbroken by Lacey leaving him, broke down in the ring to the chants of "Cry, Jimmy, Cry!" from fans and being covered with streamers. Later in the show Jacobs showed signs of a mental breakdown as he hit himself in the head with his trademark spike, to the concern of his fellow group members. The [[Card (sports)#Main event|main event]] was changed as Jacobs pulled out. "The Vulture Squad" ([[Ruckus (wrestler)|Ruckus]], [[Jigsaw (wrestler)|Jigsaw]] and [[Jack Evans (wrestler)|Jack Evans]]) were then beaten by the combination of Matthews, Black and Gowen (who replaced Jacobs). Post match Jacobs called out Aries and the two brawled, before Aries was attacked Black, Matthews and Gowen. Jacobs went to attack Aries with his spike, but stopped when Lacey begged him not to. On October 25, Jacobs and Aries then had an Anything Goes match where Jacobs won, but lost a Dog Collar match to Aries on November 8, after losing a large amount of blood.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/_081108|title=ROH Bound By Hate Results|access-date=March 28, 2009|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090403181654/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/_081108/|archive-date=April 3, 2009}}</ref> In a match set to end the feud, Jacobs lost to Aries in an [["I Quit" match]] at [[Rising Above (2008)|Rising Above]]. During the match Lacey returned and almost threw in the towel for Aries, but Aries begged her not to. Lacey then prevented Tyler Black from throwing in the towel for Jacobs, forcing Jacobs to say "I Quit".

As a result of the loss to Aries, Jacobs attacked Black at ''[[Final Battle 2008]]'' in December. Jacobs and Black continued to feud for several months, and on June 27, Black defeated Jacobs in a steel cage match. Afterwards, over a dozen men dressed in black clothing and black masks climbed into the cage and attacked Black, while Jacobs proclaimed that the Age of the Fall was not over. The following night, after [[Kenta Kobayashi|Kenta]] had defeated Black, Jacobs and his followers attacked Black again and tried to hang him upside down above the ring, but were stopped by Kevin Steen, El Generico and Delirious. They hung Jacobs upside down above the ring, with Black declaring that the Age of the Fall was finished.

During mid-July 2009, it was revealed that Jacobs had left ROH. A video package was shown on ''[[Ring of Honor Wrestling]]'', where Jacobs announced that he was leaving, and he later confirmed his departure in an interview on July 14.

====S.C.U.M. and The Decade (2011–2015)====
{{Main|S.C.U.M. (professional wrestling)|The Decade}}
[[File:Jimmy Jacobs 2012.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Jacobs at [[Showdown in the Sun]], explaining why he attacked [[El Generico]]]]
Jacobs returned to ROH on May 21, 2011, when he was revealed as [[Steve Corino]]'s sponsor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_50250.shtml|title=5/21 ROH in Chicago: "Supercard of Honor" results – ongoing coverage of Edwards vs. Strong for ROH Title, Corino's "sponsor" revealed|first=Mike|last=Wilkinson|date=May 21, 2011|access-date=May 22, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> At the August 13 tapings of ''Ring of Honor Wrestling'', Jacobs wrestled his first match for ROH in over two years, losing to [[Mike Bennett (wrestler)|Mike Bennett]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/99-other-mma/21732-roh-tv-tapings-report-8-13-chicago|title=ROH TV tapings report 8-13 Chicago|first=Kenneth|last=Slater|date=August 14, 2011|access-date=August 14, 2011|work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> After several months of trying to "purge" himself of evil, Jacobs hinted a heel turn at the [[ROH 10th Anniversary Show|10th Anniversary Show]] in a No Disqualification match against [[Kevin Owens|Kevin Steen]], but lost after freezing in shock when he hit Steen with his trademark spike. Later that month, at [[Showdown in the Sun]], Jacobs fully turned heel by helping Steen beat [[Sami Zayn|El Generico]] in a Last Man Standing match on March 30, and beat Generico himself the next night in an impromptu match. On May 12, Jacobs and Steen were joined by Steve Corino to form the [[S.C.U.M. (professional wrestling)|S.C.U.M.]] (Suffering, Chaos, Ugliness, and Mayhem) stable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1336878002 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121205100723/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1336878002 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 5, 2012 |title=ROH Border Wars iPPV Results- 5/12/12 |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=May 12, 2012 |access-date=September 16, 2012 |publisher=WrestleView }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_63449.shtml|title=ROH Vid – Kevin Steen S.C.U.M. promo|date=July 18, 2012|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=September 16, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On September 15 at [[Death Before Dishonor X: State of Emergency]], Jacobs and Corino defeated [[Charlie Haas]] and [[Rhett Titus]] in the finals of a tournament to win the vacant ROH World Tag Team Championship.<ref name=DBDX>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_65227.shtml|title=9/15 ROH iPPV results Chicago: Steen defends ROH Title in main event, new ROH tag champs determined, Matt Hardy confronts TV champ|last=Gee Schoon Tong|date=September 16, 2012|first=Chris|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 16, 2012}}</ref> They lost the title to the Briscoe Brothers (Jay and Mark Briscoe) on December 16 at [[Final Battle 2012: Doomsday]] in a three-way match, which also included the team of [[Caprice Coleman]] and [[Cedric Alexander]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1355697580 |title=ROH Final Battle Results – 12/16/12 |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=December 16, 2012 |access-date=December 16, 2012 |publisher=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130111125209/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1355697580 |archive-date=January 11, 2013 }}</ref> On June 23, 2013, S.C.U.M. was forced to disband, after being defeated by Team ROH in a [[WarGames match#Ring of Honor|Steel Cage Warfare match]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_71472.shtml|title=ROH Spoilers – 6/23 ROH TV tapings in Baltimore, Md.: Results from ROH Title match & Steel Cage Warfare|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 23, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 24, 2013}}</ref>

[[File:Whitmer and Jacobs 2014.jpg|thumb|left|Jacobs (right) with [[B. J. Whitmer]] as part of [[The Decade]] in March 2014]]
In September 2013, Jacobs returned to ROH at the request of the retiring B. J. Whitmer, who interceded with Matchmaker [[Nigel McGuinness]] on Jacobs' behalf. As part of the storyline, Jacobs was given a five-match series, with the stipulation that if he won at least three of the matches, he would receive a match for the [[ROH World Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/roh-indy-wrestling-news/43979-roh-announces-a-trial-series-for-jimmy-jacobs|title=ROH announces a "trial series" for Jimmy Jacobs|date=September 23, 2013|last=Namako|first=Jason|access-date=September 24, 2013|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> Jacobs would go on to win three out of the five matches, and therefore received his title match against ROH World Champion, [[Adam Cole]]; however, he was unsuccessful. On December 14, 2013, at [[Final Battle 2013]], Jacobs turned heel again, alongside BJ Whitmer and Roderick Strong; the trio attacked [[Eddie Edwards (wrestler)|Eddie Edwards]], explaining they were sick of people being celebrated for leaving the company, while the constant wrestlers in ROH went unappreciated. The newly formed group went under the name of "[[The Decade]]".

Tension arose between Jacobs and Whitmer after Whitmer successfully recruited [[Colby Corino]], the 18-year-old son of Whitmer's rival Steve Corino. On March 28, 2015, Jacobs lost to Whitmer at [[Supercard of Honor IX]], and was attacked by Whitmer and The Decade following the match. Jacobs was saved by Lacey, making her first appearance for the company since 2008, and the two embraced as the "Ballad of Lacey" played. Jacobs also gave a farewell speech.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/roh-indy-wrestling-news/53785-3-27-roh-supercard-of-honor-ix-results-redwood-city-ca|title=3/27 ROH Supercard of Honor IX Results: Redwood City, CA|date=March 28, 2015|last=Namako|first=Jason|access-date=March 29, 2015|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref>{{Clear}}

===Other promotions (2003–2015)===
[[File:Jimmy Jacobs by Tony Knox.jpg|thumb|Jacobs in 2009]]
Throughout 2003 and 2004, Jacobs worked for [[Combat Zone Wrestling]], where he was [[Manager (professional wrestling)|managed]] by then-girlfriend [[Becky Bayless]]. Jacobs made his first appearance for [[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) on May 10, 2005, when he won a match against [[Eddie Guerrero]] via disqualification on ''[[WWE Smackdown|SmackDown!]]''. Later in the year, he unsuccessfully challenged [[Nunzio]] for the [[WWE Cruiserweight Championship (1996–2007)|Cruiserweight Championship]] on ''[[WWE Velocity|Velocity]]''.

Jacobs was part of the first season of [[Wrestling Society X]], a [[Professional wrestling promotion|promotion]] that aired on [[MTV]]. He competed as part of an [[emo]] tag team with Tyler Black, known as D.I.F.H. (Do It For Her). They mainly competed on the WSX web show WSXtra, where they earned a place in the tag title tournament, which didn't take place as the company folded before it was set to happen in season 2.

[[File:Volgar and Jimmy Jacobs and Eddie Kingston.jpg|thumb|left|Jacobs (right) with Volgar (left) and [[Eddie Kingston]] (bottom) as part of The Flood in [[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]] in September 2014]]
Jacobs made his debut for Insanity Pro Wrestling in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 1, 2009, at ''Reign Of The Insane Stage 1'' in a losing effort to local wrestler Aaron Williams.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://insanityprowrestling.com/results-2009.html |title=Insanity Pro Wrestling - Results - 2009 |access-date=June 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100613043655/http://www.insanityprowrestling.com/results-2009.html |archive-date=June 13, 2010 }}</ref> However, Jacobs would return to the company on March 6, 2010, at ''A New Age Of Punishment'' helping Aaron Williams defeat [[J.C. Bailey]]. Later that night he would win his first victory in the company, defeating local wrestler Billy Roc.<ref name="insanityprowrestling.com">{{cite web|url=http://insanityprowrestling.com/results-2010.html |title=Insanity Pro Wrestling - Results - 2010 |access-date=August 23, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611065013/http://www.insanityprowrestling.com/results-2010.html |archive-date=June 11, 2010 }}</ref> After the match Bailey attacked both Jacobs and Williams however both gained the upper hand on Bailey. IPW Commissioner Brandon Prophet set up a match between Jacobs and Bailey on April 3, 2010, at ''Uprising'' however Bailey no showed the event and Jacobs faced Kyle Threat instead gaining his second win in the company.<ref name="insanityprowrestling.com"/>
On June 5, 2010, at ''Desperate Measures'' Jacobs would go on to defeat [[Drake Younger]]. Later in the show after a title match between Aaron Williams and [[Jon Moxley]], Jacobs would attack Moxley causing the locker room to separate both men.<ref name="insanityprowrestling.com"/> After the Show, Jacobs confronted Moxley saying that when he sees Moxley, he sees himself in a mirror.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tCZekVe5-s&playnext_from=TL&videos=bcI06A7DViM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/5tCZekVe5-s |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Jon Moxley and Jimmy Jacobs feud is heating up.|last=Insanitypro1|date=June 6, 2010|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On August 21, 2010, at IPW ''9th Anniversary Reign Of The Insane'', Jacobs challenged Moxley for the IPW World Heavyweight Championship in a losing effort.<ref name="insanityprowrestling.com"/> On October 2, 2010, Jacobs would go on to defeat Scotty Vortekz at ''Shocktoberfest'' to face Jesse Emerson for the number one contendership of the IPW World Heavyweight Championship on November 11, 2010, at the ''10TH Annual Super Junior Heavyweight Tournament'' in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insanityprowrestling.com/2010.html |title=Insanity Pro Wrestling! |access-date=October 28, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319185937/http://www.insanityprowrestling.com/2010.html |archive-date=March 19, 2012 }}</ref> On January 1, 2011, at ''Showdown In Naptown'', Jacobs defeated Jon Moxley to win the IPW World Heavyweight Championship in a dog collar match due to referee stoppage.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.insanityprowrestling.com/2011.html |title=Insanity Pro Wrestling! |access-date=November 25, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319185943/http://www.insanityprowrestling.com/2011.html |archive-date=March 19, 2012 }}</ref> Jacobs would go on to successfully defend the title against Jesse Emerson the next month at ''Untitled''. After the match, The Messiahs of a New Age attacked Jimmy Jacobs until The Irish Airborne hit the ring to make the save.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> The next month at ''Uprising'' Jacobs would defeat Dave Crist for the IPW World Title by DQ when the Messiahs interfered in the match.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> On June 18, 2011, Jacobs vacated the IPW World Title due to a neck injury.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

On December 15, 2009, the promotion [[Evolve (professional wrestling)|Evolve]] posted a video on their YouTube page called "Unknown", hyping someone named "Abstract Wrestler". Over the next two weeks, more videos were posted, until a final video was posted on December 26, revealing that the wrestler was Jacobs. The video confirmed that Jacobs would appear on Evolve's first show on January 16, 2010, at ''Evolve 1: Ibushi vs Richards''. At the event Jacobs defeated [[Kenny Dykstra|Kenn Doane]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://evolvewrestling.com/roster/jacobs.htm |title=EVOLVE |access-date=June 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103100240/http://evolvewrestling.com/roster/jacobs.htm |archive-date=January 3, 2010 }}</ref> Jacobs would go on to defeat [[Johnny Gargano]] on March 13, 2010, at ''Evolve 2: Hero vs Hidaka''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://evolvewrestling.com/images/evolve2dvd.jpg |title=Archived copy |access-date=June 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710210316/http://evolvewrestling.com/images/evolve2dvd.jpg |archive-date=July 10, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="ReferenceB">evolvewrestling.com/roster/jacobs.htm</ref> and Brad Allen at ''Evolve 3: Rise and fall.''<ref name="ReferenceB"/> He suffered his first loss on July 23, 2010, at ''Evolve 4: Danielson vs Fish'', losing to [[Chuck Taylor (wrestler)|Chuck Taylor]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/14200/|title=Evolve report 7-23 Union City, NJ, Danielson vs. Fish|last=Risotto|first=J.D.|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|date=July 27, 2010|access-date=July 25, 2010}}.</ref>

In February 2012 Jacobs debuted in Pro Wrestling Ohio (since renamed Prime Wrestling), revealing his identity as the mystery man in the ski mask who had attacked and reinjured Johnny Gargano during the prior year. Since joining the [[Cleveland]] based promotion, Jacobs won the Prime Wrestling Heavyweight Championship from [[Matt Cross (wrestler)|Matt Cross]], only to lose it shortly after to a returning Gargano.

Jacobs debuted in [[Juggalo Championship Wrestling]] (JCW) on [[Insane Clown Posse]]'s 2007 "[[The Tempest (album)|The Tempest]] Release Party" tour.<ref name=OWOW/> Tagging with [[Josh Abercrombie]], he lost to [[Mad Man Pondo]] and [[Necro Butcher]].<ref name=OWOW/> Jacobs competed at [[Bloodymania (2007)|Bloodymania]] that August in a losing effort against [[Último Dragón]].<ref name=OWOW/><ref name="JCW SLAM TV, Volume 2">{{cite video|date=October 30, 2007 |title=JCW SLAM TV, Volume 2|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1194584/|medium=DVD|publisher=Psychopathic Video|location=Royal Oak, Michigan|access-date=June 6, 2008}}</ref> He lost to [[2 Tuff Tony]] at that year's ''Hallowicked After Party'', but defeated [[Zach Gowen]] at ''Big Ballas X-Mas Party''.<ref name=OWOW/> At 2009's [[Bloodymania III]], he lost a match against [[Ken Shamrock]].<ref name=OWOW/> Jacobs became a full-time member of the roster in 2011. At ''Flashlight Hysteria'', he defeated [[Thomaselli Brothers|Sal the Man of a Thousand Gimmicks]].<ref name="FlashlightHysteria">{{cite web|url=http://vip.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1298560404 |title=2/23 Juggalo Wrestling results featuring Vampiro |first=Steve |last=Gerweck |date=February 24, 2011 |publisher=WrestleView |access-date=April 11, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105125008/http://vip.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1298560404 |archive-date=January 5, 2013 }}</ref> Sal later challenged Jacobs to a "Best of Three" match series, with the [[List of professional wrestling match types#Loser Leaves Town match|loser leaving Juggalo Championship Wrestling]].<ref name="HardcoreHell">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1299876608 |title=Indy News #3: CHIKARA, JCW and HETV details |first=Adam |last=Martin |date=March 11, 2011 |publisher=WrestleView |access-date=April 11, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121216160527/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1299876608 |archive-date=December 16, 2012 }}</ref> Jacobs won the first two matches of the series, successfully forcing Sal out of the company.<ref name="LCBresults">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1302182542 |title=Indy News #2: JCW 4/6 iPPV results in Michigan |first=Adam |last=Martin |date=April 7, 2011 |publisher=WrestleView |access-date=April 9, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209053250/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1302182542 |archive-date=December 9, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="UpinSmoke">{{cite web |url=http://pwinsider.com/article/57294/live-ongoing-jcw-up-in-smoke-internet-ppv-coverage.html?p=1|title=Complete JCW Up in Smoke Internet PPV Coverage: New JCW Champions Crowned, Sabu, Rhino, Zach Gowen and More|first=Mike|last=Johnson|date=April 20, 2011|publisher=PWInsider|access-date=April 20, 2011}}</ref>

Jacobs has also made appearances with [[Portland, Oregon|Portland]]-area promotion [[West Coast Wrestling Connection]]. He unsuccessfully challenged WCWC Legacy Champion Big Duke for his title in a match aired on WCWC's TV program on [[KPDX]] on August 2, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zDXtNBEXd8|title=E11: West Coast Wrestling Connection on PDX-TV|last=The WCWC|date=August 4, 2014|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}}</ref>

In mid-2014, Jacobs started working for [[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]] as a part of the heel stable "The Flood".

===WWE (2015–2017)===
In March 2015, it was reported that Jacobs was joining WWE's creative team as a writer, and he had his first day of work on April 1.<ref name="writer">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_83880.shtml|title=WWE News: Long-time ROH star joining writing team, plus women's wrestler heading to Developmental|date=March 16, 2015|last=Radican|first=Sean|access-date=March 17, 2015|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On October 11, 2017, it was reported that Jacobs had been let go by WWE for posting a photo on [[Instagram]] with members of [[Bullet Club]], during their "invasion" of ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/jimmy-jacobs-no-longer-wwe-due-bullet-club-photo-244391|title=Jimmy Jacobs no longer with WWE due to Bullet Club photo|date=October 11, 2017|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|access-date=October 11, 2017|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>

===Return to the independent circuit (2017–present)===
[[File:Jimmy Jacobs AWE.jpg|thumb|Jacobs under the Zombie Princess gimmick in 2017]]
On October 15, 2017, Jacobs made an appearance in ROH at [[Global Wars: Chicago]]. Playing off his firing from WWE, he appeared in the crowd at the end of the show and took another selfie with members of Bullet Club.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/ring-honor/jimmy-jacobs-takes-another-bullet-club-photo-roh-global-wars-244646|title=Jimmy Jacobs takes another Bullet Club photo at ROH Global Wars|date=October 16, 2017|last=Currier|first=Joseph|access-date=October 22, 2017|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>

On October 28, 2017, Jacobs made his independent circuit return by debuting for WrestleCircus at CircusMania by interrupting [[Sami Callihan]]'s promo.<ref name=OWOW/> On November 3, 2017, Jacobs returned to AAW: Professional Wrestling Redefined challenging [[Fénix (wrestler)|Rey Fénix]] to a title match.<ref name=OWOW/>

It was announced via Twitter that Jacobs would return to Combat Zone Wrestling's Night of Infamy show on November 11, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/combatzone/status/922282699322286080|title=CZW Wrestling on Twitter}}</ref> Jacobs defeated [[Jimmy Havoc]] in a match on December 9 at [[CZW Cage of Death]] 19.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/combatzone/status/933697929633763328|title=CZW Wrestling on Twitter}}</ref>

On March 11, 2018, Jacobs returned to XICW and defeated "GQ" Gavin Quinn to become XICW Midwest Champion<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xicwdetroit.com/march-madness-mayhem-results/|title=XICW March Madness & Mayhem Results|access-date=June 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627180414/http://www.xicwdetroit.com/march-madness-mayhem-results/|archive-date=June 27, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On September 1, 2018, Jacobs participated in the Over Budget Battle Royal at [[All In (2018)|All In]].

On September 23, 2021, Jacobs made his debut for [[Game Changer Wrestling|GCW]]'s Emo Fight event by singing "The Ballad of Lacey" before being interrupted by Atticus Cogar, leading to the two having a match in the main event where Jimmy won. Afterwards, [[Lacey (wrestler)|Lacey]] appeared and reunited with Jacobs.

===Impact Wrestling (2017–2023)===
On November 5, 2017, Jacobs made his [[Impact Wrestling]] debut at [[Bound for Glory (2017)|Bound for Glory]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hausman|first1=Nick|title=Jimmy Jacobs' Impact Wrestling Role Following BFG Appearance, Sin Cara Possibly Injured At WWE Madrid Show, How Old Is Magnus Today?|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/897837-jimmy-jacobs-impact-wrestling-role-following-bfg-appearance-sin-cara-possibly-injured-at-wwe-madrid-show-magnus-birthday-today|website=WrestleZone|access-date=November 6, 2017|date=November 6, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Jimmy Jacobs makes his Impact Wrestling debut at Bound For Glory 2017|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/2017/11/5/16611258/jimmy-jacobs-impact-wrestling-debut-bound-for-glory-2017|website=CagesideSeats|date=November 5, 2017|access-date=November 6, 2017}}</ref> Then, he joined the promotion as an on-air character and backstage producer. He became the manager of [[Kongo Kong]]. Later, he would settle in to a role as a member of the creative team.

===All Elite Wrestling (2023–2024)===
Jacobs left Impact Wrestling in June 2023 and joined [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW) as a member of the creative team and producer.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jimmy Jacobs joins AEW as a producer|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/jimmy-jacobs-joins-aew-as-a-producer|website=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online|date=June 14, 2023|access-date=June 14, 2023}}</ref> In October 2024, it was reported that Jacobs had left AEW.

===Return to ROH (2024)===
Jacobs made his return to ROH (now the sister promotion of AEW), for the first time since 2015, on the May 23, 2024 edition of ''[[Ring of Honor Wrestling]]'', facing [[Satnam Singh]] in a losing effort.

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''Absolute Intense Wrestling'''
**AIW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with [[B. J. Whitmer]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aiwrestling.com/titles_tags.html|title=Tag Team Title History|access-date=March 5, 2015|publisher=Absolute Intense Wrestling}}</ref>
*'''[[All American Wrestling]]'''
**[[AAW Heavyweight Championship]] ([[AAW Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="AAWTitle">{{cite web|url=http://www.aawrestling.com/titlehistory.html|title=Title History|access-date=February 20, 2010|publisher=All American Wrestling|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902174323/http://www.aawrestling.com/titlehistory.html|archive-date=September 2, 2011}}</ref>
**[[AAW Heritage Championship]] ([[AAW Heritage Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref name="AAW">{{cite web|url=http://aawrestling.com/jimmyjacobs.html|title=Jimmy Jacobs|access-date=September 9, 2010|publisher=[[All American Wrestling]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100318065250/http://www.aawrestling.com/jimmyjacobs.html|archive-date=March 18, 2010}}</ref>
**[[AAW Tag Team Championship]] ([[AAW Tag Team Championship#Title history|2 times]]) – with [[Seth Rollins|Tyler Black]] (1) and [[Arik Cannon]] (1)<ref name="AAW"/>
**[[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)|First AAW Triple Crown Championship]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_75336.shtml|title=Show results – 12/28 AAW in Berwyn, Ill.: Richards's AAW farewell vs. Jimmy Jacobs, Steen defends AAW Title, Elgin wins Tag Titles, more from 2013 finale|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=December 30, 2013|access-date=January 2, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
**Allegiance Tag Title Tournament (2013) – with [[Silas Young]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_74869.shtml|title=Show results – 11/30 AAW in Berwyn, Ill.: Steen captures AAW Title, Finals of Allegiance Tag Tournament more|date=December 1, 2013|access-date=December 1, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
*'''Anarchy Championship Wrestling'''
**ACW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=CageTitle>{{cite web|url=http://cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=1052&view=erfolge#erfolge|title=Cagematch title listing|access-date=February 14, 2010|publisher=Cagematch}}</ref>
**Texas Lone Star Classic (2008)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cagematch.de/?id=26&nr=1131|title=Lone Star Classic 2008|access-date=February 14, 2010|publisher=Cagematch}}</ref>
*'''[[Border City Wrestling]]'''
**BCW Can-Am Tag Team Championship ([[BCW Can-Am Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with Phil Atlas<ref name=OWOW/>
*'''Championship Wrestling of Michigan'''
**CWM Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Jimmy Shalwin<ref name=OWOW/>
*'''[[Canadian Wrestling's Elite]]'''
**CWE Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cwecanada.net/status-of-jimmy-jacobs-the-cwe-championship/|title=Status Of Jimmy Jacobs & The CWE Championship|date=April 1, 2015|access-date=April 5, 2015|publisher=Canadian Wrestling's Elite}}</ref>
**Canadian Unified Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=1902| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150209202007/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1902| archive-date = 2015-02-09| title = Canadian Unified Junior Heavyweight Championship « Titles Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
*'''[[Great Canadian Wrestling]]'''
**[[Great Canadian Wrestling#GCW Ontario Independent Championship|GCW Ontario Independent Championship]] (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/>
**GCW Ontario Independent Championship Tournament (2006)<ref name=OWOW/>
*'''Great Lakes All-Pro Wrestling'''
**GLAPW Cruiserweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2002-01.html|title=Independent Wrestling Results – January 2002|access-date=July 5, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
*'''Great Lakes Wrestling'''
**GLW Cruiserweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/>
*'''[[Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South]]'''
**[[IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship]] ([[IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/mshtiwassoc.html|access-date=April 26, 2009|last=Westcott|first=Brian|title=IWA – Independent Wrestling Association (Indiana/Kentucky) IWA – Mid-South Heavyweight Title History|publisher=Solie}}</ref>
**[[IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Championship]] ([[IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ky/iwams/iwams-lh.html|access-date=April 26, 2009|title=Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South Light Heavyweight Title|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
*'''Independent Wrestling Federation of Michigan'''
**IWF Michigan Cruiserweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/>
*'''Independent Wrestling Revolution'''
**IWR King of Indies Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2003-04.html|title=Independent Wrestling Results – April 2003|access-date=July 5, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
**IWR Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Amazing N8<ref name=OWOW/>
*'''[[Indie Wrestling Hall of Fame]]'''
**[[Indie Wrestling Hall of Fame#Class of 2023|Class of 2023]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/117720-jimmy-jacobs-al-indie-hall-of-fame | title=Jimmy Jacobs es introducido al Indie Hall of Fame | date=March 7, 2023 }}</ref>
*'''Insanity Pro Wrestling'''
**IPW World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagoprowrestling.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=results&thread=19535&page=1|title=IPW "SHOWDOWN IN NAPTOWN", RESULTS! - Welcome to ChicagoProWrestling.com|website=www.chicagoprowrestling.com|access-date=January 10, 2011|archive-date=July 8, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708143711/http://www.chicagoprowrestling.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=results&thread=19535&page=1|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*'''Lakeshore Wrestling Organization'''
**LSWO Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Jimmy Shalwin (1) and Gavin Starr (1)<ref name=OWOW/>
*'''Midwest Pro Wrestling'''
**MPW Universal Championship (1 time)<ref name=Bodyslamming>{{cite web|url=http://www.bodyslamming.com/other/jjacobs.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041207234616/http://www.bodyslamming.com/other/jjacobs.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 7, 2004|title=Bodyslamming profile|access-date=February 14, 2010|publisher=Bodyslamming}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=September 2013}}
*'''Mr. Chainsaw Productions Wrestling'''
**MCPW World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/>
*'''[[National Wrestling Alliance]]'''
**NWA Indiana Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/>
**NWA Iowa Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=CageTitle/>
*'''Powerhouse Championship Wrestling'''
**PCW Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/>
*'''Price of Glory Wrestling'''
**POG Grand Championship (1 time)<ref name=CageTitle/>
**Ultimate Ultimate Championship (1 time)
*'''Prime Wrestling'''
**Prime Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://primewrestling.com/title-prime.php|title=PRIME Wrestling|website=primewrestling.com}}</ref>
*'''Pro Wrestling Federation'''
**PWF Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with The Blitzkrieg Kid<ref name=OWOW/>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]'''
**[[PWG World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of PWG World Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – with Tyler Black<ref name=OWOW/>
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**Ranked No. 50 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2009<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2009.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2009|access-date=March 5, 2015|work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]|publisher=Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
*'''[[Ring of Honor]]'''
**[[ROH World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of ROH World Tag Team Champions|5 times]]) – with B. J. Whitmer (2), Tyler Black (2), and [[Steve Corino]] (1)<ref name=OWOW/><ref name="ROHtag">{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohworldtagteamtitles.php |title=Ring Of Honor Tag Team Championship |access-date=April 5, 2010 |publisher=[[Ring of Honor]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412035856/http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohworldtagteamtitles.php |archive-date=April 12, 2010 }}</ref>
**[[Ring of Honor tournaments#ROH World Tag Team Championship Tournament (2008)|ROH World Tag Team Championship Tournament (2008)]] – with Tyler Black
**[[Ring of Honor tournaments#ROH World Tag Team Championship Tournament (2012)|ROH World Tag Team Championship Tournament (2012)]] – with Steve Corino
*'''Superior Championship Wrestling'''
**Bella Strap Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2005-07.html|title=Independent Wrestling Results – July 2005|access-date=July 4, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
*'''Thunder Zone Wrestling'''
**TZW Cruiserweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=OWOW/>
*'''[[Westside Xtreme Wrestling]]'''
**[[wXw Unified World Wrestling Championship|wXw World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[wXw Unified World Wrestling Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.titlehistories.com/Westside_Xtreme_Wrestling.htm |title=Westside Xtreme Wrestling Title Histories |access-date=July 11, 2008 |publisher=titlehistories.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080808113941/http://www.titlehistories.com/Westside_Xtreme_Wrestling.htm |archive-date=August 8, 2008 }}</ref>
*'''Xtreme Intense Championship Wrestling'''
**XICW Midwest Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
**XICW Xtreme Intense Championship (3 times)
**XICW Light Heavyweight Championship (5 times)<ref name=CageTitle/>
**XICW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Gavin Starr<ref name=OWOW/>

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

==References==
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20070927222901/http://www.iwcwrestling.com/jacobs-bio.html Jimmy Jacobs at IWCwrestling.com]}}
* [http://www.genickbruch.com/index.php?befehl=interviews&art=1&jahr=2007&interview=115 Jimmy Jacobs and Tyler Black at Genickbruch.com (German)]
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20071214094045/http://www.genickbruch.com/dandy/exklusiv.php?&interview=261 Jimmy Jacobs speaks about Project 161/Age of the Fall (German)]}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*{{Chikara profile|jimmy-jacobs|Jimmy Jacobs}}
*{{IMDb name|id=1991524|name=Chris Scobille}}
*{{Professional wrestling profiles}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Jacobs, Jimmy}}
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Fred Ottman

2025-05-21T11:39:46Z

89.136.44.148:

{{short description|American retired professional wrestler (born 1956)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
| name = Fred Ottman
| image = Fred Ottman 081818.jpg
| caption = Ottman in August 2018
| birth_name = Fred Ottman
| names = Big Bubba<ref name="Cagematch"/> Big Steel Man<ref name="Cagematch"/> The Dominator The Shockmaster<ref name="Cagematch"/> Sigfried Super Shockmaster Hercules Haggerty Uncle Fred Stormy Poltrick Strain Terminator Tugboat<ref name="wwebio"/> Tugboat Thomas Tugboat Tyler Tidal Wave '''Typhoon'''<ref name="wwebio"/>
| height = 6 ft 3 in<ref name="wwebio"/>
|spouse = {{marriage|Sheila Ottman|August 31, 1987}}
| weight = 384 lb<ref name="wwebio"/>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1956|8|10}}
| birth_place = [[Miami, Florida]], U.S.
| alma_mater = [[Miami Senior High School]] (Miami, Florida)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Incredible bulk|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/320242219/|access-date=February 28, 2024|website=Tampa Bay Times|language=en-US}}</ref>
| children = 3
| family = [[Dusty Rhodes]] (brother-in-law) [[Cody Rhodes]] (nephew) [[Dustin Rhodes]] (nephew)
| billed = [[Norfolk, Virginia]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.thewrestlingrevolution.com/profile.php?id=960&gid=3165&gimmick=Tugboat+Thomas | title=The Wrestling Revolution - Pro Wrestling Reviews }}</ref>
| trainer = [[Boris Malenko]]<ref name="Cagematch"/>
| debut = 1984<ref name="Cagematch"/>
| retired = 2009
}}
'''Fred Alex Ottman''' (born August 10, 1956) is an American retired [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. He worked for the [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]] (later WWE) from 1989 to 1993 under the [[ring name]]s '''Tugboat''' and '''Typhoon'''. As the former, he played a key [[Face (wrestling)|babyface]] ally of [[Hulk Hogan]]. As the latter, he turned [[Heel (wrestling)|heel]] to form [[The Natural Disasters]] with [[John Tenta|Earthquake]] and held the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|WWF Tag Team Championship]].<ref name="wwebio">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/tugboat|title=Tugboat|access-date=October 27, 2017|publisher=[[WWE]]|work=[[WWE]].com}}</ref><ref name="Hoffman2007">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/wherearetheynow/tugboat|title=Where Are They Now? Tugboat|access-date=October 27, 2017|publisher=[[WWE]]|work=[[WWE]].com|date=April 5, 2007|author=Brett Hoffman}}</ref><ref name="Cagematch">{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=886&name=Tugboat|title=Typhoon|access-date=October 27, 2017|publisher=Cagematch.net}}</ref>

In 1993, Ottman debuted as '''The Shockmaster''' in [[World Championship Wrestling]] and immediately fell over, losing his mask on live television while his teammates broke character and laughed. This [[Botch (professional wrestling)|botch]] hurt his career, and is now generally regarded as the worst debut in wrestling history, but he was able to capitalize on its notoriety after his in-ring retirement.

On April 19, 2025, Ottman, as Typhoon, was inducted into the [[WWE Hall of Fame]] [[WWE Hall of Fame (2025)|Class of 2025]] alongside [[John Tenta|Earthquake]] as [[The Natural Disasters]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/the-natural-disasters-to-be-inducted-into-wwe-hall-of-fame-class-of-2025|title=The Natural Disasters to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025|date=March 24, 2025|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=March 24, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mendoza |first=Jordan |title=WWE Hall of Fame 2025 highlights: Inductees, top moments from ceremony |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2025/04/18/wwe-hall-of-fame-2025-highights-inductes-time-how-to-watch/83159482007/ |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Professional wrestling career==

===Early career (1984–1988)===
Ottman was trained by [[Boris Malenko]] and got his start as Sigfried the Giant in February 1985, for [[Championship Wrestling from Georgia]]. He later wrestled for [[Texas All-Star Wrestling]] and the [[Continental Wrestling Association]] as Big Bubba.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=472|title=Wrestlingdata.com - The World's Largest Wrestling Database|website=wrestlingdata.com|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref> He wrestled as Big Bubba in 1986 and 1987 in Memphis for [[Jerry Jarrett]]'s CWA wrestling where he teamed with [[Moondog Splat|Goliath]] as the Downtown Connection and was initially managed by [[Harvey Wippleman|Downtown Bruno]].

=== Championship Wrestling from Florida (1988–1989)===

In September 1988, Ottman wrestled on the [[Gordon Solie]]-hosted TV shows of [[Championship Wrestling from Florida]] as a heel called Big Steel Man, managed by [[Diamond Dallas Page]]. He feuded with [[Dusty Rhodes]], among others. He defeated Rhodes for the [[NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship]] on May 13, 1989.

=== World Wrestling Federation (1989–1993) ===

====Tugboat (1989–1991)====
Ottman made his first appearance in the WWF in June 1989 in a dark match under the [[ring name]] "Big Steel Man" with [[Slick (wrestling)|Slick]] as his manager. He wrestled three more dark matches that summer, defeating [[Paul Roma]] and [[Boris Zhukov|Boris Zukhov]], and losing to [[Curt Hennig|Mr. Perfect]].

That September, his name was changed to "Tugboat Tyler", then "Tugboat Thomas", as he portrayed a [[Face (professional wrestling)|fan favorite]] on [[House show|house shows]], defeating the likes of [[Barry Horowitz]], [[Steve Lombardi|The Brooklyn Brawler]] and [[Jim Barrell|Boris Zhukov]].<ref name="1989results">{{Cite web|url= http://thehistoryofwwe.com/89.htm|title=1989 WWF results|work=The History of WWE|first=Graham|last=Cawthon|access-date=December 14, 2012}}</ref> He debuted on WWF television on the January 27, 1990 episode of ''[[WWF Superstars of Wrestling|Superstars]]'' under the Tugboat Thomas moniker and defeated [[Mike Sharpe|Iron Mike Sharpe]]. His ring name was soon after shortened to "Tugboat". His costume consisted of a red striped shirt, white pants, and a sailor's hat. Part of his gimmick included miming pulling the cord of an airhorn and making a "Toot-toot" noise, like a horn of a ship. On the May 20 episode of ''[[WWF Wrestling Challenge|Wrestling Challenge]]'', [[Hulk Hogan]] made a promo explaining that he personally trained Tugboat and brought him to the WWF. Following Tugboat's win on that very same show Hogan came out into the ring and raised his arm, showing his full support. Tugboat railed for fans to send encouraging letters to Hogan after Hogan was brutally attacked by Earthquake. Tugboat aided Hulk Hogan in his feud with [[John Tenta|Earthquake]] and "Canada's Strongest Man" [[Dino Bravo]]. This coincided with a substantial push that saw Tugboat emerging victorious on television against numerous opponents. He made his pay-per-view debut at that November's [[Survivor Series (1990)|''Survivor Series'']], where he teamed with Hogan, [[Big Boss Man|The Big Boss Man]] and [[Jim Duggan|Hacksaw Jim Duggan]] to face the team of Earthquake, Dino Bravo, [[Haku (wrestler)|Haku]] and [[The Barbarian (wrestler)|The Barbarian]]. Tugboat was eliminated when he and Earthquake fought to a double count-out, and Hogan went on to be the sole survivor.<ref>{{Cite web|url= http://thehistoryofwwe.com/90.htm|title=1990 WWF results|work=The History of WWE|first=Graham|last=Cawthon|access-date=December 14, 2012}}</ref> Tugboat was the first true test of [[The Undertaker]], who defeated him in numerous matches between December 1990 and March 1991.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=konst&letter1=F&wrestler1=2687&letter2=U&wrestler2=124&letter3=&wrestler3=0&letter4=&wrestler4=0&matchtyp=1&anzeige=matches&seite=1|title=Wrestlingdata.com - The World's Largest Wrestling Database|website=www.wrestlingdata.com|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref><ref name="1991results">{{Cite web|url= http://thehistoryofwwe.com/91.htm|title=1991 WWF results|work=The History of WWE|first=Graham|last=Cawthon|access-date=December 14, 2012}}</ref> Tugboat received a shot at [[Curt Hennig|Mr. Perfect's]] [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]] on the May 5, 1991 episode of ''Wrestling Challenge'', but was unsuccessful.<ref name="1991results"/>

====Natural Disasters (1991–1993)====
{{main|The Natural Disasters}}
In May 1991, Ottman teased a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Turn|turn]] by eliminating Hulk Hogan in a [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] on [[NBC]]'s ''[[Saturday Night's Main Event XXIX]]''. Ottman completed the turn on the June 15 episode of ''WWF Superstars''. Tugboat and [[The Bushwhackers]] were facing [[The Nasty Boys]] and Earthquake in a six-man tag team match when Tugboat attacked his teammates, allowing Earthquake to hit the Earthquake Splash on [[Bushwhacker Luke]] and pin him. On the June 17 episode of ''[[WWF Prime Time Wrestling|Prime Time Wrestling]]'', Earthquake's manager, [[Jimmy Hart]], reintroduced Ottman as Typhoon, and he and Earthquake became known as [[The Natural Disasters]].<ref name="1991results"/> As part of the character change, Ottman began wearing a red, white and black singlet with a tidal wave on the front and "Typhoon" in black letters under it (to match the design on Earthquake's wrestling gear, seismograph lines and "Earthquake" in red letters across the middle).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/gallery/fredottman.html|title=Gallery - Online World of Wrestling|website=www.onlineworldofwrestling.com|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref>

The Natural Disasters dumped Hart and turned into fan favorites in early 1992 - with Ottman's heel run having lasted less than seven months - feuding with Hart's new top team, [[Money Inc.]] ("Million Dollar Man" [[Ted DiBiase]] and [[Mike Rotunda|Irwin R. Schyster]]). On April 17 they won the [[SWS Tag Team Championship]] defeating [[George Takano]] and [[Shunji Takano]] in [[Yokohama]], Japan when WWF had a partnership with [[Super World of Sports]]. In July the Natural Disasters defeated Money Inc. to win the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|WWF Tag Team Championship]]. They lost the title to Money Inc. three months later.<ref name="1992results">{{Cite web|url= http://thehistoryofwwe.com/92.htm|title=1992 WWF results|work=The History of WWE|first=Graham|last=Cawthon|access-date=December 14, 2012}}</ref> After Earthquake took a leave of absence from the WWF early in 1993, Ottman wrestled in singles matches before leaving the company in early summer. He worked house shows against [[Terry Taylor]] in the spring. He also put over a returning [[Bam Bam Bigelow]] in a series of house shows, and twice on televised [[WWE Raw|Raw]] shows. He wrestled two televised matches against [[Yokozuna (wrestler)|Yokozuna]], losing one by pinfall and winning the other by disqualification. His final match saw him defeat [[Horace Hogan|The Predator]] in a house show match in [[Tampa, Florida|Tampa]] on July 18.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/93.htm |title=1993 |website=thehistoryofwwe.com|date=January 16, 2023 }}</ref>

===World Championship Wrestling (1993–1994)===

====The Shockmaster (1993–1994)====
After departing from the WWF, Ottman found himself at the center of one of the most infamous moments in wrestling history as The Shockmaster. He had signed with [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) and was to make his debut in a match alongside the fan favorite team of [[Sting (wrestler)|Sting]], [[Dustin Rhodes]] and [[Davey Boy Smith]] in the upcoming eight-man [[WarGames match]] against the heel team composed of [[Sid Eudy|Sid Vicious]], [[Big Van Vader]], [[Stevie Ray|Kane]] and [[Booker T (wrestler)|Kole]] at [[Fall Brawl (1993)|Fall Brawl]].

On "A Flair for the Gold", an [[Promo (professional wrestling)|interview]] segment hosted by [[Ric Flair]], in front of a live audience at ''[[Clash of the Champions XXIV]]'', Sting and Smith were confronted by Sid and [[Harlem Heat]], demanding to know the identity of their new partner. Sting exclaimed, "All I have to say is, our partner is going to shock the world, because he is none other than the Shockmaster!" The camera then zoomed in on a section of the set where two torches set off a small pyrotechnics explosion in front of a [[Drywall|sheetrock]] wall. With a new costume consisting of a ''[[Star Wars]]'' [[Stormtrooper (Star Wars)|Stormtrooper]] helmet painted purple and covered in silver glitter, a pair of jeans and a large, black, puffy vest, Ottman attempted to make a dramatic entrance by crashing through the wall.

While making his entrance, Ottman tripped over a piece of lumber that was framing the set, causing him to fall forward through the wall with his helmet falling off and sliding across the floor. His face accidentally exposed, he scrambled to put the helmet back on as Vicious, restraining laughter, exclaimed "Oh, God!", while Flair could also be heard saying "Oh no" under his breath. Ottman donned the helmet and got back on his feet, shifting his weight and dusting his hands off in an attempt to shrug off the gaffe while Harlem Heat's Kole asked, "Who is this motherfucker?" and Smith exclaimed "He fell flat on his arse! He fell flat on his fucking arse!". Both of these comments were audible to the live audience and television viewers, but were [[bleep censor|bleeped]] in future showings of the footage by WWE. Ottman then began gesturing toward his would-be opponents several seconds before a menacing gravelly off-screen voice (provided by [[Ole Anderson]], who could be heard laughing before speaking) started to threaten Sid and Vader. Sid Vicious, remaining in character, reacted in rage to Shockmaster, and the broadcast focused on Vicious for the duration of the voiceover. The announcers said nothing as the segment ended.

Dusty Rhodes later claimed, on an episode of [[WWE Classics on Demand|WWE 24/7's]] ''Legends of Wrestling'' show, the piece of lumber previously wasn't there during a successful practice run and it was later put there by [[David Crockett (wrestling)|David Crockett]] without informing Ottman. WWE, on its official website, wrote, "There is a case to be made that The Shockmaster's debut at WCW ''Clash of the Champions XXIV'' is the greatest of all time – albeit for all the wrong reasons."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/classic-lists/20-memorable-debuts/page-16|title=20 memorable Superstar debuts: #6 Shockmaster|work=[[WWE]]|first=Powers|last=Kevin|access-date=March 6, 2013}}</ref> The organization has also described the incident as "one of the most unintentionally funny moments in sports entertainment history,"<ref name="tugboat">{{Cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/wherearetheynow/tugboat|title=Catching up with Tugboat|work=[[WWE]]|first=Brett|last=Hoffman|access-date=February 16, 2010}}</ref> and "a debacle many still consider one of the worst gaffes in the history of sports-entertainment."<ref>{{Cite web|url= http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/nitrofeature|title=Wherever Nitro goes, success follows|work=[[WWE]]|first=Zack|last=Zeigler|access-date=February 16, 2010}}</ref> While Ottman was initially displeased with the turn of events, he now finds humor in the incident.<ref name="tugboat"/>

{{quote box|width=40em|align=right|They put me in a Storm Trooper mask which they painted and covered in glitter, I couldn't see a thing. I got to the wall and put my hands up like a double axe handle and bust through. The top broke perfectly, but the bottom didn't give. The momentum took me through the wall and to the floor.|salign=right|— Ottman on The Shockmaster's debut<ref name="tugboat"/>}}

Despite generating no crowd reaction, WCW tried to continue with the [[angle (professional wrestling)|angle]], repackaging The Shockmaster character as a [[:wikt:klutz|klutz]] in a series of pre-recorded promos (featuring Ottman in different attire, without a mask and using his own voice). It was this version of the character that went on to appear as planned in the main event of Fall Brawl, teaming with Sting, Dustin Rhodes and Davey Boy Smith in the War Games match. His ring attire for his match was a plain white shirt, jeans and a white construction worker's helmet, very different to the character in its infamous debut. He entered last into the match and actually gained the victory for his team by forcing Kole to submit to a bear hug.

This version of the character remained reasonably popular with live crowds and continued to appear at the final three pay-per-view events of the year. At [[Halloween Havoc (1993)|Halloween Havoc]] he teamed up with [[Ice Train (wrestler)|Ice Train]] and [[Charlie Norris]] in a six man tag match against Harlem Heat (Kole and Kane) and [[Dave Sullivan (wrestler)|The Equalizer]]. The Shockmaster again scored the victory for his team by pinning Kole. Next at [[Battlebowl]] he took part in the Lethal Lottery tournament and was drawn to team with [[Paul Orndorff]] to face the team of bitter rivals [[Ricky Steamboat]] and [[William Regal|Lord Steven Regal]]. Steamboat and Regal imploded and Shockmaster was able to pick up the win for his team after Steamboat hit Regal. In the Battlebowl Final battle royal Shockmaster was eliminated around the half way point by the Nasty Boys. In the final pay-per-view of the year [[Starrcade (1993)|Starrcade]] he faced [[Colossal Kongs|Awesome Kong]] (accompanied by [[Krusher Kong|King Kong]]). After both attacked the Shockmaster at the start of the match, bizarrely King Kong actually wrestled instead of his partner and the Shockmaster picked up a quick victory over him. He changed his name to "The Super Shockmaster" and departed in January 1994. He was also known as "Uncle Fred". However, he did make a brief appearance on the March 12, 1994 episode of ''[[WCW Saturday Night]]'', when Mean Gene Okerlund visited the set of Hulk Hogan's TV series ''[[Thunder in Paradise]]''.

In 2009, [[Shawn Michaels]], [[Triple H]], and Dusty Rhodes appeared on a segment of ''WWE Raw'' to discuss the DVD release of ''The Rise and Fall of WCW'' when Triple H brought up the subject of the Shockmaster's debut. During that segment, the WWE recreated the Shockmaster's stumbling through the wall, with [[Santino Marella]] portraying the character and [[Arn Anderson]] providing the voice. Anderson fled from the camera when the other wrestlers pointed at him.

On February 22, 2016, Ottman returned as The Shockmaster for an episode of the [[WWE Network]] show, ''The [[Edge & Christian|Edge and Christian]] Show That Totally Reeks of Awesomeness''. On the show, The Shockmaster was given the opportunity to redeem the famous debut incident by walking through the show's banner.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dailyddt.com/2016/02/22/edge-christian-show-totally-reeks-awesomeness-review-episode-1/|title=The Edge and Christian Show That Totally Reeks of Awesomeness Review: Episode 1|date=February 22, 2016|work=Daily DDT|access-date=June 10, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>

===World Wrestling Federation (1994)===
Ottman returned to the WWF as Typhoon in May 1994, taking the place of his former partner Earthquake in house show matches against [[Yokozuna (wrestler)|Yokozuna]] after Earthquake left the WWF. Typhoon made his return to television on the June 25 episode of ''Superstars'' (taped May 25), defeating [[Pierre Carl Ouellet|Quebecer Pierre]]. He then primarily lost matches to Yokozuna on television and at house shows before departing in August.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=472&bild=1&details=7&liga=3&jahr=1994|title=Wrestlingdata.com - The World's Largest Wrestling Database|website=www.wrestlingdata.com|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref>

===Late career (1994–2001, 2025)===
After leaving the WWF in August 1994, Ottman, still using the Typhoon name, began wrestling on the independent circuit in the [[East Coast of the United States|East Coast]]. In December 1995, he went to Japan to compete in a one-night tag team tournament, held by [[WAR (wrestling promotion)|WAR]]. He teamed up with [[Akio Sato (wrestler)|Shinja]] and advanced to the semi-finals, before losing to [[Genichiro Tenryu]] and [[Ultimo Dragon]]. In March 1996, he wrestled a tour of [[Malaysia]] for the [[National Wrestling Alliance]] feuding with [[King Kong Bundy]].

By the late 1990s, he was wrestling primarily in Florida, where he competed for [[Future of Wrestling|FOW]] and WXO. In WXO, he was given the name The Dominator and his [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] was that he was too big to get out of his own car. He lost to [[NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship|NWA World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Dan Severn]] on November 7, 1997 in Gainesville, Florida. On May 27, 2000 as Typhoon he defeated [[One Man Gang]] and [[Harris Brothers|Ron Harris]] in a 3 way match for Wrestling In Ashwaubenon independent show in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin.

In 2000, he briefly appeared in the [[I-Generation_Superstars_of_Wrestling|iGW]] promotion as a manager named Sugar Daddy.

Ottman was one of the participants in the 20-man Gimmick Battle Royal match at [[WrestleMania X-Seven]] as Tugboat, and was eliminated by his former partner, Earthquake.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/wrestlemania17/ |title=Online World of Wrestling » WWE WrestleMania 17 |access-date=February 22, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090222103307/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/wrestlemania17/ |archive-date=February 22, 2009 }}</ref> He retired soon thereafter.

On March 12, 2025, during an interview with [[Bill Apter]], Apter revealed that Ottman, along with his best friend and longtime tag team partner [[John Tenta]], under their [[The Natural Disasters]] gimmick, will be inducted into the [[WWE Hall of Fame (2025)|WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025]]. Ottman added that he heard the news about it from [[Bruce Prichard]] via phone call. WWE later officially confirmed the induction on March 24.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/typhoon-confirms-natural-disasters-for-wwe-hall-of-fame-2025/|title=Typhoon confirms Natural Disasters for WWE Hall of Fame 2025|date=March 12, 2025|work=F4W/WON}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/the-natural-disasters-to-be-inducted-into-wwe-hall-of-fame-class-of-2025|title=The Natural Disasters to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025|date=March 24, 2025|work=[[WWE]]}}</ref>

===Return to wrestling (2009)===
On September 5, 2009, Ottman returned to the ring as Tugboat losing to Martin Nolte at DWA 10 years event in [[Uelzen]], Germany. He returned to North America on November 21 as Tugboat defeating Jason Static at ECPW in New York City. He once again retired.

==Other media==
In 1992, he appeared as Typhoon (along with Earthquake) in the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]] version of the video game ''[[WWF Super WrestleMania]]''. The Disasters were absent from the [[Sega Genesis|Sega]] version. On February 23, 2016, he appeared as [[downloadable content]] for ''[[WWE 2K16]]''. He appears along with Earthquake in ''[[WWE 2K17]] and [[WWE 2K18]]'' as well. In 2K18, the Shockmaster helmet (slightly modified as to avoid any copyright disputes with the Star Wars license) and the Typhoon singlet are available in the game's attire creation suite, and can be worn by any character in the game.

On a two-part episode of the 1994 TV series ''[[Thunder in Paradise]]'', Ottman played a palace guard named Yussef. He is also parodied in the 2014 RPG [[Lisa: The Painful|LISA]] as Shocklord.

On a two-part episode of the 1998 TV series ''[[Mortal Kombat: Conquest]]'', Ottman played Z'dak, in the second episode his name was featured solely in the credits though.

==Personal life==
Ottman retired from wrestling after WXO folded in 2001. In 2007 he lived in [[Lakeland, Florida|Lakeland]], Florida and worked as a safety manager for Gaffin Industrial Services, a building cleaning service. He also coached the [[Little League Baseball|little league]] team of his two sons, Berkley and Beau, and daughter, Bailey.<ref name=WWE>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/wherearetheynow/tugboat|title=Catching up with Tugboat|publisher=WWE|access-date=April 21, 2007}}</ref> Berkley currently serves as the timekeeper for the WWE. He is the brother-in-law of pro wrestler [[Dusty Rhodes]].<ref name="oklafan.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.oklafan.com/news/1401/bios/256/profile.html |title=Oklafan.com > News > Dusty Rhodes |access-date=November 2, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131011232516/http://www.oklafan.com/news/1401/bios/256/profile.html |archive-date=October 11, 2013 }}</ref> He is one of the two uncles of [[Cody Rhodes]] and [[Dustin Rhodes]], the other being [[Jerry Sags]].<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/c/cody-rhodes.html|title=Cody Rhodes Profile|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling|accessdate=October 18, 2007}}</ref>

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Continental Wrestling Association]]'''
**[[AWA International Heavyweight Championship]] ([[AWA International Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
**[[AWA Southern Tag Team Championship]] ([[AWA Southern Tag Team Championship#Title history|2 times]]) - with [[Jerry Lawler]] (1 time) and Goliath (1 time)<ref name=SouthernTag>{{cite book | first1=Royal |last1=Duncan |first2=Gary |last2=Will | title=Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present |location=Waterloo, Ontario |orig-year=2000.|chapter= (Memphis, Nashville) Tennessee: Southern Tag Team Title [Roy Welsch & Nick Gulas, Jerry Jarrett from 1977] | pages= 185–189| publisher=Archeus Communications |year=2006 | isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref><ref name=SouthernTagWeb>{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/cwa/awa-s-t.html | title=Southern Tag Team Title | work=Wrestling-Titles | access-date=January 19, 2020}}</ref>
*'''[[Championship Wrestling from Florida]]'''
**[[NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
*'''International Wrestling Association'''
**IWA United States Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="Titles"/>
**IWW Intercontinental Championship (1 time)<ref>cite web|url= https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=285838</ref>
*'''[[Super World of Sports]]'''
**[[SWS Tag Team Championship]] (1 time) - with [[John Tenta|Earthquake]]<ref name=F4WApril17>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-0417-wcw-spring-stampede-1994-309086 | title=Daily pro wrestling (04/17): WCW Spring Stampede 1994 | date=April 17, 2020 | access-date=April 17, 2020 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] | first=Brian | last=Hoops}}</ref>
*'''Universal Superstars of America'''
**USA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="Titles">{{cite book|author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will | title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications|year=2000|edition=4th|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
*'''[[WWE|World Wrestling Federation/WWE]]'''
**[[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|WWF Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE, 1971–2010)|1 time]]) - with Earthquake
**[[WWE Hall of Fame]] ([[WWE Hall of Fame (2025)|Class of 2025]]) – as a member of [[The Natural Disasters]]
* '''''[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Gimmick|Worst Gimmick]] (1993) (as The Shockmaster)<ref name=WONAwards>{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 26, 2011|title=Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue|periodical=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=Campbell, CA|pages=1–40|issn=1083-9593}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[The Natural Disasters]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{WWE superstar|tugboat|Tugboat}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}
* {{IMDb name|name=Fred Ottman}}
{{NWA Mid-America championship}}
{{World Tag Team Championship (WWE)}}
{{Rhodes family}}

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[[Category:1956 births]]
[[Category:American male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Masked wrestlers]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from Virginia]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Norfolk, Virginia]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
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[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:AWA International Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:NWA Florida Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:World Tag Team Champions (WWE, 1971–2010)]]
[[Category:NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Champions]]

Bob Sapp

2025-05-17T12:28:18Z

89.136.44.148:

{{short description|American mixed martial artist, professional wrestler and actor}}
{{pp-pc}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| image = Bob Sapp 2011.jpg
| caption = Sapp in 2011
| name = Bob Sapp
| birth_name = Robert Malcolm Sapp
| other_names = The Beast
| nationality =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1973|09|22}}<ref name="SherdogProfile">{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Bob-Sapp-4416 |title=Bob 'The Beast' Sapp MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, biography |publisher=Sherdog.com |date=September 22, 1973 |access-date=October 18, 2012}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]], U.S.
| fighting_out_of = [[Seattle]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]], U.S.
| height = 6 ft 5 in<ref name="SherdogProfile"/>
| weight = 329 lb<ref name="SherdogProfile"/>
| reach = {{convert|82|in|cm|abbr=on}}
| weight_class = [[Super Heavyweight (MMA)|Super Heavyweight]]
| style =[[Kickboxing]]
| team = Team Beast BodyShop MMA & Fitness
| teacher = [[Maurice Smith (kickboxer)|Maurice Smith]] [[Josh Barnett]] [[Matt Hume]]
| trainer = Prince Amir
| years_active = 2002–2014, 2016–present
| kickbox_win = 12
| kickbox_kowin = 9
| kickbox_loss = 19
| kickbox_koloss = 12
| kickbox_draw =
| kickbox_nc =
| mma_kowin = 8
| mma_subwin = 3
| mma_decwin = 1
| mma_koloss = 15
| mma_subloss = 4
| mma_decloss =
| mma_dqloss = 1
| mma_draw =
| mma_nc =
| other =
| occupation =
| spouse =
| relatives =
| students =
| university =
| boxrec =
| sherdog = 4416
| updated = November 17, 2013
| module = {{Infobox NFL biography
| embed = yes
| image =
| caption =
| position = [[Guard (American football)|Guard]]
| number = 78
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 4
| weight_lbs = 319
| birth_date =
| birth_place =
| draftyear = 1997
| draftround = 3
| draftpick = 69
| college = [[Washington Huskies football|Washington]]
| teams = * [[Chicago Bears]] ({{NFL Year|1997}})*
* [[Minnesota Vikings]] ({{NFL Year|1997}}–{{NFL Year|1998}})
| statlabel1 = Games Played
| statvalue1 = 1
| highlights = * [[Morris Trophy]] (1996)
}}
}}

'''Robert Malcolm Sapp''' (born September 22, 1973)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SappBo20.htm |title=Bob Sapp NFL Football Statistics |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |date=September 22, 1974 |access-date=October 18, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Bob Sapp |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/bobsapp/2502831/profile |title=Bob Sapp, G at |publisher=National Football League |date=September 22, 1973 |access-date=October 18, 2012}}</ref> is an American [[mixed martial artist]], [[kickboxing|kickboxer]], [[professional wrestler]], actor, and former [[American football|football]] player. He is currently under contract with [[Rizin Fighting Federation]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Scheduled Fighters|url = http://www.rizinff.com/en/fighter|website = RIZIN FIGHTING FEDERATION|access-date = December 1, 2015|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151122033153/http://www.rizinff.com/en/fighter|archive-date = November 22, 2015}}</ref> Sapp has a combined fight record of 24–39–1, mostly fighting in Japan. He is well known in Japan, where he has appeared in numerous commercials, television programs, and various other media, and has released a music CD, ''Sapp Time''. He is known there as a ''[[gaijin tarento]]'' (foreign-born talent).<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Bob Sapp Story: A former Bear's rise to Japanese stardom |url=http://sports.yahoo.com/news/bob-sapp-story-former-bear-120046482.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=sports.yahoo.com |date=April 18, 2017 |language=en-US}}</ref> He is currently working sporadically for various MMA promotions in the U.S., Japan, and Europe.

Sapp played [[college football]] as a [[Guard (gridiron football)|guard]] for the [[Washington Huskies football|Washington Huskies]] with whom he won the [[Morris Trophy]]. He was selected in the third round of the [[1997 NFL draft]] by the [[Chicago Bears]] with whom he played for one season seeing no game action before playing with the [[Minnesota Vikings]] for another two seasons, only playing in one game. He later began a career in professional wrestling before branching out into mixed martial arts and kickboxing, where he initially enjoyed significant success and popularity before eventually developing a reputation as a [[tomato can (sports idiom)|tomato can]].

==American football career==
Sapp began his athletic career in high school playing [[American football|football]] at [[William (Billy) Mitchell High School (Colorado Springs)|Mitchell High School]] in [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]]. He received a football scholarship to the [[University of Washington]], where he won the [[Morris Trophy|Morris Award]] in 1996. He took part in "The Whammy in Miami", the [[Washington Huskies football|Washington Huskies]]' upset win over the [[Miami Hurricanes]] that broke the latter's 58 game home winning streak.<ref name=Total>{{cite book|author=Jonathan Snowden|title=Total MMA: Inside Ultimate Fighting|url=https://archive.org/details/totalmmainsideul0000snow|date=2010|publisher=[[ECW Press]]|isbn=978-15-549033-7-5|url-access=registration}}</ref>

Sapp was drafted by the [[Chicago Bears]] in the third round (69th overall) of the [[1997 NFL draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1997 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1997/draft.htm |access-date=March 30, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He signed with the [[Minnesota Vikings]] after being released by the Bears. However, his career took a hit after he was suspended by the NFL in 1998 for [[steroid abuse]]. He spent two seasons with the Vikings and only played in one game.<ref name=Total/> He is considered to be one of the worst picks of the NFL drafts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago Bears: Best and worst draft picks |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/chicago-bears-best-and-worst-draft-picks-0ap1000000160145 |access-date=August 15, 2023 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

Afterwards, Sapp was left in poverty after being defrauded by his economic advisor,<ref name=Total/> and resorted to working at a [[funeral home]] moving coffins to make a living.<ref>{{cite web| last= Mayer| first= Larry| url= http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/These-Bears-draft-picks-gained-fame-in-other-areas/ec6dca7b-ad41-43ac-839c-e61e0197ecc9| title= These Bears draft picks gained fame in other areas| publisher= [[Chicago Bears]]| date= April 25, 2013| access-date= April 25, 2013| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130428074306/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/These-Bears-draft-picks-gained-fame-in-other-areas/ec6dca7b-ad41-43ac-839c-e61e0197ecc9| archive-date= April 28, 2013| url-status= dead}}</ref><ref name=Infinity2/> He eventually decided to pursue a career in [[professional wrestling]] on the advice of his friend [[Mike Morris (long snapper)|Mike Morris]], who saw a chance for Sapp on it.<ref name=Total/>

==Professional wrestling==
===Early career (2000–2002)===
Bob Sapp's [[professional wrestling]] career started in [[NWA Wildside]] in 2000, before he was quickly contracted by [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) as a [[WCW Power Plant|developmental wrestler]]. There he started honing his "The Beast" persona, which at this stage was a villainous, feral [[tarzan]]-like [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]], but his development was cut short when the company was bought out by the [[World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF).<ref name=Infinity2>{{cite web |url=http://www.muscleandfitness.com:80/athletes-celebrities/interviews/muscle-fitness-interview-k1-fighter-bob-sapp |title=A Muscle & Fitness Interview with K1 Fighter, Bob Sapp | Muscle & Fitness |access-date=April 1, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311224023/http://www.muscleandfitness.com/athletes-celebrities/interviews/muscle-fitness-interview-k1-fighter-bob-sapp |archive-date=March 11, 2017 }}</ref> He left professional wrestling for many years, attracted instead to a fighting career under the training of fellow WCW developmental wrestler [[Sam Greco]].<ref name=Total/>

===New Japan Pro-Wrestling and All Japan Pro Wrestling (2002–2005)===
In 2002, riding his success in K-1, Sapp made his professional wrestling debut for [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW). Introduced as a member of chairman [[Antonio Inoki]]'s army of fighters, Sapp replaced an injured [[Yoshihiro Takayama]] in his October 14 match against [[Manabu Nakanishi]]. The two exchanged taunts and attacks on the weeks leading to the match, with Sapp ultimately winning after executing his finishing move, the ''[[Powerbomb|Beast Bomb]]'',<ref name=Puro>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/sapp.html|title=Profile at Puroresu Central|publisher=Puroresu Central|access-date=April 13, 2013}}</ref> on the ringside, where he left Nakanishi to be counted out.<ref name=IchiOct/> This victory led to many other wrestlers to suggest to take their chance against Sapp, among them [[Yuji Nagata]] and Takayama himself, but the American refrained from participating.<ref name=IchiOct/>

Sapp balanced his NJPW appearances with similar ventures in [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]], where he intruded to challenge [[Bill Goldberg]] and [[Keiji Mutoh]].<ref name=IchiAug/> He first appeared in [[Wrestle-1]], a copromotion between K-1 and AJPW, where he faced Mutoh's alter ego The Great Muta in November 2002. Sapp defeated him after pinning him with a [[diving headbutt]].<ref name=W1>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/defunctWrestle1Review-1.11.03.html|title=WRESTLE-1 SKY PerfecTV! PPV|last=Manning|first=Jason|access-date=January 5, 2019|work=Puroresu Central}}</ref> He returned to the event in January 2003, where he wrestled his kickboxing rival [[Ernesto Hoost]], yet this time Sapp lost after Hoost's cornerman Johann Vos intervened in the bout.<ref name=W1/>

In October 2003, Sapp returned to NJPW, taking part again of Inoki's MMA army along with Takayama, [[Kazuyuki Fujita]], [[Shinsuke Nakamura]] and Minoru Suzuki to face Nakanishi, Nagata, [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]], [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]] and [[Seiji Sakaguchi]]. He followed by some team matches along with Nakamura and AJPW's Keiji Mutoh, but his main push would come in his singles career. On March 28, 2004, Sapp defeated [[Kensuke Sasaki]] to win the [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]], becoming the first (and only, to date) African-American to hold the title. After successfully defending the title against [[Shinsuke Nakamura]] on May 3 at ''Nexess'', Sapp forfeited the title due to having lost to [[Kazuyuki Fujita]] in a mixed martial arts fight.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/NJReview-Nexess04.html|title=New Japan Nexess|last=Wilson|first=Kevin|access-date=September 21, 2015|work=Puroresu Central}}</ref>

In 2005, Sapp returned to Wrestle-1, taking part on its inaugural Grand Prix tournament and beating [[Giant Bernard]] and [[Jun Akiyama]] in road to the finals. However, Wrestle-1 was discontinued before the tournament could win.

===Hustle (2007–2008)===
On October 16, 2007, Sapp made a surprise appearance at [[Hustle (professional wrestling)|Hustle]]'s [[Korakuen Hall]] event, attacking [[Masaki Sumitani|Razor Ramon HG]] and his partner [[Wataru Sakata]]. Sapp aligned himself with [[Nobuhiko Takada|Generalissimo Takada]]'s villainous Monster Army. After defeating [[Makoto Izubuchi|Razor Ramon RG]] in his debut match for the company, it was announced that he would wrestle at the Hustlemania [[Yokohama Arena]] event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/other/headlines/wrestling/20071016-00000025-spnavi-fight.html/|title=スポーツナビ|publisher=Sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp|access-date=October 18, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929102214/http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/other/headlines/wrestling/20071016-00000025-spnavi-fight.html/|archive-date=September 29, 2011}}</ref> His opponent was later confirmed to be Razor Ramon HG,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/other/headlines/wrestling/20071104-00000013-spnavi-fight.html/|title=スポーツナビ|publisher=Sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp|access-date=October 18, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929102241/http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/other/headlines/wrestling/20071104-00000013-spnavi-fight.html/|archive-date=September 29, 2011}}</ref> whom Sapp went on to defeat.

Sapp was later put into a tag team with fellow superheavyweight [[Akebono Tarō|Monster Bono]], but a falling out between the two due to miscommunications in the ring led Sapp to attack Bono with a chair. Sapp and Bono entered a short [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]], which culminated with the American's victory and Bono's expulsion from the Monster Army. Sapp then started teaming up with [[Yoji Anjo|Commander An Jo]], eventually entering another feud with Hustle Army member [[Wataru Sakata]]. Sapp was defeated by him, breaking his winning streak in professional wrestling. He would try to bounce back by participating in the Hustle Grand Prix 2008, but he was shockingly eliminated by [[Osaka Pro Wrestling]] representative [[Zeus (Japanese wrestler)|Zeus]] after having beaten [[Tiger Jeet Singh]]. After another short rivalry with [[Genichiro Tenryu]], Sapp was defeated in a rematch against Bono as his last appearance for Hustle.

===Independent circuit (2008–2012)===
In 2008, Sapp began to participate in WWA, a pro wrestling organization in South Korea. On October 26, 2009, Sapp captured the WWA Heavyweight title by defeating [[Lee Wang-pyo]].<ref name="kr-wwa-h">{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/korea/wwa/kr-wwa-h.html|title=World Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Title|accessdate=January 16, 2024|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref> On July 24, 2011, Sapp made his debut for [[Dramatic Dream Team]] (DDT) at [[Ryōgoku Peter Pan 2011]], using a "Beast will fight for money" [[gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/mma/post/2011/02/unable-to-fight-for-money-sapp-back-to-pro-wrestling/1|title=Bob Sapp back to pro wrestling|author=Sergio Non|work=USA Today|date=February 1, 2011}}</ref> In a comedy match, he was defeated by [[Danshoku Dino]], a wrestler with a homosexual [[gimmick (professional wrestling)|character]], being pinned after a kiss and a [[Pin (professional wrestling)#Gedo clutch|''Gaydo Clutch'']].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1311513291/ | script-title=ja:両国ピーターパン2011～二度あることは三度ある～ | access-date=December 23, 2012 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530062442/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1311513291/ | archive-date=May 30, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/other/live/2011/2011072406/8.html | script-title=ja:ＤＤＴ「両国ピーターパン2011～二度あることは三度ある～」 | date=July 24, 2011 | access-date=December 23, 2012 | work=Sports Navi | publisher=[[Yahoo!]] | language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106130223/http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/other/live/2011/2011072406/8.html | archive-date=November 6, 2011 }}</ref>
[[File:Sapp Avalanche.jpg|thumb|250px|Sapp executing a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Body avalanche|corner body avalanche]] on [[Genichiro Tenryu]].]]

===Return to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2012–2013)===
At a NJPW event on December 20, 2012, [[Toru Yano]] announced that Sapp would represent the [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villainous]] [[Chaos (professional wrestling)|Chaos]] [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|stable]] on January 4, 2013, at [[Wrestle Kingdom 7 in Tokyo Dome]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=660&c=5063 | title = NJPW 40th anniversary Tour Road to Tokyo Dome | access-date=December 23, 2012 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> At the event, Sapp teamed with Yano, [[Takashi Iizuka]] and [[Yujiro Takahashi]] in an eight-man tag team match, where they were defeated by [[Akebono Tarō|Akebono]], [[Manabu Nakanishi]], [[Montel Vontavious Porter|MVP]] and [[Jon Andersen|Strong Man]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=657|title=Wrestle Kingdom 7 ～Evolution～ in 東京ドーム|access-date=January 4, 2013|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> Sapp made another appearance for New Japan on April 7, 2013, at [[Invasion Attack (2013)|Invasion Attack]], where he and Chaos stablemates Takashi Iizuka, [[Tomohiro Ishii]] and [[Yoshi-Hashi]] were defeated by Akebono, [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]], Manabu Nakanishi and [[Super Strong Machine]] in another eight-man tag team match.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=706 | title=Invasion Attack | access-date=April 7, 2013 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref>

===Wrestle-1 (2013)===
On September 8, Sapp took part in the [[Wrestle-1]] promotion's [[Wrestle-1#Wrestle-1 Hataage Sen|inaugural event]], teaming with [[Keiji Mutoh]] in a main event tag team match, where they defeated [[René Duprée]] and [[Aaron Aguilera|Zodiac]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/fight/all/2013090801/|title=武藤新団体「Wrestle-1」旗揚げ戦|date=September 8, 2013|access-date=September 8, 2013|work=Sports Navi|publisher=[[Yahoo!]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911075633/http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/fight/all/2013090801|archive-date=September 11, 2013}}</ref>

===Inoki Genome Federation (2009–2014)===
In 2009, he would compete in the [[Inoki Genome Federation]] (IGF). His last match was a lost to Aztecaser on December 31, 2014.

===Later career (2014–2017)===
After leaving IGF, Sapp continued to wrestle in Japan until 2017.

==Kickboxing and mixed martial arts career==
In 2000, after Sapp was released from WCW, he was picked up by [[FX (TV channel)|FX]] for its [[amateur boxing]] show ''The Toughman Competition''. Sapp was pitted against [[William "The Refrigerator" Perry]] as a pro wrestling representative and, despite not having any prior boxing experience, won by knocking out Perry in round 2.<ref name=Infinity2/> Then Sapp's friend and trainer [[Sam Greco]] showed his match to [[Kazuyoshi Ishii]], chairman of Japanese [[kickboxing]] promotion [[K-1]]. Ishii then invited Sapp to Japan in order to start a career in the ring, seeing a combination of great potential and great marketability in him.<ref name=Infinity>{{cite web |url=http://www.infinityfitness.com/articles/sapp.html |title=Infinity Fitness | Articles |access-date=April 1, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601075310/http://www.infinityfitness.com/articles/sapp.html |archive-date=June 1, 2013}}</ref> After training for six months in United States in the [[AMC Pankration]] and [[Team Quest]] gyms,<ref name=Total/> he would be sent to [[mixed martial arts]] company [[Pride Fighting Championship]], which had expressed interest on him too, in order to make his professional debut first under such rules.<ref name=John>{{cite web | url=https://247sports.com/college/washington/Article/Johnson-visits-with-Bob-The-Beast-Sapp-104493135/ | title=Johnson visits with Bob 'The Beast' Sapp| access-date=December 15, 2018 | work=247sports.com}}</ref> Sapp competed under both rulesets indistinctly for the rest of his career, usually for the promotion K-1.

===K-1 and Japanese promotions===
====2002====
After arriving to Japan, Sapp debuted in Pride as a K-1 representative against former professional wrestler and longtime [[Fighting Network RINGS]] competitor [[Yoshihisa Yamamoto (wrestler)|Yoshihisa Yamamoto]], who he finished by TKO at 2:44 of the first round by way of wild hooks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Yoshihisa-Yamamoto-454 |title=Yoshihisa Yamamoto MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, biography |publisher=Sherdog.com |date=July 4, 1970 |access-date=October 18, 2012}}</ref> The bout, which attracted 10 million viewers, quickly turned Sapp into a fan favorite due to his size, charisma and aggression, and prepared him for his kickboxing debut against [[Tsuyoshi Nakasako]] a month later.<ref name=John/> Sapp lost by disqualification in 1:30 when he pushed Nakasako to the corner, threw him to the ground and rained illegal strikes on him until being restrained by ring crew. The act caused a brawl on the ring when the [[cornermen]] jumped in, but Sapp was surprisingly received with cheers from the crowd. He became an overnight sensation in Japan afterwards, appearing on numerous television shows and advertisements and becoming K-1's most popular fighter.<ref name=John/> Sapp contributed by creating an outrageous public persona, nicknamed "The Beast", under which he played an unhinged, loudmouthed, yet also humorous version of himself.<ref name=Infinity2/>
[[File:WKA World Championschips 2011 228 (cropped).JPG|200px|thumb|Sapp's characteristic fighting style, based on aggression and strength.]]
Sapp's second Pride match was against two-time RINGS Openweight Champion [[Kiyoshi Tamura]]. Though Tamura was a highly respected fighter who held wins over the likes of [[Pat Miletich]], [[Jeremy Horn]] and [[Renzo Gracie]], he was giving up 150 lbs to his foe and was quickly overwhelmed by the much larger American, succumbing to strikes just 11 seconds into the bout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Kiyoshi-Tamura-1451 |title=Kiyoshi Tamura MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, biography |publisher=Sherdog.com |date=December 17, 1969 |access-date=October 18, 2012}}</ref>

In a show held by both Pride and K-1 called "Dynamite", Sapp faced then Pride champion [[Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira]]. The latter had originally been slated for a kickboxing bout against K-1 fighter [[Mark Hunt]], but negotiations fell out, as Nogueira had proposed to fight two separate bouts under mixed martial arts and kickboxing rules respectively, which was rejected by Hunt. The Pride champion then accepted to fight Sapp as a replacement, noting that "nobody wanted to fight Sapp, and some other Pride fighters already had their fights matched."<ref name=Total/> Due to the usual size disparity, this time amounting to 127 pounds,<ref name=Courage>Keith Vargo, ''Courage and Controversy Reign at Shockwave Event'', Black Belt magazine, January 2003</ref> Nogueira accepted a special rule to ban knee strikes on the ground, making it a more even affair.<ref name=IchiAug>{{cite web|url=http://www.ichibanpuroresu.com/news/200208.html|title=August 2002 News Archive|work=Ichiban Puroresu|date=August 2002|access-date=December 30, 2018|archive-date=August 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818010418/http://ichibanpuroresu.com/news/200208.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Despite this, the match would quickly become a memorable battle of strength against technique.<ref name=Courage/><ref name=IchiAug/>

Sapp opened the match almost finishing Nogueira in mere seconds, as the latter charged with a takedown only to be lifted and slammed onto his head in a [[Piledriver (professional wrestling)|piledriver]]. Sapp looked to repeat the technique, but Nogueira managed to avoid it and momentarily ready Sapp for an unsuccessful [[armbar]]. Taking his turn again, Sapp started punishing him with [[ground and pound]] through the Brazilian's [[Guard (grappling)|guard]], nullifying his [[armlock]]s by sheer strength and landing [[powerbomb]]s every time Nogueira tried his trademark [[triangle choke]].<ref name=Courage/> The bout continued this way, with Nogueira trying fruitless submissions from the bottom while Sapp grinded him with heavy blows, until action finally slowed down into the second round, as Sapp was unaccustomed to fight for so long.<ref name=Courage/><ref name=Ora1/> Nogueira, who had endured the beating through impressive will and looked "only half-conscious" according to reviewers,<ref name=Courage/> finally pulled a tired Sapp down and [[Mount (grappling)|mounted]] him. The Brazilian seized an armbar and, although Sapp blocked it, he had no left energy to resist and had to concede the hold and the match.<ref name=Courage/>

The fight received critical acclaim by reviewers, with website Ichiban Puroresu calling it "an awesome fight"<ref name=IchiAug/> and "better drama than any fight this year,"<ref name=IchiFeb/> Keith Vargo commenting that "victory and defeat were changing sides so fast that either man could have won any moment,"<ref name=Courage/> and Scott Newman opining it was "probably the best heavyweight fight [he had] ever seen in fact."<ref name=Ora1>{{cite web|url=http://the-oratory.com/mma-review-335/|title=MMA Review: #37: Pride/K1 Shockwave 2002|work=The Oratory|date=January 5, 2005|access-date=December 30, 2018|archive-date=January 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101051553/http://the-oratory.com/mma-review-335/|url-status=usurped}}</ref> [[Mirko Cro Cop]], who would defeat Sapp in K-1, was quoted as, "It was the craziest fight I've ever seen. I couldn't believe that 'Minotauro' was able to survive all the things that happened to him. He almost broke his spine. Unbelievable."<ref name=Mirko>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2014/3/4/5468246/mirko-cro-cop-reflects-on-pride-the-ufc-and-why-everybody-was|title=Mirko Cro Cop reflects on Pride, the UFC, and why 'everybody was terrified of fighting Bob Sapp'|work=MMA Fighting|author=Shaun Al-Satti|date=March 4, 2014|access-date=December 30, 2018}}</ref> Sapp himself was praised by his performance, to the extent Pride commentators [[Stephen Quadros]] and [[Bas Rutten]] speculating he could become a major fighter with only more training.<ref name=Ora1/><ref name=Mirko/> He actually expressed desire for a rematch, but Nogueira, who came from the fight with both [[cheekbone]]s broken,<ref name=Ora1/> actively rejected it.<ref name=IchiApril/>

Sapp stated interest in fighting [[Fedor Emelianenko]] after he won the Pride Heavyweight Championship from Nogueira, which Emelianenko accepted, though joking he would have to gain 70 kg to face Sapp in even terms.<ref name=IchiApril/> Nothing of this materialized, and Sapp would never again compete in Pride, instead focusing his attention on K-1. When Sapp returned to the kickboxing ring the next month, this time against [[Cyril Abidi]] and with K-1 chairman [[Kazuyoshi Ishii]] as a special referee, he scored his first kickboxing victory, cornering his opponent and unloading punches and hammerfists on him for the KO.
[[File:Bob Sapp.jpg|250px|thumb|Sapp entering the arena in Japan.]]
His greatest in-ring success, though, would come in his match over K-1 legend [[Ernesto Hoost]]. They first met at the [[K-1 World Grand Prix 2002 Final Elimination]] on October 5, 2002, where Sapp replaced an injured Cro Cop in his bout against Hoost.<ref name=IchiSep>{{cite web|url=http://www.ichibanpuroresu.com/news/200209.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060709230338/http://www.ichibanpuroresu.com/news/200209.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 9, 2006|title=September 2002 News Archive|work=Ichiban Puroresu|date=September 2002|access-date=January 1, 2019}}</ref> The latter was expected to win thanks to his experience and technical superiority despite being outweighed by over 100 pounds, but Sapp claimed he would not need more than the first round to defeat Hoost, thus setting up an anticipated matchup.<ref name=IchiOct>{{cite web|url=http://www.ichibanpuroresu.com/news/200210.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060709230505/http://www.ichibanpuroresu.com/news/200210.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 9, 2006|title=October 2002 News Archive|work=Ichiban Puroresu|date=October 2002|access-date=January 1, 2019}}</ref> Once the fight came around, all while under a television viewership of 19.8%,<ref name=IchiOct/> Sapp surprised the crowd when he started dominating Hoost effectively through his already known charging strategy. By pushing Hoost against the ring's corners and unloading punches there with all of his strength, Sapp controlled the entire the first round, and still landed controversially three more punches after the bell sounded.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/vK-1m-q4etk Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20140113110324/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK-1m-q4etk Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK-1m-q4etk | title=K-1 Classics: Ernesto Hoost vs. Bob Sapp Feud| website=[[YouTube]]| date=November 17, 2009}}{{cbignore}}</ref> After the round, the ring doctor declared Hoost was unable to continue due to cuts, and Sapp was ultimately deemed winner while Hoost collapsed visibly in his corner, fulfilling his previous prediction.<ref name=HoCap/>

His solid victory over Hoost, much like his dominant effort with Nogueira, proved that the trust put on Sapp by K-1 executives had not been in vain. Sapp would compare his situation to "taking someone off the streets and throwing him into the ring with [[Mike Tyson]] and then watching that person win," given how much he had accomplished with so little experience and training.<ref name=Infinity2/> According to future adversary Mirko Cro Cop, Sapp's reputation caused that many potential opponents were scared to fight him, both in Pride and K-1.<ref name=Mirko/> However, Hoost was reportedly discontent with the match's refereeing, citing the illegalities committed by Sapp, and expressed desire for a rematch.<ref name=IchiNov>{{cite web|url=http://www.ichibanpuroresu.com/news/200211.html|title=November 2002 News Archive|work=Ichiban Puroresu|date=November 2002|access-date=January 1, 2019|archive-date=January 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116193727/http://www.ichibanpuroresu.com/news/200211.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

Two months later, Sapp was slated to fight [[Semmy Schilt]] at [[K-1 World Grand Prix 2002 Final]] quarter-finals, but an injury suffered by the latter granted Hoost his second chance as a replacement.<ref name=HoCap>Keith Vargo, ''Hoost Captures Fourth K-1 Grand Prix Title'', Black Belt magazine, April 2003</ref> Sapp declared he would finish him in one round again.<ref name=IchiOct/> The bout would be a more even affair, however, as although Sapp looked to use his familiar strategy, this time Hoost scored a knockdown through two well placed body blows and survived the first round. Hoost followed on this tactic at the second, but Sapp eventually stunned him and knocked him down in return via repeated arm clubs to the head. The fighters went back and forth for the rest of the assault, until a drained Sapp finally managed to corner Hoost and overwhelm him with unanswered haymakers.<ref name=HoCap/> At this point, referee [[Nobuaki Kakuda]] stopped the fight and gave Sapp the win.<ref name=IchiFeb>{{cite web|url=http://www.ichibanpuroresu.com/news/200302.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060709230312/http://www.ichibanpuroresu.com/news/200302.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 9, 2006|title=February 2003 News Archive|work=Ichiban Puroresu|date=February 2003|access-date=January 1, 2019}}</ref> Those last seconds were a new source of controversy, as while Hoost was receiving continuous punishment,<ref name=IchiFeb/> the stoppage still happened before he fell down.<ref name=IchiFeb/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2008/02/bob-sapps-life-story-too-good-for-reality-tv-story-from-yahoo-sports|title=Bob Sapp's Life Story too Good for Reality TV (Story from Yahoo! Sports)|publisher=MMAJunkie.com |access-date=December 15, 2018|date=February 23, 2008}}</ref> A worn Sapp forfeited his place in the tournament due to exhaustion and an injured hand,<ref name=Infinity/> being ironically replaced by Hoost himself, who went to win the cup.<ref name=HoCap/>

At the ending of 2002, Sapp fought professional wrestler [[Yoshihiro Takayama]] at the Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye event. After rushing Takayama to the ground as usual, Sapp proved he had his own way with basic submissions by transitioning to an armbar from mount, making the wrestler tap out. Their fight reached a 24.5 rating in TV.<ref name=Total/> By this time, Sapp's media schedule had grown up so much that he found himself without time to properly train for his fighting career. His trainer [[Matt Hume]] would describe it as, "if he would have had time to dedicate to strict training, he would have been
a better fighter, however K-1 and Bob's priority was media exposure, so we accepted it and worked with it."<ref name=Total/>

====2003====
Sapp's first defeat came at his fourth match, pitted against former K-1 champion [[Mirko Cro Cop]] on March 30, 2003. Despite being dedicated to mixed martial arts at the moment, Cro Cop had accepted the bout due to a lack of fighters willing to matchup with Sapp after his 2002 performance.<ref name=Mirko/> Sapp also prepared specially for the fight, learning proper [[muay Thai]] and rumoredly training under [[Bas Rutten]].<ref name=IchiMar>{{cite web|url=http://www.ichibanpuroresu.com/news/200303.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060709230609/http://www.ichibanpuroresu.com/news/200303.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 9, 2006|title=March 2003 News Archive|work=Ichiban Puroresu|date=March 2003|access-date=January 5, 2019}}</ref> Although Sapp pushed the fight for a minute, the mobile Cro Cop landed a [[liver shot]] and followed with a left hand that shattered Sapp's [[orbital bone]], causing him to collapse on the mat and give up while in visible pain.<ref name=Mirko/> He would need urgent surgery to repair the damage.<ref name=IchiApril>{{cite web|url=http://www.ichibanpuroresu.com/news/200304.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060709230621/http://www.ichibanpuroresu.com/news/200304.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 9, 2006|title=April 2003 News Archive|work=Ichiban Puroresu|date=April 2003|access-date=November 19, 2018}}</ref> Both Sapp and Cro Cop later talked about rematching under MMA rules,<ref name=IchiMar/><ref name=IchiApril/> but this never came to fruition. Before this, Sapp had been placed in an upcoming fight against [[Francisco Filho (martial artist)|Francisco Filho]], which had to be scrapped due to Sapp being ruled out from competition due to the injury.<ref name=IchiApril/>

A month later, hoping to capitalize on the success of Sapp and others, K-1 made a new fighting division called "Beast" (Sapp's nickname), which featured superheavyweights fighters such as [[Choi Hong-man]]. However, the division was stopped after two events due to disappointing reviews and gate takes. Still, Sapp was perceived to play a role in popularizing superheavyweights like Choi or [[Giant Silva]] in the sport, which he considered an accomplishment.<ref name=Total/>

In August, Sapp participated in a special K-1 event in [[Las Vegas]], where he went against [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] veteran [[Kimo Leopoldo]]. Sapp had trained orthodox kickboxing with fellow UFC champion [[Maurice Smith (kickboxer)|Maurice Smith]] for the match, and it could be noted in several powerful punches and knees that stunned Leopoldo.<ref name=Plot>J. Michael Plott, ''Bob Sapp Confronts Mike Tyson in K-1 event'', Black Belt magazine, December 2003</ref> However, Sapp's stamina started to falter, which a slightly better conditioned Leopoldo capitalized on to take his turn, eventually knocking Sapp down at the end of the round.<ref name=Plot/> Controversy happened before the second, as referee [[Nobuaki Kakuda]] seemed to be deliberately giving Sapp time to recover, but the match continued anyway.<ref name=Total/> Perceiving himself outclassed at a technical level, Sapp decided to return to his old bullrushing style, which paid off quickly by knocking Leopoldo down with a left hand.<ref name=Total/> The UFC fighter tried to return the favor, but Sapp was already en route to overpower him and finally rendered him KO with an unchecked [[rabbit punch]].<ref name=Plot/><ref name=Total/> In a marked contrast to Japan, American audiences booed Sapp.<ref name=Total/>

The event in Las Vegas would not end without more controversy, as the victorious Sapp got in a verbal confrontation with former boxing Undisputed Heavyweight Champion [[Mike Tyson]], who was sitting at ringside.<ref name=Plot/> Tyson jumped on the ring after Sapp and caused a brief brawl, after which Sapp and him exchanged challenges for a bout between the two. It was soon announced by K-1 that the match was in talks, with Tyson considering training with kickboxing coach [[Jacob Duran]] in case the bout was hosted under K-1 rules.<ref>Zac Robinson, Jacob "Stitch" Duran, ''From the Fields to the Garden: The Life of Stitch Duran'', Black Mesa Publishing, 2010</ref> However, Tyson's status as a convicted [[felony|felon]] made him unable to get a visa to fight in Japan where the fight would have been most profitable.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tysontalk.com/article48.html |title=K-1 Reports Official Mike Tyson Fight |publisher=Tysontalk.com |access-date=October 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118123147/http://www.tysontalk.com/article48.html |archive-date=November 18, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Other locations for the proposed fight were made, but the fight ultimately never happened.

Sapp returned to Japan in September, facing another superheavyweight, Stefan Gamlin, under MMA rules at K-1 Japan Grand Prix 2003. Despite being outweighed by the first time in his career, Sapp won in 0:52 with a [[guillotine choke]]. He continued challenging Tyson, claiming he would knock him out with [[high kick]]s, and also proposed a matchup against [[Francois Botha]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ichibanpuroresu.com/news/200309.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060705173433/http://www.ichibanpuroresu.com/news/200309.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 5, 2006|title=September 2003 News Archive|work=Ichiban Puroresu|date=September 2003|access-date=January 5, 2019}}</ref>

The next month, this time under K-1 rules, he fought Dutch champion [[Remy Bonjasky]] at the first round of the 2003 K-1 World Grand Prix. The match started with Bonjasky, famous for his [[flying knee]]s and kicks, almost falling out the ring when Sapp threw him on the ropes in response to such attacks. The American chased a covered up Bonjasky through the ring while scoring punches and knees, but his opponent eventually bypassed his defense and landed a sharp [[roundhouse kick]] to end the first round. Bonkasky kept landing through the second, knocking Sapp down with a combination, but Sapp answered by pushing him to the ground and landing a heavy illegal punch. As Bonjasky refused to continue after the strike, Sapp was disqualified.

At the end of the year, Sapp was involved in a highly publicized matchup at [[K-1 PREMIUM 2003 Dynamite!!]] with former [[yokozuna]] [[Akebono Taro]], who was doing his debut. The combined popularity of Sapp and Akebono attracted a crowd of 45,000 to the [[Nagoya Dome]] and granted the event a 43% viewership (roughly 54 million of the 127 million people in Japan at the time), making it the first time a combat sports event outdrew the [[NHK]] music festival ''[[Kōhaku Uta Gassen]]'', Japan's traditionally biggest New Year's Eve show.<ref name=Chung>Jayson Makoto Chung, ''A Nation of a Hundred Million Idiots?: A Social History of Japanese Television'', Routledge, 2006</ref> The classical matchup of an American foreigner like Sapp against a Japanese national like Taro, a cultural contraposition, also gained comparisons with [[Puroresu|Japanese professional wrestling]] legend [[Rikidōzan]] in his bouts against [[The Sharpe Brothers]].<ref name=Chung/> The match itself, however, was short and intense. Though outweighed by over 150 pounds, Sapp had the advantage at experience and stamina, allowing him endure Akebono's initially energetic sumo pushes in order to counterattack. He attacked Akebono with [[low kick]]s and punching combinations to the head and body, knocking him down twice before finishing him by KO at 2:58.<ref name=Jet>''Former NFL Player Bob Sapp Trades the Field for the Fighting Ring'', Jet magazine, January 2004</ref><ref>Mark Panek, ''Gaijin Yokozuna: A Biography of Chad Rowan'', University of Hawaii Press, 2006</ref> After defeating Akebono, Sapp engaged in another verbal exchange with [[Mike Tyson]] about a possible match, although nothing came from it.<ref name=Jet/>

====2004–2007====
Sapp opened 2004 facing [[Dolgorsürengiin Sumyaabazar]], multiple wrestling champion and brother to yokozuna [[Asashoryu]], under a mixed martial arts ruleset at his own event, K-1 Beast. Showing improvement in his MMA technique, Sapp defended from his [[Guard (grappling)|guard]] after being taken down, trading short strikes from there and threatening with [[Kimura lock]]s. Sumyaabazar ended up passing his guard, but Sapp reversed and captured his back, almost closing a rear naked choke, Sumyaabazar had to abandon the match before the second round due to a groin injury.<ref>Monty DiPietro, ''Sapp and Japanese Strikers Win at K-1 Beast 2004'', Black Belt magazine, June 2004</ref> Only two weeks later, he fought against [[Seth Petruzelli]], this time at kickboxing, but the result was similar: although he knocked Sapp down, Petruzelli injured his biceps and was forced to bow out.

After a 0:33 victory over [[muay thai]] journeyman Tommy Glanville, Sapp was pitted against wrestler [[Kazuyuki Fujita]] at K-1 Romanex. Although the American looked to strike, Fujita scored an early takedown and initiated a grappling scuffle. Sapp looked to defend from the bottom and at one point pursued a [[Leglock#Heel hook|heel hook]], transitioned into a [[Leglock#Toe hold|toehold]], but the Japanese escaped to his feet and started delivering [[soccer kick]]s with his [[wrestling shoes]] to Sapp's head. Fujita kept landing brutal kicks and punches to a desperately covered up Sapp until the latter tapped out at 2:15.<ref>Monty DiPietro, ''Sapp Crushed at K-1 ROMANEX Show'', Black Belt magazine, September 2004</ref> After this sound loss, Sapp lost again in a two-round fight against [[Ray Sefo]].
[[File:Bob Sapp dropkick.jpg|thumb|250px|Sapp executing a [[dropkick]] on [[Wataru Sakata]].]]
At K-1 Premium Dynamite!! Sapp faced [[Jérôme Le Banner]] in a special mixed rules match, in which first and third rounds would be under regular K-1 rules and under MMA rules the second and fourth. Sapp spent the first round covering and guarding up, almost being finished, but he recovered in the second one by taking down Le Banner and raining [[ground and pound]] from the [[Mount (grappling)|mount]]. He kept the momentum at the third, utilizing a defensive strategy of charging and [[Clinch (grappling)|clinching]] to neutralize Le Banner; however, most of the action would take place at the fourth and last, which saw the two trading dominant positions and ended with Sapp looking for an [[armlock]]. Under the agreed upon rules, the fight was declared a draw. Sapp dedicated the fight to the memory of sparring partner Masaaki Miyamoto's father who had recently died.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/1/Brazilian-Dynamite-Gracie-Submits-Akebono-2275|title=Brazilian Dynamite: Gracie Submits Akebono|publisher=Sherdog.com |access-date=September 25, 2016}}</ref>

2005 would be a fruitful year for Sapp, starting by a win over [[judo]] medalist [[Kim Min-soo (judoka)|Kim Min-soo]] at K-1's new MMA sub-promotion Hero's. Although the debutant Kim, clad in a full judogi, managed to cut Sapp with an early punch, the American swiftly overpowered him and knocked him out to punches in a minute. This prepared Sapp for a run to the 2005 K-1 Hiroshima Grand Prix, where he would face three fighters on a single night in order to qualify for the 2005 K-1 World Grand Prix. In a departure from his explosive yet ephemeral performances up to the point, Sapp showcased greatly improved stamina and much better technique, gained both after intensive training under his long time friend [[Sam Greco]].<ref name=HiroGP>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/The-Beast-is-Back-Sapp-Wins-K1-Japan-GP-2991|title=The Beast is Back! Sapp Wins Japan K-1 GP|publisher=Sherdog.com |access-date=January 4, 2019}}</ref>

Sapp met upcoming fighter [[Yoshihiro Nakao]] in the quarter-final, where he would fight all three rounds in dominant fashion. Nakao taunted Sapp during the fight, but the American kept landing kicks and knees in addition to his personal bullrushing style, including also previously unseen [[Counterpunch (boxing)|counterstrikes]].<ref name=HiroGP/> After securing a unanimous decision, Sapp advanced round and faced young fighter [[Hiraku Hori]], who had just defeated. This time Sapp increased his aggression and came near to finishing Hori early with a barrage of punches and a cut, but the Japanese resisted and kept him at bay with high kicks towards the end of the first round. The second would see Sapp uncharacteristically standing still and inviting his opponent to charge at him, which he capitalized on to knock down Hori with hooks before finishing him.<ref name=HiroGP/> The final saw Sapp being pitted against Tatsufumi Tomihira, a [[karateka]] famous for his own fouls. The American methodically dismantled Tomihira, scoring two consecutive knockdowns in the first seconds and almost finishing him in the last ones with a cornering barrage. After slowing down in the second and third rounds, where they exchanged kicks and punches, Sapp controlled him for a unanimous decision win, taking the victory at the tournament.<ref name=HiroGP/>

In the post-event interview, Greco praised Sapp's dedication, while Sapp himself gave a speech about his tenure. "I've had low points in my career, now this is a high point and I am enjoying it! I think I've proven I belong in K-1."<ref name=HiroGP/> As promised, Sapp won a prize of 5,000,000 yen and a place among the 16 fighters qualified for the K-1 World Grand Prix.
[[File:Bob Sapp and Toshiaki Kawada.jpg|thumb|250px|Sapp (left) and [[Toshiaki Kawada]] looking at their opponents prior to a match in [[Hustle (professional wrestling)|Hustle]].]]
Shortly after, Sapp returned to MMA format for Hero's, where he was pitted against Russian sumo wrestler [[Alan Karaev]]. With Sapp's former opponent Akebono in attendance, Karaev surprised the American with aggression and a quick takedown to [[Mount (grappling)|mount]], but Sapp managed to get out after a failed [[rear naked choke]] attempt and hold his own mount for a longer time. Restarted the fight on the feet, Sapp knocked Karaev out with a left [[Jab (boxing)|jab]].

Come the K-1 Grand Prix 2005, Sapp was paired against fellow superheavyweight [[Choi Hong-man]] in the first round. Choi's large reach and great size allowed him to land hits regularly through Sapp's charges, but the latter pressed on and got an early knockdown by low kicks to the knee. However, although Sapp came aggressively again in the second round, his stamina started faltering, giving Choi the chance to unload multiple punches. Ultimately, a series of wild battles against an already similarly tired Choi were decided in the latter's favor, granting him a majority decision win.

On May 13, 2006, Sapp was to headline the K-1 show in the [[Netherlands]] against [[Ernesto Hoost]], in which Hoost had stated that it was to be his last match in the Netherlands before his retirement. Sapp attended all the pre-fight press conferences and even attended the opening ceremonies for the show. It is unclear at the moment as to why, but Sapp pulled out of the event midway through the show. K-1 issued a statement claiming Sapp pulled out due to new demands he brought to promoters during the show. Sapp disagreed with K-1's account of events,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmaringreport.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=322 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071217170152/http://www.mmaringreport.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=322 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 17, 2007 |title=MMA Ring Report |access-date=October 18, 2012 }}</ref> claiming the promotion had tried to delay his payment without any contractual safety.<ref name=Total/>

However, he did participate in 2007's K-1 event in the [[Amsterdam Arena]], fighting as a replacement for [[Remy Bonjasky]] against [[Peter Aerts]]. Sapp lost the fight by [[Knockout|KO]] within 20 seconds in the first round by a knee to the [[liver]].

After his falling out with K-1, Sapp began to get offers from [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] as well as [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] to work with them, but his K-1 contract prohibited him from going through with any return to the ring. It was reported WWE was considering an [[Angle (professional wrestling)|angle]] between Sapp and [[Chris Benoit]] in case they managed to clear his contract out, but they were unsuccessful.<ref name=Total/> Sapp finally made a surprise return to the K-1 ring in Japan after a two-year absence against comedian and part-time K-1 competitor [[Bobby Ologun]]. Ologun was unable to mount any effective offense as he was quickly run down and overpowered by Sapp in the first round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://onthemat.com/sakuraba-still-dynamite/|title=Sakuraba Still Dynamite!!|work=Onthemat|author=Monty DiPietro|date=January 1, 2008|access-date=November 15, 2019}}</ref> Afterwards, with his K-1 contract finally done, Sapp signed up with [[Hustle (professional wrestling)|Hustle]] and focused on his professional wrestling career.

===After K-1===
[[File:Bob sapp yokota base japan 2005-crop.jpg|180px|thumb|Sapp interviewed in Japan.]]

Since his last matches for K-1 in 2007, Sapp continued his career for small promotions in a limited, non-competitive in-ring way that was described as [[Match fixing|throwing fights]]. He would step into the ring after great amounts of promotion, often against upcoming stars and heavily promoted local fighters, only to turtle down and tap out in a few seconds.<ref name=NotThrow>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2012/5/22/3034930/bob-sapp-does-not-throw-fights-but-will-not-get-injured-for-a-small-paycheck-mma-heavyweight|title=Bob Sapp: 'I'm not throwing fights, but I will not receive bodily damage for a small paycheck' |author=Adam Guillen Jr. |publisher=mmamania-com|date=May 22, 2012|access-date=December 31, 2018}}</ref><ref name=Pioneer>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/news/2012/5/21/3035099/bob-sapp-denies-throwing-fights-says-hes-a-pioneer-of-this-sport|title=Bob Sapp Denies Throwing Fights, Calls Himself 'a Pioneer' of MMA|author=Shaun Al-Satti|publisher= mmafighting-com|date=May 21, 2012|access-date=December 31, 2018}}</ref> This routine, labelled in sports as a "[[Tomato can (sports idiom)|tomato can]]" act,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/289945-top-five-tomato-cans-in-mma-history-fighters-meant-for-the-meat-grinder |title=Top Five Tomato Cans in MMA History: Fighters Meant For The Meat Grinder|author=Mario Yanitelli|publisher=Bleacherreport|date=November 14, 2009|access-date=January 4, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1080510-the-25-biggest-tomato-cans-in-mma-history|title=The 25 Biggest Tomato Cans in MMA History|author=Scott Harris|publisher=Bleacherreport|date=March 1, 2012|access-date=January 4, 2019}}</ref> effectively ended his already inconsistent reputation in the sports, attracting large losing streaks and the accusations of "making a mockery of the sport of MMA" and "being a one-man circus".<ref name=NotThrow/> His usual commentator Mirko Cro Cop expressed his belief that Sapp was intentionally allowing himself to lose against very inferior opponents.

{{blockquote|I asked him, "Bob, why are you doing this?" He is too dangerous, he is such a huge guy. I saw some of his fights, he was fighting in Europe. Ninety-nine percent of the fights he lost here in Europe, he could've kicked their asses easily. Why he didn't do that? To me, it looked like he was doing that with some intention. He just wanted to lose the fight.<ref name=Mirko/>}}

When asked about it, Sapp denied he was throwing fights, and claimed he was doing this routine to collect quick paychecks in a late career he did not deem economically worthy to risk his health.<ref name=NotThrow/><ref name=Pioneer/> He also pointed out a perceived injustice in contemporaneous MMA business, where fighters carrying accolades and important legacies would be left in economic instability after retiring.<ref name=Pioneer/> He explained:

{{blockquote|Am I throwing these fights? No. Will I go into that ring and receive large amounts of damage for small paychecks? No. When it came to K-1, at the time, when everyone at K-1 was doing well, they get paid significantly enough to have you go into that ring, and hey, any kind of injury you get, they are going to pay. [...] These small organizations that you see that look so wonderful, they pay none of your bills if you get hurt, period. If you want to get hurt for a small amount of money in a fight, we call that the military.<ref name=NotThrow/>

You said it yourself, you have UFC fighters who are fighting more, and who are doing harder fights, and are getting less money. So you know what? [...] I do the same thing as everyone else, just as a promoter. They say fight business, and I am in the business of making money. How do I judge whether I have a successful fight? Success is judged by the measure of improvement. The measure of improvement in business is money.<ref name=Pioneer/>}}

====Cage Rage, Strike Force and BAMMA====
On February 10, 2007, it was announced by the United Kingdom's [[Cage Rage]] promotion that Sapp would appear on its Cage Rage 21 event on April 21, facing [[Gary Turner (fighter)|Gary Turner]]. The move was partly a retaliatory one, as the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] had chosen to run its first British show in years that same night at the Manchester Evening News Arena, headlined by [[Mirko Cro Cop]], [[Andrei Arlovski]] and British star [[Michael Bisping]]. Though Cage Rage promoter Andy Geer said that the UFC show would not affect ticket sales for CR21, the signing of Sapp was a clear sign that the company knew it would need a superstar draw in order to successfully compete with the American promotion. A few days before the event Bob Sapp pulled out of the scheduled fight. On short notice, [[Tank Abbott]] stepped in for Sapp and lost to Gary Turner.

Sapp faced the South African fighter [[Jan Nortje|Jan "The Giant" Nortje]] at the [[Strikeforce: At The Dome]] event in [[Tacoma, Washington]], at the [[Tacoma Dome]] on February 23, 2008. Sapp was defeated at the 55-second mark of the first round by TKO after receiving an unanswered amount of punches. Sapp then returned to Japan on New Year's Eve 2008 and defeated Akihito Tanaka via first-round TKO.

Sapp lost to Japanese [[Ikuhisa Minowa]] at ''[[Dream 9]]'' on May 26, 2009,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dreamofficial.com/free/fightcard/detail.php?fightid=20090526&cardid=1241072814 |title=DREAM {{pipe}} OLYMPIA DREAM.9 フェザー級グランプリ2009 2ndROUND 第1試合/スーパーハルクトーナメント1回戦 |publisher=Dreamofficial.com |access-date=October 18, 2012}}</ref> due to Achilles lock. He fought and lost to [[Bobby Lashley]] at Ultimate Chaos in [[Biloxi, Mississippi]], on June 27, 2009, due to first round tapout from strikes. On October 6, Sapp stood in for an injured [[Gegard Mousasi]] to face [[Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou]] in the semi-finals at [[Dream 11]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://mmaweekly.com/bob-sapp-to-face-sokoudjou-at-dream-11-2 |title=Bob Sapp To Face Sokoudjou at Dream 11 |work=MMA Weekly |date=September 9, 2009}}</ref> He lost via TKO (punches) in the first round.

On November 27, Sapp fought against Swedish K-1 veteran [[Jörgen Kruth]]. The fight got a lot of publicity in Swedish and international press, but ended with an anticlimax when Sapp's corner threw in the towel after only 45 seconds, after Kruth hit Sapp with a knee to the liver.

Sapp was next going to face Stav Economou at [[BAMMA 5]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bamma.com/index.php/component/content/article/35-bamma-news/102-bamma-5-the-beast-vs-crazy-bear-.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426071716/http://bamma.com/index.php/component/content/article/35-bamma-news/102-bamma-5-the-beast-vs-crazy-bear-.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 26, 2012 |title=Welcome to BAMMA – Home |publisher=Bamma.com |access-date=October 18, 2012 }}</ref> but the event was canceled due to extreme weather conditions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yourmma.tv/news/details.asp/id/1425/bamma-5-cancelled.htm |title=MMA News {{pipe}} BAMMA 5 Cancelled; Weather Conditions Cited {{pipe}} Your MMA – Our Passion |publisher=Yourmma.tv |access-date=October 18, 2012 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313033928/http://www.yourmma.tv/news/details.asp/id/1425/bamma-5-cancelled.htm |archive-date=March 13, 2012 }}</ref>

====Dynamite, ONE and Legend====
Sapp was scheduled to fight at [[Dynamite!! 2010|K1 Dynamite!! 2010]]. He was set to battle Shinichi Suzukawa on New Year's Eve in a Pancrase-style matchup, but pulled out at the last minute due to contract disputes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?slug=dm-nyejapan123110|title=Overeem win highlights traditional NYE show|author=Dave Meltzer|date=December 31, 2010 |publisher=Yahoo!}}</ref> When questioned about Sapp's refusal to fight on the day of the event, [[Fighting and Entertainment Group|FEG]] President [[Sadaharu Tanikawa]] asked, "Does anyone actually care? I don't know the reasons why, but we did our best to make him fight. He just said he didn't want to. This is typical [of Sapp]."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Dynamite-Notebook-FEG-Restructures-for-Spring-2011-Return-29109|title='Dynamite' Notebook: FEG Restructures for Spring 2011 Return|author=Tony Loiseleur|website=Sherdog}}</ref> Sapp claims he refused to fight after promoters were contracted to pay him $30,000 for the fight, but Tanikawa only offered him $15,000 after he arrived in Japan for the event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/22138/bob-sapp-explains-dream-dynamite-2010-no-show-says-dream-is-broke.mma|title=Bob Sapp explains DREAM "Dynamite!! 2010" no-show, says DREAM is "broke"|author=Steven Marrocco|publisher=MMAjunkie|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121195600/http://mmajunkie.com/news/22138/bob-sapp-explains-dream-dynamite-2010-no-show-says-dream-is-broke.mma|archive-date=January 21, 2011}}</ref>
[[File:Sapp Beast Backbreaker.jpg|thumb|250px|Sapp executing one of his finishing moves, the ''[[Argentine backbreaker rack|Beast Backbreaker]]'', on Wataru Sakata in Hustle.]]
On February 11, 2012, Sapp debuted for the Asian ONE Fighting Championship promotion. He faced [[Rolles Gracie]] at [[ONE Fighting Championship: Battle of Heroes]] in Jakarta, Indonesia and lost via submission to strikes in the first round.

Sapp fought in the main event of the [[Super Fight League]]'s inaugural event, [[2012 in Super Fight League|SFL 1]], against [[James Thompson (fighter)|James Thompson]] on March 11, 2012. Sapp tapped out due to a Thompson takedown that caused a leg injury to Sapp in the first round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Weekend-Rundown-Leg-Injury-Forces-Bob-Sapp-to-Submit-to-James-Thompson-in-India-41035|title=Weekend Rundown-Leg Injury Forces Bob-Sapp to Submit to James Thompson in India|publisher=Sherdog.com|date=March 11, 2012}}</ref>

He also fought [[Yōsuke Nishijima]] in Nishijima's retirement fight under kickboxing rules ''Legend 4'' in Kumamoto, Japan on November 17, 2013. Sapp was dropped with a body shot, stood back up but was then finished with body shots followed by couple of right hooks.<ref>[http://www.global-mma.com/t7107-nishijima-meets-bob-sapp-in-retirement-match-with-legend-kickboxing-promotion Nishijima meets Bob Sapp in Retirement Match with Legend kickboxing promotion]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://adcombat.com/legend-4-11-17-2013-nishijima-retires-after-ko-victory-over-sapp|title=LEGEND 4 – 11/17/2013: Nishijima retires after KO victory over Sapp|access-date=December 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205223149/http://adcombat.com/legend-4-11-17-2013-nishijima-retires-after-ko-victory-over-sapp/|archive-date=February 5, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20131118-00000005-gbr-fight |title=【LEGEND】西島、引退試合でボブ・サップを秒殺KO （イーファイト） - Yahoo!ニュース |access-date=November 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203022904/http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20131118-00000005-gbr-fight |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Sapp announced his retirement in April 2014 citing that he'd paid off big medical bills and will be retiring with several million dollars in savings (including money doing work outside of fights).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/5/18/5728820/bob-sapp-says-he-spent-the-end-of-his-career-paying-off-big-medical|title=Sapp says he can retire now that he has $10mil|date=May 18, 2014}}</ref>

Returning to kickboxing after a nearly two-year hiatus, Sapp appeared at Fight Night Saint Tropez on August 4, 2017, in [[Saint Tropez]], France.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Bob Sapp: The Beast is coming to Fight Night Saint Tropez|url = http://www.fightmag.com.au/2017/06/16/bob-sapp-partakes-fight-night-st-tropez/|work = [[Fightmag]]|author = Parviz Iskenderov|access-date = June 16, 2017|author-link = Parviz Iskenderov|date = June 16, 2017}}</ref> He faced Greg Tony and lost the bout via TKO in the first round.

On January 27, 2018, Sapp faced Selcuk Ustabasi at MFC 24. Sapp lost the bout via TKO in the first round.

===Rizin Fighting Federation===
Sapp had a rematch against [[Akebono Tarō|Akebono]] with [[shoot boxing]] rules on December 31, 2015, at [[Rizin Fighting Federation]] Grand Prix event.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Rizin FF – Rizin Fighting Federation 2|url = http://www.sherdog.com/events/Rizin-FF-Rizin-Fighting-Federation-2-48359|website = Sherdog|access-date = November 25, 2015}}</ref> Unlike his usual performances, he won the fight by technical decision.

He returned in September 2018 at Rizin 13, where he fought former sumo [[Osunaarashi]]. Sapp received intense striking during the first round and was taken down at the second, but he reversed Osunaarashi as they fell and gained top position, from which he controlled the rest of the round. He went to dominate an uneventful last round for a unanimous decision and his first MMA win in nearly nine years.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}

===Boxing===
Sapp was said to go up against [[Mike Tyson]] in a 8-round [[Exhibition fight|exhibition boxing]] match, however no personal terms were agreed and Tyson fought [[Roy Jones Jr.]] instead.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sarkar |first1=Raj |title=Mike Tyson Reveals Why He Never Fought Bob Sapp |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/boxing-news-mike-tyson-reveals-why-he-never-fought-bob-sapp/ |access-date=May 11, 2022 |work=EssentiallySports |date=July 25, 2021}}</ref>

===Clout MMA===
Sapp was scheduled to fight Piotr Piechowiak at Clout MMA 2: Omielańczuk vs. Bad Boy, but the bout was cancelled.

===Fight Circus===
In 2021, Sapp joined appeared at [[Full Metal Dojo]]'s Fight Circus 2 in Thailand and started competing regularly in the promotion.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2022/11/6/23443497/highlights-fight-circus-iv-ends-with-two-vs-one-fight-bob-sapp-showdown|title=Highlights! Fight Circus IV ends with two-vs-one fight, Bob Sapp showdown|author=Ryan Harkness|website=[[MMA Mania]]|date=November 6, 2022}}</ref> On April 2, 2023, Sapp competed in the main event of ''[[Fight Circus|Fight Circus 6: The Rise or Fall of Sloppy Balboa]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2023/3/27/23658919/wtf-bloated-rampage-jackson-conjoined-with-bob-sapp-bizarre-siamese-boxing-match-thailand-video|title=WTF?!? Bloated Rampage Jackson conjoined with Bob Sapp for bizarre ‘Siamese Boxing’ match in Thailand (Video)|author=Jesse Holland|website=[[MMA Mania]]|date=March 27, 2023}}</ref> in a two-on-two boxing match, teaming up with [[Quinton Jackson]] against the promotion's CEO, Jon Nutt and [[Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA|Bangtao Muay Thai]] strength and conditioning coach Andrew Wood.<ref name="Sapp/Rampage">{{Cite web |title=Bob Sapp and Quentin Jackson train for siamese twins fight!|url=https://asianmma.com/bob-sapp-and-quentin-jackson-train-for-siamese-twins-fight|date=March 14, 2023|website=Asian MMA}}</ref> Sapp and Jackson also recreated the [[Rocky]] chicken chase scene ahead of the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://talksport.com/sport/boxing/1379059/ufc-legend-quinton-rampage-jackson-recreates-famous-rocky-scene-with-bob-sapp-ahead-of-bizarre-two-on-two-conjoined-boxing-bout/|title=UFC legend Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson recreates famous 'Rocky' scene with Bob Sapp ahead of bizarre two-on-two conjoined boxing bout|website=[[Talksport|talkSPORT]]|date=March 30, 2023}}</ref> Sapp and Jackson were tied together wearing an oversized t-shirt.<ref name="Referee">{{cite web|url=https://talksport.com/boxing/1382564/ufc-legend-quinton-rampage-jackson-attacks-referee-ko-boxing|title=UFC legend Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson attacks referee and scores KO win while tied to MMA icon for mad two-on-two boxing bout|website=[[Talksport|talkSPORT]]|author=Jordan Ellis|date=April 3, 2023}}</ref> The event was presented on [[FITE]] and Jackson and Sapp won by third-round TKO.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/4/2/23666675/fight-circus-6-highlights-bob-sapp-rampage-jackson-win-boxing-match-fighter-wins-2-vs-1-power-bombs|title=Fight Circus 6 highlights: Bob Sapp, Rampage Jackson win wild siamese boxing match; fighter wins 2 vs. 1 bout with powerbombs|website=[[MMA Fighting]]|date=April 3, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=“This Is Insanity” – Fans React to Ex-UFC Champion Rampage Jackson & Bob Sapp’s KO at Fighting Circus 6|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/ufc-mma-news-this-is-insanity-fans-react-to-ex-ufc-champion-rampage-jackson-bob-sapps-ko-at-fighting-circus-6/|author=Faizan Mirza|date=April 3, 2023|website=Essentially Sports}}</ref><ref name="fc">{{cite web|url=https://talksport.com/mma/2072154/ufc-matt-brown-crotch-kicking-fight-circus/|title=UFC fans in hysterics as former fighter Matt Brown referees bizarre crotch-kicking competition|website=[[Talksport|talkSPORT]]|author=Jordan Ellis|date=September 24, 2024}}</ref>

==Fighting style==
Having no background in martial arts prior to his fighting career, Sapp's fighting style was relatively devoid of technique, and was more so distinguished by an aggressive usage of size and strength, pressuring his opponents with an unorthodox "bullrush" technique (which he dubbed as "NFL Style"), whereby he would rush an opponent, usually at the beginning of the round, and overwhelm them with a barrage of punches.

Although defined by his brute strength, Sapp's wins over opponents such as Yoshihiro Takayama and Stefan Gamlin showed that he did possess a knowledge of basic submission techniques.

==Personal life==
In December 2017, it was reported in Japanese newspaper ''[[Shukan Bunshun]]'' that a woman claiming to be Sapp's girlfriend accused him of [[domestic violence]]. She provided photographs of the alleged injuries and told how she had been abused by Sapp for six years.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Report: Bob Sapp accused of domestic violence|url = https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2017/12/21/16805268/report-bob-sapp-accused-domestic-violence-jmma-japan-crime-assault-injury-mma-news|website = Bloody Elbow|author = Víctor Rodríguez|date = December 21, 2017|access-date = February 15, 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190216035143/https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2017/12/21/16805268/report-bob-sapp-accused-domestic-violence-jmma-japan-crime-assault-injury-mma-news|archive-date = February 16, 2019|url-status = dead}}</ref> Although the article included an apology message supposedly sent by him, Sapp did not make public comments about the accusation.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Bob Sapp accused of domestic violence by ex-girlfriend|url = https://www.tokyoreporter.com/japan-news/breaking/bob-sapp-accused-of-domestic-violence-by-ex-girlfriend/|website = Tokyo Reporter|date = December 21, 2017|access-date = February 15, 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190215215821/https://www.tokyoreporter.com/japan-news/breaking/bob-sapp-accused-of-domestic-violence-by-ex-girlfriend/|archive-date = February 15, 2019|url-status = dead}}</ref> No civil suit was filed, and no criminal proceedings were announced as a result of the allegations.

==Championships and accomplishments==
[[File:Sapp slam.jpg|thumb|200px|Sapp executing a [[Powerslam#Scoop powerslam|scoop powerslam]] on Wataru Sakata.]]

===Kickboxing and mixed martial arts===
*'''[[Black Belt Magazine]]'''
**2003 NHB Fighter of the Year<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blackbeltmag.com/archives/719|title=Black Belt Hall of Fame Inductee Directory|work=[[Black Belt Magazine]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220174732/http://www.blackbeltmag.com/archives/719|archive-date=December 20, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*'''[[K-1]]'''
**[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Hiroshima|K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Hiroshima Tournament Winner]]
*'''''[[Nikkan Sports]]'''''
**Match of the Year (2002) vs. [[Ernesto Hoost]] (K-1, December 7)<ref name= NIKKAN2002>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2002|title=Nikkan Sports Awards – 2002|website=wrestlingscout|date=February 17, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2018|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126120612/https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2002|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*'''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Box Office Draw|2002 Best Box Office Draw]]- [[K-1]], [[PRIDE Fighting Championships]]
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Box Office Draw|2003 Best Box Office Draw]]- [[K-1]], [[PRIDE Fighting Championships]]
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Rookie of the Year|2002 Rookie of the Year]]- [[K-1]], [[PRIDE Fighting Championships]]

===Professional wrestling===
*'''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Heavyweight Champions|1 time]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/champions/iwgp|title=IWGP Heavyweight Championship history|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|publisher=NJPW.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=November 10, 2016}}</ref>
*'''''[[Nikkan Sports]]'''''
**Wrestler of the Year (2002)<ref name= NIKKAN2002/>
**Outstanding Performance Award (2002)<ref name= NIKKAN2002/>
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**Ranked No. 26 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]]'' in 2004<ref name="PWI500-2004">{{cite news|title = Pro Wrestling illustrated 500 – 2004 :26 Bob Sapp | work = Pro Wrestling Illustrated | publisher = Sports and Entertainment publications LLC | location = Blue Bell, [[Pennsylvania]], US | id = December 2004 | page = 23 |date = October 2004}}</ref>
*'''[[Tokyo Sports]]'''
**[[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#MVP Award|MVP Award]] (2002)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/wrestling/wrestling_past4/|script-title=ja:東京スポーツプロレス大賞|access-date=January 20, 2014|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref>
*'''World Wrestling Association (South Korea)'''
**WWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="kr-wwa-h"/>
*'''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
**[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Charismatic|Most Charismatic]] (2003)<ref>{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 26, 2011|title=Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue|periodical=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=Campbell, CA|pages=1–40|issn=1083-9593}}</ref>
**[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Box Office Draw|Best Box Office Draw]] (2002, 2003)

==Kickboxing record==
{| style="width:100%; clear:both; margin:1.5em auto; text-align:center; font-size:88%;" class="wikitable sortable"
| colspan=10 | '''12 wins (9 KOs), 19 losses'''
|-
!style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|'''Result'''
!style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|'''Record'''
!style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|'''Opponent'''
!style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|'''Method'''
!style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|'''Event'''
!style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|'''Date'''
!style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|'''Round'''
!style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|'''Time'''
!style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|'''Location'''
!style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|'''Notes'''
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|12–19
|Selcuk Ustabasi
|TKO (punch)
|MFC 24
|{{dts|2018|January|27|format=mdy}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|0:56
|[[İzmir]], Turkey
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|12–18
|[[Grégory Tony]]
|TKO (punch)
|Fight Night Saint-Tropez
|{{dts|2017|August|4|format=mdy}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|1:40
|[[Saint-Tropez]], France
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|12–17
|[[Akebono Tarō|Akebono]]
|Technical Decision
|[[Rizin Fighting Federation 2]]
|{{dts|2015|December|31|format=mdy}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|0:49
|[[Saitama (city)]], Japan
|align=left|{{small|[[Shoot boxing]] rules.}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|11–17
|[[Yōsuke Nishijima]]
|TKO (punches)
|Legend 4
|{{dts|2013|November|17|format=mdy}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|2:36
|[[Kumamoto]], Japan
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|11–16
|[[Taishan Dong|Taishan]]
|KO (punch)
|IGF GENOME 24
|{{dts|2013|February|23|format=mdy}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|1:39
|Tokyo, Japan
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|11–15
|Rok Štrucl
|TKO (punch)
|WFC 16
|{{dts|2012|April|22|format=mdy}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|1:35
|[[Ljubljana]], Slovenia
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|11–14
|Tofan Pirani
|TKO (injury)
|DIBC 2012
|{{dts|2012|February|2|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|2
|style="text-align:center;"|N/A
|[[Dubai]], United Arab Emirates
|align=left|{{small|Pirani injured himself while kicking Sapp.}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|10–14
|[[Alexandru Lungu (fighter)|Alexandru Lungu]]
|KO (left hook)
|SUPERKOMBAT World Grand Prix IV 2011
|{{dts|2011|October|15|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:center;"|0:56
|[[Piatra Neamț]], Romania
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|10–13
|Florian Pavic
|Decision (unanimous)
|Steko's Fight Night
|{{dts|2011|August|26|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|3
|style="text-align:center;"|3:00
|[[Karlsruhe]], Germany
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|10–12
|Tivadar Kunkli
|TKO (elbow)
|Fight Code: Dragons Round 3
|{{dts|2011|May|1|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:center;"|N/A
|[[Budapest]], Hungary
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|10–11
|Masayoshi Kakutani
|KO (knee)
|Inoki Genome Federation 15
|{{dts|2011|April|28|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:center;"|1:19
|Tokyo, Japan
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|10–10
|[[Jörgen Kruth]]
|TKO (corner stoppage)
|[[K-1 Scandinavia Rumble of the Kings 2010]]
|{{dts|2010|November|27|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:center;"|1:19
|[[Stockholm]], Sweden
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|10–9
|[[Patrice Quarteron]]
|KO (knee)
|A1 World Combat Cup
|{{dts|2009|November|28|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:center;"|2:32
|[[Lyon]], France
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|10–8
|[[Alain Ngalani]]
|Decision
|Planet Battle IV
|{{dts|2009|October|7|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|3
|style="text-align:center;"|3:00
|[[Wan Chai]], Hong Kong
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|10–7
|[[Peter Aerts]]
|KO (left knee)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2007 in Amsterdam]]
|{{dts|2007|June|23|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:center;"|0:26
|[[Amsterdam]], Netherlands
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|10–6
|[[Musashi (kickboxer)|Musashi]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[K-1 PREMIUM 2005 Dynamite!!]]
|{{dts|2005|December|31|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|3
|style="text-align:center;"|3:00
|[[Osaka]], Japan
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|10–5
|[[Choi Hong-man]]
|Decision (majority)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Osaka – Final Elimination]]
|{{dts|2005|September|25|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|3
|style="text-align:center;"|3:00
|[[Osaka]], Japan
|align=left|{{small|2005 [[K-1 World Grand Prix]] opening round.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|10–4
|Tatsufumi Tomihira
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Hiroshima]]
|{{dts|2005|June|14|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|3
|style="text-align:center;"|3:00
|[[Hiroshima]], Japan
|align=left|{{small|2005 Hiroshima Grand Prix final.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|9–4
|[[Hiraku Hori]]
|KO (strikes)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Hiroshima]]
|{{dts|2005|June|14|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|2
|style="text-align:center;"|1:54
|[[Hiroshima]], Japan
|align=left|{{small|2005 Hiroshima Grand Prix semi-final.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|8–4
|[[Yoshihiro Nakao]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Hiroshima]]
|{{dts|2005|June|14|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|3
|style="text-align:center;"|3:00
|[[Hiroshima]], Japan
|align=left|{{small|2005 Hiroshima Grand Prix quarter-final.}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|7–4
|[[Ray Sefo]]
|KO (body shot)
|[[K-1 Beast 2004 in Shizuoka]]
|{{dts|2004|June|26|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|2
|style="text-align:center;"|0:29
|[[Shizuoka (city)|Shizuoka]], Japan
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|7–3
|Tommy Glanville
|KO (left hooks)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in Las Vegas I]]
|{{dts|2004|April|30|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:center;"|0:33
|[[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|6–3
|[[Seth Petruzelli]]
|TKO (elbow injury)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in Saitama]]
|{{dts|2004|March|27|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:center;"|0:57
|[[Saitama (city)|Saitama]], Japan
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|5–3
|[[Akebono Tarō|Akebono]]
|KO (right hook)
|[[K-1 PREMIUM 2003 Dynamite!!]]
|{{dts|2003|December|31|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:center;"|2:58
|[[Nagoya]], Japan
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|4–3
|[[Remy Bonjasky]]
|DQ (punch on the ground)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 Final Elimination]]
|{{dts|2003|October|11|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|2
|style="text-align:center;"|1:20
|[[Osaka]], Japan
|align=left|{{small|2003 [[K-1 World Grand Prix]] opening round.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|4–2
|[[Kimo Leopoldo]]
|KO (punch)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 in Las Vegas II]]
|{{dts|2003|August|13|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|2
|style="text-align:center;"|1:11
|[[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|3–2
|[[Mirko Cro Cop]]
|KO (left cross)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2003 in Saitama]]
|{{dts|2003|March|30|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:center;"|1:26
|[[Saitama (city)|Saitama, Japan]]
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|3–1
|[[Ernesto Hoost]]
|TKO (referee stoppage)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2002 Final]]
|{{dts|2002|December|7|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|2
|style="text-align:center;"|2:53
|Tokyo, Japan
|align=left|{{small|2002 [[K-1 World Grand Prix]] quarter-final.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|2–1
|[[Ernesto Hoost]]
|TKO (doctor stoppage)
|[[K-1 World Grand Prix 2002 Final Elimination]]
|{{dts|2002|October|5|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:center;"|3:00
|[[Saitama (city)|Saitama]], Japan
|align=left|{{small|2002 [[K-1 World Grand Prix]] opening round.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|1–1
|[[Cyril Abidi]]
|TKO (referee stoppage)
|[[K-1 Andy Spirits Japan GP 2002 Final]]
|{{dts|2002|September|22|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:center;"|1:17
|[[Osaka]], Japan
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|0–1
|[[Tsuyoshi Nakasako]]
|DQ (punch on the ground)
|[[K-1 Survival 2002]]
|{{dts|2002|June|2|format=mdy}}
|style="text-align:center;"|1
|style="text-align:center;"|1:30
|[[Toyama (city)|Toyama]], Japan
|
|-
| colspan=10 | {{flatlist}}
;Legend
: {{legend2|#CCFFCC|Win |border=1px solid #CCFFCC}}
: {{legend2|#FFBBBB|Loss |border=1px solid #FFBBBB}}
: {{legend2|#c5d2ea|Draw/No contest |border=1px solid #c5d2ea}}
{{endflatlist}}
|}

==Mixed martial arts record==
{{MMArecordbox
| draws=
| nc=
| ko-wins= 8
| ko-losses= 15
| sub-wins= 3
| sub-losses= 4
| dec-wins= 1
| dec-losses=
| dq-wins=
| dq-losses= 1
| other-wins=
| other-losses=
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 12–20
| [[Ōsunaarashi Kintarō]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[2018 in Rizin Fighting Federation#Rizin 13 - Saitama|Rizin 13]]
| {{dts|2018|September|30|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 3:00
| [[Saitama (city)|Saitama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 11–20
| Aori Gele
| TKO (punches)
| Road FC 32
| {{dts|2016|July|02|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:35
| [[Changsha]], China
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 11–19
| Edson França
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| OX MMA
| {{dts|2013|August|08|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:35
| [[Fortaleza]], Brazil
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 11–18
| [[Alexander Emelianenko]]
| TKO (punches)
| Legend Fighting Show
| {{dts|2013|May|25|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:18
| Moscow, Russia
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 11–17
| Dusan Panajotovic
| TKO (submission to punches)
| Night of the Champions 2012
| {{dts|2012|September|15|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:28
| [[Belgrade]], Serbia
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 11–16
| Jong Dae Kim
| TKO (punches)
| Road FC 8
| {{dts|2012|June|16|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 1:58
| [[Wonju]], South Korea
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 11–15
| Tolegen Akylbekov
| TKO (submission to punches)
| Bushido Lithuania vol.51
| {{dts|2012|June|8|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:29
| [[Astana]], Kazakhstan
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 11–14
| [[Soa Palelei]]
| TKO (punches)
| Cage Fighting Championship 21
| {{dts|2012|May|18|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:12
| Sydney, Australia
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 11–13
| [[Mariusz Pudzianowski]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[2012 in Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki events#KSW 19: Pudzianowski vs. Sapp|KSW 19]]
| {{dts|2012|May|12|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:40
| [[Łódź]], Poland
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 11–12
| [[James Thompson (fighter)|James Thompson]]
| TKO (leg injury)
| [[2012 in Super Fight League#SFL 1|SFL 1]]
| {{dts|2012|March|11|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:56
| [[Mumbai]], India
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 11–11
| [[Rolles Gracie Jr.|Rolles Gracie]]
| TKO (submission to punches)
| [[ONE Fighting Championship: Battle of Heroes]]
| {{dts|2012|February|11|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:18
| [[Jakarta]], Indonesia
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 11–10
| [[Alexander Otsuka]]
| DQ (illegal slams)
| Accel – Vol. 18: X'mas Seiya Matsuri
| {{dts|2011|December|25|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 1:43
| [[Kobe]], Japan
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 11–9
| Maro Perak
| TKO (punches)
| Noc Gladijatora 6
| {{dts|2011|December|16|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:04
| [[Dubrovnik]], Croatia
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 11–8
| Attila Uçar
| Submission (achilles lock)
| Premium Fight Night
| {{dts|2011|April|30|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:56
| [[Vienna]], Austria
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 11–7
| Stav Economou
| TKO (punches)
| ADFC: Round 3
| {{dts|2011|March|11|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:45
| [[Abu Dhabi]], United Arab Emirates
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 11–6
| Sascha Weinpolter
| Submission (forearm choke)
| [[K-1 ColliZion 2010 Croatia]]
| {{dts|2010|March|27|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:03
| [[Split, Croatia|Split]], Croatia
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 10–6
| [[Sokoudjou|Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[Dream 11]]
| {{dts|2009|October|06|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:31
| [[Yokohama]], Japan
| {{small|DREAM Super Hulk Grand Prix Semi-final. Replaced [[Gegard Mousasi]].}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 10–5
| [[Bobby Lashley]]
| TKO (submission to punches)
| Fight Force International: Ultimate Chaos
| {{dts|2009|June|27|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:18
| [[Biloxi, Mississippi]], United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 10–4
| [[Ikuhisa Minowa]]
| Submission (achilles lock)
| [[Dream 9]]
| {{dts|2009|May|26|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:16
| [[Yokohama]], Japan
| {{small|DREAM Super Hulk Grand Prix Quarterfinal.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 10–3
| Akihito Tanaka
| TKO (punches)
| [[Dynamite!! 2008|Fields Dynamite!! 2008]]
| {{dts|2008|December|31|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 5:22
| [[Saitama (city)|Saitama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 9–3
| [[Jan Nortje]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[Strikeforce: At The Dome]]
| {{dts|2008|February|23|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:55
| [[Tacoma, Washington]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 9–2
| [[Bobby Ologun]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[K-1 Premium 2007 Dynamite!!]]
| {{dts|2007|December|31|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 4:10
| [[Osaka]], Japan
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 8–2
| Kim Jong Wang
| TKO (punches)
| [[Hero's]] 2005 in Seoul
| {{dts|2005|November|05|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:08
| [[Seoul]], South Korea
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 7–2
| [[Alan Karaev]]
| KO (punch)
| [[Hero's]] 2
| {{dts|2005|July|06|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:44
| Tokyo, Japan
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 6–2
| [[Kim Min-soo (judoka)|Min-Soo Kim]]
| KO (punches)
| [[Hero's]] 1
| {{dts|2005|March|26|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:12
| [[Saitama (city)|Saitama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 5–2
| [[Kazuyuki Fujita]]
| TKO (submission to soccer kicks)
| [[K-1 MMA ROMANEX]]
| {{dts|2004|May|22|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:15
| [[Saitama (city)|Saitama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 5–1
| [[Dolgorsürengiin Sumyaabazar]]
| TKO (foot injury)
| [[K-1 Beast 2004 in Niigata]]
| {{dts|2004|March|14|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Niigata (city)|Niigata]], Japan
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 4–1
| Stefan Gamlin
| Submission (standing guillotine choke)
| K-1 Japan Grand Prix 2003
| {{dts|2003|September|21|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:52
| [[Yokohama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 3–1
| [[Yoshihiro Takayama]]
| Submission (armbar)
| [[Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye|Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2002]]
| {{dts|2002|December|31|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:16
| [[Saitama (city)|Saitama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 2–1
| [[Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira]]
| Submission (armbar)
| [[Pride Shockwave]]
| {{dts|2002|August|28|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 4:03
| Tokyo, Japan
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 2–0
| [[Kiyoshi Tamura]]
| KO (punches)
| [[Pride 21]]
| {{dts|2002|June|23|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:11
| [[Saitama (city)|Saitama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 1–0
| [[Yoshihisa Yamamoto (wrestler)|Yoshihisa Yamamoto]]
| KO (punches)
| [[Pride 20]]
| {{dts|2002|April|28|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:44
| [[Yokohama]], Japan
|
{{end}}

== Fight Circus record ==
{| style="width:100%; clear:both; margin:1.5em auto; text-align:center; font-size:88%;" class="wikitable sortable"
| colspan=10 | '''1 win (1 TKO), 0 losses'''
|-
!style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|'''Result'''
!style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|'''Record'''
!style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|'''Opponent'''
!style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|'''Method'''
!style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|'''Event'''
!style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|'''Date'''
!style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|'''Round'''
!style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|'''Time'''
!style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|'''Location'''
!style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|'''Notes'''
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|1–0
|Jon Nutt and Woody
|Technical knockout
|[[Fight Circus|Fight Circus 6: The Rise or Fall of Sloppy Balboa]]
|{{dts|2023|April|2|format=mdy}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|0:37
|[[Phuket province|Phuket]], [[Thailand]]
|align=left|{{small|Two-on-two Siamese boxing match. Sapp was teamed with [[Quinton Jackson]].}}
|-
| colspan=10 | {{flatlist}}
;Legend
: {{legend2|#CCFFCC|Win |border=1px solid #CCFFCC}}
: {{legend2|#FFBBBB|Loss |border=1px solid #FFBBBB}}
: {{legend2|#c5d2ea|Draw/No contest |border=1px solid #c5d2ea}}
{{endflatlist}}
|}

==Mixed rules record==
{{MMArecordbox
| draws= 1
| nc=
| ko-wins=
| ko-losses=
| sub-wins=
| sub-losses=
| dec-wins=
| dec-losses=
| dq-wins=
| dq-losses=
| other-wins=
| other-losses=
}}

{{MMA record start}}
|-
| {{draw}}Draw
| align=center| 0–0–1
| [[Jérôme Le Banner]]
| Decision
| [[K-1 PREMIUM 2004 Dynamite!!]]<ref name="Dynamite2004" />
| {{dts|2004|December|31|format=mdy}}
| align=center| 4
| align=center| 3:00
| Tokyo, Japan
| {{small|The fight was with both Mixed Martial Arts and K-1 rules.<ref name="Dynamite2004">{{cite web
|url=http://www.k-1.co.jp/k-1gp/b04_1231.htm
|title=FieLDS K-1 PREMIUM 2004 Dynamite!!
|accessdate=September 17, 2009 |publisher=K-1 Grand Prix Website
|url-status=dead
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505045123/http://www.k-1.co.jp/k-1gp/b04_1231.htm
|archivedate=May 5, 2009 }}</ref>}}
|-
{{end}}

==Filmography==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! style="width:75px;"| Year
! style="width:250px;"| Title
! style="width:150px;"| Role
|-
| 2003
| ''Bob Sapp: Sapp Time The Movie!''
| Himself
|-
| 2003
| ''[[You're Under Arrest (manga)|You're Under Arrest]]''
| Bob Hage
|-
| 2004
| ''[[Izo]]''
| Monk
|-
| 2005
| ''[[Elektra (2005 film)|Elektra]]''
| [[Stone (Marvel Comics)|Stone]]
|-
| 2005
| ''[[Devilman (film)|Devilman]]''
| World Newscaster
|-
| 2005
| ''{{sortname|The|Longest Yard|dab=2005 film}}''
| Switowski
|-
| 2007
| ''[[Big Stan]]''
| Raymond "Big Raymond"
|-
| 2009
| ''Frankenhood''
| Frankie
|-
| 2009
| ''[[Blood and Bone]]''
| "Hammer Man"
|-
| 2011
| ''[[Blood Out]]''
| Uncredited
|-
| 2011
| ''[[Conan the Barbarian (2011 film)|Conan the Barbarian]]''
| Ukafa
|-
| 2012
| ''JourneyQuest'' (6 episodes, Season 2)
| Karn, The Barbarian King
|-
| 2013
| ''[[Miss Pilot]]''
| Roy
|-
| 2018
| ''Big in Japan''
| Himself
|}

== See also ==
* [[List of professional wrestlers by MMA record]]
* [[List of gridiron football players who became professional wrestlers]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Bob Sapp}}
* {{Sherdog}}
* {{IMDb name|1452211}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110129020159/http://www.k-1.co.jp/en/fighter/player.php?index=sapp Profile] at [[K-1]]

{{Navboxes
|list1=
{{Morris Trophy}}
{{Voodoo Murders}}
{{Bears1997DraftPicks}}
{{IWGP Heavyweight Championship}}
}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sapp, Bob}}
[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:African-American male actors]]
[[Category:African-American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:African-American mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:American football offensive linemen]]
[[Category:American male film actors]]
[[Category:American male kickboxers]]
[[Category:American male mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:American male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:American sportspeople in doping cases]]
[[Category:Doping cases in American football]]
[[Category:Expatriate television personalities in Japan]]
[[Category:American expatriate professional wrestlers in Japan]]
[[Category:IWGP Heavyweight champions]]
[[Category:Kickboxers from Colorado]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists from Colorado]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from Colorado]]
[[Category:Heavyweight kickboxers]]
[[Category:Super heavyweight mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing wrestling]]
[[Category:Washington Huskies football players]]
[[Category:21st-century American sportsmen]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing kickboxing]]
[[Category:Chicago Bears players]]
[[Category:Minnesota Vikings players]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Colorado Springs, Colorado]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers who competed in MMA]]
[[Category:20th-century American sportsmen]]

Tatsuhito Takaiwa

2025-05-17T10:28:42Z

89.136.44.148:

{{Short description|Zainichi Korean wrestler (born 1972)}}
{{BLP sources|date=February 2010}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name=Tatsuhito Takaiwa
|image=高岩竜一2020.jpg
|caption=Takaiwa in February 2020
|birth_name=Go Yong-Il (고용일)
|birth_date={{birth date and age|1972|7|5}}
|death_date=
|birth_place=[[Kyoto]], [[Kyoto Prefecture|Kyoto]], Japan
|names='''[[Black Tiger (professional wrestling)#Black Tiger V|Black Tiger (V)]]''' '''Tatsuhito Takaiwa'''
|height={{convert|1.78|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|weight={{convert|97|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
|resides=
|billed=
|trainer=[[NJPW Dojo]]
|debut=July 21, 1992
|retired=
|}}
{{nihongo|'''Tatsuhito Takaiwa'''|高岩竜一|Takaiwa Tatsuhito|born '''Go Yong-Il'''; {{Korean|hangul=고용일}}; July 5, 1972}} is a [[Koreans in Japan|Zainichi-Korean]] [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. He is one of the more well-traveled junior heavyweights in Japan, having wrestled for [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW), and [[Pro Wrestling Zero1]], as well as making special appearances in [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW) and [[Pro Wrestling Noah]].

Takaiwa is known for his work as a tag team specialist, most notably winning the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] a number of times in 1998 and 1999 alongside [[Shinjiro Otani]].

== Professional wrestling career ==

=== New Japan Pro-Wrestling (1992–2000) ===
While attending [[vocational school]], Takaiwa passed the [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) entry exam and began training with the promotion in 1992. Takaiwa was part of the same trainee class as [[Shinjiro Otani]] and the two became frequent opponents and tag team partners when they eventually debuted. Takaiwa debuted on July 21, 1992, losing to [[Satoshi Kojima]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=81607|title=NJPW Summer Struggle 1992 - Tag 4 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> In 1993, Takaiwa took part in the [[Young Lions Cup]], finishing last with zero wins and zero points.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=53111|title=NJPW Hyper Battle 1993 - Tag 9 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> During the early years of his career, Takaiwa primarily competed in opening matches, usually on the losing end as is customary for young wrestlers in Japan. Beginning in 1997, Takaiwa began to create more of a name for himself, competing in that year's [[Best of the Super Juniors]] tournament and finishing with four points.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=41674|title=NJPW Best Of The Super Junior IV - Tag 15 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> In 1998, Takaiwa teamed up with Otani to take part in the league to crown the inaugural [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]], with the two of them defeating [[Koji Kanemoto]] and [[Dr Wagner Jr]] in the finals to become the first ever holders of the belts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=41339|title=NJPW Rising The Next Generations In Osaka Dome « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> In December 1998, Takaiwa received his first shot at the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]], unsuccessfully challenging [[Jushin Thunder Liger]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=41463|title=NJPW Super Grade Tag League VIII - Tag 15 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Days later on December 11, Takaiwa and Otani travelled to [[Wrestle Association R]] where they defeated [[Masaaki Mochizuki]] and [[Masao Orihara]] to win the vacant [[International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]], making themselves double champions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=163707|title=WAR « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Their days as double champions didn't last long, however, as they would lose the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship to [[Kendo Kashin]] and Dr Wagner Jr at [[January 4 Dome Show|Wrestling World 1999]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=3132|title=NJPW Wrestling World In Tokyo Dome 1999 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Later in the year they would regain the championships, defeating Jushin Thunder Liger and [[The Great Sasuke]] in July.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=46568|title=NJPW Summer Struggle 1999 - Tag 16 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> In 2000, both Otani and Takaiwa took part in the Best of the Super Juniors tournament, with both men winning their blocks and reaching the final, where, on June 9, Takaiwa defeated Otani to win the 2000 Best of the Super Juniors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=47839|title=NJPW Best Of The Super Junior VII - Tag 17 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Later in the month after just under a year as champions, Otani and Takaiwa lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships to the [[Junior Stars]] (Koji Kanemoto and [[Minoru Tanaka (wrestler)|Minoru Tanaka]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=47896|title=NJPW Summer Struggle 2000 - Tag 1 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> After losing the titles, Takaiwa began focusing more on his singles career, winning the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]] for the first time in his career in July, defeating Jushin Thunder Liger.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=47988|title=NJPW Summer Struggle 2000 - Tag 20 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Takaiwa eventually lost the championship to [[Minoru Tanaka (wrestler)|Minoru Tanaka]] in October.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=48065|title=NJPW Get A Right!! - Tag 13 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref>

=== Pro Wrestling Zero1 (2001–2020) ===

After [[Shinya Hashimoto]] was fired by New Japan Pro-Wrestling in November 2000, he and Shinjiro Otani went on to announce the formation of their own promotion, [[Pro Wrestling Zero1]], and Takaiwa was one of the first wrestlers to sign with the promotion after its formation. At the promotion's first show on March 2, 2001, Takaiwa teamed with [[Alexander Otsuka]] in a loss to No Fear ([[Yoshihiro Takayama]] and [[Takao Omori]]). Rather than follow in Otani's footsteps and graduate to the heavyweight division, Takaiwa opted to remain a junior and spent Zero1's formative years building up the division. In 2004, Takaiwa took part in the Tenkaichi Junior Tournament, making it to the final where he defeated [[Tomohiro Ishii]] to win it. After winning the tournament, Takaiwa revealed to the fans in [[Korakuen Hall]] that he was actually [[Koreans in Japan|Zainichi Korean]], and said that while he was proud to be Korean, he was also proud to be able to say he was born and raised in Japan, which prompted loud cheers from the audience.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=65190|title=ZERO-ONE Destructive Revolution 2004 ~ Tenka-Ichi Jr. ~ - Tag 10 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> On May 16, Takaiwa defeated Tony Stradlin to win the [[International Junior Heavyweight Championship (Zero1)|International Junior Heavyweight Championship]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=65199|title=ZERO-ONE Ambitious 2004 - Tag 2: Cashonor « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Shortly after, Takaiwa formed a tag team with Ishii, and the two defeated [[Brian Kendrick|Leonardo Spanky]] and [[Low-Ki]] to win the [[NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=65218|title=ZERO-ONE Ambitous 2004 - Tag 10 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Ishii and Takaiwa continued to defend the championships until September, when they were defeated by Spanky and [[Kaz Hayashi]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=65789|title=ZERO-ONE New Truth Whirlpool-1 2004 -Tag 6 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Despite losing the tag team championships, Takaiwa continued to successfully defend the Junior Heavyweight Championship throughout 2004, defeating the likes of [[Minoru Fujita]], [[Jun Kasai]], [[Super Crazy]] and Spanky. On October 17, Takaiwa's match against [[Naohiro Hoshikawa]] was stopped early after Hoshikawa was legitimately knocked unconscious and fell into a coma after taking a powerbomb from the top of the cage by Takaiwa.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=111989|title=ZERO-ONE New Whirlpool-1 Truth II 2004 - Tag 8 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagesideseats.com/2009/12/9/1193283/wrestling-and-head-trauma-more|title=Wrestling and head trauma: More than just Chris Benoit and Test|date=9 December 2009}}</ref> Takaiwa would go on to hold the championship until December, when he was defeated by Super Crazy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=112031|title=ZERO-ONE AWA Heavyweight Title Contender Tournament - Tag 5 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> On June 24, 2006, Takaiwa defeated [[Katsuhiko Nakajima]] to win the [[WWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship]], and on July 27 defeated [[Takuya Sugawara]] to unify both the WWA and International Junior Heavyweight titles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=7294|title=ZERO1-MAX AWA World GP Fire Festival 2006 - Tag 5 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=15247|title=ZERO1-MAX Rights 2006 - Tag 4 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> In February 2007, while simultaneously holding the WWA, International and GHC Junior titles, Takaiwa beat Ikuto Hidaka to win the [[AWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=10507|title=ZERO1-MAX Make The Emotion - Tag 6: Strong ISM « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> After 7 years with the promotion, Takaiwa announced he was leaving Pro Wrestling Zero1 Max to become a freelancer on December 17, 2008.

=== Return to NJPW/Black Tiger (2008–present) ===

Takaiwa competed in his first [[Best of the Super Juniors]] tournament since 2000 in June 2008, finishing with four points and failing to advance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=22154|title=NJPW Best Of The Super Junior XV - Tag 7 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> After going freelance in December 2008, Takaiwa debuted as the fifth [[Black Tiger (professional wrestling)|Black Tiger]] on February 15, 2009, breaking the Black Tiger tradition of foreigners under the mask, by attacking [[Tiger Mask IV|Tiger Mask]]. On June 20, 2009, at [[Dominion 6.20]] Tiger Mask defeated him in a mask vs. mask match and afterwards Takaiwa revealed his identity by removing his mask.<ref name=Dominion620>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=687|title=(Results) New Japan, 6/20/09|date=2009-06-20|access-date=2011-01-23|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> Takaiwa lost his mask as Black Tiger V for the second time on May 14, 2011, when he was defeated at a [[Toryumon Mexico]] event by [[Último Dragón]].<ref name=ToryumonMexico>{{cite web|url=http://www.thegladiatores.com/?p=5343|title=Ultimo Dragon gana la mascara Black Tiger V|date=2011-05-15|last=Lizárraga|first=Alfonso|access-date=2011-05-16|work=The Gladiatores|language=es}}</ref> Despite losing his mask twice, Takaiwa continues to make appearances as Black Tiger V.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/103525/|script-title=ja:吉江と黒虎が「ももクロ軍」結成|date=2013-02-13|access-date=2013-02-13|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref>

=== Pro Wrestling Noah (2001–2007, 2011–2013) ===
Shortly after the formation of Zero1, Takaiwa also began making appearances in [[Pro Wrestling Noah]], and in October 2001 defeated [[Yoshinobu Kanemaru]] to win the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=5562|title=NOAH Navigation Tug Of War 2001 - Tag 10 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Takaiwa held on to the title until December, when he dropped it to Naomichi Marufuji.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=5576|title=NOAH Navigation In Raging Ocean 2001 - Tag 14 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Takaiwa returned to Noah in 2003 to take part in the Differ Cup, a tag team tournament featuring junior heavyweights. Teaming with Zero1 trainee Yoshihito Sasaki, they made it to the finals where they were defeated by [[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon]] representatives [[Ultimo Dragon]] and [[Masato Yoshino|Yossino]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=5912|title=NOAH Differ Cup Scramble Tag Team Tournament - Tag 2 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> On December 23, 2006, Takaiwa won the championship a second time, defeating [[Takashi Sugiura]] at a SEM event.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=10625|title=SEM SEMful Gift In Differ '06 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> He held the title until April 2007, dropping it to [[Kotaro Suzuki|Mushiking Terry]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=11002|title=NOAH Spring Navigation '07 - Tag 16 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Takaiwa returned to Noah again in 2011, taking part in the [[Global Junior Heavyweight Tag League|NTV G+ Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League]] with his trainee Osamu Namiguchi. The two performed poorly, earning just two points and failing to advance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=65927|title=NOAH Great Voyage In Osaka 2011 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Takaiwa made another one-off return to Noah in December 2013, unsuccessfully challenging [[Taiji Ishimori]] for the GHC Junior title.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=103616|title=NOAH Great Voyage 2013 In Tokyo Vol. 2 ~ Akira Taue Retirement Memorial Show « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref>

=== Freelancing (2009–present) ===

Originally aiming to step away from pro wrestling after leaving Zero1 and doing one last run in [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]], Takaiwa got a job at a building maintenance company in late 2009 and began competing more sparingly on the independent scene in early 2010, primarily working for [[Jun Kasai]]'s Freedoms. He was also named head coach of [[Big Japan Pro Wrestling]] (BJW)'s dojo, and made occasional appearances in [[Kensuke Office]] as Black Tiger. Takaiwa left his second job in 2012 and returned to Zero1 for the first time in four years to take part in the Tenkaichi Junior Tournament, though he was unsuccessful, losing to [[Jonathan Gresham]] in the semi-final.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=85285|title=ZERO1 Tenka-Ichi Jr. 2012 - Tag 3 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> In May 2013, he took part in Freedoms' tournament to crown the first ever King of Freedom World Champion, beating Keizo Matsuda, [[The Brahman Brothers|Brahman Shu]], [[Minoru Fujita]] to reach the final where he lost to Takashi Sasaki.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=95391|title=FREEDOMS « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> In March 2014 he partnered up with Sasaki in the King of Freedom Tag Title tournament. The two were successful and reached the final where they were unable to defeat [[Great Kojika]] and The Winger.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=109293|title=FREEDOMS « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> In September, he took part in Zero1 and Noah's joint show, briefly reviving his old team with [[Shinjiro Otani]] to beat [[Akitoshi Saito]] and [[Masa Kitamiya]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=116831|title=NOAH Great Voyage 2014 In Niigata ~ Great Voyage x Big Fireworks ~ « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> In September 2015, they reformed for good, and captured the [[NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship]] from [[Takuya Sugawara]] and [[Brother Yasshi]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=138519|title=ZERO1 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Otani and Takaiwa held the belts until April 2016, when they were defeated by [[Hayato Fujita|Fujita "Jr." Hayato]] and [[Ikuto Hidaka]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=150290|title=ZERO1 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> On March 26, 2017, Takaiwa officially re-signed with Zero1 after almost 8 years as a freelancer. In his return match, he was defeated by Shinjiro Otani.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=172833|title=ZERO1 Hono Pro-Wrestling 14th Yamato Shinshu Chikara Matsuri « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Takaiwa continues to make regular appearances in Zero1 to this day.

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Apache Pro-Wrestling Army]]/Pro-Wrestling A-Team'''
:*WEW Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
:*[[WEW Tag Team Championship]] ([[WEW Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Tetsuhiro Kuroda]]
*'''[[Chō Sentō Puroresu FMW]]'''
:*[[FMW World Street Fight 8-Man Tag Team Championship]] ([[FMW World Street Fight 8-Man Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time, current]]) – with [[Black Tiger VII]], [[Mitsuya Nagai|Great Tiger]] and [[Tiger Mask III Tigre en Mascarado]]<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.fmwjapan.com/result.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150414063325/http://www.fmwjapan.com/result.html | title = 11月24日（木）東京・後楽園ホール | archive-date=2015-04-14 | url-status = dead | access-date=2016-11-25 | work=[[Chō Sentō Puroresu FMW]] | language=ja}}</ref>
*'''[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]]'''
:*[[List of DDT Pro-Wrestling tournaments#Ganbare☆Martial Arts Open Tournament|Ganbare☆Martial Arts Open Tournament]] (2014)<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ganpro/9422/ | title = 『ガンバレ☆プロレス〜第二章 2nd Season〜 vol.2』 | access-date=2014-05-01 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=ja}}</ref>
:*[[List of DDT Pro-Wrestling tournaments#Top of the Dramatic Cruiser|Top of the Dramatic Cruiser]] (2013)<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/cruiser/article/1370175565/ | title = Cruiser's Game 11 | access-date=2013-06-02 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=ja}}</ref>
*'''[[Ganbare☆Pro-Wrestling]]'''
:*[[Spirit of Ganbare World Openweight Championship]] ([[Spirit of Ganbare World Openweight Championship#Reigns|1 time]])<ref name="GanbareClimax2021">{{cite web|url=https://www.ddtpro.com/results/17012|script-title=ja:LECクリンぱっ！ presents ガンバレ☆クライマックス2021 FINAL ROUND|work=ddtpro.com|author=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]]|title=DDT ProWrestling |language=Japanese|date=November 23, 2021|access-date=November 23, 2021}}</ref>
:*[[Ganbare☆Climax]] ([[Ganbare Climax#2021|2021]])<ref name="GanbareClimax2021" />
*'''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'''
:*[[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champions|1 time]])
:*[[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions|2 times]]) – with [[Shinjiro Otani]]
:*[[Best of the Super Juniors]] ([[Best of the Super Juniors#2000|2000]])
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
** PWI ranked him #'''52''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2000
** PWI ranked him #'''42''' of the Top 100 Tag Teams of the "PWI Years" with [[Shinjiro Otani]] in 2003
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]'''
:*[[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|2 times]])
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Zero1]]'''
:*[[AWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[AWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
:*[[AWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship|AWA/Zero1-Max/UPW/WORLD-1 International Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[AWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
:*[[NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|3 times]]) – with [[Tomohiro Ishii]] (1) and [[Shinjiro Otani]] (2)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://z-1.co.jp/zero1/interview?targetId=1296 | title=9月23日後楽園ホール大会試合結果 | access-date=September 23, 2015 | work=[[Pro Wrestling Zero1]] | language=ja}}</ref>
:*[[AWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship|NWA/UPW/Zero-One International Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[AWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
:*[[WWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship|WWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship ''(Disputed Branch)'']] ([[WWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
:*World-1 Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
:*[[Tenkaichi Junior]] (2004,<ref>Tatsuhito Takaiwa was wrestling Naohiro Hoshikawa in a cage match for Zero-One in Japan, Hoshikawa went into coma ending the match. {{cite web | url=http://www.cagesideseats.com/2009/12/9/1193283/wrestling-and-head-trauma-more |title=Wrestling and head trauma: More than just Chris Benoit and Test |last=Bixenspan|first=David |date= 2009-12-09|work=Japanese Wrestling (AJPW/NJPW) |access-date=2016-09-27}}</ref> 2008)
*'''Tenryu Project'''
:*[[Dragon Gate I-J Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|Tenryu Project International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[Dragon Gate I-J Heavyweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Masao Orihara]]
*'''[[WAR (wrestling promotion)|Wrestle Association "R"]]'''
:*[[Dragon Gate I-J Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|WAR International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[Dragon Gate I-J Heavyweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with Shinjiro Otani
*'''[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards|Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards]]'''
:*[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Improved|Most Improved]] (1997)
:*[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Tag Team of the Year|Tag Team of the Year]] (1998) with Shinjiro Otani

===Luchas de Apuestas record===
{{See also|Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|l1=Luchas de Apuestas}}
{|class="wikitable sortable" width=100% style="text-align: center"
!width=20% scope="col"|Winner (wager)
!width=20% scope="col"|Loser (wager)
!width=20% scope="col"|Location
!width=20% scope="col"|Event
!width=15% scope="col"|Date
!class="unsortable" width=5% scope="col"|Notes
|-
|[[Tiger Mask IV]] (mask)
|Black Tiger (mask)
|[[Osaka]], [[Japan]]
|[[Dominion 6.20]]
|{{dts|2009|6|20}}
|<ref name=Dominion620/>
|-
|[[Último Dragón]] (mask)
|Black Tiger (mask)
|[[Mexico City]], [[Mexico]]
|''"[[Dragonmania VI]]"''
|{{dts|2011|5|14}}
|<ref name=ToryumonMexico/>
|}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==
*{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JyiSCgAAQBAJ&q=%22Tatsuhito+Takaiwa%22&pg=PA263 |title=Biographical Dictionary of Professional Wrestling|edition=2|last=Lentz III |first=Harris M. |publisher=McFarland|series=Lentz's Performing Arts Obituaries Series|isbn=9780786417544 |date=2003-01-01 |pages=263, 346}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb name|1699147}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{Best of the Super Juniors}}
{{Chaos (professional wrestling)}}
{{GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship}}
{{IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship}}
{{Spirit of Ganbare World Openweight Championship}}
{{UWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{International Lightweight Tag Team Championship (Zero1)}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Takaiwa, Tatsuhito}}
[[Category:People from Kyoto]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from Kyoto Prefecture]]
[[Category:Zainichi Korean professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1972 births]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Chaos (professional wrestling) members]]
[[Category:IWGP Junior Heavyweight champions]]
[[Category:Japanese people of Korean descent]]
[[Category:IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:GHC Junior Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:Tenryu Project International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:UWA World Junior Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:Best of the Super Juniors winners]]
[[Category:Spirit of Ganbare World Openweight Champions]]
[[Category:International Lightweight Tag Team Champions (Zero1)]]

Brahman Brothers

2025-05-17T10:28:07Z

89.136.44.148:

{{short description|Professional wrestling tag team}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name=Brahman Brothers
|image=バラモン兄弟.jpg
|birth_name = Kei Sato Shu Sato
|caption=The Brahman Brothers in November 2013
|names='''Brahman Brothers''' '''Brahman Shu and Brahman Kei''' Demon Spiders Ginkaku and Kinkaku Los Wingers<ref>{{cite web | url = http://pw-freedoms.co.jp/free_pg25.php | title = KFCタッグ王座 | accessdate=March 24, 2015 | work=Freedoms | language=Japanese}}</ref> Neo Devil [[Pierroth Jr.|Pierroths]] Sailor Boys Shu Sato and Kei Sato Syachihoko Machines Yokohama ga Unda Baka Kyōdai<ref name=BJW080513/>
|height={{height|m=1.70|precision=0}} (both)
|weight={{convert|82|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (both)
|birth_date={{birth date and age|1977|7|5|df=y}} (both)
|birth_place=[[Yokohama]], [[Kanagawa Prefecture|Kanagawa]], [[Japan]]
|trainer=
|debut=11 May 2002
|}}
{{nihongo|'''Shu Sato'''|佐藤秀|Satō Shū}} and {{nihongo|'''Kei Sato'''|佐藤恵|Satō Kei}} (both born on 5 July 1977) are [[identical twins]] and [[professional wrestler]]s better known by the [[ring name]]s {{nihongo|'''Brahman Shu'''|バラモン・シュウ|Baramon Shū}} and {{nihongo|'''Brahman Kei'''|バラモン・ケイ|Baramon Kei}} and the team name {{nihongo|'''Brahman Brothers'''|バラモン兄弟 |Baramon Kyōdai}}. They are [[freelancer]]s, currently working most notably for the [[Big Japan Pro Wrestling]] (BJW), [[Michinoku Pro Wrestling]] (MPW), and [[Pro Wrestling Freedoms]] (Freedoms) promotions. They are former two-time [[UWA World Tag Team Championship|UWA World Tag Team Champions]], one-time [[FMW/WEW Hardcore Tag Team Championship|WEW Hardcore Tag Team Champions]] and record four-time [[Tohoku Tag Team Championship|Tohoku Tag Team Champions]], while Kei has also held the title a fifth time with [[The Great Sasuke]]. They have also been in El Dorado Wrestling (El Dorado) as co-leaders of the Hell Demons faction. Shu is also a former [[Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Championship|Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Champion]]. They are currently the [[Barefoot King Championship|Barefoot King Champions]] in Pro Wrestling Freedoms.

==Professional wrestling career==
===Japanese independent scene (2002-present)===
The twin brothers originally debuted as the masked Shachihoko Machines. In 2002 on [[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|T2P]]'s last show, they unmasked and went to the Toryumon X promotion. They joined up with [[Taiji Ishimori]] and became known as the '''Sailor Boys'''. They then jumped to [[Michinoku Pro]] and continued using their Sailor Boy gimmicks. In 2005, they would both turn heel and joined the Stoned faction, created by [[Fumiyuki Hashimoto|Kagetora]]. Their new heel style has caused them to become violent and weapon-friendly. This set them up with their new [[Brahman]] characters. In Michinoku Pro the Sato brothers defeated [[Kaientai Dojo]] (K-Dojo)'s [[Shiori Asahi]] and [[Makoto Oishi]] to win the [[Tohoku Tag Team Championship]] on 10 June 2006. There championship reign was short lived as they lost the championship 37 days later to Osaka Pro Wrestling's Flash Moon and [[Tigers Mask (wrestler)|Tigers Mask]].
Shu and Kei won the Tohoku Tag Team Championship for the second time by betting Flash Moon and Tigers Mask on 8 October 2006. The Sato's defended the Tohoku Tag Team Championships vs Osaka Pro's Billyken Kid and [[Masamune (wrestler)|Masamune]] on 9 March 2007 Shu pinned Masamune after hitting the Nazi Zombie. They lost the Tohoku Tag Team Championship on 21 April 2007 to [[Fumiyuki Hashimoto|Kagetora]] and [[Masaki Okimoto|Rasse]]. The Sato brothers have also been wrestling in [[Hustle (professional wrestling)|Hustle]] as the Demon Spiders and the Neo Devil Pierroths.

[[File:Brahman Brothers.JPG|thumb|The Brahman Brothers in July 2010]]
In El Dorado, they were initially members of the Stoned faction. However, in a double betrayal, [[Takuya Sugawara]] betrayed both his own faction of Aagan Iisou and Stoned leader Kagetora, taking over the leadership of Stoned and renaming it Hell Demons. The Brahman brothers won the [[UWA World Trios Championship]] with [[Manabu Murakami (wrestler)|Maguro Ooma]] on 3 June 2006 and later vacated the belts.
On 9 August 2007, The Brahman Brothers and [[Takuya Sugawara]] defeated [[Toru Owashi]], Kagetora and [[Tatsuhito Senga|Hercules Oosenga]] to win the vacant UWA World Trios Championship for the second time. The Hell Demons first defended the UWA World Trios Championship on 26 August 2007 by defeating Kaientai Dojo's [[Yuji Hino]], Makoto Oishi and Shiori Asahi.
The Hell Demons next defended the UWA World Trios Championship on 29 December 2007 by defeating [[brother Yasshi]], [[Jumping Kid Okimoto]] and [[Dick Togo]] in a ladder match.
At the end of the match Shu and Kei kicked Sugawara out of Hell Demons vacating The UWA World Trios Championship. Shu and Kei are currently the co-leaders of the Hell Demons.
On 3 December 2008 the Brahman brothers won the [[UWA World Tag Team Championship]] from [[Tsutomu Oosugi]] and [[Hercules Oosenga]]. Shu and Kei beat [[The Great Sasuke]] and [[Takuya Sugi|Yoshitsune]] on 18 January 2009 to win the Tohoku Tag Team Championship for the 3rd time and successfully defend the UWA World Tag Team Championship in a double title match. The Sato brothers are the first and only tag team to hold the UWA World Tag Team Championship and Tohoku Tag Team Championship at the same time. Shu and Kei lost the Tohoku Tag Team Championship on 15 March 2009 to [[Kesen Numajiro]] and [[Kinya Oyanagi]]. Shu and Kei have also been competing in [[Apache Pro-Wrestling]] making their first appearance on 19 February 2009 winning a match vs Takashi Sasaki and [[Jun Kasai]] and also on 16 March 2009 teaming up with [[Kenichi Sakai|Ken45°]] to take on Takashi Sasaki and [[Masashi Takeda (wrestler)|Masashi Takeda]] in a Handicap Match Shu Kei and Ken45° got the win over Sasaki and Takeda the 2 matches were Apache Rules matches. Shu and Kei returned to Apache pro on 17 April 2009 to face the team of Takashi Sasaki and Tetsuhiro Kuroda Shu and Kei lost the match when Sasaki beat Kei. Shu and Kei won the [[WEW Hardcore Tag Team Championship]] on 6 May 2009 from [[Kaientai Dojo]]'s Yoshiya and Hardcore Kid Kojiro. Shu and Kei defended the WEW Hardcore Tag Team Championship on 9 June 2009 in a three-way match defeating JOE and [[Quiet Storm (wrestler)|Quiet Storm]] and [[Daigoro Kashiwa]] and [[Psycho (wrestler)|Psycho]]. On 26 August 2009 Shu and Kei successfully defended the UWA World Tag Team Championship vs Takuya Sugawara and [[Minoru Fujita]]. On 23 September 2009 Shu and Kei successfully defended the WEW Hardcore Tag Team Championship vs the team of Taishi Takizawa and [[Hiro Tonai]]. Shu and Kei will challenge [[Takeshi Minamino]] and [[Manabu Murakami (wrestler)|Maguro Ooma]] on 13 February 2010 for the Tohoku Tag Team Championship. On December 27, 2012, the Brahmans made their debut for [[Wrestling New Classic]] (WNC), defeating [[Jiro Kuroshio]] and Yoshiaki Yago in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Luchas de apuestas|Hair vs. Hair]] [[Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match]], forcing Kuroshio to have his head shaved.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://wrestling-newclassic.com/ja/434-20121227result.html | script-title=ja:12・27後楽園大会試合結果 | date=December 28, 2012 | accessdate=December 30, 2012 | work=[[Wrestling New Classic]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/battle/2012/12/001634.php | title = AkiraがTajiriを、朱里が野崎を下し、シナプスがフィンレーからのベルトを独占！自爆し髪を刈られた黒潮が覚醒！ | date=December 27, 2012 | accessdate=December 30, 2012 | work=Battle News | language=Japanese}}</ref> On May 5, 2014, Shu won his first singles title, when he defeated [[Manabu Murakami (wrestler)|Manjimaru]] in a tournament final for the vacant [[Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Championship]]. On June 8, Kei and The Great Sasuke won the Tohoku Tag Team Championship. In 2015, the Brahmans began working for the [[Pro Wrestling Freedoms]] (Freedoms) promotion under masks and the ring names El Hijo del Winger Uno and El Hijo del Winger Dos, winning the King of Freedom World Tag Team Championship on January 29, 2015.<ref name=FreedomTag>{{cite web | url = http://pw-freedoms.co.jp/event_detail.php?id=415 | title = H27.1.29 新木場1stRING大会 | accessdate=January 30, 2015 | work=Freedoms | language=Japanese}}</ref> On June 17, 2015, the Brahman Brothers won the UWA World Tag Team Championship for the second time, this time in the [[Union Pro Wrestling]] (Union Pro) promotion.<ref name=Union061715/>

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Big Japan Pro Wrestling]]'''
:*[[BJW Tag Team Championship]] ([[BJW Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]])
:*[[Yokohama Shopping Street 6-Man Tag Team Championship]] ([[Yokohama Shopping Street 6-Man Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with Takayuki Ueki<ref>{{cite web | url = http://bjw.co.jp/event_detail.php?id=818 | title = 大日にぎわいTheater～"黒天使"聖誕祭38の誓い～ | accessdate=June 15, 2015 | work=[[Big Japan Pro Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref>
:*1Day Tag Tournament (2013)<ref name=BJW080513>{{cite web | url = http://bjw.co.jp/event_detail.php?id=237 | title = 「大日にぎわいTheater～栄冠は君に輝く～」横浜にぎわい座大会 | accessdate=August 6, 2013 | work=[[Big Japan Pro Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref>[[File:ムーの太陽.jpg|thumb|Mu no Taiyo in May 2014]]
*'''[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]]'''
:*[[KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship]] ([[KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship#History|1 time]]) – with [[Gorgeous Matsuno]]
*'''El Dorado Wrestling'''
:*[[UWA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[UWA World Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]])
:*[[UWA World Trios Championship]] ([[UWA World Trios Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Takuya Sugawara]]
*'''''[[Japan Indie Awards]]'''''
:*[[Japan Indie Awards#Best Unit Award|Best Unit Award]] (2008, 2009, 2011, 2012)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ddtpro.com/report/ddt/article/1356977228/|title=【インディー大賞】飯伏vsケニーがベストバウト受賞|date=2012-12-31|accessdate=2013-01-22|work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]]|language=Japanese|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130215192458/http://www.ddtpro.com/report/ddt/article/1356977228/|archivedate=2013-02-15}}</ref>
:*[[Japan Indie Awards#Best Unit Award|Best Unit Award]] (2014) – with [[The Great Sasuke]] as Mū no Taiyō
*'''[[Kaientai Dojo]]'''
:*[[FMW/WEW Hardcore Tag Team Championship|WEW Hardcore Tag Team Championship]] ([[FMW/WEW Hardcore Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]])
*'''[[Michinoku Pro Wrestling]]'''
:*[[Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – Shu
:*[[Tohoku Tag Team Championship]] ([[Tohoku Tag Team Championship#Title history|5 times]]) – Kei and Shu (4), Kei and [[The Great Sasuke]] (1)
:*[[Michinoku Pro Wrestling#Championships and tournaments|Futaritabi Tag Team League (2006, 2014)]]
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Freedoms]]'''
:*[[Barefoot King Championship]] ([[Barefoot King Championship#Title history|1 time]])
:*[[King of Freedom World Tag Team Championship]] ([[King of Freedom World Tag Team Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref name=FreedomTag/><ref>{{cite web | url = http://pw-freedoms.co.jp/event_detail.php?id=975 | script-title=ja:H29.2.19 広島産業会館西館 | accessdate=2017-02-20 | work=Pro Wrestling Freedoms | language=Japanese}}</ref>
*'''[[Union Pro Wrestling]]'''
:*[[UWA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[UWA World Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=Union061715>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/union/25750/ | script-title=ja:雨ニモマケズユニオン2015 | accessdate=2015-06-17 | work=Union Pro | publisher=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=Japanese | title=DDT ProWrestling }}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Brahman Brothers}}

{{Navboxes
|list1=
{{UWA World Trios Championship}}
{{KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship}}
{{Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{Tohoku Tag Team Championship}}
{{BJW Tag Team Championship}}
{{Yokohama Shopping Street 6-Man Tag Team Championship}}
{{King of Freedom World Tag Team Championship}}
{{Barefoot King Championship}}
{{UWA World Tag Team Championship}}
{{UWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{WEW Hardcore Tag Team Championship}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Japan}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Brahman Brothers}}
[[Category:Martial artists from Yokohama]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from Kanagawa Prefecture]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1977 births]]
[[Category:Japanese twins]]
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Japanese promotions teams and stables]]
[[Category:Masked wrestlers]]
[[Category:King of Freedom World Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:Barefoot King Champions]]
[[Category:BJW Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:Tohoku Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:UWA World Trios Champions]]
[[Category:UWA World Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:UWA World Junior Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:Yokohama Shopping Street 6-Man Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:WEW Hardcore Tag Team Champions]]

Kenichiro Arai

2025-05-17T10:27:26Z

89.136.44.148:

{{short description|Japanese wrestler for Dragon Gate|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name=Kenichiro Arai
|image=20230717araken.jpg
|caption=Arai in July 2023
|names='''Kenichiro Arai''' AraKen
|height={{convert|1.75|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
|weight={{convert|86|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
|birth_date={{birth date and age|1972|7|7|mf=y}}
|death_date=
|birth_place=[[Nerima-Ku, Tokyo]], Japan
|resides=
|billed=
|trainer=[[Último Dragón]] [[Dos Caras]]
|debut=May 13, 1998
|retired=
}}
{{nihongo|'''Kenichiro Arai'''|新井健一郎|Arai Ken'ichirō|born July 7, 1972}} is a Japanese [[professional wrestler]] best known for his time with the Japanese promotion [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]].<ref name=Puro>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/arai.html|title=Profile at Puroresu Central|publisher=Puroresu Central|access-date=2013-03-29}}</ref>

==Biography==
Kenichiro Arai, also known as AraKen, is a second term graduate of Último Dragón's Toryumon Japan group, and has been a mainstay on the roster ever since. He participated in [[FMW]] before joining Toryumon. He debuted as a heel, but turned face within the year and remained so for over a decade.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dgusa.tv/featurearticles7.htm|title=Self-defense school}}</ref> He is known for his love of the [[Hanshin Tigers]] baseball team, and for his very hard head. Arai frequently no-sells attacks to the head when wrestling. Earlier in his career, he played an alcoholic, and would spit beer in his opponent's faces, but this aspect of his character was quietly dropped.

Arai started as a midcarder, but gradually lost card position over the years, until he was fighting mainly in opening matches and rarely winning. However, his career changed for the better when he joined the cram school based stable Tozawa-juku in early 2007. It saw the first ever alteration of his character, and he formed a tag team with [[Taku Iwasa]] that gave his career a resurgence. The two won the [[Dragon Gate Open the Twin Gate Championship|Open the Twin Gate]] championship from inaugural champions [[Naruki Doi]] and [[Masato Yoshino]] on February 8, 2008, successfully retaining the titles twice before dropping them to [[Ryo Saito (wrestler)|Ryo Saito]] and [[Susumu Yokosuka]] on May 5. However, he would find championship success again the following month, for on June 28, he – along with Iwasa and newest Tozawa-juku member [[Shinobu Sugawara|Shinobu]] – would capture the Open the Triangle Gate Titles from [[Shingo Takagi]], [[Masato Onodera|Yamato]] and [[Yoshito Sugamoto|Gamma]]. Unfortunately for them, they lost the titles in their first defense on July 12, losing them to [[Yasushi Kanda]], Yamato and Gamma.

On November 16, he, Iwasa & Tozawa fought the Triangle Gate champions [[Masaaki Mochizuki]], [[Don Fujii]] and [[Magnitude Kishiwada]] for the titles, but they had agreed to end Tozawa-juku if they lost. Arai ended up being pinned, bringing the stable to an end, and he and the others were given a graduation ceremony.

On January 18, 2009, Arai shocked everyone when he joined the heel group Real Hazard, turning heel for the first time since 1998. It came about when he came to the ring seemingly to assist Yasushi Kanda from suffering a beatdown from Real Hazard, after he lost a Real Hazard banishment match to Gamma, but instead, he joined the group, and then he joined Kanda and the other group members in beating down and ousting Gamma. He adopted a violent fight style and also re-introduced the alcoholic aspect of his character, carrying large amounts of alcohol bottles to the ring, which he used in his matches.

[[File:Kenichiro Arai.JPG|thumb|right|180px|Arai in December 2011]]
Since joining Real Hazard, Arai's career has been relatively uneventful. He has won matches on a semi-regular basis, usually via a low blow followed by a flash pinfall, but he has not been in title contention. In January 2010, during Real Hazard's disagreement on whether to fight clean matches or continue to cheat, Arai continued to team with the "cheat" side but didn't take a strong position on the issue. When the clean fight side of Genki Horiguchi, Susumu Yokosuka and K-ness left Real Hazard on February 10, Arai stayed with the heels, and with them became one of the founding members of the new Deep Drunkers stable a couple of weeks later.

Since the formation of the Deep Drunkers, Arai has been mostly absent from cards and losing matches in short order when he does appear.

On October 13, 2010, the Deep Drunkers lost a six-man tag team match to World-1 and were as a result forced to split up. However, following the match World-1 member Naruki Doi turned on his stablemates and joined the former Deep Drunkers and [[Takuya Sugawara]] to form a new heel group. They however decided that Arai was not needed in the new group and kicked him out.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1287180298|title=Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly|date=2010-10-15|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|access-date=2011-03-01|work=WrestleView|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216164710/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1287180298|archive-date=2010-12-16}}</ref>

==Championships and accomplishments==
[[File:KENICHIRO ARAI.jpg|thumb|Arai as a Furyujin Tag Team Champion in August 2017]]
*'''Asuka Project'''
:*Asuka Project Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://battle-news.com/?p=10778|title=アラケンがウルフ智也を下し、Asuka Project王座を奪取！24時間プロレスAsuka Projectで高橋匡哉vs.木高イサミが決定|date=June 25, 2015|access-date=June 26, 2015|work=Battle News|language=ja}}</ref>
*'''[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]'''
:*[[Dragon Gate I-J Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[Dragon Gate I-J Heavyweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Taku Iwasa]]
:*[[Dragon Gate Open the Owarai Gate Championship]] ([[Open the Owarai Gate Championship#Title history|1 time]])
:*[[Dragon Gate Open the Triangle Gate Championship]] ([[Dragon Gate Open the Triangle Gate Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with Taku Iwasa and [[Shinobu Sugawara|Shinobu]]
:*[[Dragon Gate Open the Twin Gate Championship]] ([[Dragon Gate Open the Twin Gate Championship#History|1 time]]) – with Taku Iwasa
*'''Fight of the Ring'''
:*UWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=titles&titel=6568|title=UWA Intercontinental Tag Team Titles|work=WrestlingData|accessdate=December 19, 2023}}</ref> – with The Wolf
*'''Guts World Pro-Wrestling'''
:*GWC Championship (1 time)
:*GWC Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with [[Shota (wrestler)|Shota]]<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=2536| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304220955/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=2536| archive-date = 2016-03-04| title = GWC Tag Team Championship « Titles Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database}} </ref>
:*[[GWC 6-Man Tag Team Championship]] ([[GWC 6-Man Tag Team Championship#By wrestler|2 times]]) – with Masked Mystery and Ryan Upin (1), Masked Mystery and Shota (1)
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Freedoms]]'''
:*[[King of Freedom World Tag Team Championship]] ([[King of Freedom World Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Gentaro (wrestler)|Gentaro]]<ref name=Freedoms030515>{{cite web|url=http://pw-freedoms.co.jp/event_detail.php?id=475|title=H27.3.5 新木場1stRing大会|date=March 5, 2015|access-date=2015-03-05|work=Freedoms|language=ja}}</ref>
:*[[UWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] (1 time)
*'''Mutoha Pro-Wrestling'''
:*Haoh Championship (1 time, current)<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=6240 |title=Haoh Championship « Titles Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
*'''Pro Wrestling Heat-Up'''
:*Heat-Up Universal Tag Team Championship (1 time, current) – with Hide Kubota<ref name=HeatUp033017>{{cite web|url=http://heat-up.biz/heatup170330result/|title=3・30新百合ヶ丘大会大会試合結果|date=March 30, 2017|access-date=March 30, 2017|work=Pro Wrestling Heat-Up|language=ja}}</ref>
:*Powerful Tag Tournament (2017) – with Hide Kubota<ref name=HeatUp033017/>
*'''Style-E'''
:*Style-E Openweight Championship (1 time)
*'''[[Tenryu Project]]'''
:*[[Tenryu Project World 6-Man Tag Team Championship]] ([[Tenryu Project World 6-Man Tag Team Championship#Reigns|1 time]]) – with [[Kohei Sato]] and [[Masayuki Kono]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://yu39.net/title/detail?id=5974|script-title=ja:天龍プロジェクト認定WAR世界6人タッグ選手権|work=Syu-Kaku Kombu|access-date=February 2, 2022|language=ja}}</ref>
*'''Theater Puroresu'''
:*Furyujin Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Kenta Hattori
*'''[[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon Japan]]'''
:*[[NWA World Welterweight Championship]] ([[NWA World Welterweight Championship#Title history|2 times]])
:*[[UWA World Trios Championship]] ([[UWA World Trios Championship#Title history|2 times]]) – with [[Masaaki Mochizuki]] and [[Dragon Kid]] (1), [[Dragon Kid]] and [[Naruki Doi]] (1)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[http://www.gaora.co.jp/dragongate/data/prfl/arai.html Arai's Dragon Gate profile]

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{Dragon Gate employees}}
{{Open the Twin Gate Championship}}
{{Open the Owarai Gate Championship}}
{{Open the Triangle Gate Championship}}
{{UWA World Trios Championship}}
{{International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship}}
{{GWC 6-Man Tag Team Championship}}
{{NWA World Welterweight Championship}}
{{King of Freedom World Tag Team Championship}}
{{UWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{WAR World Six-Man Tag Team Championship}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Japan}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Arai, Kenichiro}}
[[Category:1972 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:People from Nerima]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:NWA World Welterweight Champions]]
[[Category:UWA World Trios Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Twin Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Triangle Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Owarai Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Tenryu Project International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:Tenryu Project World 6-Man Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:UWA World Junior Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:GWC 6-Man Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:King of Freedom World Tag Team Champions]]

Crash Holly

2025-05-17T10:22:10Z

89.136.44.148:

{{short description|American professional wrestler (1971–2003)}}
{{Redirect|Mike Lockwood|other people|Michael Lockwood (disambiguation){{!}}Michael Lockwood}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}

{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Crash Holly
|birthname = Michael John Lockwood<ref name="Gerweck"/>
|image = Crash Holly signing autographs.jpg
|caption = Holly signing autographs
|names = Crash<ref name="Slambio"/> Crash Holly<ref name="Slambio"/> Erin O'Grady<ref name="Slambio"/> The Green Ghost<ref name="Almanac2002Stats"/> Johnny Pearson<ref name="Slambio"/> Mad Mikey<ref name="Slambio"/>
|height = 5 ft 10 in<ref name="WWEbio"/>
|spouse = {{marriage|Christeena Wheeler|December 31, 1999}}
|children = 1
|weight = 198 lb<ref name="Cagematch"/> "Allegedly well over 400 lb" (181 kg)<ref name="Slambio"/><ref name="WWEbio"/>
|birth_date = {{birth date|1971|8|25|mf=y}}<ref name="Slambio"/>
|birth_place = [[San Francisco]], [[California]], U.S.<ref name="Gerweck"/>
|death_date = {{Death date and age|2003|11|6|1971|8|25}}<ref name="Gerweck"/>
|death_place = [[Navarre, Florida]], U.S.<ref name="Slambio"/><ref name="Gerweck"/>
|death_cause = [[Asphyxia]] due to [[pulmonary aspiration]] as a result of an overdose of [[Alcohol (drug)|alcohol]] and [[drugs]]<ref name=Bleacher/>
|billed = [[Mobile, Alabama]]<ref name="WWEbio"/>
|trainer = Jerry Monti<ref name="Slambio"/> [[Michael Modest]]<ref name="Slambio"/> Ric Thompson<ref name="Slambio"/>
|debut = 1989<ref name="Slambio"/>
}}

'''Michael John Lockwood''' (August 25, 1971 – November 6, 2003) was an American [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. He was best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) / World Wrestling Entertainment ([[WWE]]) from 1999 to 2003 under the [[ring name]]s '''Crash Holly''' or simply '''Crash'''.<ref name="Slambio"/><ref name="WWEbio"/>

Lockwood debuted in 1989 and spent a decade wrestling on the [[independent circuit]] before signing with the World Wrestling Federation in 1998, debuting the following year as '''Crash Holly'''. He formed a [[tag team]] with his [[kayfabe]] cousin [[Hardcore Holly]], with whom he won the [[WWF World Tag Team Championship]]. The [[Holly Cousins]] was expanded into a [[stable (professional wrestling)|stable]] with the addition of [[Molly Holly]] in 2000. During his WWF/WWE career, Holly established himself in the hardcore division by winning the [[WWF Hardcore Championship]] on [[List of WWE Hardcore Champions|22 occasions]], with many of his reigns coming during a period when the title was defended "[[24/7 service|24/7]]". After being released from WWE in June 2003, Holly joined [[NWA Total Nonstop Action]] as '''Mad Mikey''', where he remained until his death later that year.

Holly was also a [[List of WWE European Champions|one-time]] [[WWF European Champion]]<ref name="WWE European"/> and a [[List of WWF Light Heavyweight Champions|one-time]] [[WWF Light Heavyweight Champion]].<ref name="WWE Light Heavyweight"/> In total, Holly had over 25 championship reigns in the WWF.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The 16 most decorated champions in WWE history|url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/wwe-most-title-wins-decorated-champions|access-date=2020-10-15|website=WWE|language=en}}</ref>

== Early life ==
Lockwood was born on August 25, 1971, in [[San Francisco]], [[California]]. He was raised in [[Pacifica, California]], where he graduated from [[Terra Nova High School (Pacifica)|Terra Nova High School]].<ref name="Slambio"/><ref name="Gerweck"/> He became interested in professional wrestling in the [[eighth grade]], inspired by [[Brady Boone]].<ref name="digest-interview"/> While training as a wrestler and working on the independent circuit, he worked a second job at [[Safeway Inc.|Safeway]].<ref name="digest-interview"/>

== Professional wrestling career ==

===Early career (1989–1998)===
Lockwood debuted in 1989, as "Johnny Pearson" in Bay Area Wrestling for [[Woody Farmer]], where he wrestled until 1994.<ref name="Slambio"/> He dislocated his shoulder about five times and took 18 months off to recover.<ref name="Almanac2002Stats"/> He then wrestled on the [[independent circuit]] as "'Irish' Erin O'Grady". In 1995, he appeared in Mexico with [[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]] as "Super Diablo". In 1996, he joined [[All Pro Wrestling]] (APW), where he became known as "'The Leprechaun' Erin O'Grady"<ref name="Almanac2002Stats"/> and had several matches with [[Vic Grimes]].{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}

Lockwood joined the [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]]-based [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] promotion in November 1997 after ECW wrestler [[Taz (wrestler)|Taz]] viewed a tape of a match between O'Grady and [[Michael Modest]] and referred him to ECW owner [[Paul Heyman]].<ref>https://youtube.com/watch?v=0AXp7Oyx9jo?t=13m51s | Wrestling Observer Live interview with Taz. 13:51 specifically clears up how Lockwood got into ECW through Taz</ref> Erin O'Grady lost four untelevised matches in ECW, including a [[dark match]] at [[November to Remember (1997)|November to Remember]].<ref>[http://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=63&bild=1&details=7&liga=5&jahr=1997 Lockwood's ECW matches, from WrestlingData.com]</ref> Following his stint in ECW, Lockwood returned to APW where he performed until October 1998.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}

=== World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment (1998–2003) ===

==== Developmental territories (1998–1999) ====
O'Grady wrestled Vic Grimes in a try-out match for the [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF) on January 20, 1998,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=63&bild=1&details=7&liga=3&jahr=1998 | title=Lockwood's 1998 WWF matches| publisher=WrestlingData.com}}</ref> and both were signed to contracts.<ref name="Almanac2002Stats"/> In November 1998, Lockwood was sent to [[Power Pro Wrestling]], the WWF's [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental promotion]], to train. Here, he won the [[Power Pro Wrestling Young Guns Championship]] and the [[Power Pro Wrestling Tag Team Championship|PPW Tag Team Championship]].<ref name="PPWtag"/><ref name="PPWyoung-guns"/> WWF Talent Coordinator [[Bruce Prichard]] sent Lockwood to Mexico, to prepare him for the style of the WWF's [[lucha libre]] show, ''[[WWF Super Astros]]''.<ref name="digest-interview"/> He wrestled in [[Monterrey]] for three months, under a [[Lucha libre#Masks|mask]], as "The Green Ghost" (a play on the word "[[gringo]]").<ref name="Almanac2002Stats"/>

==== Holly Cousins (1999–2000) ====
{{see also|Holly Cousins}}
[[File:Crash Holly 1999 WWF Smackdown (WWE) (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|Holly carrying his [[weighing scale]] to the [[Wrestling ring|ring]] in 1999.]]
[[File:Rikishi and Crash Holly 1999 WWF Smackdown (WWE) (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Rikishi and Crash Holly at a ''[[Smackdown]]'' taping in 1999.]]
Lockwood debuted on WWF television as "Crash Holly", the [[Kayfabe|storyline]] cousin of [[Hardcore Holly|Bob "Hardcore" Holly]], on the August 16, 1999, episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw is War]]''<ref name="Almanac2002Stats"/> They became known as the [[Holly Cousins]]. Their relationship was a strained one, and Hardcore frequently threatened Crash.<ref name="Slambio"/> When they took the [[gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] of claiming to be "super heavyweights", over 400 lb each, Crash would carry a scale to ringside to "weigh in" before matches.<ref name="Slambio"/>

Crash made his [[pay-per-view]] debut at [[SummerSlam (1999)|SummerSlam]] in August, where the Holly Cousins wrestled in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Gauntlet match|Tag Team Turmoil match]], won by the [[Acolytes Protection Agency]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive/aug23_fol.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143615/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive/aug23_fol.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=Foley new champ at SummerSlam|date=August 23, 1999|last=Powell|first=John|access-date=September 26, 2008|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref name="hollys">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/h/holly-cousins.html|title=Holly Cousins Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=May 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090917152052/http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/h/holly-cousins.html|archive-date=September 17, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> At [[Rebellion (1999)|Rebellion]], the Holly Cousins competed against APA and [[Edge and Christian]] in a triangle match, which Edge and Christian won. On October 17, at [[No Mercy (1999)|No Mercy]], the Holly Cousins defeated The [[New Age Outlaws]] by [[Professional wrestling#Disqualification|disqualification]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive/oct18_nomercy.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714030011/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive/oct18_nomercy.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=Tag match highlights No Mercy|date=October 18, 1999|last=Powell|first=John|access-date=September 26, 2008|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw is War'', they defeated the [[Rock 'n' Sock Connection]] for the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|WWF Tag Team Championship]].<ref name="WWE Tag"/> They held the title until the November 4 ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown!]]'', when they lost it to [[Mick Foley|Mankind]] and his new partner, [[Al Snow]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/_1999/ |title=WWE SmackDown! Results |date=November 4, 1999 |access-date=September 26, 2008 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012210933/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/_1999/ |archive-date=October 12, 2008 }}</ref>

At [[Survivor Series (1999)|Survivor Series]] on November 14, the Holly Cousins teamed with [[Too Cool]] to defeat [[Edge & Christian]] and the [[Hardy Boyz]] in a survivor series match. Later that month, the Holly Cousins began a short feud with Too Cool and [[Rikishi (wrestler)|Rikishi Phatu]]. At [[Armageddon (1999)|Armageddon]] on December 12, 1999, they defeated Phatu and [[Viscera (wrestler)|Viscera]]. The feud continued into February 2000. At the [[Royal Rumble (2000)|Royal Rumble]] on January 23, 2000, both Hollys took part in the titular [[Royal Rumble match]], with Crash Holly being eliminated by The Rock.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}

==== Championship reigns (2000–2001) ====
[[File:Crash Holly WWF - King of the Ring 2000 (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|Holly making his entrance at [[King of the Ring (2000)|King of the Ring]] in June 2000.]]
[[File:WWF - King of the Ring 2000 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Holly and [[Pat Patterson (wrestler)|Pat Patterson]] in the ring at King of the Ring in June 2000.]]
In February 2000, Crash Holly joined the [[Hardcore wrestling|hardcore division]]. On the February 24 episode of ''SmackDown!'', he defeated [[Test (wrestler)|Test]] to begin his first of [[List of WWE Hardcore Champions|22 Hardcore Championship reigns]].<ref name="WWE Hardcore"/> He decreed that he must [[WWE Hardcore Championship#24/7 Rules|defend the championship twenty four hours a day, seven days a week]], which later became known as the "24/7 Rule".<ref name="Slambio"/> This meant that the title was permanently contested, not just in sanctioned matches, and could change hands anywhere, anytime anyone pinned the champion, so long as a WWF referee counted the fall. Holly was frequently attacked by other wrestlers in unlikely locations, including an airport, a funhouse, a circus, and his hotel room.<ref name="Almanac2002Stats"/> Although he was often [[Pin (professional wrestling)|pinned]], he usually immediately regained the title.<ref name="WWE Hardcore"/> His most common tactic was to sneak a pin, often after the champion had been beaten down by someone else, and quickly run backstage, away from possible challengers.<ref name="WWE Hardcore"/> This [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Turn|turned]] him into a crowd favorite and earned him the nickname "The [[Harry Houdini|Houdini]] of Hardcore".<ref name="houdini">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0516996/bio|title=Michael Lockwood|access-date=November 15, 2008|publisher=IMDB}}</ref> He frequently defended the championship against non-wrestlers, including referees and [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Agent|road agents]], like [[Gerald Brisco]] and [[Pat Patterson]].<ref name="Slambio"/> He had a long [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] with The [[Mean Street Posse]] ([[Pete Gas]], [[Rodney Leinhardt|Rodney]] and [[Joey Abs]]) over the title.<ref name="WWE Hardcore"/> He even lost, and quickly regained, the title against one of the [[The Godfather (wrestler)|Godfather]]'s hos.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}

At [[Rebellion (2000)|Rebellion]], Crash defeated [[William Regal]] to win the [[WWE European Championship|European Championship]].<ref name="WWE European"/> He lost the title to Regal two days later.<ref name="WWE European"/> In late 2000, another of Crash's storyline cousins, [[Molly Holly]], was introduced. In 2001, The Holly Cousins feuded with The [[Dudley Boyz]].<ref name="slam-molly"/> In the course of this feud, Molly began a romantic relationship with [[Spike Dudley]], leading to internal disputes within each family, as well as a [[Romeo and Juliet]]-style angle between the six of them.<ref name="slam-molly">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingBiosH/holly_molly_01jun30-can.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630012119/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingBiosH/holly_molly_01jun30-can.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 30, 2012|title=Molly Holly having a blast in the WWF|last=Molinaro|first=John F.|access-date=September 26, 2008|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the March 18, 2001, episode of ''[[WWE Heat|Heat]]'', Crash defeated [[Dean Malenko]] to win the [[WWF Light Heavyweight Championship|Light Heavyweight Championship]]. He defended it on two episodes of ''Heat'', against [[Shoichi Funaki|Funaki]] and [[Brian Christopher|Grandmaster Sexay]], before dropping it to the debuting [[Jerry Lynn]] on the April 29 episode.<ref name="WWE Light Heavyweight"/> In April 2001, Holly and Hardcore briefly reunited as a [[Card (sports)|lower card]] team until December of that year.<ref name="hollys"/>

In July 2001, Holly appeared with the [[International Wrestling Association (Puerto Rico)|International Wrestling Association]] in [[Puerto Rico]], briefly holding the [[IWA Hardcore Championship]] and [[IWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship]]. Throughout late 2001, he wrestled primarily on [[house show]]s and on ''[[Jakked]]'' and ''[[Sunday Night Heat]]''. At [[Survivor Series (2001)|Survivor Series]] on November 18, 2001, Holly took part in a [[battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] that would guarantee the winner immunity from being fired that was won by [[Test (wrestler)|Test]]. Throughout the remainder of 2001 and early 2002, Holly continued to wrestle primarily on house shows and the WWF's secondary television shows.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}

==== Mattitude Follower (2002–2003) ====
When the WWF was renamed [[World Wrestling Entertainment#Name dispute|World Wrestling Entertainment]] and divided into two [[WWE Brand Extension#Raw and SmackDown!|Raw and SmackDown! brands]], Holly was assigned to the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] roster, where he had little success.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020325.html|title=WWE Raw Results|date=March 25, 2002|access-date=September 27, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> He jumped ship to [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown!]] on the September 2, 2002, episode of ''Raw'' during a match with [[Jeff Hardy]]. Earlier, Raw General Manager [[Eric Bischoff]] was informed that a Raw wrestler would leave to reunite with a relative on SmackDown!, and ordered a beatdown by [[3-Minute Warning]] on Hardy, who he wrongly suspected of planning to join his brother, [[Matt Hardy]], until Crash revealed that he was the one who was leaving, planning to join his cousin [[Hardcore Holly]] on SmackDown!.<ref>{{cite web|date=September 2, 2002|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020902.html|title=RAW results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=May 24, 2008}}</ref> In his first ''SmackDown!'' match, on September 5, he defeated [[Gregory Helms|The Hurricane]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/020905.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Results|date=September 5, 2002|access-date=September 27, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> He then [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feuded]] with [[WWE Cruiserweight Championship (1991–2007)|Cruiserweight Champion]] [[Jamie Noble]]. On the October 3 ''SmackDown!'', Noble defeated Holly to retain the title.<ref>{{cite web|date=October 3, 2002|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/021003.html|title=SmackDown! |publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=May 24, 2008}}</ref>

On the December 19 ''SmackDown!'', Holly teamed with [[Bill DeMott]] to defeat Noble and [[James Maritato|Nunzio]].<ref name="Dec-19"/> After the match, DeMott turned on Holly and attacked him.<ref name="Dec-19">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/021219.html|date=December 19, 2002|title=SmackDown! results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=May 24, 2008}}</ref> This led to a match on the next ''SmackDown!'', which DeMott won.<ref>{{cite web|date=December 26, 2002|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/021226.html|title=SmackDown! results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=May 24, 2008}}</ref> After being sidelined for three months, Holly returned on the April 24, 2003, episode of ''SmackDown!''.<ref name="Apr24-03"/> He soon joined Matt Hardy and [[Shannon Moore]] in the Mattitude Followers (abbreviated "MF'er") [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|stable]]. As Crash was Moore's alleged apprentice, Hardy also referred to him as a "[[Moron (psychology)|Moore-on]]".<ref name="Apr24-03">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030424.html|title=SmackDown! results|date=April 24, 2003|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=May 24, 2008}}</ref> His last several matches with the company were tag matches with Moore, as well as house show matches against newcomer [[Orlando Jordan]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071015123132/http://thehistoryofwwe.com/03.htm title=2003 WWE results]</ref> On June 30, 2003, Lockwood was released from WWE.<ref name="Slambio"/>

===NWA Total Nonstop Action; independent circuit (2003)===
Lockwood signed a contract with [[NWA Total Nonstop Action]] in July 2003 and debuted as "Mad Mikey" on July 23,<ref name="July31-03"/> accepting an open challenge from [[Elix Skipper]] and losing the match.<ref name="July31-03">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/tna/030723.html|title=NWA:TNA PPV results|date=July 23, 2003|access-date=May 24, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Mad Mikey was angry at many things, on which he elaborated in promos. He wrestled on nine NWA-TNA weekly PPVs, lastly on October 1.<ref>[http://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=63&bild=1&details=7&liga=7&jahr=2003 Lockwood's 2003 NWA-TNA matches, from WrestlingData.com]</ref> He briefly wrestled for Pro Wrestling Iron in [[Hayward, California]]. On November 1, 2003, Mad Mikey and Rory Fox defeated Quiten Lee and The Human Time Bomb with [[Ricky Steamboat]] as the special guest referee for the [[Heartland Wrestling Association]] in what turned out to be Lockwood's final match.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}

== Personal life ==
Lockwood met his wife, Christeena Wheeler, when she escorted [[Mark Henry]] to the ring at [[Unforgiven (1999)|Unforgiven 1999]], in [[Charlotte, North Carolina]].<ref name="school"/> They married on New Year's Eve, 1999.<ref name="school"/> The couple had one child together, a daughter.<ref name="Gerweck"/> In 2002, he opened "Crash Holly's School of Professional Wrestling" in [[Salisbury, North Carolina]], where Wheeler grew up.<ref name="Slambio">{{cite web|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2003/11/07/crash-holly-found-dead-at-34/|title=Crash Holly found dead at 34|last=Clevett|first=Jason|access-date=April 26, 2022|date=November 7, 2003|publisher=[[Québecor Média]]|work=SlamWrestling.net}}</ref><ref name="school">{{cite web|url=http://www.salisburypost.com/2002jan/012302a.htm |title=Big man with big dreams |last=Morris |first=Joanne |access-date=September 26, 2008 |date=January 23, 2002 |publisher=[[Salisbury Post]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050222090316/http://www.salisburypost.com/2002jan/012302a.htm |archive-date=February 22, 2005 }}</ref>

==Death==
[[File:Crash holly grave.jpg|thumb|right|Lockwood's grave]]
Lockwood died on November 6, 2003, at his friend and fellow wrestler [[Stevie Richards]]' house in Florida.<ref name="Slambio"/> He was 32 years old. He was found partially clothed with a pool of vomit around his face.<ref name="wrestleview">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/faq/?style=dark&article=wrestlingdeaths|title=Wrestling Deaths – Crash Holly|access-date=September 26, 2008|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> Empty bottles of the prescription drug [[carisoprodol]] and a partially consumed bottle of alcohol were found nearby.<ref name="wrestleview"/> He had recently received divorce papers from his wife.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mikemooneyham.com/2004/02/22/wrestlemania-xx-taking-shape/|title=WrestleMania XX Taking Shape|publisher=The Wrestling Gospel|author=Mooneyham, Mike|access-date=May 11, 2017|date=February 22, 2004}}</ref> His death, caused by choking on his own vomit, was officially ruled a suicide.<ref name=Bleacher/> He was buried in [[China Grove, North Carolina|China Grove]] in [[Rowan County, North Carolina]].

In August 2005, Nora Greenwald, who performed alongside Lockwood as [[Molly Holly]], released an autobiographical [[DVD]] titled ''"Nora Greenwald: Shootin' the <s>Shi</s> Crap"'', and a portion of the profits from the sale of the DVD went to Lockwood's daughter's education fund. In March 2005, the New Breed Wrestling Association held the "Mike Lockwood Memorial Tournament", which was won by [[Michael Modest]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/mike-modest.html|title=Mike Modest Profile|access-date=October 3, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012024134/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/mike-modest.html|archive-date=October 12, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> At [[ECW One Night Stand (2005)|ECW One Night Stand]] in 2005, Lockwood was one of the deceased former ECW wrestlers honored in a video package.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/06/13/1084767.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120723041850/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/06/13/1084767.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 23, 2012|title=One great Night of hardcore hostalgia|date=June 12, 2005|last=Gramlich|first=Chris|access-date=September 26, 2008|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>
{{clear}}

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[All Pro Wrestling]]'''
**APW Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="APW-j-Heavyweight">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/jhtapw.html|title=APW – Junior Heavyweight Title History|date=March 22, 1997|last=Oliver|first=Earl|access-date=May 24, 2008|publisher=Solie's Title Histories}}</ref>
*'''[[International Wrestling Association (Puerto Rico)|International Wrestling Association]]'''
**[[IWA Hardcore Championship]] ([[IWA Hardcore Championship#Title history|1 time]])
**[[IWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[IWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="IWA-J-heavweight">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/jhtiwap.html|title=IWA Junior Heavyweight/World Cruiserweight Title History|date=July 21, 2001|last=González|first=Manuel O.|author2=Palma, Richard|access-date=May 24, 2008|publisher=Solie's Title Histories}}</ref>
**[[UWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[UWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
*'''[[Mid-Eastern Wrestling Federation]]'''
**[[MEWF Cruiserweight Championship]] ([[MEWF Cruiserweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="MEFWCruiser">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/cwtmewf.html|title=MEWF Cruiserweight Title History|date=July 13, 2003|last=Westcott|first=Brian|access-date=May 24, 2008|publisher=Solie's Title Histories}}</ref>
*'''[[Power Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[Power Pro Wrestling Tag Team Championship|PPW Tag Team Championship]] ([[Power Pro Wrestling Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Vic Grimes]]<ref name="PPWtag">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ttppw.html|title=MPPW Tag Team Title History|date=March 20, 1999|last=Westcott|first=Brian|access-date=May 24, 2008|publisher=Solie's Title Histories}}</ref>
**PPW Young Guns Championship (1 time)<ref name="PPWyoung-guns">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ygppw.html|title=PPW Young Guns Title History|date=March 7, 1998|last=Westcott|first=Brian|access-date=May 24, 2008|publisher=Solie's Title Histories}}</ref>
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**Ranked No. 36 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]]'' in 2000<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theturnbucklepost.com/information/pwi-500-annual-listings/pwi-500-2000/ |access-date=August 22, 2012 |title=PWI 500 2000 |publisher=The Turnbuckle Post |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726013928/http://theturnbucklepost.com/information/pwi-500-annual-listings/pwi-500-2000/ |archive-date=July 26, 2012 }}</ref>
*'''Supreme Pro Wrestling'''
**SPW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Hook Bomberry
*'''[[World Wrestling Federation]] / [[World Wrestling Entertainment]]'''
**[[WWE European Championship|WWF European Championship]] ([[List of WWE European Champions|1 time]])<ref name="WWE European">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/euro/358934 |title=History of the European Championship – Crash Holly |date=December 2, 2000 |access-date=March 6, 2008 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616065843/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/euro/358934 |archive-date=June 16, 2012 }}</ref>
**[[WWE Hardcore Championship|WWF/E Hardcore Championship]] ([[List of WWE Hardcore Champions|22 times]])<ref name="WWE Hardcore">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/hard/|title=History of the Hardcore Championship|access-date=March 6, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
**[[WWE Light Heavyweight Championship|WWF Light Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of WWF Light Heavyweight Champions|1 time]])<ref name="WWE Light Heavyweight">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/lightheavyweight/357200 |title=History of the Light heavyweight Championship – Crash Holly |date=March 15, 2001 |access-date=March 6, 2008 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616065211/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/lightheavyweight/357200 |archive-date=June 16, 2012 }}</ref>
**[[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|WWF Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE, 1971–2010)|1 time]]) – with [[Bob Holly|Hardcore Holly]]<ref name="WWE Tag">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldtagteam/30445413211115 |title=History of the World Tag Team Championship – Crash & Hardcore Holly |date=October 18, 1999 |access-date=March 6, 2008 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622023116/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldtagteam/30445413211115 |archive-date=June 22, 2012 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of premature professional wrestling deaths]]

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=

<ref name="Almanac2002Stats">{{cite news|title=Statistics for Professional wrestlers|work=PWI Presents: 2002 Wrestling Almanac and Book of Facts|publisher=Kappa Publications|edition=2000|pages=62–74}}</ref>

<ref name=Bleacher>{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1156356-in-memory-professional-wrestlers-that-died-under-40|author=Featherstone, Chris|title=In Memory: Professional Wrestlers Who Died Under 40|publisher=[[Bleacher Report]]|date=April 23, 2012|access-date=March 2, 2021|archive-date=April 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426205445/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1156356-in-memory-professional-wrestlers-that-died-under-40|url-status=bot: unknown}}NOTE: The original publication date of this article is given in an archived version of it at the Internet Archive:</ref>

<ref name="Cagematch">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=157 |title=Crash Holly |publisher=Cagematch.net |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |access-date=May 3, 2022 }}</ref>

<ref name="digest-interview">{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_5_3/ai_81826832?tag=content;col1|title=A Crash course in believing yourself: Crash Holly may be small, but he has a gigantic drive to prove he can excel in the WWF – Cover Story – Interview|date=February 2002|last=Kimble|first=David|access-date=September 26, 2008|publisher=Wrestling Digest}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref>

<ref name="Gerweck">{{cite web |url=https://www.gerweck.net/2013/11/05/michael-j-lockwood-obituary/ |title=Michael J. Lockwood Obituary |publisher=Gerweck.net |first=Steve |last=Gerweck |access-date=May 3, 2022 |date=November 5, 2013 }}</ref>

<ref name="WWEbio">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/crash-holly|title=Crash Holly|access-date=September 25, 2014|publisher=[[WWE]]|work=[[WWE]].com}}</ref>

}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Mike Lockwood|Crash Holly}}
* {{wwe superstar|crash-holly|Crash Holly}}
* {{professional wrestling profiles}}
* {{IMDb name|id=0516996|name=Mike Lockwood}}

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{UWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{WWE European Championship}}
{{WWE Hardcore Championship}}
{{WWF Light Heavyweight Championship}}
{{World Tag Team Championship (WWE)}}
}}

{{good article}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Holly, Crash}}
[[Category:1971 births]]
[[Category:2003 deaths]]
[[Category:2003 suicides]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:American male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Drug-related suicides in Florida]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from San Francisco]]
[[Category:WWF European Champions]]
[[Category:WWF/WWE Hardcore Champions]]
[[Category:UWA World Junior Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:World Tag Team Champions (WWE, 1971–2010)]]
[[Category:WWF Light Heavyweight Champions]]

Pablo Márquez (wrestler)

2025-05-17T10:20:00Z

89.136.44.148:

{{short description|Ecuadorian professional wrestler}}
{{About|the wrestler from Ecuador|the guitarist from Argentina|Pablo Márquez (guitarist)}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
| name = Pablo Márquez
| names = Abu Babu PABLO '''Pablo Márquez''' El Puerto Riqueño Ubas
| height = {{height|m=1.73|precision=0}}<ref name=cage/>
| weight = {{convert|83|kg|lb|0}}<ref name=cage/>
| trainer = [[Larry Sharpe (wrestler)|Larry Sharpe]],<ref name=cage/> [[Sabu (wrestler)|Sabu]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1973|6|4}}
| birth_place = [[Quito]], [[Ecuador]]<ref name=cage/>
| debut = 1992<ref name=cage/>
| billed = Ecuador
| retired =
}}

'''Pablo Márquez''' (born June 4, 1973) is an [[Ecuador]]ian [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. He is perhaps best known for his appearances in the United States throughout the 1990s, including stints with [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] under his birth name and under the [[ring name]]s '''El Puerto Riqueño''' and '''Ubas''' and with the [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]] as '''Babu'''.<ref name="cage">{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1949|work=Cagematch.net|title=Pablo Marquez|accessdate=February 18, 2017}}</ref>

== Professional wrestling career ==

=== Early career (1992–1995) ===
Márquez was trained to wrestle in the United States by [[Larry Sharpe (wrestler)|Larry Sharpe]]. He made his debut on the [[independent circuit]] in 1992.<ref name=cage/>

=== Extreme Championship Wrestling (1995–1999) ===
Márquez debuted in [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] (ECW) at [[South Philly Jam]] in October 1995, wrestling under the ring name of "El Puerto Riqueño" (some sources list him as "El Puerto Ricano"). He challenged for the [[ECW Television Championship]] on several occasions, but he was not able to win the belt.<ref>{{cite web|title=ECW Arena Results: 1996|work=Wrestling Information Archive|url=http://100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/ecw/ecw1996.htm|accessdate=2008-01-11|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525183035/http://100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/ecw/ecw1996.htm|archivedate=2011-05-25}}</ref> He appeared at several major shows; his first major appearance was a loss to [[Stevie Richards]] at [[ECW November to Remember#1995|November to Remember 1995]].<ref>{{cite web|title=ECW November to Remember Cards|work=Wrestling Information Archive|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/ecw/ecwntr.htm|accessdate=2008-01-11|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927201315/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/ecw/ecwntr.htm|archivedate=2007-09-27}}</ref> The following month, he competed at [[December to Dismember (1995)|December to Dismember 1995]], losing to [[Tazz|Taz]], and Holiday Hell 1995, where he lost to [[Mantaur|Bruiser Mastino]].<ref>{{cite web|title=December to Dismember 1995|work=Pro Wrestling History|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1995d.html#120995|accessdate=2008-01-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=ECW Holiday Hell|work=Wrestling Information Archive|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/ecw/ecwhell.htm|accessdate=2008-01-11|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522010303/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/ecw/ecwhell.htm|archivedate=2011-05-22}}</ref> He wrestled at three major ECW shows in 1996, losing to Spiro Greco at [[ECW CyberSlam#1996|CyberSlam 1996]], wrestling to a [[No contest (boxing)|no contest]] against [[Mike Bucci|Super Nova]] at [[Hostile City Showdown 1996]], and losing to [[Louie Spicolli]] at [[ECW Heat Wave#1996|Heat Wave 1996]].<ref>{{cite web|title=ECW CyberSlam|work=Wrestling Information Archive|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/ecw/ecwslam.htm|accessdate=2008-01-11|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522010320/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/ecw/ecwslam.htm|archivedate=2011-05-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=ECW Hostile City Showdown|work=Wrestling Information Archive|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/ecw/ecwshow.htm|accessdate=2008-01-11|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522010333/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/ecw/ecwshow.htm|archivedate=2011-05-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Heat Wave|work=Wrestling Information Archive|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/ecw/ecwheat.htm|accessdate=2008-01-11|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522010340/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/ecw/ecwheat.htm|archivedate=2011-05-22}}</ref> In 1997, he started to wrestle under his real name. Also during his ECW run, he competed under the name Ubas ([[Sabu (wrestler)|Sabu]] spelled backwards). During his run, he appeared on ''[[ECW Hardcore TV]]'', and also appeared on some of ECW's feature shows. He left ECW when he was signed by WWF.

=== World Wrestling Federation (1997, 1998-1999) ===
Márquez was briefly part of the WWF's fledgeling Light Heavyweight division, wrestling two matches against [[Taka Michinoku]] in late 1997 and early 1998. He re-debuted on the August 16, 1998 episode of ''[[WWE Heat|Sunday Night Heat]]'' under the name of '''Abu''' (later '''Babu'''). His gimmick was that of a [[manservant]] to [[Tiger Ali Singh]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Wrestler Profiles: Tiger Ali Singh|work=Online World of Wrestling|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/t/tiger-ali-singh.html|accessdate=2008-01-11}}</ref> He was often seen doing degrading things for Singh. Although most of his stint in WWF was in a non-wrestling role, he did have a few televised matches: on the November 9, 1998 edition of ''[[WWE Raw|Monday Night Raw]]'', he was ordered by Tiger Ali Singh to wrestle [[Al Snow]], though Singh reentered and won the match; on the December 6, 1998 edition of ''Sunday Night Heat'', he teamed with Singh to wrestle [[Robert Maillet|Kurrgan]] and [[Luna Vachon]], with the match ending in a no-contest.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWF Sunday Night heat Archives: 1998|work=Wrestling Information Archive|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/wwf/sun1998.htm|accessdate=2008-01-11|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522010221/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/wwf/sun1998.htm|archivedate=2011-05-22}}</ref> He also wrestled on a 1998 edition of ''[[WWF Shotgun Saturday Night|Shotgun]]'' when he was ordered by Singh to compete against [[Goldust]] in a losing effort.

=== Independent circuit (1999–present) ===
After he was released from the WWF, Márquez worked for a number of wrestling promotions.

On February 2, 1997, Márquez defeated Bodacious Pretty Boy in Baltimore, Maryland for Mid-Eastern Wrestling Federation.

He went back to ECW, appearing twice on their TV shows. On the January 2, 1999 edition of ECW's ''Hardcore TV'', Márquez lost to [[Yoshihiro Tajiri]]. He also appeared on ''ECW on TNN'' on December 17, 1999, wrestling [[Super Calo]] and Hidaka in a three-way match. That match ended in a no-contest.<ref>{{cite web|title=ECW on TNN Archives|work=Wrestling Information Archive|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/ecw/ecwarc.htm|accessdate=2008-01-11|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522005811/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/ecw/ecwarc.htm|archivedate=2011-05-22}}</ref>

He also worked for [[Jersey All Pro Wrestling]] under his real name. He competed there from 1999 to 2000 and was part of a group known as The "New Freebirds" with Don Montoya and Reckless Youth.<ref>{{cite web|title=2000 Event Results|work=Jersey All Pro Wrestling|url=http://www.japw.net/new/events/2000.htm|accessdate=2008-01-11|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012023552/http://www.japw.net/new/events/2000.htm|archivedate=2008-10-12}}</ref>

In 2003 and 2004, he wrestled for [[World Wrestling Council]] in Puerto Rico and won their [[WWC World Junior Heavyweight Championship|World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] three times.<ref name=wwc/> From 2005 to 2006, Márquez wrestled in the Puerto Rican wrestling promotion [[International Wrestling Association (Puerto Rico)|International Wrestling Association]].<ref>{{cite web|title=IWA Results: IWA (Puerto Rico)|work=Online World of Wrestling|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/iwa-pr.html|accessdate=2008-01-11}}</ref>

Márquez wrestled, and taught at the Main Event Training Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His first major storyline in CCW began when he got involved in a [[kayfabe]] fight confrontation between Cash Money Alex G, the head trainer of CCW's Bodyslam University, training facility, and several female graduates of the training program. When Alex G attacked the women, Márquez defended them, offering to train them himself.<ref name=ccw>{{cite web|title=CCW News: Say It Isn't So|work=Coastal Championship Wrestling|url=http://coastalchampionshipwrestling.com/htm/news.htm|accessdate=2008-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928043634/http://coastalchampionshipwrestling.com/htm/news.htm|archive-date=2011-09-28|url-status=dead}}</ref> He also challenged Alex G to a match on September 29, 2007, in which he defeated Alex G.<ref>{{cite web|title=Independent Wrestling Results: September 2007|work=Online World of Wrestling|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2007-09.html|accessdate=2008-01-11}}</ref>

Márquez was the referee for [[The Ultimate Warrior]] vs. [[Orlando Jordan]] match in [[Barcelona]] for the [[Spain|Spanish]] NWE on June 25, 2008. On July 20, the end of the Spanish tour, he revived the "Ubas" gimmick for one night only in [[Pontevedra]], in a loss to [[Ultimo Dragon]].

=== Controversy ===
Márquez was subject to controversy when one of his trainee's, Chelsea Durden accused him of [[sexual assault]] while he was a trainer at CCW's Main Event Training Centre. Many other female aspiring pro wrestlers training at the facility under Márquez made similar accusations but as of yet only Durden’s have been brought before a judge in court (which can be found through public records). <ref>{{Cite web |title=It's time. I'm breaking my silence |url=https://twitter.com/TheDurdenSays/status/1274257053821870081 |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=x.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Development |first=PodBean |title=Healing From Emotional Abuse: Wrestling Speaking Out: with BCP and Chelsea Durden {{!}} Healing From Emotional Abuse |url=https://marissafayecohen.podbean.com/e/healing-from-emotional-abuse-wrestling-speaking-out-with-bcp-and-chelsea-durden/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=marissafayecohen.podbean.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Emmanuel |first=Figueroa Rosado |title=Super Crazy to Wrestle for CCW: Owner was Accused of Abuse and Sexual Assault |url=https://theovertimer.com/2020/07/super-crazy-to-wrestle-for-ccw-owner-was-accused-of-abuse-and-sexual-assault/ |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=theovertimer.com}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Márquez stated in a 1998 interview for the World Wrestling Federation's website that he had committed a crime in his home of Ecuador in 1991.<ref name="int">{{cite web|title=Issue #123: January 7th, 1999|url=http://www.1softball.com/WBS/WrestlingBookingSheet123.htm|accessdate=2008-01-11|work=The Wrestling Booking Sheet Online Newsletter}}</ref> In 1999, he was detained for three days in [[Newark, New Jersey]] when he was unable to prove his citizenship when entering the United States from Ecuador, but he was released without charges.<ref name="int" />

Márquez has been involved with training several wrestlers. He helped some new talent in CCW, such as JT Flash, Kaotic Romeo Razel Quevedo, [[Kaitlyn (wrestler)|Celeste Bonin]], and Dirty White Boy.<ref name="ccw" /> In addition, he and [[Super Crazy]] were the trainers for IWA Puerto Rico wrestler Cruzz.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cruzz|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=2103&worker=Cruzz|accessdate=2008-01-11|work=Cagematch: The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''Coastal Championship Wrestling'''
**CCW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="cagetitles"/>
**Southeastern Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="cagetitles"/>
*'''Pennsylvania Championship Wrestling'''
**PCW Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="cagetitles"/>
*'''[[Universal Wrestling Association]]'''
**[[UWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[UWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref name="cagetitles"/>
*'''[[World Wrestling Council]]'''
**[[WWC World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WWC World Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|5 times]])<ref name="cagetitles"/><ref name=wwc>{{cite web|title=WWC World Junior Heavyweight Title|work=Wrestling Titles|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/pr/wwc/wwc-j.html|accessdate=2008-01-11}}</ref>
*'''[[World Xtreme Wrestling]]'''
**[[WXW Tag Team Championship]] ([[WXW Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) - with Reggie Rhythm<ref name="cagetitles"/>
*'''Wrestling Alliance Revolution'''
**WAR World Championship (1 time)<ref name="cagetitles">{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1949&page=11|work=Cagematch.net|title=Pablo Marquez - Titles|accessdate=February 18, 2017}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist|3}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb name|1035712|Pablo Márquez}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}

{{Navboxes
|list1=
{{UWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{WWC World Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{Coastal Championship Wrestling}}
}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Ecuador}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Marquez, Pablo}}
[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:Ecuadorian male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Quito]]
[[Category:WWC World Junior Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:UWA World Junior Heavyweight Champions]]

Villano III

2025-05-17T10:17:04Z

89.136.44.148:

{{Short description|Mexican professional wrestler}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2014}}
{{family name hatnote|Díaz|Mendoza|lang=Spanish}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Villano III
|image = Villano III.jpg
|alt =
|caption = Villano III in July 2018
|birthname = Arturo Díaz Mendoza
|birth_date = {{birth date|1952|3|23}}<ref name= PWI64/>
|birth_place = [[Mexico City]], Mexico<ref name= PWI64/>
|death_date = {{death date and age|2018|08|21|1952|3|23|mf=y}}<ref name=MedioReport>{{cite web | url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/lucha-libre/2018/08/21/fallecio-el-legendario-villano-iii-por-un-infarto-cerebral | title=Falleció el legendario Villano III por un infarto cerebral | date=August 21, 2018 | access-date=August 21, 2018 | trans-title=The legendary Villano III passed away due to a cerebral infarction | work=MedioTiempo | publisher=[[MSN]] | language=es}}</ref>
|death_place = [[Guadalajara]], Mexico
|parents={{plainlist}}
*[[Ray Mendoza]] (father)<ref name=CCNews>{{cite web | url=https://news.culturacolectiva.com/mexico/muere-villano-iii/ | title=Muere Villano III | access-date=January 1, 2019 | date=August 21, 2018 | first=Lau | last=Almarez | language=es | work=Cultura Colectiva}}</ref>
*Guadalupe Mendoza (mother)
{{endplainlist}}
|spouse=La Infernal (wife)
|children={{plainlist}}
*[[El Hijo del Villano III]] (son)
*[[Villano III Jr.]] (son)
{{endplainlist}}
|relatives={{plainlist}}
*[[Villano I]] (brother)<ref name=CCNews/>
*[[Villano II]] (brother)<ref name=CCNews/>
*[[Villano IV]] (brother)<ref name=CCNews/>
*[[Villano V]] (brother)<ref name=CCNews/>
*[[Villano V Jr.]] (nephew)
*[[Rokambole Jr.]] (nephew)
{{endplainlist}}
|ring_names = {{plainlist}}
*Búfalo Salvaje
*Mancha Roja
*Pulpo Blanco
*Ray Rosas
*Rokambole
*Villano III
{{endplainlist}}
|height = {{convert|1.70|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name=PWI64/>
|weight = {{convert|96|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<ref name= PWI64/>
|resides =
|billed =
|trainer = {{plainlist}}
*Felipe Ham Lee<ref name= PWI64/>
*[[Ray Mendoza]]<ref name= PWI64/>
{{endplainlist}}
|debut = January 29, 1970<ref name= PWI64/>
|retired = May 13, 2017
}}
'''Arturo Díaz Mendoza''' (March 23, 1952 – August 21, 2018), best known by his [[ring name]] '''Villano III''' ([[Spanish language|Spanish]]: "Villano Tercero"; [[English language|English]]: "Villain the third"), was a Mexican ''[[Lucha libre|luchador]]'' (or [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]). A second-generation wrestler, he was son of ''luchador'' [[Ray Mendoza]] and the father of ''luchador enmascarado''s [[Villano III Jr.]] and [[El Hijo del Villano III]]. All five of the Díaz brothers used the Villano name; José de Jesús ([[Villano I]]), José Alfredo ([[Villano II]]), Tomás ([[Villano IV]]) and Raymundo ([[Villano V]]). Of the five ''Villanos'', Arturo was considered the most successful in terms of championship and ''[[Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|Lucha de Apuesta]]'' ("bet match") wins, as well as the most talented ''luchador'' in the family.<ref name=ReyVillano/> He retired from wrestling in 2015, due to health issues stemming from wrestling. A few days after his death, he was inducted in the [[AAA Hall of Fame]].

During his 35-year career, Díaz was one of the featured performers for the [[Universal Wrestling Association]] (UWA), and for all the all major Mexican wrestling promotions such as [[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]] (CMLL) and [[Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide]] (AAA), as well as numerous notable smaller Mexican promotions like [[International Wrestling Revolution Group]] (IWRG). Díaz was an ''luchador enmascarado'' (or [[Wrestling mask|masked]] [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]) up until 2000, where he lost to [[Atlantis (wrestler)|Atlantis]] and had to unmask as a result. The match against Atlantis was later voted "[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Match of the Year|Match of the Year]]" in the [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards|''Wrestling Observer'' Newsletter year-end awards]]. In contrast one of his last matches ever, at [[Triplemanía XXIII]] was voted the "[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Worked Match of the Year|worst match of the year]]" in 2015.

==Professional wrestling career==
Arturo Díaz was born into a wrestling family; his father, [[Ray Mendoza]], became a successful ''luchador'' when Arturo was very young. His two older brothers, [[Villano I|José de Jesús]] and [[Villano II|José Alfredo]], had begun wrestling in early 1969 when Arturo was just 17 years old. Arturo was trained both by his father and by Felipe Ham Lee, a family friend, while also getting a degree in physical education in case professional wrestling did not work out for him. His debut was on January 29, 1970, earlier than expected as he was asked to replace someone who did not show up for a match. For the first match he was billed as "Ray Rosas" (Ray after his father and "Rosas" after the color of his wrestling attire) and worked without a mask.<ref name=ReyVillano>{{cite news|title=Luchas 2000|work=Villano III: El Ultimo Rey|publisher=Publicaciones citem, S.A. de C.V.|location=[[Ciudad Juárez|Juárez]], Mexico|id=Especial 37|pages=1–35|language=es | trans-title= Villano III: The Last King}}</ref>

After his initial match he began wrestling under various ''[[wrestling mask|enmascarado]]'' (masked) characters such as ''Pulpo Blanco'' ([[Spanish language|Spanish]] for "White Octopus") and ''Mancha Roja'' ("Red Stain"), in part to not reveal that he was the son of Ray Mendoza.<ref name=ReyVillano/> At one point, he competed under the name "Búfalo Salvaje" ("Savage Buffalo"), a name also used by his older brothers early in their careers when they worked as Búfalo Salvaje I and II. After several short-lived names, Arturo began wrestling as Rokambole, a name he would use for several years.<ref name=ReyVillano/> The name Rokambole would later be used by his younger brother [[Villano V|Raymundo]] as well.<ref name=MondoVillano/> In late 1970 or early 1971, his older brothers began wrestling as Villano I and Villano II and soon established that as their permanent identity, creating what would later turn into a family tradition.<ref name=MondoVillano>{{cite book|author=Madigan, Dan|title=Mondo Lucha a Go-Go: the bizarre and honorable world of wild Mexican wrestling|publisher=HarperCollins Publisher|year=2007|chapter=Dorada de lucha libre: Las Leyendas, las peleas, los fósforos del resentimiento (the golden age of lucha libre: the legends, the feuds, the grudge matches): Ray Mendoza and Los Villanos|pages=193–197|isbn=978-0-06-085583-3}}</ref>

===Universal Wrestling Association (1973–1994)===
[[File:Villano III masked.jpg|thumb|left|Villano III wearing the distinctive Villano mask that all the Villano brothers wore at some point in their career.]]

In 1973, Arturo's father and older brothers finally deemed him experienced enough to use the Villano name, taking the name Villano III ("Villano Tercero").<ref name=FigurasVillanoIII>{{cite news|title=Lucha Libre: Conoce la historia de las leyendas de cuadrilátero|work=Villano III (1952 o 1953)|location=Mexico|id=Grandes Figuras de la Lucha Libre|page=63|year=2008|language=es | trans-title= Professional wrestling: Learn the history of the legends of the squared circle}}</ref> In 1975, Arturo's father joined with wrestling promoter [[Francisco Flores (wrestling promoter)|Francisco Flores]] and investor Benjamín Mora Jr. to form a new wrestling promotion called [[Universal Wrestling Association]] (UWA), which was in direct competition with the company Ray Mendoza and Flores had worked for up until that point, [[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre|Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre]] (EMLL). One of the reasons behind the split was that Mendoza felt that EMLL was not giving his sons enough opportunities in the ring.<ref name=MondoVillano/> All three Villanos followed their father to the newly formed UWA. While his brothers worked as a [[tag team]], Villano III became a singles competitor and was pushed as one of its top stars, due to his father's influence and Vilano being the Vilanos' most talented wrestler.<ref name=MondoVillano/> On December 14, 1975, Villano III became the first ever [[UWA World Welterweight Championship|UWA World Welterweight Champion]] by winning a tournament.<ref name=UWAWelter/> Over the next couple of years, Villano III defended the championship in several high-profile, main event matches, earning favorable reviews from both fans and reporters. His run with the welterweight title lasted until May 29, 1977, where he lost to [[El Solar]].<ref name=UWAWelter/> Following the title loss, Villano III moved from the [[Lucha Libre#Weight classes|welterweight division]] (with a maximum weight of {{convert|78|kg|lb|abbr=on}}) to the [[Lucha Libre#Weight classes|light heavyweight division]] (with a maximum of {{convert|97|kg|lb|abbr=on}}). On March 1, 1981, he defeated [[Fishman (wrestler)|Fishman]] to win the [[UWA World Light Heavyweight Championship]], a title his father had won previously as well.<ref name=UWALHeavy/> Villano III lost the title back to Fishman 140 days later, ending the first of his two reigns with that championship.<ref name=UWALHeavy/>

In 1982, Villano III started a storyline feud against ''[[Los Misioneros de la Muerte]]'' ("The Missionaries of Death"; [[El Signo]], [[El Texano]] and [[Negro Navarro]]), that would lead to Villano III becoming a ''tecnico'' (a [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]], those that portray the good guys in wrestling). As Villano III became more and more popular with the fans and the UWA officials decided to make him a ''tecnico'', using the hated ''Los Misioneros'' trio to that end.<ref name=Alfredo>{{cite web | url=http://www.luchaworld.com/?p=85556 | title=Villano III (1952 - 2018) | date=August 24, 2018 | access-date=January 1, 2019 | work=Lucha World | first=Alfredo | last=Esparza}}</ref> After his "tecnico" turn Villano III joined up with [[El Solitario]] and [[Aníbal (wrestler)|Aníbal]] to form a trio called ''Los Tres Caballeros'' ("The Three Gentlemen"), who would go on to main event a series of sold-out UWA shows. His first major opponent after the turn was [[Perro Aguayo]], starting a long-running, intense feud over the [[WWF Light Heavyweight Championship]] that the UWA promoted at the time. On March 20, 1983, Villano III defeated Aguayo to win the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship, beginning the first of seven reigns for Villano III, tied with Aguayo for most reigns with that title.<ref name=WWFLHeavy/> His first reign lasted 140 days before Aguayo regained the title.<ref name=WWFLHeavy/> The feud between the two also saw Villano III defeat Aguayo in a ''[[Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|Lucha de Apuesta]]'', hair vs. mask match, on August 21, 1983.<ref name=V3Apuestas/>

In 1985, Villano III defeated [[Gran Hamada]] to win the WWF Light Heavyweight Title for a second time.<ref name=WWFLHeavy/> Villano III's second title reign lasted 826 days, which is the longest of any WWF Light Heavyweight Champion in its history.<ref name=WWFLHeavy/> During the mid-1980s, his two younger brothers began using the names "Villano IV" and "Villano V", often teaming with Villano I. Over the following years, Villano III traded the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship with Perro Aguayo, Rambo, and [[Sangre Chicana]].<ref name=WWFLHeavy/> In 1991, Villano III began working against a young Canadian known as [[Chris Benoit|Pegasus Kid]], sent to Mexico by [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) to train and gain experience. Villano III and Pegasus Kid had a series of matches throughout 1991, including Pegasus Kid winning the WWF Light Heavyweight Title on March 3, 1991.<ref name=WWFLHeavy/> By late 1991, Pegasus Kid's learning excursion to Mexico came to an end, but not before Villano III defeated him in a ''Lucha de Apuesta'' match, forcing him to unmask and reveal his real name: Chris Benoit.<ref name=V3Apuestas/> Villano III's seventh and last reign with the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship began on July 18, 1994, when he defeated [[El Signo]]. He held the title until January 1995 when the UWA closed and Villano III vacated the title with which he had been closely associated for more than ten years.<ref name=WWFLHeavy/>

===AAA (1995–1998)===
In 1995, the UWA was forced to close down, leaving ''Los Villanos'' without a home base for the first time in their careers. The brothers soon signed with [[Antonio Peña]]'s [[Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide]] (AAA) and began working for the promotion as a trios group, marking Villano III's transition from being primarily a singles wrestler to working more trios matches.<ref name=MondoVillano/> In March 1996, ''Los Villanos'' defeated [[Cien Caras]], [[Heavy Metal (wrestler)|Heavy Metal]], and [[Latin Lover (wrestler)|Latin Lover]] to become the inaugural holders of the [[AAA Americas Trios Championship]], a title created by Peña specifically for ''Los Villanos'' as AAA did not have an active trios championship before.<ref name=AAAAmericas/> The team held the championship until November 19, 1996, when they lost to ''[[Los Oficiales]]'' (Guardia, Oficial, and Vigilante), but regained the championship less than two months later.<ref name=AAAAmericas/> ''Los Villanos'' also became the first ever [[Mexican National Atómicos Championship|Mexican National Atómicos Champions]], teaming with [[Pierroth Jr.]] to win the four-man team exclusive championship.<ref name=MexAtomicos/> By mid-1996, Villano IV and Villano V had begun working for the US-based [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW). In 1997 most of the wrestlers that worked for WCW split off from AAA to form ''[[Promo Azteca]]'', which included the Villano brothers. By leaving AAA, ''Los Villanos'' vacated both the Americas Trios title and the Mexican National Atómicos Championship.<ref name=AAAAmericas/><ref name=MexAtomicos/>

===World Wrestling Council / Independent circuit (1997–1998)===
After leaving AAA, Villano III toured [[Puerto Rico]] several times in 1997 and 1998, working for the [[World Wrestling Council]] (WWC). On November 27, 1997, Villano III defeated [[Ricky Santana]] to win the [[WWC Puerto Rican Championship]] to start his tour with WWC. Two days later Santana regained the championship before Villano III regained it on December 21.<ref name=WWCPuertoRico/> Villano did not work in Puerto Rico between January and April, only returning to the island to lose the Puerto Rican championship to [[Glamour Boy Shane]] on [[WWC Aniversario#1998|WWC's 25th Anniversary Show]].<ref name=WWCPuertoRico/>

Villano III also worked on the [[independent circuit]] after leaving AAA, as well as making sporadic appearances for both [[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]] (CMLL) and [[Promo Azteca]] at the time. On July 18, 1998, Villano III was one of 32 wrestlers putting their masks on the line in a ''[[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Parejas Suicidas|Ruleta de la Muerte]]'' ("Roulette of death") tournament where the losing teams advance and in the end the final team would face off in a ''Lucha de Apuestas'' match. Villano III and his partner [[Shocker (wrestler)|Shocker]] lost to [[Rayo de Jalisco Jr.]] and [[Mil Máscaras]] in the first round, but defeated [[El Hijo del Santo]] and Guerrero del Futuro in the second round to preserve their masks.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=137377 | title=OCESA | date=July 18, 1998 | work=CageMatch | access-date=January 1, 2019}}</ref>

===Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (1999–2002)===
In late 1998, Villano III began working almost exclusively for CMLL. On December 25, 1999, Villano III and [[Super Astro]] teamed up to wrestle against [[Lizmark]] and [[Fishman (wrestler)|Fishman]] in a ''[[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Parejas Suicidas|Relevos Suicidas]]''. When Villano III and Super Astro lost they were forced to wrestle against each other in a ''Lucha de Apuesta'' match. In the end, Villano III won yet another ''Apuesta'' match, forcing Super Astro to unmask.<ref name="Enciclopedia staff 57">{{cite news|title=Enciclopedia de las Mascaras|work=Super Astro|location=Mexico|id=Tomo IV|page=57|date=October 2007|language=es | trans-title= Encyclopedia of Masks }}</ref>

On November 22, 1999, Villano III defeated [[Atlantis (wrestler)|Atlantis]] to win the [[CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship]]. The title change was just one of the highlights of a long-running feud between Atlantis and Villano III, a feud that also included III's younger brothers [[Villano IV]] and [[Villano V]] who no longer worked for WCW. On March 17, 2000, at CMLL's 2000 ''[[Juicio Final (2000)|Juicio Final]]'' event, Atlantis won his biggest ''Apuesta'' victory to date as he defeated and then unmasked Villano III in a match that was voted the ''[[Wrestling Observer]]'' 2000 [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Match of the Year|Match of the Year]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Luchas 2000|work=Atlantis y sus Victimas|publisher=Publicaciones citem, S.A. de C.V.|location=[[Ciudad Juárez|Juárez]], [[Mexico]]|id=Especial 30|pages=32–36|language=es | trans-title= Atlantis and his victims}}</ref> In 2010 ''[[Súper Luchas]]'' Magazine suggested that this may have been the ''lucha libre'' match of the decade for the 2000s.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://superluchas.com/hace-10-anos-atlantis-desenmascaraba-a-villano-iii-es-la-mejor-lucha-en-mexico-de-la-ultima-decada/ | title=Hace 10 años Atlántis desenmascaraba a Villano III – ¿Es la mejor lucha en México de la última década? | trans-title=10 years ago Atlántis unmasked Villano III - Is it the best match in Mexico of the last decade? | author=Dark Angelita | date=March 17, 2010 | access-date=January 1, 2019 | language=es | work=[[Súper Luchas]]}}</ref>

===Unmasked===
A few months later, Villano III, IV, and V defeated ''Escuadron de la Muerte'' ("The Death Squadron"; Cyborg Cop, Maniac Cop, and Vader Cop) to win the [[IWRG Intercontinental Trios Championship]]. ''Los Villanos'' still worked for CMLL but they had a talent sharing arrangement with [[International Wrestling Revolution Group]] (IWRG) that allowed ''Los Villanos'' to work for IWRG as well.<ref name=IWRGTrios/> Villano III's CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship reign ended on September 7, 2001, when he was pinned by [[Shocker (wrestler)|Shocker]]. Following the title loss, ''Los Villanos'' worked more infrequently for CMLL, taking bookings both in IWRG and on the Mexican [[independent circuit]] as well. On March 21, 2002, Villano III's last title reign ended when ''Los Villanos'' were stripped of the IWRG Trios title as Villano V was injured and unable to defend the title.<ref name="ByL2593">{{cite news|title=2002: considerar detrás|work=Box y Lucha Magazine|id=issue 2593|date=January 19, 2003|language=es | trans-title= 2002: looking back}}</ref> On July 30, 2005, Villano III teamed up with rookie wrestler Gallo Tapado Jr. for IWRG's La Copa Black Shadow tournament. The duo defeated El Matemático and Black Man Jr. and then the team of Rambo and Bobby Lee Jr., and finally Brazo de Plata Jr. and [[Brazo de Oro (wrestler)|Brazo de Oro]] to win the tournament.<ref name=CopaBlackShadow/>

In the latter half of the 2000s, Villano IV and V worked for CMLL on a regular basis, while Villano III's CMLL appearances were more sporadic, wrestling mainly on the independent circuit. Villano III frequently appeared in ''Lucha de Apuesta'' matches, having won the hair of [[Scorpio Jr.]] (twice), Brazo de Oro, [[Brazo de Platino]] and El Cobarde II during that time period, only losing one ''Apuesta'' match; losing his hair to [[L.A. Park]] in a multi-man match on May 5, 2007.<ref name=V3Apuestas/> Around 2010, Díaz's wrestling appearances were reduced as he was dealing with both age and ring related ailments and worked a much lighter schedule. 2013 saw him work 11 confirmed matches,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=2&nr=1413&view=&page=4&gimmick=&year=2013&promotion=®ion=&location=&arena=&showtype=&constellationType=&worker= | title= Villano III >> Matches >> 2013 | work=CageMatch | access-date=January 1, 2019}}</ref> and 2014 he only competed in 7.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=2&nr=1413&view=&page=4&gimmick=&year=2014&promotion=®ion=&location=&arena=&showtype=&constellationType=&worker= | title= Villano III >> Matches >> 2014 | work=CageMatch | access-date= January 1, 2019}}</ref>

In May 2015, Arturo Díaz announced that he would retire from active competition due to several knee injuries and diminishing eyesight leaving him unable to compete competitively.<ref name=Retirement>{{cite web | url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/mas-deportes/lucha-libre/noticias/2015/05/21/el-villano-iii-anuncio-su-retiro | title=El Villano III anunció su retiro | date=May 21, 2015 | access-date=May 23, 2015 | work=MedioTiempo | publisher=[[MSN]] | language=es | trans-title= Villano III announces his retirement}}</ref> Afterward Díaz agreed to another match, teaming with his younger brothers to take on ''[[Los Psycho Circus]]'' ([[Psycho Clown]], [[Monster Clown]] and [[Murder Clown]]) at [[Triplemanía XXIII]], AAA's biggest show of the year, promoting it as Villano III's retirement match after a 45-year career. While ''Los Villanos'' won the match, the age of the Villanos and deteriorating health of Villano III and V led to many mistakes in a heavily criticized match, that was voted the "[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Worked Match of the Year|worst match of 2015]]" by the readers of ''the Wrestling Observer''.<ref name=Worst2015/> Despite his retirement announcements and ailing health Díaz did work one match in both 2016 and 2017.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=2&nr=1413&page=4 | title=Villano III >> Matches | work=CageMatch | access-date=January 1, 2019}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Arturo Díaz Mendoza was the third son and third child overall of [[Ray Mendoza|José Díaz Velazquez]] and Guadalupe "Lupita" Mendoza. His brothers, like himself all became wrestlers: Alfredo ([[Villano II]]),<ref name=CCNews/> José de Jesús ([[Villano I]]),<ref name=CCNews/> Raymundo ([[Villano V]]),<ref name=CCNews/> and Tomás ([[Villano IV]]).<ref name=CCNews/><ref name=MondoVillano/> His mother Lupita died in 1986, his oldest brother Alfredo died in 1989, his second oldest brother José de Jesús died in 2002, and his father José Diaz died on April 16, 2003.<ref name=MondoVillano/> Díaz was adamant that his sons get a good education instead of becoming wrestlers, wishing that they become lawyers or doctors as he wanted to spare them his own physical suffering. Once he realized that his two oldest sons had begun wrestling under masks he agreed to train them and aid in their careers. He was also instrumental in training the rest of his sons, although he insisted they both get college degrees before they were allowed to begin wrestling. Since his youngest son Tomás finished his education first, he became known as "Villano IV" while Raymundo, the second youngest son, became "Villano V".<ref name=MondoVillano/>

Díaz was married to Luz Lorena Velarde Murillo,<ref name=Excelsior>{{cite web | url=https://www.excelsior.com.mx/adrenalina/quien-fue-el-villano-iii/1260078 | title=Quien fue el Villano III | access-date=January 1, 2019 | date=August 21, 2018 | language=es | work=Excelsior}}</ref> who was a professional wrestler for many years, working under the name "La Infernal". Together they have at least two children, two sons who wrestle under the names [[Villano III Jr.]] and [[El Hijo del Villano III]].<ref name=Retirement/> His nephews (sons of Raymundo) are also wrestlers, known as Rokambole Jr. and Villano V Jr.<ref name=IWRGTag32>{{cite web | url=http://www.thegladiatores.com/hay-nuevos-campeones-de-parejas-en-naucalpan/ | title=Hay nuevos campeones de parejas en Naucalpan. | date=March 12, 2018 | access-date=March 12, 2018 | work=The Gladiatores | first=Alfonso | last=Lizarraga | language=es | trans-title= We have new tag team champions in Naucalpan}}</ref> On March 17, 2017, CMLL honored Villano III as part of their annual [[Homenaje a Dos Leyendas (2017)|Homenaje a Dos Leyendas]] ("Homage to two legends") show, their version of the Hall of Fame.<ref name=HDL2017>{{cite web | url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/lucha-libre/2017/03/17/pierroth-perdio-la-mascara-con-diamante-azul | title=Diamante Azul se pulió y 'destapó' a Pierroth | last=Valdés | first=Apolo | date=March 17, 2017 | access-date=March 18, 2017 | work=MedioTiempo | language=es | trans-title=Diamante Azul polished off and unmasked Pierroth}}</ref>

Arturo Díaz died of a [[cerebral infarction]] on August 21, 2018, after dealing with health issues, including complications from a stroke earlier in the year.<ref name=MedioReport/> Four days later, at [[Triplemanía XXVI]], AAA inducted Arturo Díaz into the [[AAA Hall of Fame]], honoring his career and his legacy with his sons El Hijo del Villano III and Villano III Jr. accepting the honor on his father's behalf.<ref name=AAAHOF2018/> CMLL also paid tribute to Villano III during their first [[CMLL Super Viernes|Super Viernes]] show after Díaz's death, with Villano IV, V, El Hijo del Villano III and Villano III Jr. all acknowledged and honored during the show as wrestlers [[Mephisto (wrestler)|Mephisto]] and L.A. Park both wearing wrestling tights/mask resembling what Villano III wore during his career.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/lucha-libre/2018/08/25/el-cmll-rindio-homenaje-al-villano-iii | title=El CMLL indio homenaje al Villano III | trans-title=CMLL paid tribute to Villano III | date=August 25, 2018 | access-date=January 1, 2019 | work=MedioTiempo | publisher=[[MSN]] | language=es}}</ref>

==Professional wrestling persona and style==
[[File:VillanoRing.jpg|thumb|right|[[Villano V]], wearing the ring gear that earned them the "Pink Panther" nickname.]]
In the 1970s and 1980s, Villano III was one of the top box office draws for the UWA, and has been referred to as one of the biggest stars in the history of lucha libre.<ref name=F4W>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/mexico/villano-iii-passes-away-66-years-old-264276 | title=Villano III passes away at 66 years old | first=Dave | last=Meltzer | author-link=Dave Meltzer | work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter | date=August 21, 2018 | access-date=January 1, 2019}}</ref> A testament to his in-ring talent was the fact that he was often selected as the opponent for various top light heavyweight wrestlers from around the world.<ref name=F4W/> The 2000 ''Lucha de Apuestas'' match against Atlantis was voted the "[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Match of the Year|Match of the Year]]" in the [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards|''Wrestling Observer'' Newsletter year-end awards]] by the readers, the only Mexican match to ever earn this distinction.<ref name=F4W/>

Villano III's in-ring style focused more on fast action and explosive moves that looked realistic over the high flying style normally associated with light heavyweight wrestlers, although he would perform dives out of the ring and off the top rope.<ref name=PWI64/> His in-ring speed helped make his ''[[Pin (professional wrestling)#La magistral|La magistral]]'' cradle so effective, he was able to apply it to an opponent instantly.<ref name=PWI500>{{cite news|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated 500 – 2000 :75. Villano III|work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]|publisher=Sports and Entertainment publications LLC|location=Blue Bell, [[Pennsylvania]], [[United States]]|id=October 2000|page=39|date=August 2000}}</ref> Over the years he often used a [[DDT (professional wrestling)|DDT]] (where he would drive the opponent's head into the mat) and then swiftly transition into locking his "'' Media Cerrajera''" submission hold (a [[Professional wrestling holds#Standing figure-four leglock|Standing figure-four leglock]], [[Professional wrestling holds#Chickenwing|Chickenwing]] submission) to win matches.<ref name=PWI64/> In a May 2008 article on Villano III, he claimed to have won approximately 140 masks.<ref name=Opinion>{{cite web | url=https://laopinion.com/2018/08/21/murio-el-luchador-mexicano-de-la-dinastia-mendoza-villano-iii/ | title=Murió el luchador mexicano de la Dinastía Mendoza 'Villano III' | date=August 21, 2018 | access-date=January 1, 2019 | work=La Opinion }}</ref> and 100 hair in his career, with the article itself outlining details for 77 ''Luchas de Apuestas'' matches.<ref name=V3Apuestas/> ''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter|The Wrestling Observer]]'' stated that he had 58 successful ''Apuestas'' matches prior to his mask loss.<ref name=F4W/>

Arturo, as well as all other Díaz family members who have used the "Villano" name, have all worn the same distinctive mask. Originally on a black base with a red "X" across the face and golden outlines around the eye holes, similar to "bandit mask" worn by criminals in cartoons.<ref name=FigurasVillanoIII/> Over the years, ''Los Villanos'' have changed their color schemes, such as red, blue, purple and most noticeably pink versions of the mask and tights. The pink color scheme earned Villano III the nickname "Pantera Rosa", or "Pink Panther" with the fans, leading to Villano III often using "[[The Pink Panther Theme]]" by [[Henry Mancini]] as his entrance music.<ref name=PWI64/>

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Lucha Libre AAA World Wide|AAA / Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide]]'''
**[[AAA Americas Trios Championship]] ([[AAA Americas Trios Championship#Title history|2 time]]) – with [[Villano IV]] and [[Villano V]]<ref name=AAAAmericas>{{cite book|author=Royal Duncan and Gary Will|chapter=Mexico: AAA American Trios Titles|pages=399|title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications|year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
**[[Mexican National Atómicos Championship]] ([[Mexican National Atómicos Championship#Title History|1 time]]) – with Villano IV, Villano V and [[Pierroth Jr.]]<ref name=MexAtomicos>{{cite book|author=Royal Duncan and Gary Will|title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications|year=2000|chapter=Mexico: National Atómicos Title|page=402|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
**[[AAA Hall of Fame]] (Class of 2018)<ref name=AAAHOF2018>{{cite web | url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/lucha-libre/2018/08/25/villano-iii-el-apache-y-dr-alfonso-morales-exaltados-al-salon-de-la-fama-aaa | title= Villano III, El Apache y Dr. Alfonso Morales, exaltados al Salón de la Fama AAA| first=Apolo | last=Valdés | date=August 26, 2018 | access-date=August 26, 2018 | work=MedioTiempo | publisher=[[MSN]] | language=es | trans-title= Villano III, El Apache and Dr. Alfonso Morales, inducted in the AAA Hall of Fame}}</ref>
*'''[[International Wrestling Revolution Group|Arena Naucalpan]]'''
**Arena Naucalpan Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=ReyVillano/>
**Arena Naucalpan Middleweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=ReyVillano/>
*'''[[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]]'''
**[[CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship]] ([[CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship#Title History|1 time]])<ref name=CMLLLHeavy>{{cite book|author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will|title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=Mexico: CMLL EMLL Light Heavyweight Title|page=395|year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
**[[Mexican National Trios Championship]] ([[Mexican National Trios Championship#Title History|1 time]]) – with [[Dos Caras]] and Villano IV<ref name=MexTrios>{{cite book|author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will|title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=Mexico: National Trios Title|page=393|year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
*'''[[International Wrestling Revolution Group]]'''
**[[IWRG Intercontinental Trios Championship]] ([[IWRG Intercontinental Trios Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with Villano IV and Villano V<ref name=IWRGTrios>{{cite news|title=2000 Especial!|work=Box y Lucha Magazine|pages=2–20|id=issue 2488|date=January 9, 2001|language=es | trans-title= 2000 Special }}</ref>
**La Copa Black Shadow – with Gallo Tapado Jr.<ref name=CopaBlackShadow>{{cite web | url=https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=turniere&turnier=233 | date=July 30, 2005 | title=La Copa Black Shadow | access-date=January 1, 2019 | work=WrestlingData}}</ref>
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**PWI ranked him #'''64''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the PWI 500 in 2001<ref name=PWI64>{{cite news|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated 500 – 2001: 64 Villano III |work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]|publisher=Sports and Entertainment publications LLC|location=Blue Bell, [[Pennsylvania]], [[United States]]|id=October 2000|page=21|date=September 27, 2001}}</ref>
**PWI ranked him #'''215''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the PWI Years in 2003
*'''[[Universal Wrestling Association]]'''
**[[UWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[UWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=UWAJunior>{{cite book|author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will|title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=Mexico: Universal Wrestling Federation Light Heavyweight Title|page=397|year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
**[[UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship]] ([[UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=UWAJrLight>{{cite book|author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will|title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications |chapter=Mexico: Universal Wrestling Federation Junior Light Heavyweight Title|page=397|year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
**[[UWA World Light Heavyweight Championship]] ([[UWA World Light Heavyweight Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref name=UWALHeavy>{{cite book|author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will|title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=Mexico: UWA Lightweight Title|page=400|year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
**[[UWA World Welterweight Championship]] ([[UWA World Welterweight Championship#Title History|1 time]])<ref name=UWAWelter>{{cite book|author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will|title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=Mexico: Universal Wrestling Federation Welterweight Heavyweight Title|page=397|year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
**[[WWF Light Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WWF Light Heavyweight Championship#Title History|7 times]])<ref name=WWFLHeavy>{{cite book|author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will|title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications|year=2006|edition=4th|chapter=Mexico: UWA WWF World Light Heavyweight Title|page=399|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>{{efn|Villano III won the championship seven times, but none of the reigns are officially recognized by the [[World Wrestling Entertainment]]. No reign prior to December 1997 is officially recognized by the WWE.}}
*'''[[World Wrestling Council]]'''
**[[WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship#Title history|2 time]])<ref name=WWCPuertoRico>{{cite book|author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will|title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications|year=2006|edition=4th|chapter=WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Title|pages=328–329|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
*'''[[World Wrestling Association]]'''
**[[WWA Trios Championship (Mexico)|WWA World Trios Championship]] ([[WWA Trios Championship (Mexico)#Title history|1 time]]) – with Villano IV and Villano V<ref name=WWATrios>{{cite book|author=Royal Duncan and Gary Will|title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=Mexico: WWA Trios Title|page=401|year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
*'''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Match of the Year|Match of the Year]] (2000) {{small|vs. [[Atlantis (wrestler)|Atlantis]] in [[Mexico City]] on March 17}}<ref name=F4W/>
**[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Worked Match of the Year|Worst Match of the Year]] (2015) with Villano IV and Villano V vs. [[Monster Clown]], [[Murder Clown]] and [[Psycho Clown]] on August 9<ref name=Worst2015>{{cite journal| last = Meltzer | first = Dave | author-link = Dave Meltzer | date = January 25, 2016 | title = January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue | journal = [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] | location = [[Campbell, California]] | issn = 1083-9593 | page=42}}</ref>
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame]] (Class of 2019)<ref name=WONHOF2019>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/december-16-2019-observer-newsletter-10-hall-fame-inductees-more-299411 | title=December 16, 2019 Observer Newsletter: 10 Hall of Fame inductees, more | first=Dave | last=Meltzer | author-link=Dave Meltzer | work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter | date=December 12, 2019 | access-date=December 13, 2019}}</ref>
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame]] (Class of 2022) – As a member of Los Villanos with Villano I, Villano II, Villano IV, and Villano V)

==''Luchas de Apuestas'' record==
{{See also|Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|l1=Luchas de Apuestas}}
{|class="wikitable sortable" width=100% style="text-align: center"
!width=20% scope="col"|Winner (wager)
!width=20% scope="col"|Loser (wager)
!width=20% scope="col"|Location
!width=20% scope="col"|Event
!width=15% scope="col"|Date
!class="unsortable" width=5% scope="col"|Notes
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Oso Polar (mask) || Unknown || Live event || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas>{{Cite news|title=Luchas 2000|work=Villano III y sus Victimas|publisher=Publicaciones citem, S.A. de C.V.|location=[[Ciudad Juárez|Juárez]], Mexico|id=Especial 30|pages=24–27|language=es | trans-title= Villano III and his vicims}}</ref>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Mr. Niebla{{efn|This was the original Mr. Niebla, not related to the current [[Mr. Niebla]]}} (mask) || Unknown || Live event || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Oso Polar II (mask) || Unknown || Live event || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || César Valentino (hair) || Unknown || Live event || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Indio Vitela (hair) || Unknown || Live event || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Rubén Rubio (hair) || Unknown || Live event || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Toro Zúñiga (hair) || Unknown || Live event || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || El Cuervo (mask) || Unknown || Live event || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || El Cuervo (hair) || Unknown || Live event || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || El Mariscal (hair) || Unknown || Live event || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Roy Meneses (hair) || Unknown || Live event || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || [[Coloso Colosetti]] (hair) || Live event || Unknown || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Centella Nolasco (hair) || Unknown || Live event || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Carlos García (hair) || Unknown || Live event || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Orfeo Negro (mask) || Unknown || Live event || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || El Fantasma de Hidalgo (mask) || Live event || Unknown || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || La Momia del Convento (mask) || Live event || Unknown || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Mr. Dollar (mask) || Unknown || Live event || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || El Médico I (mask) || Unknown || Live event || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Bestia Roja (mask) || Unknown || Live event || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || The Tempest (mask) || Unknown || Live event || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) and ''Unknown'' (hair) || Los Hippies (hair) {{small|(Renato Torres and El Vikingo)}} || Unknown || Live event || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III and Búfalo Salvaje II (masks) || Los Ángeles Infernales (masks) || Unknown || Live event || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) and ''Unknown'' (mask) || Las Momias de Guanajuato (mask) || Unknown || Live event || Unknown || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Rudy Espinosa (hair) || Ahuizotla, Mexico State || Live event || {{dts|1973|04|22}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || La Cobra (mask) || Naucalpan, Mexico State || Live event || {{dts|1974|02|17}} || <ref name=Opinion/><ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || El Jabalí (hair) || Tampico, Tamaulipas || Live event || {{dts|1974|05|06}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || [[Kung Fu (wrestler)|Ray Acosta]] (hair) || Naucalpan, Mexico State || Live event || {{dts|1974|08|04}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III and El Matemático (mask) || Los Hermanos Corzo I and II (mask) || Monterrey, Nuevo León || Live event || {{dts|1974|09|27}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III and El Matemático (mask) || Los Hermanos Corzo I and II (hair) || Monterrey, Nuevo León || Live event || October 1974 || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Rudy Valentino (hair) || Tamaulipas || Live event || {{dts|1974|12|12}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Zebra Kid (mask) || Naucalpan, Mexico State || Live event || 1975 || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || El Infernal II (mask) || Unknown || Live event || {{dts|1975|02|04}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Orqídea Negra (mask) || Unknown || Live event || {{dts|1975|02|25}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || La Sombra (mask) || Unknown || Live event || {{dts|1975|04|06}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || El Desalmado (mask) || Unknown || Live event || {{dts|1975|07|13}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Lobo Rubio (hair) || Mexico City, Mexico || Live event || {{dts|1975|07|26}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Máscara Negra (mask) || Monterrey, Nuevo León || Live event || {{dts|1975|08|10}} || <ref name=Opinion/><ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Estrella del Sur (mask) || Unknown || Live event || {{dts|1975|11|23}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Memo Ventura (hair) || Naucalpan, Mexico State || Live event || {{dts|1975|12|14}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Babe Face (hair) || Naucalpan, Mexico State || Live event || {{dts|1976|06|16}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) and Bobby Lee (mask) || Los Escorpiones I and II (mask) || Mexico City, Mexico || Live event || {{dts|1978|08|13}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || [[Alberto Muñoz]] (hair) || Veracruz, Veracruz || Live event || {{dts|1979|04|28}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Máquina Salvaje (hair) || Nezahualcoyotl, Mexico State || Live event || {{dts|1979|12|07}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || [[El Signo]] (hair) || Naucalpan, Mexico State || Live event || {{dts|1982|08|01}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || [[El Texano]] (hair) || Mexico City, Mexico || Live event || {{dts|1982|08|15}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III and ''Unknown'' (mask) || [[Kung Fu (wrestler)|El Estudiante I]] and El Estudiante II (mask) || Mexico City, Mexico || Live event || {{dts|1983|01|20}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || El Fantasma del Himalaya (mask) || Unknown || Live event || {{dts|1983|07|22}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || [[Perro Aguayo]] (hair) || Naucalpan, Mexico State || Live event || {{dts|1983|08|21}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/><ref name=Peru21>{{cite web | url=https://peru21.pe/deportes/fallecio-villano-iii-leyenda-lucha-libre-422562 | title=Fallecio Villano III leyenda de Lucha Libre | language=es | access-date=January 1, 2019 | date=August 21, 2018 | work=Peru21}}</ref>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Flama Roja (mask) || Juárez, Chihuahua || Live event || May 1987 || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Rambo (mask) || Naucalpan, Mexico State || Live event || {{dts|1987|09|25}} || <ref name=Opinion/><ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) and [[Perro Aguayo]] (hair) || Black Power I and Black Power II (mask) || Naucalpan, Mexico State || Live event || {{dts|1988|05|05}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Lockard (mask) || Nezahualcoyotl, Mexico State || Live event || {{dts|1988|10|21}} || <ref name=Opinion/><ref>{{cite news|title=Enciclopedia de las Mascaras|work=Lockard|location=Mexico|id=Tomo III|page=18|date=October 2007|language=es | trans-title= Encylpedia of Masks}}</ref>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || [[Chris Benoit|Pegasus Kid]] (mask) || Naucalpan, Mexico State || Live event || {{dts|1991|11|03}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://superluchas.com/villano-iii-vs-pegasus-kid-mascara-vs-mascara/ | title= Villano III vs Pegasus Kid; Máscara vs. Máscara | trans-title= Villano III vs Pegasus Kid; mask vs. mask| first=Sergio | last=Ssio | language=es | date=November 3, 2008 | access-date=December 15, 2018 | work=[[Súper Luchas]]}}</ref>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Rambo (hair) || Mexico City, Mexico || Live event || {{dts|1993|09|24}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || [[El Signo]] (hair) || Puebla, Puebla || Live event || {{dts|1994|07|25}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (mask) || El Mastodonte (mask) || Naucalpan, Mexico State || Live event || {{dts|1997|02|09}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>{{efn|This was a [[steel Cage match]]}}
|-
|Villano III (mask) || Super Astro (mask) || Tijuana, Baja California || Live event || {{dts|1999|12|25}} || {{efn|Atlantis and Super Astro lost a ''[[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Parejas Suicidas|Relevos Suicidas]]'' match against [[Lizmark]] and [[Fishman (wrestler)|Fishman]] and were forced to wrestle each other.}}<ref name="Enciclopedia staff 57"/>
|-
|[[Atlantis (wrestler)|Atlantis]] (mask) || Villano III (mask) || Mexico City, Mexico || 2000 [[Juicio Final (2000)|Juicio Final]] || {{dts|2000|03|17}} || <ref name=DiaMarch16>{{cite web | url=https://superluchas.com/2015/03/17/en-un-dia-como-hoy-2000-atlantis-vence-a-villano-iii-en-duelo-de-mascaras-ultimo-guerrero-estrella-del-futuro/ | title=En un día como hoy… 2000: Atlantis vence a Villano III en duelo de máscaras… Último Guerrero, estrella del futuro | first=Teddy | last=Centinela | date=March 17, 2015 | access-date=July 1, 2015 | work=[[Súper Luchas]] Magazine | language=es | trans-title= On a day like today… 2000: Atlantis defeated Villano III in a mask duel… Último Guerrero, future star}}</ref>
|-
|Villano III (hair) || [[Máscara Año 2000]] || Mexico City, Mexico || Live event || {{dts|2000|8|4}} || {{efn|This was a steel cage match that also included [[Perro Aguayo]] and [[Pierroth Jr.]]}}<ref name=V3Apuestas/><ref name=Peru21/>
|-
|Villano III (hair) || Rambo (hair) || Naucalpan, Mexico State || Live event || {{dts|2001|06|21}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (hair) || [[El Signo]] (hair) || Mexico City, Mexico || Live event || {{dts|2001|07|29}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (hair) || [[Super Brazo]] (hair) || Cuernavaca, Morelos || Live event || {{dts|2002|02|28}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (hair) || [[Brazo de Oro (wrestler)|Brazo de Oro]] (hair) || Naucalpan, Mexico State || Live event || {{dts|2002|08|08}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/><ref name=Peru21/>
|-
|Villano III (hair) || [[Brazo de Plata]] (hair) || Nezahualcoyotl, Mexico State || Live event || {{dts|2002|09|16}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/><ref name=Peru21/>
|-
|Villano III (hair) || Kraken (hair) || Mexico City, Mexico || Live event || {{dts|2003|03|15}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (hair) || [[Pirata Morgan]] (hair) || Reynosa, Tamaulipas || Live event || {{dts|2003|10|28}} || {{efn|This was a steel cage match.}}<ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (hair) || El Cobarde II (hair) || Juárez, Chihuahua || Live event || {{dts|2004|03|21}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (hair) || [[Brazo de Oro (wrestler)|Brazo de Oro]] (hair) || Unknown || Live event || {{dts|2004|07|11}} || {{efn|Villano III and Brazo de Oro lost a ''[[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Parejas Suicidas|Relevos Suicidas]]'' match against [[Shocker (wrestler)|Shocker]] and [[Perro Aguayo Jr.]] the previous week.}}<ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (hair) || [[El Signo]] (hair) || Querétaro, Querétaro || Live event || {{dts|2004|08|13}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (hair) || [[Veneno (wrestler)|Veneno]] (hair) || Naucalpan, Mexico State || Live event || {{dts|2004|10|17}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (hair) || [[El Signo]] (hair) || Naucalpan, Mexico State] || Live event || {{dts|2005|01|16}} || {{efn|Part of a ''Los Villanos'' vs. ''[[Los Misioneros de la Muerte]]'' match, the man pinned lost his hair.<ref name=V3Apuestas/>}}
|-
|Villano III (hair) || [[Super Brazo]] (hair) || Tampico, Tamaulipas || Live event || {{dts|2005|02|14}} || {{efn|This was a four-way match that also included [[Villano IV]] and Brazo de Platino}}<ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (hair) || Rambo (hair) || Acapulco, Guerrero || Live event || {{dts|2005|06|11}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (hair) || [[Scorpio Jr.]] (hair) || Xalapa || Live event || {{dts|2005|12|01}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (hair) || [[Brazo de Oro (wrestler)|Brazo de Oro]] (hair) || Querétaro || Live event || {{dts|2006|01|03}} || <ref name=V3Apuestas/><ref name=Peru21/>
|-
|Villano III (hair) || [[Brazo de Platino]] (hair) || Cuautitlan || Live event || {{dts|2006|05|16}} || {{efn|Part of a ''Los Villanos'' (III/IV/V) vs. ''Los Brazos'' (Oro/Plata/Platino) Cage Match where the last man in the ring had his hair shaved off.}}<ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (hair) || El Cobarde II (hair) || Pico Rivera, California || Live event || {{dts|2007|03|10}} || {{efn|This was a three-way match that also included [[El Satánico]].}}<ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|[[L.A. Park]] (mask) || Villano III (hair) || Mexico City, Mexico || Live event || {{dts|2007|05|05}} || {{efn|This was a ''Cage of Death'' match that also included [[Blue Demon Jr.]], Villano IV, Villano V, [[Silver King (wrestler)|Silver King]], Satánico and [[Hijo del Solitario]].}}<ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Draw || Villano III (mask)/[[Mano Negra (wrestler)|Mano Negra]] (mask) || Mexico City, Mexico || Live event || {{dts|2007|11|25}} || {{efn|Exhibition match with wrestlers putting on masks they had lost in the past – and then going to a draw, with both "losing" their masks again.}}<ref name=V3Apuestas/>
|-
|Villano III (hair) || [[Scorpio Jr.]] (hair) || Nezahualcoyotl, Mexico State || Live event || {{dts|2009|02|26}} || {{efn|The two met in the finals of a "Losers advance" ''Ruleta de la Muerte'' tournament.}}
|}

==Footnotes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{commonscatinline}}

{{Navboxes
|list1=
{{AAA Hall of Fame}}
{{CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship}}
{{Homenaje a Dos Leyendas}}
{{IWRG Intercontinental Trios Championship}}
{{Mexican National Trios Championship}}
{{Villanos}}
{{UWA World Welterweight Championship}}
{{UWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{UWA World Light Heavyweight Championship}}
{{WWC Puerto Rico Championship}}
{{WWF Light Heavyweight Championship}}
}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Mexico}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Villano 3}}
[[Category:1952 births]]
[[Category:2018 deaths]]
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[[Category:WWF Light Heavyweight Champions]]

El Solitario

2025-05-17T10:15:50Z

89.136.44.148:

{{Short description|Mexican professional wrestler (1946 – 1986)}}
{{About|the Mexican wrestler|the Spanish anarchist|Jaime Giménez Arbe}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = El Solitario
|image = El Solitario with the UWA World Cruiserweight Champion.jpg
|image_size = 200px
|alt =
|caption =El Solitario in 1983 with his trademark golden mask
|birthname = Roberto González Cruz
|names = El Hijo del Santo El Zica II Othon Banzica II
|height =
|weight =
|birth_date = {{Birth date|1946|5|22}}
|birth_place = [[Yahualica, Jalisco]], [[Mexico]]
|death_date = {{death date and age|1986|4|6|1946|5|22}}
|death_place =
|death_cause = [[Cardiac arrest]]
|resides =
|billed =
|trainer = [[Joe El Hermoso]]
|debut = 1960
|retired =
}}
[[File:El_Solitario_-_WRESTLING_NEWS_15_June_1972_VOL_1_NO_1_(cropped).jpg|thumb|El Solitario in 1972]]
'''Roberto González Cruz''' (May 22, 1946 – April 6, 1986) was a [[Mexican people|Mexican]] [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] who wrestled under the name '''El Solitario'''.<ref>Molinaro, John F.: ''Top 100 Pro Wrestlers of All Time'', page 158, Winding Stair Press, 2002.</ref> During his career he held both the [[NWA World Light Heavyweight Championship]] and the [[NWA World Middleweight Championship]]. After achieving stardom in Mexico's oldest promotion, [[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre|Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre]], Gonzalez Cruz joined the breakaway promotion, the [[Universal Wrestling Association]], where he held four more world championships in the early 1980s.

==Early life==
Roberto Gonzalez Cruz came from a working-class family, and was the youngest of seven children. At the age of twelve, his older brother Jesús, who was also a professional wrestler, began teaching him basic wrestling moves.

In 1959, Gonzalez Cruz's brother was killed in the ring while wrestling as Othon Banzica, but rather than becoming deterred, Gonzalez Cruz drew inspiration from his death and dedicated himself to lucha libre. He began training under the tutelage of [[Joe el Hermoso]] and made his wrestling debut in 1960 at the age of fourteen.

==Professional wrestling career==
Roberto Gonzalez Cruz was initially billed as El Zica II, in honor of his brother, El Zica I. He later changed his name to El Hijo Del Santo, not to be confused with the legitimate son of [[El Santo]] that later assumed the mask.

Roberto Gonzalez Cruz moved to Tijuana to pursue his career as a luchador but had a difficult time finding regular work as he was young and still small at the time. He continued working local arenas until he began making a name for himself as he grew physically and refined his wrestling skills. Cruz realized that in order to take his career to the next level, he would have to select a more crowd pleasing name and character. He chose the name ''El Solitario'', derived from the popular comic book character ''El Llanero Solitario'' ("[[The Lone Ranger]]"'). He also adopted his now trademark gold and black colored costume and golden mask with a fringe around the eyes representing the Lone Ranger's mask. After the change, promoters and fans took notice of the new dynamic wrestler.

On November 16, 1965, El Solitario faced Panchito Ramirez in Arena Coliseo located in Guadalajara. He would make his debut in [[Arena Coliseo]] Mexico City on September 6, 1966, when he defeated Tony Reyna. In 1966, El Solitario defeated and unmasked Águila Tapatía, that was followed by a win over Mano Blanca. He won his first world title when he defeated Occident Welterweight champion Luís González.

El Solitario was now working for [[EMLL]], Mexico's largest promotion company. He was catapulted into stardom within the lucha libre world when he defeated veteran [[Rey Mendoza]] in a mask vs hair match on December 13, 1968. A few weeks later, he defeated another legend, [[Rene Guajardo]], and also took his hair in another wager match.

El Solitario formed a wrestling trio alongside [[Dr. Wagner]] and [[Angel Blanco]]; the group was known as "La Ola Blanca" (''The White Wave''). He was wrestling as a rudo at this time but when his partners Dr. Wagner and Angel Blanco turned on him, he became one of the most popular tecnicos of his era. It also started a legendary rivalry between himself, Wagner and Blanco. He continued wrestling as an individual during this time, and in 1969, won the NWA Middleweight world title by defeating [[El Rayo de Jalisco]]. In 1970, El Solitario won the NWA Light Heavyweight title by defeating Ray Mendoza. In 1972, he unmasked his rival, Angel Blanco, in the ring.

El Solitario was one of the first stars to leave EMLL to join the Universal Wrestling Association (UWA) promotion, which was run by [[Francisco Flores (wrestling promoter)|Francisco Flores]] and Ray Mendoza. He won the UWA's first Junior Heavyweight title in 1982. He also toured Japan in 1972, 1979, and 1981, where he would face and team up with premiere stars such as [[Tiger Mask]] and [[Tatsumi Fujinami]], along with other Mexican wrestlers such as [[Chavo Guerrero]] and [[El Canek]]. He was unable to fully exhibit his wrestling skills during his tours, as the junior's division formula in Japan consisted of popular Japanese wrestlers facing off against foreign heels. However, he gained a following outside of Mexico as a result of those tours.

While in Mexico, he remained one of the most popular headlining stars throughout the country. In the early 1980s, he formed a short lived trios team with [[Aníbal (wrestler)|Aníbal]] and [[Villano III]], the group was known as ''Los Tres Caballeros'' that ended when Aníbal turned on El Solitario.<ref name=DiaJune29>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.com/en-un-dia-como-hoy-1980-rene-guajardo-rapa-al-perro-aguayo-2009-la-parkita-y-espectrito-ii-son-asesinados/ | title=En un día como hoy… 1980: René Guajardo rapa al Perro Aguayo… 2009: La Parkita y Espectrito II son asesinados | first=Teddy | last=Centinella | date=June 29, 2015 | access-date=June 29, 2015 | work=[[Súper Luchas]] | language=es}}</ref> He won the UWA Junior Light Heavyweight title in 1980 and 1981. In 1982, he won the NWA Light Heavyweight title. That same year, he participated in [[El Santo]]'s final career match when he teamed up with legends El Santo, [[Gory Guerrero]], and [[Huracan Ramirez]] to defeat [[El Signo]], [[Negro Navarro]], [[El Texano]], and [[Perro Aguayo]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lethalwrestling.com/opinions/news_content.php?fileName=756 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040905113720/http://www.lethalwrestling.com/opinions/news_content.php?fileName=756 |archive-date=2004-09-05 |title=Lucha Legends: El Santo}}</ref> Perhaps his biggest match took place on December 1, 1985, when he defeated and unmasked Dr. Wagner in a mask vs mask match.

==Death==
[[File:El Hijo del Solitario.jpg|thumb|right|upright|El Hijo del Solitario]]
El Solitario had suffered injuries during the latter part of his career, resulting in several infections and illnesses. During a match with [[Fishman (wrestler)|Fishman]], he re-injured himself and was taken to the hospital while complaining of abdominal pain. His doctors initially misdiagnosed his condition, and it was later discovered that he was suffering from internal bleeding that required immediate surgery. On April 6, 1986, at the age of 39, El Solitario died while on the operating table as a result of a [[cardiac arrest]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.elsolitario.com.mx/Historia.htm |title=Historia |access-date=2008-12-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207040612/http://www.elsolitario.com.mx/Historia.htm |archive-date=2008-12-07 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Although El Solitario's life was fairly short, his professional career spanned over twenty-five years and he is regarded as one of the greatest Mexican professional wrestlers of all time.<ref>{{cite book|author=Madigan, Dan|title=Mondo Lucha A Go-Go: the bizarre& honorable world of wild Mexican wrestling|publisher=HarperCollins Publishers|year=2007|chapter=Los Enmascarados (the masked men): El Solitario|pages=106–110|isbn=978-0-06-085583-3}}</ref> He was inducted into the [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame]] in 1996.

His son, [[El Hijo del Solitario]], made his wrestling debut in 1990.

In 2002, El Solitario was ranked at 63 of the greatest professional wrestler of all time in the book ''The Top 100 Wrestlers of All Time'' by John Molinaro, edited by [[Dave Meltzer]] and [[Jeff Marek]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Molinaro|first=John|year=2003|title=The Top 100 Wrestlers of All Time|publisher=Winding Stair Press |isbn=1-55366-305-5}}</ref>

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre|Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre]]'''
**[[NWA World Light Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA World Light Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/e/el-solitario.html|title=El Solitaro|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
**[[NWA World Middleweight Championship]] ([[NWA World Middleweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="OWOW"/>
*'''[[Universal Wrestling Association]]'''
**[[UWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[UWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="OWOW"/>
**[[UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship]] ([[UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref name="OWOW"/>
**[[UWA World Light Heavyweight Championship]] ([[UWA World Light Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="OWOW"/>
*'''Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards'''
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame]] ([[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame#Inductees|Class of 1996]])

==''Lucha de Apuesta'' record==
{{see also|Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|l1=Luchas de Apuestas}}
{|class="wikitable sortable" width=100% style="text-align: center"
!width=20% scope="col"|Winner (wager)
!width=20% scope="col"|Loser (wager)
!width=20% scope="col"|Location
!width=20% scope="col"|Event
!width=15% scope="col"|Date
!class="unsortable" width=5% scope="col"|Notes
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || [[Karloff Lagarde]] (hair) || N/A || Live event || N/A ||  
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || [[Coloso Colosetti]] (hair) || Mexico City || Live event || N/A ||  
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || César Valentino (hair) || Mexico City || Live event || N/A ||  
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || [[Alfonso Dantés]] (hair) || Mexico City || Live event || N/A ||  
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || Águila Tapatía (mask) || Guadalajara, Jalisco || Live event || 1966 ||  
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || The White Hand (mask) || Guadalajara, Jalisco || Live event || {{dts|1966|6|17}} ||  
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || Luis González (hair) || Mexico City || Live event || July 1966 ||  
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || [[Ray Mendoza]] (hair) || Mexico City || Live event || {{dts|1968|12|13}} ||  
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || [[René Guajardo]] (hair) || Mexico City || Live event || {{dts|1968|12|25}} ||  
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || David Morgan (hair) || Mexico City || Live event || {{dts|1972|4|7}} ||  
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || [[Ángel Blanco]] (mask) || Mexico City || Live event || {{dts|1972|12|8}} ||<ref name="Blanco">{{cite news|title=Enciclopedia de las Mascaras|work=Ángel Blanco|location=[[Mexico]]|id=Tomo I|page=14|date=July 2007|language=es}}</ref>
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || [[Ángel Blanco]] (hair) || Guadalajara, Jalisco || Live event || {{dts|1974|2|3}} ||<ref name="Blanco"/>
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || El Cardenal (mask) || Monterrey, Nuevo León || Live event || {{dts|1975|3|2}} ||  
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || Atila (mask) || Mexico City || Live event || {{dts|1975|11|19}} ||  
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || Destroyer (mask) || Juárez, Chihuahua || Live event || {{dts|1975|12|5}} ||  
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || El Audaz (mask) || Mexico City || Live event || {{dts|1976|4|12}} || <ref group=Note>Lost a ''Relevos Suicidas'' match vs. [[Aníbal]] and [[Rayo de Jalisco]]</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Enciclopedia de las Mascaras|work=Audaz|location=[[Mexico]]|id=Tomo I|page=26|date=July 2007|language=es}}</ref>
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || Ku Klux Klan (mask) || Mexico City || Live event || {{dts|1977|2|9}} ||  
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || [[Perro Aguayo]] (hair) || Mexico City || Live event || {{dts|1978|9|10}} ||<ref name=PerroApuesta>{{cite news|title=Luchas 2000|work=Perro Aguayo y sus Victimas|publisher=Publicaciones citem, S.A. de C.V.|location=[[Ciudad Juárez|Juárez]], [[Mexico]]|id=Especial 30|pages=12–15|language=es}}</ref>
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || Máscara Roja (mask) || N/A || Live event || {{dts|1978|9|24}} ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Enciclopedia de las Mascaras|work=Máscara Roja|location=[[Mexico]]|id=Tomo III|page=26|date=October 2007|language=es}}</ref>
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || Bestia Roja (mask) || N/A || Live event || {{dts|1979|11|25}} ||  
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || Nakamura (mask) || Tijuana, Baja California || Live event || {{dts|1981|3|25}} ||  
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || [[El Faraón]] (hair) || Guadalajara, Jalisco || Live event || {{dts|1981|4|6}} ||  
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || El Olímpico || Mexico City || Live event || {{dts|1982|6|20}} ||<ref>{{cite news|title=Enciclopedia de las Mascaras|work=Olímpico (Segunda version)|location=[[Mexico]]|id=Tomo III|page=45|date=October 2007|language=es}}</ref>
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || [[El Signo]] (hair) || Tijuana, Baja California || Live event || {{dts|1983|6|12}} ||  
|-
|El Solitario (mask) || [[Dr. Wagner]] (mask) || Monterrey, Nuevo León || Live event || {{dts|1985|12|1}} ||  
|}

==See also==
* [[List of premature professional wrestling deaths]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=Note}}

==References==
{{Commons category}}
{{Refbegin}}
;General sources – Championship Information
*{{cite book|author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will|title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=Mexico|pages=389–402|year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}
;General sources – Career
*{{cite book|author=Madigan, Dan|title=Mondo Lucha A Go-Go: the bizarre& honorable world of wild Mexican wrestling|publisher=HarperCollins Publishers|year=2007|chapter=Los Enmascarados (the masked men): El Solitario|pages=106–110|isbn=978-0-06-085583-3}}
*{{cite book|title=Lucha Libre: Masked Superstars of Mexican Wrestling|publisher=Distributed Art Publishers, Inc.|year=2005|chapter=El Solitario|pages=28–36|isbn=968-6842-48-9}}
*{{cite book|title=Lucha Libre: Masked Superstars of Mexican Wrestling|publisher=Distributed Art Publishers, Inc.|year=2005|chapter=Furia Azul contra Capucha Dorada / the Blue Fury versus the golden hood|pages=38–51|isbn=968-6842-48-9}}
*{{cite news|title=Lucha Libre: Conoce la historia de las leyendas de cuadrilátero|work=Solitario (1946–1986)|location=[[Mexico]]|id=Grandes Figuras de la Lucha Libre|page=57|year=2008|language=es}}
;Specific
{{Refend}}
{{Reflist}}

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{NWA World Light Heavyweight Championship}}
{{NWA World Middleweight Championship}}
{{UWA World Light Heavyweight Championship}}
{{UWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Mexico}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Solitario, El}}
[[Category:1946 births]]
[[Category:1986 deaths]]
[[Category:Mexican male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling deaths]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from Jalisco]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century Mexican professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:NWA World Light Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:NWA World Middleweight Champions]]
[[Category:UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:UWA World Junior Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:UWA World Light Heavyweight Champions]]

Manabu Murakami (wrestler)

2025-05-17T08:42:32Z

89.136.44.148: /* Michinoku Pro Wrestling (2004–present) */

{{Short description|Japanese professional wrestler}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Manabu Murakami
|image = 卍丸.jpg
|caption = Manjimaru in June 2014
|names = Maguro Ooma Manabu Murakami '''Manjimaru'''
|height = {{convert|1.74|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
|weight = {{convert|78|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1984|8|21|mf=y}}
|birth_place = [[Aomori Prefecture|Oma, Aomori]], [[Japan]]
|death_date =
|death_place =
|resides =
|billed =
|trainer = [[Último Dragón]] [[Jorge Rivera (wrestler)|Jorge "Skayde" Rivera]]
|debut = December 7, 2002
|retired =
}}
{{nihongo|'''Manabu Murakami'''|村上学|Murakami Manabu|born August 21, 1984}}<ref name=Puro>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/ooma.html|title=Profile at Puroresu Central|publisher=Puroresu Central|accessdate=2013-03-11}}</ref> is a Japanese [[professional wrestler]]. He currently wrestles in [[Michinoku Pro Wrestling]] as {{nihongo|'''Manjimaru'''|卍丸|Manjimaru}}.

==Professional wrestling career==
===Toryumon (2002–2004)===
After training in the [[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Último Dragón Gym]], Murakami started his career in Mexico under his real name. He introduced the [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] of a [[parodic]] [[mixed martial artist]], wearing a red [[fundoshi]] along with [[MMA gloves]] and performing sexual antics to disturb his opponents in the ring. Murakami and his class were moved to [[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon X]], where his bizarre gimmick brought him an unexpected amount of popularity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iheartdg.com/newsoct03.html|title=October 2003 News and Report Archive|accessdate=2013-03-11|work=iHeartDG}}</ref> After the Toryumon X closing, his unit was transferred to [[Michinoku Pro Wrestling]].

===Michinoku Pro Wrestling (2004–present)===
Upon debuting in Michinoku Pro, Murakami adopted the name of Maguro Ooma and the gimmick of a traditional Japanese [[tuna]] [[fisherman]]. He retained his custom of wearing a fundoshi, though also making his entrance with fishing tools. Maguro had feuds with Tsubo Genjin and Junji Tanaka before turning [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] in 2005 and joining the STONED faction founded by [[Fumiyuki Hashimoto|Kagetora]] and [[Gamma (wrestler)|Gamma]]. Maguro changed his gimmick to a [[Wokou|Japanese pirate]] inspired one, switching his loincloth for more traditional long pants, shirt and [[jika-tabi]]. He also started to employ a wild and violent wrestling style, using a spiked [[baseball bat]] and any other weapon he could get his hands on. On the May 3 show of M-Pro, Maguro, [[Brahman Brothers|Kei Sato and Shu Sato]] defeated Los Salseros Japoneses ([[Takeshi Minamino]], [[Kenichi Sakai|Pineapple Hanai]] & [[Takayasu Fukuda|Mango Fukuda]]) to win the [[UWA World Trios Championship]], which was vacated the same night.

After the fall of Hell Demons, Maguro became a founding member of the Kowloon stable, directed by [[Fujita Hayato]], and formed a tag team with [[Takeshi Minamino]], which was called Tonery Family. Minamino and Ooma won the ''Futaritabi Tag Team League 2009'' and beat [[Kesen Numajiro]] & [[Kinya Oyanagi]] to win the [[Tohoku Tag Team Championship]]. They retained the title during months, until they dropped it to Yapper Men ([[Tatsuhito Senga|Yapper Man #1]] and [[Tsutomu Oosugi|Yapper Man #2]]). After the dissension of Kowloon, Tonery Family and [[Kenichi Sakai|Ken45º]] turned [[Tweener (professional wrestling)|tweener]] and followed Hayato to his new stable, Bad Boy. However, in 2017 Tonery Family broke when Maguro was betrayed by Minamino, who left Bad Boy to form the Super Stars heel stable with [[Rui Hiugaji]].

===El Dorado Wrestling (2006–2008)===
When El Dorado Wrestling was opened, Maguro and his M-Pro colleagues competed for it, with Maguro being known there as Manjimaru. He had a brutal feud with [[Mototsugu Shimizu]] in which they destroyed much El Dorado equipment and were ordered to pay off their damages by general manager Noriaki Kawabata. Manjimaru and Mototusugu competed as a tag team in the ''Treasure Hunters Tag Tournament 2006'' in order to use the prize money to pay the fine, but they were eliminated by the eventual winners, [[Dick Togo]] & [[Shuji Kondo]]. Next week, the pair pleaded to Kondo to give them the money, but they were interrupted by [[Yasushi Tsujimoto|YASSHI]], who had come with a similar petition to clear his own debts. After an accidented main event, Kawabata partitioned the prize and gave both sides some of the money, and Manjimaru proposed using their part to produce the next El Dorado show and collect enough money to finally pay off the fine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iheartdg.com/jan07.html|title=January 2007 News and Report Archive|accessdate=2013-03-11|work=iHeartDG|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808141741/http://iheartdg.com/jan07.html|archivedate=2013-08-08}}</ref> During the show, both competed in a battle royal for the full control of the prize money, which was won by Shimizu with help from [[Onryo (wrestler)|Onryo]]. Manjimaru and Shimizu paid the fine, and Motosugu gave the rest to his partner, who needed it for shoulder surgery. Now reconciled, the team promised more damages in the future, and Manjimaru left El Dorado to undergo surgery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iheartdg.com/feb07.html|title=February 2007 News and Report Archive|accessdate=2013-03-11|work=iHeartDG|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808140208/http://iheartdg.com/feb07.html|archivedate=2013-08-08}}</ref> Murakami briefly returned to El Dorado as a Hell Demons member, but the promotion fell in 2008.

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Apache Pro-Wrestling Army]]'''
**[[WEW Tag Team Championship]] (1 time) – with [[Takeshi Minamino]]
*'''[[Michinoku Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
**[[Tohoku Tag Team Championship]] ([[Tohoku Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with Takeshi Minamino
**[[UWA World Trios Championship]] ([[UWA World Trios Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Brahman Brothers|Kei Sato & Shu Sato]]
**[[Michinoku Pro Wrestling#Championships and tournaments|Futaritabi Tag Team League (2009)]] – with Takeshi Minamino
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**PWI ranked him #'''360''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2016<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2016.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2016|accessdate=2016-09-01|work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{Tohoku Tag Team Championship}}
{{UWA World Trios Championship}}
{{WEW World Tag Team Championship}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Murakami, Manabu}}
[[Category:1984 births]]
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:UWA World Trios Champions]]
[[Category:Tohoku Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:WEW World Tag Team Champions]]

BxB Hulk

2025-05-05T20:47:27Z

89.136.44.148: /* Championships and accomplishments */

{{short description|Japanese professional wrestler}}
{{Unreliable sources|date=December 2016}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name=BxB Hulk
|names='''BxB Hulk''' Killer Hulk Black Hulk Terumasa Ishihara
|image=BxBHulk1.jpg
|caption=BxB Hulk in 2006
|birth_name=Terumasa Ishihara
|height={{convert|1.78|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
|weight={{convert|81|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
|real_height=
|real_weight=
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1980|07|15}}
|birth_place=[[Sapporo]], [[Hokkaido]], [[Japan]]
|billed=
|trainer=[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]] Dojo [[Eiji Ezaki|Hayabusa]] [[Magnum Tokyo]]
|debut=March 5, 2005
|retired=
|website=
}}
{{nihongo|'''Terumasa Ishihara'''|石原輝政|Ishihara Terumasa|born July 15, 1980}}, better known by his [[ring name]] '''BxB Hulk''' stylized as {{nihongo|'''B×B Hulk'''|B×Bハルク|Bī Bī Haruku}} ({{IPAc-en|b|b|h|ʌ|l|k}} {{respell|BEE-BEE|hulk}}), is a Japanese [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], currently working for [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]. He was also known for his longstanding rivalry with [[Shingo Takagi]].

==Professional wrestling career==
He was the second student from the Dragon Gate Dojo. He was brought into Dragon Gate by [[Magnum Tokyo]], with Tokyo's influence evident in many aspects of his character, most notably his trademark pre-match dance routine. Magnum Tokyo had him placed in the Pos.Hearts unit he created ("Pos." representing the limitless possibilities Hulk showed), with [[Anthony W. Mori]] and [[Super Shisa]] as the other members. The unit largely served as a launching pad to get his career off the ground. Pos.Hearts would have only one major success, winning the Open the Triangle Gate titles in December 2006 from [[Naruki Doi]], [[Masato Yoshino]] and [[Yoshito Sugamoto|Gamma]], but they lost the titles in their first defense the following month back to them, and when they lost to them again the month after that, they were forced to dissolve the unit.

He would join up with [[Nobuhiko Oshima|CIMA]]'s Typhoon stable, but a few months later, in the midst of Typhoon's feud with the faction Muscle Outlaw'z, he and MO'z member [[Takashi Yoshida|Cyber Kong]] both betrayed their stables to join together and form [[New Hazard]], along with [[Shingo Takagi]] and [[Masato Onodera|YAMATO]]. While in the group, he would hold the Triangle Gate titles twice, and most notably, he and Takagi would win the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] in January 2008.

In April, YAMATO betrayed New Hazard and defected to Muscle Outlaw'z. A month later, Takagi and Kong turned on BxB Hulk before they were to defend the Triangle Gate titles against YAMATO, [[Genki Horiguchi]] and Gamma, citing him as a weakling, effectively vacating the titles and ending New Hazard. Then, [[Naruki Doi]] and [[Masato Yoshino]] — who had recently split from MO'z — came to his aid, and although the trio failed to win the vacant titles from Takagi, YAMATO & Gamma of the newly formed Real Hazard, they formed a new unit with [[Naoki Tanizaki]] and [[m.c.KZ]] called WORLD-1.

On June 12, BxB Hulk unveiled a persona that he had hinted at doing several months ago called "Killer Hulk" (later renamed Black Hulk), wearing black pants and black make-up and using a violent fighting style. Under this persona, he dismantled Real Hazard's [[Yasushi Kanda]], blowing off what was left of their feud that they had going on for the last few months. He then got into a feud with Takagi. They fought in a match on June 29 to determine the #1 contender for CIMA's [[Open the Dream Gate Championship]], but the match ended in a one-hour draw. They were soon scheduled to do battle again on July 27, but this time it would be for the Open the Dream Gate Title itself, due to CIMA vacating it because of a neck injury. Hulk lost that match, but his performance impressed Takagi enough that he retracted his statement about Hulk being weak and shook hands with him. He then got into a feud with Gamma, and he as Black Hulk fought Gamma as Gamma Daiou on November 16, which he won by count-out after putting Gamma through a table outside the ring with his E.V.O. finisher.

[[File:PAC, Susumu and BxB Hulk.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Hulk (right) with his World-1 stable-mate [[Adrian Neville|PAC]] (left) in November 2009]]
In March 2009, YAMATO began provoking him, and even offered him membership into Real Hazard under his Black Hulk persona. He responded by randomly attacking members of Real Hazard under his Black Hulk persona until YAMATO and the rest of the group got the better of him on April 15. YAMATO then challenged him to a match, and he did not care whether he fought Hulk as Black Hulk or his normal self. Hulk fought YAMATO as Black Hulk and won by referee stoppage.

On June 7, he won the Triangle Gate titles with Masato Yoshino and [[Adrian Neville|PAC]], and they held them for three months before losing them to [[Masaaki Mochizuki]], [[Don Fujii]] & [[Akebono Tarō|Akebono]]. He challenged his stablemate Naruki Doi for the Open the Dream Gate Title on November 23, but was unsuccessful in capturing the title. However, five days later, he became the inaugural [[DGUSA Open the Freedom Gate Championship|Open the Freedom Gate Champion]] of [[Dragon Gate USA]] by winning a 14-man tournament at [[DGUSA Freedom Fight]]. On July 11, 2010, BxB Hulk lost a [[Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|Hair vs. Hair match]] against Shingo Takagi and was as a result shaved bald. On October 29, 2010, Hulk successfully retained his Open the Freedom Gate Championship by defeating Shingo in the main event of Dragon Gate USA's inaugural iPPV "Bushido: Code of the Warrior". On January 28, 2011, at the ''United: NYC'' pay-per-view, Hulk lost the Open the Freedom Gate Championship to YAMATO.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_47161.shtml|title=Eaton's DGUSA "United: New York" 1/28 - Hulk vs. YAMATO, round robin tag team tournament|date=2011-01-28|last=Eaton|first=Jimmy|access-date=2011-01-29|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On April 14, 2011, Hulk, PAC and [[Susumu Mochizuki|Susumu Yokosuka]] failed to win the Open the Triangle Gate Championship from Blood Warriors (CIMA, [[Dragon Kid]] and [[Ricochet (wrestler)|Ricochet]]) and as a result, WORLD-1 was forced to disband.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1302775264&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=4/14 Champion Gate - 14 Apr 2011|date=2011-04-14|access-date=2011-04-14|work=iHeartDG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110420142840/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1302775264&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-date=20 April 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:BxB Hulk March 2012.jpg|left|thumb|Ishihara in 2012]]
On April 24, former WORLD-1 members Hulk, PAC, Yokosuka and Yoshino agreed to form a new alliance with Masaaki Mochizuki to battle Blood Warriors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1303633947&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=4/24 Gate of Passion - 24 Apr 2011|date=2011-04-24|access-date=2011-04-25|work=iHeartDG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818084151/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1303633947&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-date=18 August 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> On May 21, Hulk first defeated CIMA in the semifinals and then CIMA's Blood Warriors stablemate Yasushi Kanda in the finals to win the [[King of Gate#2011|2011 King of Gate tournament]]. However, much to Hulk's surprise, Masaaki Mochizuki named Kanda the next challenger to his Open the Dream Gate Championship.<ref name=KingofGate2011>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1305971273&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=5/21 King of Gate Finals & Upcoming Lineups - 21 May 2011|date=2011-05-21|access-date=2011-05-21|work=iHeartDG}}</ref> On June 8, before Hulk was scheduled to team with Shingo Tagaki, Naoki Tanizaki came out dressed as Black Hulk. With Takagi distracted with Tanizaki, Hulk hit Takagi with a chair, turning heel and joining Blood Warriors.<ref name=GateofMaximumKickoff2011>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1307525978&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=6/8 Gate of Maximum Kickoff - 08 Jun 2011|date=2011-06-08|access-date=2011-06-08|work=iHeartDG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818084219/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1307525978&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-date=18 August 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> Hulk finally received his shot at the Open the Dream Gate Championship on July 17, but was defeated by Masaaki Mochizuki.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1310915275&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=7/17 Dragon Gate Pro Wrestling Festival in Kobe 2011 - 17 Jul 2011|date=2011-07-17|access-date=2011-07-17|work=iHeartDG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110171110/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1310915275&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-date=10 November 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> On August 7, Hulk and [[Akira Tozawa]] defeated Masaaki Mochizuki and YAMATO in the finals to win the [[Summer Adventure Tag League#2011|2011 Summer Adventure Tag League]].<ref name=SATL2011>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1312673748&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=8/7 Summer Adventure Tag Tournament - 06 Aug 2011|date=2011-08-07|access-date=2011-08-07|work=iHeartDG}}</ref> On December 1, Hulk and Tozawa defeated [[Fumiyuki Hashimoto|KAGETORA]] and Susumu Yokosuka to win the vacant [[Dragon Gate Open the Twin Gate Championship|Open the Twin Gate Championship]].<ref name=FantasticGate>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1322731787&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=12/1 Fantastic Gate - 01 Dec 2011|date=2011-12-01|access-date=2011-12-01|work=iHeartDG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424042536/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1322731787&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-date=24 April 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> On January 19, 2012, Hulk and Tozawa turned on CIMA, causing him to lose a ten-man "Loser Leaves Unit" tag team match; as a result, CIMA was kicked out of Blood Warriors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1326966215&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709052437/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1326966215&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-07-09|title=1/19 Primal Gate - 19 Jan 2012|date=2012-01-19|access-date=2012-01-19|work=iHeartDG}}</ref> On March 1, the new leader of Blood Warriors, Akira Tozawa, changed the stable's name to [[Mad Blankey]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1330594556&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=3/1 Truth Gate Finale - 01 Mar 2012|date=2012-03-01|access-date=2012-03-04|work=iHeartDG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331225753/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1330594556&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-date=31 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> On March 4, Hulk and Tozawa lost the Open the Twin Gate Championship to Jimmy Kagetora and Jimmy Susumu.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1330842276&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=3/4 Champion Gate in Osaka - 03 Mar 2012|date=2012-03-04|access-date=2012-03-04|work=iHeartDG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331225827/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1330842276&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-date=31 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Hulk regained the title from the Jimmyz on June 10, teaming with "[[Tomahawk T.T.|Naoki Tanisaki]]".<ref name=GateofMaximum>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1339306229&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103081329/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1339306229&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-01-03|title=6/10 Gate of Maximum - 09 Jun 2012|date=2012-06-10|access-date=2012-06-10|work=iHeartDG}}</ref> However, they lost the belts back to Jimmy Kagetora and Jimmy Susumu on June 17 in a 3-way elimination tag team match which also included MadoGiwa Windows members K-ness & Kenichiro Arai. On August 19, Hulk, Tozawa and Naoki Tanisaki defeated CIMA, Gamma and [[Magnitude Kishiwada]] to win the [[Summer Adventure Tag League#2012|2012 Summer Adventure Tag League]] and the vacant Open the Triangle Gate Championship.<ref name=SummerAdventure2012>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1345360456&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=8/19 Summer Adventure Tag League 2012 Finale - 19 Aug 2012|date=2012-08-19|access-date=2012-08-19|work=iHeartDG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623073919/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1345360456&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-date=23 June 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> They lost the title to Kaettekita Veteran-gun (Gamma, HUB and Magnitude Kishiwada) on October 21.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1350808336&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=10/21 The Gate of Destiny 2012 - 21 Oct 2012|date=2012-10-21|access-date=2012-10-23|work=iHeartDG|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103085303/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1350808336&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-date=3 January 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> On June 15, 2013, Hulk and Tozawa regained the Open the Twin Gate Championship from Shingo Takagi and Yamato, when Yamato turned on Takagi and joined Mad Blankey.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1371296901&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130624172351/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1371296901&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-06-24|title=6/15 Champion Gate in Hakata - 15 Jun 2013|date=2013-06-15|access-date=2013-06-16|work=iHeartDG}}</ref> Hulk and Tozawa went on to lose the title to Naruki Doi and Ricochet on July 21.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gaora.co.jp/dragongate/data/result/2013/0721.html|title=ドラゴンゲートKobe プロレスフェスティバル 2013 |access-date=2013-07-22 |work=[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]] | language=ja }}</ref> On May 5, 2014, after being the last to escape and win the Cage match at Dead or Alive 2014, Hulk quit Mad Blankey, thus turning face.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/263408/|script-title=ja:ハルク独立ＭＢでは孤立無援|date=2014-05-05|access-date=2014-05-05|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja }}</ref> After losing the rights to the Mad Blankey name and logo, he soon began a gradual return to his dancer gimmick, teaming up with Masaaki Mochizuki (who was competing as BxB Masa) on July 3, 2014, to unsuccessfully challenge the Mad Blankey team of YAMATO and Naruki Doi after Hulk was attacked by Dr. Muscle. On July 20, Hulk defeated YAMATO to win the Open the Dream Gate Championship for the first time.<ref name=DG072014TS>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/292259/|script-title=ja:ドリームゲート初戴冠のハルクドラゲーマットを“浄化”|date=2014-07-21|access-date=2014-07-21|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja|archive-date=2014-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811225044/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/292259/|url-status=dead}}</ref> After a reign of only 16 days, Hulk lost the title to Naruki Doi in a four-on-one handicap match on August 5, which also included Doi's Mad Blankey partners Cyber Kong, [[Kzy]] and Mondai Ryu.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://battle-news.com/fight/index.php?QBlog-20140806-1|title=【Dragon Gate】ハルクvs土井、サイバー、Kzy、問題龍のドリームゲート戦|date=2014-08-06|access-date=2014-08-06|work=Battle News|language=ja}}</ref> On August 17, Hulk defeated Doi, now recognized as a "provisional" champion, in a one-on-one match to resume his first title reign and make his first successful title defense. On September 9 BxB Hulk formed his new stable called Dia Hearts alongside Maasaki Mochizuki and Dragon Kid.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.cagematch.net/?id=29&nr=1556| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150925093015/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=29&nr=1556| archive-date = 2015-09-25| title = Dia.HEARTS « Stables Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database}} </ref> On October 5, Hulk made his 2nd successful title defense against Cyber Kong of Mad Blankey. On November 2, Hulk made his 3rd successful title defense against Monster express member and former tag team partner Akira Tozawa.<ref name="iheartdg.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.iheartdg.com/openthedreamgate.html |title=Open the Dream Gate Championship |access-date=2014-12-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228074626/http://www.iheartdg.com/openthedreamgate.html |archive-date=2014-12-28 }}</ref> On December 28, BxB Hulk successfully defended his belt for the 4th time against [[Shingo Takagi]].<ref name="iheartdg.com"/> Hulk separated his shoulder during the match but was not forced to vacate and made his surprise return January 11, 2015, defeating Punch Tominaga. On June 14, Hulk lost the Open the Dream Gate Championship to Masato Yoshino in his eighth title defense.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/411230/|title=ドラゲー・吉野がハルク破り王座奪還|date=2015-06-15|access-date=2015-06-15|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja|archive-date=2018-05-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510120004/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/411230/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On February 4, 2016, Dia.HEARTS was forced to disband after losing a match to Monster Express and VerserK. On May 28, Hulk, along with YAMATO, Kzy, and [[Yosuke♥Santa Maria]], formed a new unit named Tribe Vanguard.

In October 2018, Eita announced that R.E.D would be joined by two new members, with their identity being kept in secret under the disguise of Dr. Muscle, known as the Green and Red Masked Demons, respectively. On December 15 at Final Gate, Hulk and YAMATO defeated Eita and Big R Shimizu to regain the Open The Twin Gate Championship. Three days later, Hulk turned on YAMATO to join R.E.D, revealing himself to be the Red Masked Demon. He would blame YAMATO for inviting KAI to the stable, while he was injured when KAI also had a neck injury. This led to Hulk stealing the Open The Twin Gate Championship belts. Afterwards, R.E.D began a "Generation War" against Dragon Gate and Toryumon. On December 22, YAMATO forfeited his half of the Open The Twin Gate Championship, leading to Hulk protest against the decision. Afterwards, General Manager Takayuki Yagi declared the titles vacated, with the new champions being crowned in a tournament in January which he would later win with [[Kazma Sakamoto]]. Later that month, Hulk, Sakamoto and Takashi Yoshida took part in the 2020 Ashiyanikki Cup 6 Man Tag Team Tournament. In the first round of the tournament, Hulk helped Eita, Ishida and Shimizu to defeat the Dragon Gate trio of YAMATO, KAI and Kzy, leading KAI to get his revenge and cost Hulk, Sakamoto and Yoshida's match against Ben-K, Strong Machine J and Dragon Dia.

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]'''
**[[Open the Dream Gate Championship]] ([[Open the Dream Gate Championship#Reigns|1 time]])<ref name=DG072014TS/>
**[[Open the Triangle Gate Championship]] ([[Open the Triangle Gate Championship#Title history|10 times]]) – with [[Nobuhiko Oshima|CIMA]] and [[Jack Evans (wrestler)|Jack Evans]] (1), [[Takayuki Mori|Anthony W. Mori]] and [[Super Shisa]] (1), [[Shingo Takagi]] and [[Takashi Yoshida|Cyber Kong]] (2), [[Masato Yoshino]] and [[Adrian Neville|PAC]] (1), [[Akira Tozawa]] and [[Tomahawk T.T.|Naoki Tanisaki]] (1), Cyber Kong and [[Masato Onodera|YAMATO]] (1), YAMATO and [[Kzy]] (1) [[Ben-K]] and [[Kota Minoura]] (1) and Kagetora and Susumu Yokosuka (1)
**[[Open the Twin Gate Championship]] ([[Open the Twin Gate Championship#History|9 times]]) – with Akira Tozawa (2),<ref name=FantasticGate/> Naoki Tanisaki (1),<ref name=GateofMaximum/> [[Uhaa Nation]] (1) [[Yamato (wrestler)|Yamato]] (2), [[Kazma Sakamoto]] (1) and, [[Kai (wrestler)|KAI]] (2)
**6 Unit Warfare One Night Tag Tournament (2012) – with Naoki Tanisaki<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/9/14%20STORM%20GATE%20-%2014%20Sep%202012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126121830/http://iheartdg.com/9/14%20STORM%20GATE%20-%2014%20Sep%202012 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-01-26 |title=9/14 Storm Gate - 14 Sep 2012 |date=2012-09-14 |access-date=2012-09-14 |work=iHeartDG }}</ref>
**[[King of Gate]] ([[King of Gate#2011|2011]])<ref name=KingofGate2011/>
**[[Summer Adventure Tag League]] ([[Summer Adventure Tag League#2011|2011]]) – with Akira Tozawa<ref name=SATL2011/>
**[[Summer Adventure Tag League]] ([[Summer Adventure Tag League#2012|2012]]) – with Akira Tozawa and Naoki Tanisaki<ref name=SummerAdventure2012/>
*'''[[Dragon Gate USA]]'''
**[[Open the Freedom Gate Championship]] ([[Open the Freedom Gate Championship#Title history|1 time]])
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''
**PWI ranked him #'''59''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2015<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2015.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2015|access-date=2015-10-05|work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]'''
**[[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with Shingo Takagi
*'''[[Tokyo Sports]]'''
**[[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Newcomer Award|Newcomer Award]] (2007)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/wrestling/wrestling_past4/|script-title=ja:東京スポーツプロレス大賞|access-date=2014-01-20|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref>
**[[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Technique Award|Technique Award]] (2014)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/343310/|title=【プロレス大賞：技能賞】Ｂ×Ｂハルク来年はドラゲー初のＭＶＰ狙う！|date=2014-12-09|access-date=2014-12-09|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref>

===Luchas de Apuestas record===
{{See also|Lucha libre#Luchas de apuestas|l1=Luchas de Apuestas}}

{|class="wikitable sortable" width=100%
|-
!width=20%|Winner (wager)
!width=20%|Loser (wager)
!width=20%|Location
!width=20%|Event
!width=15%|Date
!width=5%|Notes
|-
|[[Shingo Takagi]] (hair) || BxB Hulk (hair) || [[Kobe]], [[Japan]] || Live event || {{dts|2010|07|11}} ||
|-
|BxB Hulk (hair of [[Takashi Yoshida|Cyber Kong]]) || [[Naruki Doi]] (hair of [[M.c.KZ|Kzy]])|| Aichi, Japan || ''Dead Or Alive 2014'' || {{dts|2014|05|05}} || <ref group=Note>This was a six-way [[Professional wrestling match types#Cages|steel cage match]], also involving [[Cima (wrestler)|CIMA]] ([[Dragon Kid]]), [[Jimmy Kanda]] ([[Susumu Mochizuki|Jimmy Susumu]]), [[Masato Yoshino]] (Shachihoko Boy) and [[Naoki Tanizaki|Mr. Kyu Kyu Naoki Tanizaki Toyonaka Dolphin]] ([[Genki Horiguchi|Genki Horiguchi H.A.Gee.Mee!!]])</ref>
|}

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=Note}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://ameblo.jp/b-bhulk/ BxB Hulk official blog]
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}

{{Commons category}}

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{Dragon Gate employees}}
{{GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship}}
{{King of Gate}}
{{Open the Dream Gate Championship}}
{{Open the Twin Gate Championship}}
{{Open the Triangle Gate Championship}}
{{Rey de Parejas winners}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Japan}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bxb Hulk}}
[[Category:1980 births]]
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Sapporo]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Dream Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Twin Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Triangle Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Freedom Gate Champions]]
[[Category:King of Gate winners]]

Último Guerrero

2025-05-03T10:44:03Z

89.136.44.148:

{{Short description|Mexican professional wrestler (born 1972)}}
{{Good article}}
{{family name hatnote|Gutiérrez|Hernández|lang=Spanish}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Último Guerrero
|image = Último Guerrero 2017.jpg
|caption = Guerrero in 2017
|birth_name = José Gutiérrez Hernández
|names = Cóndor Dorado<ref name=Ovaciones21532/> El Flanagan<ref name=Ovaciones21532/> '''Último Guerrero'''<ref name=Ovaciones21532/>
|height = {{convert|1.77|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name=Ovaciones21532/>
|weight = {{convert|93|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<ref name="PWIFeb09">{{cite news |author= PWI Staff | title = PWI Official Rankings | work = The Pro Wrestling Illustrated | publisher = London Publishing | id = Vol 30, Nr. 2 2009| page = 145 | date = February 2009 }}</ref>
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1972|3|1|mf=y}}<ref name=Ovaciones21532/>
|birth_place = [[Gómez Palacio, Durango]], [[Mexico]]<ref name="PWIFeb09"/>
|resides =
|billed = Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico<ref name="PWIFeb09"/>
|trainer = Tinito<ref name=Ovaciones21532/> Halcón Suriano<ref name=Ovaciones21532/>
|debut = {{dts|1990|9|19}}
|death_date =
|retired =
}}
'''José Gutiérrez Hernández''' (born March 1, 1972), better known by his [[ring name]] '''Último Guerrero''' (Spanish for ''Last Warrior''), is a Mexican {{lang|es|[[Lucha Libre|luchador]]}} (or [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]), who works for [[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]] (CMLL). He is a former holder of the [[CMLL World Heavyweight Championship]], [[NWA World Historic Middleweight Championship]], the [[CMLL World Tag Team Championship]] (where he and [[Dragón Rojo Jr.]] are the longest reigning tag team champions) and [[CMLL World Trios Championship]] on multiple occasions. Guerrero is a charter member of the [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|stable]] of wrestlers known as ''[[Los Guerreros del Infierno|Los Guerreros de Infierno / Los Guerreros de la Atlantida]]'' and has also made appearances for [[Impact Wrestling|Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA) in the United States. In TNA where he was part of [[Team Mexico]], which won the [[TNA 2008 World X Cup Tournament|2008 World X Cup]]. Guerrero is the only wrestler to win the ''[[CMLL Torneo Gran Alternativa|Torneo Gran Alternativa]]'' tournament three times and the [[CMLL Universal Championship]] tournament twice. He is also part of the CMLL [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Book|booking]] committee.

Hernández is not related to the ''lucha libre'' legend [[Gory Guerrero]] or any of his children; "Guerrero" in this case is the Spanish word for [[warrior]] and not the [[surname]] of the character. On September 19, 2014, Último Guerrero lost a ''[[Lucha de Apuestas]]'' match to [[Atlantis (wrestler)|Atlantis]], after which he was forced to unmask and reveal his birth name.

==Professional wrestling career==
===Early career (1990–1997)===
Gutiérrez was trained in "Gimnasio El Ranchero" by Tinito and Halcón Suriano and made his debut in 1990 as "Halcón Dorado" (Spanish for "Golden Hawk").<ref name=Ovaciones21532>{{cite news | author = Arturo Rosas Plata | title = Último Guerrero, listo para la lucha de Máscaras - Cobaré vengenza! | url = http://itecor.v1.myvirtualpaper.com/11032009/2009031101/en/?page=19 | work =Ovaciones | publisher = Editorial Ovaciones, S. A. de C.V. | location = [[Mexico]], [[Mexican Federal District|D.F.]] | id = Número 21523 Año LXII | page = 19 | date = March 11, 2009 | access-date = March 29, 2009 | language = es | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318011751/http://itecor.v1.myvirtualpaper.com/11032009/2009031101/en/?page=19 | archive-date=March 18, 2009}}</ref> Shortly after his debut he changed name and "ring persona", or [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Gimmick|gimmick]], and became known as "Flanagan".<ref name=Ovaciones21532/> He worked for several years in local [[Professional wrestling promotion|promotions]] in his native [[Durango]] area before getting his first break in ''[[Promo Azteca]]''. Guerrero and his training partner [[Luciferno|Super Punk]] changed their names in 1996 with Guerrero adopting the name "Último Guerrero" ("Last Warrior") and Super Punk becoming "Último Rebelde" as they started [[Tag team|teaming]] together using a British [[hooligan]] inspired gimmick. The team was scheduled to lose their masks in a ''[[Lucha Libre#Luchas de Apuestas|Luchas de Apuestas]]'' mask vs. mask" match (a "Bet match" where the loser would unmask), but instead Último Guerrero decided to join [[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]] (CMLL; "World Wrestling Council") in late 1997 and thus saved his mask.<ref name="FigurasUG">{{cite news | author = Enciclopedia staff | title = Grandes Figuras de la Lucha Libre | work = Último Guerrero | location = Portales, Mexico | id = 17 | page = 66 | date = November 2008 | language = es}}</ref>

===Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (1997–present)===
[[File:LuchaLibreObrera073.JPG|right|thumb|Último Guerrero with his son [[Gran Guerrero|Taurus]] and [[Canelo Casas]] at an outdoor event.]]
Initially Guerrero worked lower card matches, in the first-to-third match on the show with some success. On September 11, 1998 he defeated [[Mr. Águila]] in his first ever ''Lucha de Apuestas'' match, forcing his opponent to unmask and reveal his real name as part of the [[CMLL 65th Anniversary Show]].<ref name=Ovaciones21532/> Mr. Águila already worked for the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]] without his mask, so it was not seen as a surprise that he lost to Guerrero.<ref name=YIR1998>{{cite news|title=1998 Especial!|work=Box y Lucha Magazine|pages=2–28|id=issue 2348|date=January 9, 1999|language=es}}</ref> In 1999 Último Guerrero teamed up with veteran [[Blue Panther]] to win the ''[[CMLL Torneo Gran Alternativa|Gran Alternativa]]'' ("Grea Alternative") tournament, a tournament where a young wrestler teams with a veteran.<ref name="Alternativa1999"/> Winning the ''Gran Alternativa'' tournament is often a sign that the promotion has plans to move a wrestler up the rankings. Shortly after winning the tournament, Guerrero won a match that made him the number one contender for [[Great Sasuke]]'s [[NWA World Middleweight Championship]]. Último Guerrero did not win the match but the fact that he worked a featured match in CMLL's main arena, [[Arena México]], showed that the company had plans for him.<ref name=YIR1999>{{cite news|title=1999 Especial!|work=Box y Lucha Magazine|pages=2–28|id=issue 2436|date=January 10, 2000|language=es}}</ref>

====''Los Infernales'' (1999–2001)====
{{main|Los Infernales}}
In 1999 [[El Satánico]] reformed the group ''[[Los Infernales]]'', recruiting Último Guerrero and [[Rey Bucanero]] for the group.<ref name="EncyBucanero">{{cite news|title=Enciclopedia de las Mascaras|work=Rey Bucanero|location=[[Mexico]]|id=Tomo IV|page=11|date=October 2007|language=es}}</ref> Working with the veteran El Satánico allowed both Último Guerrero and Rey Bucanero to rise up the ranks as well as develop into a regular tag team in CMLL.<ref name="FigurasSatanico">{{cite news|title=Grandes Figuras de la Lucha Libre|work=Satánico|location=Portales, Mexico|id=17|page=55|date=November 2008|language=es}}</ref> In the summer of 2000 Bucanero and Guerrero were one of sixteen teams entered into a tournament for the vacant [[CMLL World Tag Team Championship]]. In the end they defeated [[Villano IV]] and [[Mr. Niebla]] to win the championship.<ref name=Infernal>{{cite web | url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/mexico/emll/ppv.html#0800 | title= August 2000 PPV "Entre Torre Infernal" | date= August 4, 2000 | access-date= February 23, 2010 | publisher= ProWrestlingHistory}}</ref><ref name="WebCMLLTag" /> Throughout the summer of 2000 El Satánico had been working a storyline against [[Toscano (wrestler)|Tarzan Boy]], which was used to turn both Bucanero and Último Guerrero against El Satánico. Bucanero, Guerrero and Tarzan Boy claimed that they deserved the name ''Los Infernales'' and that El Satánico was holding them back.<ref name="FigurasSatanico"/> For the storyline El Satánico recruited two other wrestlers to even the numbers, which on TV was presented as if he used his "Satanic powers" to turn wrestler Rencor Latino into [[Averno (wrestler)|Averno]] (Spanish for "Hell") and transformed the Astro Rey Jr. into a character known as [[Mephisto (wrestler)|Mephisto]].<ref name="FigurasSatanico"/> When Tarzan Boy was injured and unable to wrestle Bucanero and Guerrero recruited [[Antonio Gómez Medina|Máscara Mágica]] to even the numbers. The storyline between the two factions reaches its high point at the [[CMLL 68th Anniversary Show]] where all seven wrestlers faced off in a [[steel cage match]]. The stipulation of the match was that the winning side would gain the rights to use the name ''Los Infernales'' while the loser on the opposite side would be forced to unmask or have their hair shaved off. In the end El Satánico pinned Máscara Mágica, forcing him to unmask.<ref name="EncyMagica">{{cite news|title=Enciclopedia de las Mascaras|work=Máscara Mágica|location=[[Mexico City]], [[Mexico]]|id=Tomo III|page=24|date=October 2007|language=es}}</ref> After losing the match Guerrero, Bucanero and Tarzan Boy became known collectively as ''[[Los Guerreros del Infierno]]'' (''The Infernal Soldiers'').<ref name=BucaneroSL>{{cite news|title=Rey Bucanero: tradición y el honor |work=[[Súper Luchas]]|id=Issue 82|date=November 3, 2004|language=es}}</ref>

====''Los Guerreros del Infierno'' (2001–2005)====
[[File:LigerAndGuerrero.jpg|right|thumbnail|[[Jushin Thunder Liger]] tearing at Guerrero's mask during Liger's tour of Mexico]]
{{main|Los Guerreros del Infierno}}

After the feud with El Satánico ended Bucanero and Guerrero moved on to a storyline feud with [[Negro Casas]] and [[El Hijo del Santo]] over the CMLL World Tag Team Championship. After a match with an inconclusive finish in October, Los Guerreros lost to Santo and Casas on November 2, 2001. In 2002, Guerrero and Bucanero regained their tag team title from Santo and Casas. defeating them on May 31 to become three-time champions.<ref name=CMLLTag2>{{cite news|title=2002: considerar detrás|work=Box y Lucha Magazine|id=2593|date=January 19, 2003|language=es}}</ref> The team successfully defended their title against [[Damián 666]] and [[Halloween (wrestler)|Halloween]] of ''[[La Familia de Tijuana]]'' in July. ''Los Guerreros del Infierno'' then began feuding with [[Vampiro|Vampiro Canadiense]] and Shocker. Los Guerreros successfully defended their tag team championship against the duo but Bucanero lost his hair to Vampiro in a ''Luchas de Apuestas'' match in December.<ref name=SinPiedad2002Video>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.com/2012/12/08/video-del-recuerdo-lo-mejor-de-sin-piedad-2003-vampiro-rapa-a-bucanero-ultimo-guerreo-gana-campeonato-a-shocker/ | title=Video del recuerdo: Lo mejor de "Sin Piedad 2002" Vampiro rapa a Bucanero, Último Guerreo gana campeonato a Shocker | first=Alex | last=Ruiz Glez | date=December 8, 2012 | access-date=December 9, 2012 | work=[[Súper Luchas]] | language=es}}</ref> In December 2002, Último Guerrero defeated Shocker for the [[CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship]], his first singles title in CMLL.<ref name="WebCMLLLightHeavy"/> The storyline continued into 2003 with Shocker defeating Guerrero in a singles match to earn a title shot but losing against Guerrero when the title was on the line a week later. When [[L.A. Park]] signed with CMLL in December 2003, he aligned himself with Shocker and they immediately began to feud with Guerrero and Bucanero. ''Los Guerreros'' regained the tag team championship in early 2004,<ref name=CMLLTag3>{{cite news|title=Número Especial – Lo mejor de la lucha libre mexicana durante el 2004|work=[[Súper Luchas]]|id=91|date=January 24, 2005|language=es}}</ref> but Bucanero suffered a knee injury and was temporarily replaced by [[Black Warrior (wrestler)|Black Warrior]]. ''Los Guerreros'' lost the tag team title to [[Atlantis (wrestler)|Atlantis]] and [[Blue Panther]] on June 25.<ref name=CMLLTag3/> Bucanero and new ''Los Guerreros'' member [[Olímpico]] challenged Atlantis and Panther for the tag team championship on the first [[Arena México]] show of 2005 but they lost when Olímpico injured his neck while attempting a dive.<ref name=2005YIR>{{cite news|title=2005 Lo Mejor de la Lucha Mexicana|work=[[Súper Luchas]]|id=140|date=January 3, 2006|language=es}}</ref> Bucanero and Olímpico teamed up to unsuccessfully challenge the visiting [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]] and [[Shinsuke Nakamura]] for the [[IWGP World Tag Team Championship]]. In 2005, Último Guerrero began an angle with [[Místico]] during the early part of the year, losing a singles match to him on February 25. 2005 leading to a tag program with Guerrero and Bucanero against Místico and [[Dr. Wagner Jr.]]<ref name=2005YIR/>

====''Los Guerreros de la Atlantida'' (2005–2011)====
{{main|Los Guerreros del Infierno|l1=Los Guerreros de la Atlantida}}

Near the end of 2005 Guerrero helped Atlantis during a match, thus turning Atlantis ''rudo'' for the first time in his career. When he joined ''Los Guerreros'' the group changed their name to ''Los Guerreros de la Atlantida'' (the Warriors of the Atlantis).<ref name="FigurasAtlantis">{{cite news | author = Enciclopedia staff | title = Grandes Figuras de la Lucha Libre | work = Atlantis | location = Portales, Mexico | id = 17 | page = 8 | date = November 2008 | language = es}}</ref> In May 2006, Guerrero won CMLL's annual "[[CMLL International Gran Prix#International Gran Prix 2006|International Grand Prix]]" tournament that featured wrestler for Mexico, Japan and the United States. later on ''Los Guerreros'' ejected Rey Bucanero from the group, with Guerrero and Tarzan Boy tearing up Bucanero's tights, signifying he was no longer a member of the group.<ref name=Lucha2006>{{cite news|title=Lo Mejor de la Lucha Libre Mexicana duranted el 2006|work=[[Súper Luchas]]|id=Issue 192|date=December 23, 2006|url=http://Superluchas.com/super-luchas-193/|access-date=July 11, 2009|language=es}}</ref> On July 14, 2006 Rey Bucanero defeated Guerrero for CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship, ending the reign after 3 and a half years.<ref name="WebCMLLLightHeavy"/>

On June 29, 2007, CMLL's annual ''Gran Alternativa'' tournament took place at Arena Mexico. Guerrero teamed up with [[Euforia (wrestler)|Euforia]], but the team was defeated by Místico and his partner [[Andrade Cien Almas|La Sombra]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/mexico/emll/grand.html#13 | title = Gran Alternativa #13 (2007) | access-date = August 25, 2009 |publisher = Pro Wrestling History}}</ref> After the loss Guerrero publicly asked Dr. Wagner, Jr. to join him for a challenge to Místico and [[Negro Casas]] for the CMLL Tag Team Championship. The match was held on July 13, 2007 at Arena Mexico and saw Guerrero and Wagner win the championship.<ref name="WebCMLLTag">{{cite web | url = http://wrestling-titles.com/mexico/emll/cmll-t.html |title = Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre Tag Team Title | access-date = March 4, 2009 |publisher = wrestling-titles.com}}</ref> A week later Guerrero and Wagner lost the titles back to Místico and Casas, making the team the shortest reigning CMLL World Tag Team Champions ever.<ref name="WebCMLLTag"/> The loss caused the two fighting in mutual accusations of betrayal, which in turn led to a feud between the two wrestlers. On July 27, at Arena Mexico, Dr. Wagner, Jr. and Místico held a ''mano a mano'' match which was decided by a treacherous intervention by Guerrero, who climbed into the ring, attacked Wagner from behind and caused him to lose the match, then the aftermath, Guerrero ripped off Wagner's mask. On August 3, 2007, Guerrero teamed up with Atlantis and [[Sangre Azteca]] against Dr. Wagner Jr., [[Alex Koslov]] and [[Volador Jr.]] at Arena México after the match Guerrero took the microphone and challenged Wagner for a mask versus mask match but no match ever came of it as Dr. Wagner, Jr. left CMLL shortly after. In 2008 Último Guerrero teamed with newcomer [[Dragón Rojo Jr.]] to win the 2008 ''Gran Alternativa'' tournament.<ref name="Alternativa2008"/>

[[File:U-Guerrero.jpg|left|thumb|Último Guerrero in December 2010]]
After Blue Panther lost his mask to [[Villano V]], Guerrero began siding with Panther as they were both "Laguneros" (from the "lagoon" area of Mexico) seeking revenge for the unmasking. Guerrero, Panther, [[Black Warrior (wrestler)|Black Warrior]] and other wrestlers from "the lagoon" formed a group called ''La Ola Lagunero'' (Spanish for "the Lagoon Wave") and feuded with ''Los Villanos''. On December 22, 2008 Guerrero defeated [[Dos Caras Jr.]] to win the [[CMLL World Heavyweight Championship]].<ref name="UGChamp"/> On March 20, 2009 Último Guerrero faced Villano V in a mask vs mask match at the ''[[Homenaje a Dos Leyendas (2009)|Homenaje a Dos Leyendas]]'' show. Guerrero won two falls to one and thus forced Villano V to unmask and reveal his real name as per Lucha Libre tradition.<ref name="SL307">{{cite news |author1=Manuel Flores |author2=Manuel Rivera | title = Cayó la máscara de Villano V | work =Súper Luchas | id= 307 | location = [[Mexico]], [[Mexican Federal District|D.F.]] | pages = 3–7 | date = March 23, 2009 | language = es}}</ref> On April 2, 2009 Guerrero successfully defended his CMLL World title against Rey Mendoza Jr. (the unmasked Villano V) on an independent wrestling promotion show in Gómez Palacio, Durango, marking the first time the CMLL championship was defended on a non-CMLL show.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.elsiglodetorreon.com.mx/noticia/425179.ultimo-guerrero-retiene-cetro.html | title=Último Guerrero retiene cetro | author= Joel Flores Maltos | date= April 4, 2009 | access-date= April 7, 2009 | language= es}}</ref> On July 12, 2010, at the [[Promociones Gutiérrez 1st Anniversary Show]] Último Guerrero participated in a match where 10 men put their mask on the line in a match that featured five ''[[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Parejas Suicidas|pareja incredibles]]'' teams, with the losing team being forced to wrestle each other with their mask on the line. His partner in the match was Averno, facing off against the teams of Atlantis and [[Olímpico]], Místico and [[El Oriental]], [[Histeria (wrestler)|Histeria]] and La Sombra, Volador Jr. and [[El Alebrije (wrestler)|El Alebrije]].<ref name=10Masks>{{cite web | url= http://superluchas.com/el-12-de-julio-caera-una-mascara-en-nuevo-laredo-en-la-funcion-de-aniversario-de-promociones-gutierrez/| title= El 12 de julio caerá una máscara en Nuevo Laredo en la función de aniversario de Promociones Gutierrez| author= Flores, Manuel | date= June 26, 2010 | access-date= July 1, 2010 | work=[[Súper Luchas]] Magazine | language=es}}</ref> Averno and Último Guerrero was the third team to escape the match. In the end Místico defeated El Oriental to unmask him.<ref name=Ruleta2010>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.com/oriental-pierde-la-mascara-ante-mistico-en-nuevo-laredo/ | title= El Oriental pierde la máscara ante Místico en Nuevo Laredo | date= July 13, 2010 | access-date= July 13, 2010 | work=[[Súper Luchas]] Magazine | language=es}}</ref> Último Guerrero was one of 14 men who put their mask on the line in a ''[[Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|Luchas de Apuestas]]'' steel cage match, in the main event of the [[CMLL 77th Anniversary Show]].<ref name=CageMatch>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.com/liger-atlantis-mr-niebla-y-ultimo-guerrero-entran-al-juicio-final-del-cmll/ | title= Liger, Atlantis, Mr. Niebla y Ultimo Guerrero entran al Juicio final del CMLL | date= August 15, 2010 | access-date= August 16, 2010 | author= Ruiz Glez, Alex | work=[[Súper Luchas]] Magazine | language=es}}</ref> Último Guerrero was the eighth man to leave the steel cage, keeping his mask safe. The match came down to La Sombra pinning Olímpico to unmask him.<ref name=Aniversario77Live>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.com/cobertura-cmll-el-juicio-final-lxxvii-aniversario-de-la-empresa-mexicana-de-lucha-libre/ | title= Cobertura CMLL: El Juicio Final. LXXVII Aniversario de la Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre | author= Ocampo, Jorge | date= September 3, 2010 | access-date= September 4, 2010 | work=[[Súper Luchas]] Magazine | language=es}}</ref> On November 2, 2010, Guerrero and Dragón Rojo Jr. defeated ''[[Los Invasores]]'' (Mr. Águila and [[Héctor Garza]]) to win the CMLL World Tag Team Championship.<ref name=CMLL110210>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.com/arena-coliseo-resultados-2-de-noviembre-ultimo-guerrero-y-dragon-rojo-jr-nuevos-campeones-mundiales-de-parejas-del-cmll/ | title= Arena Coliseo (resultados 2 de noviembre) Último Guerrero y Dragón Rojo Jr. nuevos campeones mundiales de parejas del CMLL | author= Ruiz Glez, Alex | date= November 2, 2010 | access-date= November 3, 2010 | work=[[Súper Luchas]] Magazine | language=es}}</ref> After the title win, Rojo Jr. was made an official member of ''Los Guerreros de la Atlantida''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.elpancracio.com.mx/2290883/2291030.html | title= La Oportunidad se presentó y fue para mí... | access-date= November 7, 2010 | publisher=El Pancracio | language=es | archive-date=October 6, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006050612/http://www.elpancracio.com.mx/2290883/2291030.html}}</ref> On April 8, 2011, Último Guerrero won his third ''Gran Alternativa'' tournament, this time teaming with [[Rey Escorpión|Escorpión]], becoming the first person to have won the tournament three times.<ref name=2011GranAlternativa>{{cite web | url=http://estrellasdelring.blogspot.com/2011/04/la-gran-alternativa-2011-fue-para.html | title= La Gran Alternativa 2011 fue para Escorpión y Ultimo Guerrero !! | date= April 8, 2011 | access-date=April 10, 2011 | author=Salazar López, Alexis A. | publisher= Estrellas del Ring | language=es}}</ref> In May, Guerrero became a member of the CMLL [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Book|booking]] committee.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/20746/ | title= Tues update: Tons more on Savage, Kharma update, Punk/Bret, new WWE office, more | author=Alvarez, Bryan | author-link=Bryan Alvarez |date= May 24, 2011 | access-date= September 12, 2011 | work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] | archive-date=September 10, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910223110/http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/20746/}}</ref> On August 12, Guerrero lost the CMLL World Heavyweight Championship to Héctor Garza, ending his reign at 963 days, the third longest in the championship's history.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.record.com.mx/luchalibre/2011-08-12/garza-nuevo-campeon-completo | title= Garza, nuevo Campeón Completo | author=Rodríguez, Édgar |date= August 12, 2011 | access-date= August 13, 2011 | work=[[Récord (Mexican newspaper)|Récord]] | language=es | archive-date=June 15, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615142128/http://www.record.com.mx/luchalibre/2011-08-12/garza-nuevo-campeon-completo}}</ref>

====''Los Guerreros Laguneros'' (2011–present)====
[[File:Último Guerrero.jpg|thumb|right|Último Guerrero during an outdoor event in 2010]]
Guerrero and Atlantis faced each other in a big grudge match on September 23, which saw Atlantis pick up the win.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://superluchas.com/rapidas-de-la-arena-mexico-atlantis-fue-mas-grande-volador-quiere-ser-de-plata/ | title= Rápidas de la Arena México: Atlantis fue más grande – Volador quiere ser de Plata | author=Ruiz Glez, Alex |date= September 24, 2011 | access-date= September 25, 2011 | work=[[Súper Luchas]] Magazine}}</ref> In July 2012, Guerrero officially fired Rey Escorpión from ''Los Guerreros del Infierno'', and named Euforia and [[Niebla Roja]] as his replacements.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1342292639 | title= Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly | last=Boutwell | first=Josh |date= July 14, 2012 | access-date= July 15, 2012 | work=WrestleView | archive-date=July 23, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723143917/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1342292639}}</ref> On the [[CMLL Super Viernes (August 2012)#August 3, 2012|August 3 Super Viernes]] show, Guerrero and Rojo Jr. lost the CMLL World Tag Team Championship to Atlantis and [[Diamante Azul]], ending their reign at 640 days, the longest reign in the title's history.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://superluchas.com/cmll-resultados-03ago12-atlantis-y-diamante-azul-nuevos-monarcas-mistico-ii-triunfa-en-su-presentacion-mr-niebla-vs-volador-jr-mascara-vs-mascara/ | title = CMLL (Resultados 03/Ago/12): Atlantis y Diamante Azul, nuevos monarcas – Místico (II) triunfa en su presentación – ¿Mr. Niebla vs. Volador Jr. (Máscara vs. Máscara)? | date=August 3, 2012 | access-date=August 4, 2012 | last=Mexicool | first=Rey | work =[[Súper Luchas]] Magazine | language = es}}</ref>

In early 2013 the long-running feud between Atlantis and Último Guerrero came to the forefront of CMLL booking once more. The two were booked for the 2013 ''[[CMLL Torneo Nacional de Parejas Increibles (2013)|Torneo Nacional de Parejas Increibles]]'' tournament, forcing the two rivals to team up. Before their qualifying round both Atlantis and Gurrero stated that they would put their differences aside for the sake of the tournament. Atlantis and Guerrero displayed the teamwork they had developed by being partners in ''Los Guerreros de la Atlantida'' for several years as they defeated the teams of [[Valiente (wrestler)|Valiente]] and [[Pólvora]], Diamante Azul and Euforia and finally Dragón Rojo Jr. and Niebla Roja to qualify for the finals of the tournament.<ref name=MedioBlockB>{{cite web | url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/mas-deportes/lucha-libre/noticias/2013/03/09/reviven-por-una-noche-los-guerreros-de-la-atlantida | title=Reviven por una noche los Guerreros de la Atlantida | date=March 9, 2013 | access-date=March 9, 2013 | work=MedioTiempo | language=es}}</ref><ref name=EstrellaBlockB>{{cite web | url=http://estrellasdelring.blogspot.com/2013/03/atlantis-y-ultimo-guerrero-la-final-del.html | title=Atlantis y Ultimo Guerrero a la final del Torneo de Parejas Increíbles | date=March 9, 2013 | access-date=March 9, 2013 | work=Estrellas del Ring | language=es}}</ref> The finals took place as part of the 2013 ''[[Homenaje a Dos Leyendas (2013)|Homenaje a Dos Leyendas]]'' show and saw La Sombra and Volador Jr. win the match and the tournament. Following the loss a frustrated Atlantis attacked Último Guerrero and tore his mask apart.<ref name=SLParejas13>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.com/2013/03/15/homenaje-a-dos-leyendas-2013-volador-jr-y-la-sombra-pareja-increible/ | title=Homenaje a Dos Leyendas 2013: Volador Jr. y La Sombra… ¡Pareja increíble! – ¿Atlantis y U. Guerrero por las máscaras? | date=March 16, 2013 | access-date=March 16, 2013 | work=[[Súper Luchas]] | language=es}}</ref> Atlantis subsequently made a ''Luchas de Apuestas'' challenge to Último Guerrero that was not immediately accepted.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.com/2013/03/16/guerrero-tu-pon-la-fecha-para-mascara-vs-mascara-atlantis/ | title="Guerrero... tu pon la fecha (para mascara vs mascara)": Atlantis | date=March 16, 2013 | access-date=March 19, 2013 | work=[[Súper Luchas]] | language=es}}</ref> The two rivals officially signed the contract for the mask vs. mask match on March 21, but did not announce an actual date for the match.<ref name=ApuestaContract>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.com/2013/03/21/atlantis-y-ultimo-guerrero-firman-la-lucha-de-mascara-vs-mascara/ | title=Atlantis y Ultimo Guerrero firman la lucha de mascara vs mascara | date=March 21, 2013 | access-date=March 22, 2013 | work=[[Súper Luchas]] | language=es}}</ref> The act of signing a ''Luchas de Apuestas'' match between two of the top-ranked CMLL workers without announcing a specific date has let people to speculate that it would take place at the [[CMLL 80th Anniversary Show]] in September, 2013.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.luchaworld.com/?p=23344 | title= Huge CMLL Press Conference 3/21! Ultimo Guerrero & Atlantis Agree to Mask Match | first=Kris | last=Zellner | date=March 21, 2013 | access-date=March 22, 2013 | work=Luchaworld}}</ref> During the celebration of Atlantis' 30th anniversary as a wrestler Guerrero appeared after a match to berate Atlantis, which turned out to only be a distraction for the real Último Guerrero to attack Atlantis from behind. The two identically dressed Guerreros proceeded to beat up Atlantis and tear his mask apart. Following the match Último Guerrero introduced his brother "Gran Guerrero".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.com/2013/05/03/cmll-resultados-03mayo13-atlantis-triunfa-en-su-30-aniversario-ultimo-guerrero-presenta-al-gran-guerrero/ | title=CMLL (Resultados 03/Mayo/13): Atlantis triunfa en su 30 aniversario – Último Guerrero presenta al Gran Guerrero | date=May 3, 2013 | access-date=May 6, 2013 | work=[[Súper Luchas]] | language=es}}</ref> It was not verified if Gran Guerrrero actually is the brother of Último Guerrero, someone not related to Guerrero, or as speculated by many his son who wrestled for CMLL as [[Taurus (wrestler)|Taurus]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.thecubsfan.com/cmll/2013/05/04/atlantis-attacked-by-two-guerreros-imagen-ii-pierroth/ | title=Atlantis attacked by two Guerreros, Imagen II, Pierroth | author=The Cubs Fan | publisher=Lucha Blog | date=May 3, 2013 | access-date=May 6, 2013}}</ref> The much anticipated and hyped Mask vs. Mask match between Guerrero and Atlantis at the 80th Anniversary Show on September 13 never came to fruition as the two were defeated in a ''Relevos Suicidas'' match by La Sombra and Volador Jr., who instead advanced to the ''Lucha de Apuestas'' against each other.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://cmll.com/02_resultados/super_viernes/super_viernes_cmll.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702063843/http://cmll.com/02_resultados/super_viernes/super_viernes_cmll.htm | title=Resultados Arena México Viernes 13 de Septiembre '13 | last=Salazar López | first=Alexis A. | archive-date=July 2, 2014 | date=September 14, 2013 | access-date=September 14, 2013 | work=[[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]] | language=es | url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[File:LuchaLibreObrera064.JPG|thumb|left|January 2013, before he was unmasked]]
From January 14 to 19, 2014, Guerrero worked his first ''[[Fantastica Mania 2014|Fantastica Mania]]'' tour, co-produced by CMLL and [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] in Japan.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=10559 | title=『Fantastica Mania』メンバーが決定!! 2代目ミスティコが参戦!! 素顔のボラドールなど、16名が大挙上陸!! | date=November 7, 2013 | access-date=January 19, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109214025/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=10559 | archive-date=November 9, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://cmll.com/noticias.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209025952/http://cmll.com/noticias.htm | title=Los programas oficiales de la gira NJPW Presents: CMLL Fantastica Mania 2014 | archive-date=February 9, 2014 | date=January 6, 2014 | access-date=January 19, 2014 | work=[[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]] | language=es | url-status=dead }}</ref> On March 28, 2014, Guerrero, Euforia and Niebla Roja defeated ''Los Estetas del Aire'' ([[Máscara Dorada]], [[Místico II|Místico]] and Valiente) for the [[CMLL World Trios Championship]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://cmll.com/02_resultados/super_viernes/super_viernes_cmll.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702063843/http://cmll.com/02_resultados/super_viernes/super_viernes_cmll.htm | title=Resultados - Viernes 28 de Marzo '14 | last=Reducindo | first=Miguel | archive-date=July 2, 2014 | date=March 29, 2014 | access-date=March 29, 2014 | work=[[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]] | language=es | url-status=dead }}</ref> On August 29, Guerrero defeated La Sombra in the finals to win the [[CMLL Universal Championship (2014)|2014 Universal Championship]], becoming the first two-time winner of the tournament.<ref name=2014Universal>{{cite web | url=http://cmll.com/02_resultados/super_viernes/super_viernes_cmll.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702063843/http://cmll.com/02_resultados/super_viernes/super_viernes_cmll.htm | title=Resultados Arena México Viernes 29 de Agosto '14 | last=Reducindo | first=Miguel | archive-date=July 2, 2014 | date=August 30, 2014 | access-date=August 30, 2014 | work=[[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]] | language=es | url-status=dead }}</ref> On September 19, Guerrero lost to Atlantis in the main event of the [[CMLL 81st Anniversary Show]] and thus was forced to unmask for the first time in his career and reveal his birth name; José Gutiérrez Hernández.<ref name=MedioMinute>{{cite web | url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/mas-deportes/lucha-libre/noticias/2014/09/19/caida-a-caida-81-aniversario-del-cmll | title=Caída a Caída... 81 Aniversario del CMLL | author=Redaccion | work=MedioTiempo | publisher=[[MSN]] | language=es | date=September 19, 2014 | access-date=September 20, 2014}}</ref><ref name=SL81>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.com/2014/09/19/cmll-81-aniversario-cobertura-y-resultados-atlantis-vs-ultimo-guerrero-mascara-vs-mascara/ | title=CMLL 81 aniversario (Cobertura y resultados en vivo) -Atlantis destapa a Último Guerrero | first=Eduardo | last=Cano Vela | date=September 19, 2014 | access-date=September 20, 2014 | work=[[Súper Luchas]]| language=es}}</ref> In January 2015, Guerrero returned to Japan to take part in the ''[[Fantastica Mania 2015]]'' tour, during which he defeated Atlantis in a rematch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=925|title=NJPW Presents CMLL Fantastica Mania 2015|access-date=January 18, 2015|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> On February 13, ''Los Guerreros Laguneros'' lost the CMLL World Trios Championship to Sky Team (Místico, Valiente and Volador Jr.).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.mediotiempo.com/mas-deportes/lucha-libre/noticias/2015/02/14/sky-team-satisfechos-por-titulo-de-tercias | title = 'Sky team', satisfechos por título de tercias | date=February 14, 2015 | access-date=February 14, 2015 | work=MedioTiempo |language=es}}</ref> On July 17, Guerrero defeated Rey Escorpión in a ''Lucha de Apuestas'' in the main event of ''[[Sin Salida (2015)|Sin Salida]]'' forcing Escorpión to have all his hair shaved off after the match as per the stipulation.<ref name=Salida2015MT>{{cite web | url = http://www.mediotiempo.com/mas-deportes/lucha-libre/noticias/2015/07/17/ultimo-guerrero-rapo-a-rey-escorpion | title = Último Guerrero rapó a Rey Escorpión | last=Valdés | first=Apolo | date=July 17, 2015 | access-date=July 18, 2015 | work=MedioTiempo |language=es}}</ref> On August 31, Guerrero defeated La Sombra to win the [[NWA World Historic Middleweight Championship]].<ref name=HistMid>{{cite web | url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/mas-deportes/lucha-libre/noticias/2015/09/01/ultimo-guerrero-destrono-a-la-sombra | title=Último Guerrero destronó a La Sombra | date=September 1, 2015 | access-date=September 1, 2015 | work=MedioTiempo | language=es}}</ref> Guerrero closed out a successful 2016 by winning the 2016 ''[[Leyenda de Azul (2016)|Leyenda de Azul]]'' tournament, lastly eliminating [[Valiente (wrestler)|Valiente]].<ref name=LdA2016/>

During the [[Fantastica Mania 2018|2018 Fantastica Mania]] tour of Japan, Último Guerrero and Gran Guerrero teamed up for the first ever CMLL Brothers tag team tournament. The Guerreros defeated [[Ángel de Oro]] and [[Niebla Roja]] in the first round and then [[Dragon Lee (wrestler)|Dragon Lee]] and [[Místico II|Místico]] to win the tournament.<ref name=CMLLBrothers/> On July 1, 2018 ''Los Guerreros'', in this case Último Guerrero, Gran Guerrero and Euforia, defeated the Sky team (Místico, Valiente and Volador Jr.) for Guerrero's fourth CMLL WOrld Trios Championship reign.<ref name=CMLLTrios28>{{cite web | url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/lucha-libre/2018/07/03/los-guerreros-laguneros-son-nuevos-campeones-del-cmll | title=Los Guerreros Laguneros son nuevos Campeones del CMLL | trans-title=The Warriors of the Lagoon are the new champions of CMLL | date=July 3, 2018 | access-date=July 10, 2018 | publisher=[[MSN]] | language=es | work=MedioTiempo}}</ref> During their reign, ''Los Guerreros'' started a storyline feud with "The Cl4n" ([[Cibernético|Ciber the Main Man]], [[El Zorro (wrestler)|The Chris]] and [[Charly Manson|Sharlie Rockstar]]), which included The Cl4n defeating ''Los Guerreros'' at the [[CMLL 85th Anniversary Show]],<ref name=CMLLTrios29>{{cite web | url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/lucha-libre/2018/09/14/el-clan-destrono-a-los-guerreros-nuevos-campeones-de-tercias | title=El Clan destronó a los Guerreros, nuevos Campeones de Tercias | date=September 14, 2018 | access-date=September 15, 2018 | language=es | work=MedioTiempo | publisher=[[MSN]] | first=Apolo | last=Valdés}}</ref> and lost the championship back to ''Los Guerreros'' two weeks later.<ref name=CMLLTrios30>{{cite web | url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/lucha-libre/2018/09/27/los-guerreros-laguneros-tendran-revancha-ante-el-clan | title=Los Guerreros Laguneros tendrán revancha ante el Clan | date=September 27, 2018 | access-date=September 27, 2018 | language=es | work=MedioTiempo | publisher=[[MSN]]}}</ref> On October 16, 2018, Guerrero defeated [[Diamante Azul]] to win the CMLL World Heavyweight Championship for a second time.<ref name=GuerreroCompleto>{{cite web | url=https://www.solowrestling.com/new/75311-ultimo-guerrero-se-convierte-en-el-nuevo-campeon-de-peso-completo-de-cmll| title=Último Guerrero se convierte en el nuevo campeón de peso completo de CMLL | trans-title=Último Guerrero becomes the new CMLL World Heavyweight Champion | date=October 17, 2018 | access-date=October 17, 2018 | work=Solowrestling | language=es}}</ref>

On May 31, 2019, Último Guerrero defeated [[Máscara Año 2000]] in a ''lucha de apuestas'' match in the main event of the 2019 ''[[Juicio Final (2019)|Juicio Final]]'' ("Final Justice") show, forcing Máscara Año 2000 to be shaved bald as a result.<ref name=UGMA2KApuesta/> Following the ''Juicio Final'' show, Guerrero became involved in a multi-man storyline that included [[Bárbaro Cavernario]], [[:ja:バイロン・ウィルコット|Big Daddy]], Ciber the Main Man, [[Gilbert el Boricua]], Negro Casas, and Volador Jr. All seven wrestlers faced off in a steel cage match as part of the [[CMLL 86th Anniversary Show]], which saw Guerrero pin Negro Casas, forcing Casas to be shaved bald as a result.<ref name=SLLive/> On March 26, 2021, they lost the Trios Championship against ''Nueva Generación Dinamita''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/97198-resultados-cmll-26-de-marzo-de-2021-bandido-y-volador-jr-se-enfrentan-mano-a-mano|title=Resultados CMLL 26 de marzo de 2021 - Bandido y Volador Jr se enfrentan mano a mano|date=28 March 2021}}</ref>

===Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2008)===
[[File:Ultimo Guerro vs Tony Cirio.jpg|thumb|right|Guerrero performing his [[Dropkick#Corner dropkick|Rope aided corner dropkick]] in 2010]]
In 2008 [[Impact Wrestling|Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA) invited Último Guerrero and Rey Bucanero, along with Averno and Volador Jr. to compete in the [[2008 TNA World X Cup Tournament]], making them that year's "[[Team Mexico]]" entrants, with Guerrero serving as the team captain. Último Guerrero and Rey Bucanero defeated [[Team Japan]] representatives "Speed Muscle" ([[Masato Yoshino]] and [[Naruki Doi]]) in the first round of the tournament.<ref name="SLAMImpact062608">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/06/26/5999146.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425103041/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/06/26/5999146.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 25, 2016|title=Impact: A return?|last=Waldman|first=John|date=June 26, 2008|work=SLAM! Sports: Wrestling|publisher=[[Canoe.ca|Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=September 18, 2015}}</ref> In the second round Guerrero lost to Team TNA's [[Frankie Kazarian|Kaz]].<ref name="SLAMImpact071008">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/07/11/6124881.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115191554/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2008/07/11/6124881.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 15, 2016|title=Impact: Last stop to Victory Road|last=Sokol|first=Bryan|author2=Sokol, Chris|date=July 11, 2008|work=SLAM! Sports: Wrestling|publisher=[[Canoe.ca|Canadian Online Explorer]]|access-date=September 18, 2015}}</ref> Team Mexico was eliminated in a 12-man elimination match at [[Victory Road (2008)|Victory Road]].<ref name="WVVR08">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news08/1216004282.shtml|title=Victory Road PPV results – 7/13 – Houston, TX (Samoa Joe vs Booker)|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=July 13, 2008|publisher=WrestleView.com|access-date=September 18, 2015}}</ref> Later during the same show Volador Jr. won an Ultimate X match, earning enough points for Team Mexico to win the entire tournament, becoming the 2008 World X Cup holders.<ref name=WorldXCup2008/> Volador Jr. would work more matches for TNA, but Último Guerrero, Rey Bucanero and Averno did not.

==Personal life==
Many sources mistakenly list [[Hooligan (wrestler)|Hooligan]] and [[Ephesto]] as brothers of José Gutiérrez but they are not blood relatives. Gutiérrez, Ephesto, and Hooligan trained together and became close friends leading to often referring to each other as "brother" without having any blood relationship. Hooligan and Ephesto are brothers which is why Ephesto is sometimes mistaken for Gutiérrez's brother as well.<ref name=MondoFamily>{{cite book | author= Madigan, Dan | title= Mondo Lucha Libre: the bizarre & honorable world of wild Mexican wrestling | publisher= HarperCollins Publishers | year= 2007 | chapter = A family affair | pages = 128–132 | isbn=978-0-06-085583-3}}</ref> In 2008 Último Guerrero introduced "Último Guerrero Jr." to the wrestling world. While it is not uncommon for fake relatives to be promoted in ''lucha libre'', it is believed that Último Guerrero Jr. is indeed the son of Último Guerrero. Later on Guerrero Jr. would be reintroduced as [[Gran Guerrero]], with the storyline explanation being that Gran Guerrero was the much younger brother of Último Guerrero.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://superluchas.com/2013/05/03/cmll-resultados-03mayo13-atlantis-triunfa-en-su-30-aniversario-ultimo-guerrero-presenta-al-gran-guerrero/|title=CMLL (Resultados 03/Mayo/13): Atlantis triunfa en su 30 aniversario – Último Guerrero presenta al Gran Guerrero|date=May 3, 2013|access-date=May 6, 2013|work=[[Súper Luchas]]|language=es}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestleview.com/featured-articles/41398-feature-viva-la-raza-lucha-weekly-for-5-11-13| title=Viva la Raza!: Lucha Weekly | date=May 11, 2013 | access-date=August 3, 2014 | first=Josh | last=Boutwell | publisher=WrestleView}}</ref>

On May 19, 2017 footage emerged of Daniel Alvarado ([[Brazo de Platino]]) and other members of the [[Alvarado wrestling family|Alvarado family]], notably his nephews José ([[Máximo Sexy]]), Felipe Alvarado ([[La Máscara (wrestler)|La Máscara]]), [[Psycho Clown]] and [[Robin (wrestler)|Robin]], destroying a [[Ford Mustang]] belonging to Gutiérrez.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/lucha-libre/2017/05/19/familia-alvarado-destrozo-automovil-de-ultimo-guerrero | title=Familia Alvarado destrozó automóvil de Último Guerrero | date=May 19, 2017 | access-date=May 20, 2017 | work=MedioTiempo | publisher=[[MSN]] | language=es}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.record.com.mx/mas-deportes-lucha/maximo-habria-destruido-auto-de-ultimo-guerrero | work=La Record | language=es | date=May 19, 2017 | access-date=May 20, 2017 | title=Máximo habría destruido auto de Último Guerrera}}</ref> The vandalism was reportedly motivated by the fact that Gutiérrez had spoken out against Felipe Alvarado as a possible head of the wrestlers' union after the death of Alvarado's father. The head of the CMLL wrestlers' union had been in the Avarado family for over a decade and the Alvarado family believed it should go to someone in their family.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.com/2017/05/19/motivo-del-ataque-los-alvarado-al-automovil-ultimo-guerrero/ | title=Motivo del ataque de los Alvarado al automóvil de Último Guerrero | first=Carlos | last=Acosta | date=May 19, 2017 | access-date=May 20, 2017 | work=Súper Luchas | language=es | editor-first=Ernesto | editor-last=Ocampo | publisher=Impresos Camsam, SA de CV | location=Mexico City, Mexico}}</ref> The following day CMLL reportedly fired both Felipe and José Alvarado.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://superluchas.com/2017/05/20/maximo-la-mascara-del-cmll-sindicato-luchadores-nido-corrupcion/ | title=Máximo y La Máscara fuera del CMLL — El Sindicato de Luchadores, nido de corrupción | first=Ernest | last=Ocampo | date=May 20, 2017 | access-date=May 20, 2017 | work=Súper Luchas | language=es | editor-first=Ernesto | editor-last=Ocampo | publisher=Impresos Camsam, SA de CV | location=Mexico City, Mexico}}</ref>

==Championships and accomplishments==
[[File:Los Guerreros Championship defense.jpg|thumb|Champions [[Los Guerreros Lagunero]] (right) and challengers [[Carístico]], [[Místico II|Místico]], and [[Volador Jr.]] (left) before a match in November 2018.]]
*'''''[[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]]'''''
**[[CMLL World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of CMLL World Heavyweight Champions#Title history|2 times]])<ref name="UGChamp">{{cite web | url = http://superluchas.com/?p=10078 | title = Ultimo Guerrero nuevo Campeón Mundial Peso Completo CMLL, se espera polémica con el cambio de titulo | access-date = March 15, 2009 | date = December 23, 2008 | publisher =[[Super Lucha]] Magazine | language = es}}</ref>
**[[CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of CMLL World Light Heavyweight Champions#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="WebCMLLLightHeavy">{{cite web |url = http://wrestling-titles.com/mexico/emll/cmll-lh.html |title = Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre World Light Heavyweight Title | access-date = March 4, 2009 | date= January 6, 2009 |publisher = wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
**[[CMLL World Tag Team Championship]] ([[CMLL World Tag Team Championship#Title History|6 times]]) – with [[Rey Bucanero]] (3), [[Dr. Wagner Jr.]] (1), [[Atlantis (wrestler)|Atlantis]] (1) and [[Dragón Rojo Jr.]] (1)<ref name="WebCMLLTag"/><ref name=CMLL110210/>
**[[CMLL World Trios Championship]] ([[CMLL World Trios Championship#Title History|5 times]]) – with Atlantis and Tarzan Boy (1), Atlantis and Negro Casas (1), [[Euforia (wrestler)|Euforia]] and [[Niebla Roja]] (1) and Euforia and [[Gran Guerrero]] (2)<ref name="WebCMLLTrios">{{cite web |url = http://wrestling-titles.com/mexico/emll/cmll-6.html |title = Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre Trios Title | access-date = March 4, 2009 |publisher = wrestling-titles.com}}</ref><ref name=CMLLTrios28/><ref name=CMLLTrios30/>
**[[NWA World Historic Middleweight Championship]] ([[NWA World Historic Middleweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=HistMid/>
**''Carnaval Incredible'' Tournament (2000) – with Rey Bucanero and [[Mr. Niebla]]
**''[[List of CMLL Tag Team Tournaments#Copa de Arena Mexico|Copa de Arena Mexico]]'': [[List of CMLL Tag Team Tournaments#Copa de Arena Mexico 1999|1999]] – with [[El Satánico]] and Rey Bucanero<ref name=CopaMexico99>{{cite book |author=Royal Duncan and Gary Will |title=Wrestling Title Histories | publisher=Archeus Communications |chapter = MEXICO: Copa de Arena Mexico | page = 397 |year= 2000 |isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
**''Copa'' Bobby Bonales (2014)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cmll.com/02_resultados/super_viernes/super_viernes_cmll.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327003504/http://cmll.com/02_resultados/super_viernes/super_viernes_cmll.htm|title=Resultados - Viernes 14 de Marzo '14|archive-date=March 27, 2014|date=March 15, 2014|access-date=March 15, 2014|work=[[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]]|language=es|url-status=dead}}</ref>
**[[CMLL International Gran Prix|International Gran Prix]] ([[CMLL International Gran Prix#International Gran Prix 2006|2006]], [[CMLL International Gran Prix#International Gran Prix 2007|2007]])<ref name=PWHGP2006>{{cite web | url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/mexico/emll/g-prix2.html#2006 | title= Gran Prix Cibernetico 2006 | date= May 12, 2006 | access-date= August 30, 2009 | publisher= ProWrestlingHistory.com}}</ref><ref name=GP2007>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.com/resultados-arena-mexico-11-mayo-07/ | title=Resultados Arena Mexico (11 Mayo 07) | author= Ocampo, Ernesto | date= May 12, 2007 | access-date= August 30, 2009 | work=[[Súper Luchas]] Magazine | language= es}}</ref>
**''[[Leyenda de Azul]]'' ([[Leyenda de Azul#Leyenda de Azul 2016|2016]])<ref name=LdA2016>{{cite web | url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/lucha-libre/2016/11/20/ultimo-guerrero-nuevo-monarca-de-la-leyenda-azul | title=Último Guerrero, nuevo Monarca de la Leyenda Azul | date=November 20, 2016 | access-date=November 24, 2016 | work=MedioTiempo | publisher=[[MSN]] | language=es}}</ref>
**''[[CMLL Torneo Gran Alternativa|Torneo Gran Alternativa]]'' ([[CMLL Torneo Gran Alternativa#Gran Alternativa 1999 (I)|1999]] – with [[Blue Panther]]),<ref name="Alternativa1999">{{cite web | url= http://superluchas.com/historico-de-ganadores-del-torneo-la-gran-alternativa/ | title= Histórico de ganadores del torneo: La Gran Alternativa | author=Flores, Manuel | date= July 18, 2008 | access-date= September 5, 2009 | work=[[Súper Luchas]] Magazine | language=es}}</ref> ([[Torneo Gran Alternativa (2008)|2008]] – with [[Dragón Rojo Jr.]])<ref name="Alternativa2008">{{cite web |url = http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/mexico/emll/grand.html#14 | title = Gran Alternativa #14 (2008) | access-date = March 4, 2009 |publisher = Pro Wrestling History}}</ref> and ([[Torneo Gran Alternativa (2011)|2011]] – with [[Rey Escorpión|Escorpión]])<ref name=2011GranAlternativa/>
**[[CMLL Universal Championship|Universal Championship]] ([[CMLL Universal Championship (2009)|2009]], [[CMLL Universal Championship (2014)|2014]])<ref name=2014Universal/>
**CMLL ''[[Heel (professional wrestling)|Rudo]]'' of the Year (2009)<ref name=CMLLAwards2009>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.com/termina-la-votacion-para-lo-mejor-del-cmll-en-el-2009-volador-jr-el-mas-popular/ | title= Termina la votación para lo mejor del CMLL en el 2009 – Volador Jr. el más popular | author= Ruiz Glez, Alex | work=[[Súper Luchas]] Magazine | date= 19 February 2010 | language=es}}</ref>
**CMLL Tag Team of the Year (2010) – with Atlantis
*'''''Federacion Mundial de Lucha Libre'''''
**Champion du Monde (1 time)<ref>{{cite web | url = http://arenaguatemalamexico.com/?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=3&Itemid=3 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131216220712/http://arenaguatemalamexico.com/?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=3&Itemid=3 | url-status = dead | archive-date = December 16, 2013 | title = Ultimo Guerrero de Mexico, nuevo Champion du Monde | date = May 29, 2011 | access-date = June 1, 2011 | work = Arena Guatemala México | language = es }}</ref>
*'''[[International Wrestling Revolution Group]]'''
**[[Copa Higher Power]] (1999) – with Astro Rey Jr., [[Antonio Gómez Medina|Máscara Mágica]], Rey Bucanero and El Satánico<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=turniere&liga=374&kategorie=67&turnier=2738|access-date=August 29, 2016|title=1999 Copa High Power Tournament}}</ref>
*'''''Lucha Libre Azteca'''''
**[[LLA Azteca Championship|Azteca Championship]] ([[List of LLA Azteca Champions|2 times]])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://estrellasdelring.blogspot.com/2010/12/resultados-lucha-libre-azteca-atlantis.html |title=Resultados Lucha Libre Azteca Atlantis nuevo campeon Azteca (MTY) 12/DIC/2010 | author=Acosta, Roberto | access-date=December 15, 2010 |date=December 12, 2010 |publisher=Estrellas del Ring}}</ref>
*'''[[Major League Wrestling]]'''
**[[MLW National Openweight Championship]] ([[MLW National Openweight Championship#Title history|1 time, current]])
* '''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'''
** CMLL's Brother Tag Team Tournament (2018)<ref name=CMLLBrothers>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/card_result/19940|title=NJPW PRESENTS CMLL FANTASTICA MANIA 2018|date=January 22, 2018|website=NJPW|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124015006/https://www.njpw1972.com/card_result/19940|archive-date=January 24, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2018}}</ref> – with Gran Guerrero
** Interfaction Tag Team Tournament - with [[Atlantis Jr.]]
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**Ranked No. 10 of the best 500 singles wrestlers in the ''Pro Wrestling Illustrated'' (PWI) 500 in 2009.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.com/lista-completa-pwi-500-2009-ultimo-guerrero-y-blue-demon-jr-los-latinos-en-mas-alta-posicion/ | title= Lista completa PWI 500 2009 – Último Guerrero y Blue Demon Jr. los latinos en más alta posición | date= August 12, 2009 | author= Ocampo, Jorge | work=[[Súper Luchas]] Magazine | language=es}}</ref>
*'''[[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon Mexico]]'''
**Copa Mundial (2014)<ref>{{cite web | url = http://estrellasdelring.blogspot.com/2014/05/la-copa-mundial-dragonmania-9-para-el.html | title = La Copa Mundial DragonMania 9 para el Último Guerrero. | last=Reyes Ruiz | first=Eduardo | date=May 12, 2014 | access-date=May 13, 2014 | work=Estrellas del Ring | publisher=[[Blogger (service)|Blogger]] | language=es}}</ref>
**Copa NSK (2013)
*'''[[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]]'''
**[[TNA World X Cup]] ([[TNA 2008 World X Cup Tournament|2008]]) – with [[Volador Jr.]], Rey Bucanero and [[Averno (wrestler)|Averno]]<ref name=WorldXCup2008>{{cite web | url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/2008/07/14/2998/ | title= TNA Victory Road PPV Recap (7/13) | author= Karen Belcher | date= July 14, 2008 | access-date= March 30, 2009 | publisher= Online World of Wrestling | archive-date=December 6, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206051753/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/2008/07/14/2998/}}</ref>
*'''Universal Wrestling Entertainment'''
**UWE Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Atlantis<ref>{{cite web | url = http://superluchas.com/atlantis-y-ultimo-guerrero-campeones-de-parejas-uwe/ | title = Atlantis y Último Guerrero campeones de parejas UWE | author = Ruiz Glez, Alex | date = March 28, 2011 | access-date = March 28, 2011 | work=[[Súper Luchas]] Magazine | language = es}}</ref>
*'''[[World Wrestling Association]]'''
**WWA World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with [[Perro Aguayo Jr.]]<ref name="WebWWATag">{{cite web |url = http://wrestling-titles.com/mexico/wwa/mx-wwa-t.html |title = World Wrestling Association World Tag Team Title | access-date = March 4, 2009 | date= June 13, 2008 |publisher = wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
*'''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
**Best Tag Team of the Decade (2000–2009) – with Rey Bucanero<ref>{{cite web |url=http://superluchas.com/segun-el-wrestling-observer-quienes-son-los-mejores-los-mejores-de-la-decada/|title=Según el Wrestling Observer... ¿Quiénes son los mejores los mejores de la década?|last=Beltrán|first=William|date=August 3, 2010|access-date=August 5, 2010|work=[[Súper Luchas]] Magazine | language=es}}</ref>
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame]] (Class of 2019)<ref name=WONHOF2019>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/december-16-2019-observer-newsletter-10-hall-fame-inductees-more-299411 | title=December 16, 2019 Observer Newsletter: 10 Hall of Fame inductees, more | first=Dave | last=Meltzer | author-link=Dave Meltzer | work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter | date=December 12, 2019 | access-date=December 13, 2019}}</ref>

==''Luchas de Apuestas'' record==
{{see also|Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|l1=Luchas de Apuestas}}

{|class="wikitable sortable" width=100% style="text-align: center"
!width=20% scope="col"|Winner (wager)
!width=20% scope="col"|Loser (wager)
!width=20% scope="col"|Location
!width=20% scope="col"|Event
!width=15% scope="col"|Date
!class="unsortable" width=5% scope="col"|Notes
|-
|Último Guerrero (mask) || [[Mr. Águila]] (mask) || Mexico City, Mexico || [[CMLL 65th Anniversary Show]] || {{dts|1998|9|11}} || <ref name=Ovaciones21532/><ref name=79Anniversaries>{{cite web|url=http://superluchas.com/2010/09/07/cmll-77-historias-77-aniversario-las-77-luchas-estelares/|title=CMLL: 79 historias, 79 Aniversario, las 79 luchas estelares|first=Alex|last=Ruiz Glez|date=September 7, 2010|access-date=October 20, 2012|work=[[Súper Luchas]]|language=es}}</ref>
|-
|Último Guerrero (mask) || Difunto II (mask) || Monterrey, Nuevo León || Live event || {{dts|2001|8|3}} || <ref name=Ovaciones21532/>
|-
|Último Guerrero (mask) || Cuchillo (hair) || Mexico City, Mexico || Live event || {{dts|2002|11|17}} || <ref name=Ovaciones21532/>
|-
|Último Guerrero (mask) || Stuka (hair) || Gómez Palacio, Durango || Live event || {{dts|2006|6|10}} || <ref name=Ovaciones21532/>
|-
|Último Guerrero (mask) || Guerrero Zulú (mask) || Chiapas, Mexico || Live event || {{dts|2007|9|29}} || <ref name=Ovaciones21532/>
|-
|Último Guerrero (mask) || [[Super Parka]] (hair) || Monterrey, Nuevo León || Live event || {{dts|2007|11|3}} || <ref name=Ovaciones21532/>
|-
|Último Guerrero (mask) || [[Villano V]] (mask) || Mexico City, Mexico || 2009 ''[[Homenaje a Dos Leyendas (2009)|Homenaje a Dos Leyendas]]'' || {{dts|2009|3|20}} || <ref name="SL307"/>
|-
|Último Guerrero (mask) || [[Scorpio Jr.]] (hair) || Toluca, Mexico State || Live event || {{dts|2010|11|19}} || <ref group=Note>This was a ''[[Torneo cibernetico|Ruleta Rusa]]'' ([[Russian roulette]]) match that also included [[Toscano (wrestler)|Toscano]], [[Místico]], [[El Sagrado]], [[Misterioso II]], [[El Felino]] and [[Shigeo Okumura]]</ref><ref>{{cite web | url= http://djspectro.blogspot.com/2010/11/resultados-festival-de-apuestas.html | title= Resultados Festival de Apuestas Deportivo 19 Noviembre 2010 Agustín Millán Toluca Estado de México,1 mascara y 3 caballeras al olvido | date= November 20, 2010 | access-date= November 29, 2010 | publisher= DJ Spectro | language= es}}</ref>
|-
|[[Atlantis (wrestler)|Atlantis]] (mask) || Último Guerrero (mask) || Mexico City, Mexico || [[CMLL 81st Anniversary Show]] || {{dts|2014|09|19}} || <ref name=MedioMinute/><ref name=SL81/>
|-
|Último Guerrero (hair) || [[Rey Escorpión]] (hair) || Mexico City || [[Sin Salida (2015)|''Sin Salida'' (2015)]] || {{dts|2015|07|17}} || <ref name=Salida2015MT/>
|-
|Último Guerrero (hair) || [[Scorpio Jr.]] (hair) || Pachuca, Hidalgo || Live event || {{dts|2016|11|3}} || <ref group=Note>Last two wrestlers in a steel cage match that also included [[Lizmark Jr.]], [[El Terrible]], [[Vangelis (wrestler)|Vangelis]], and [[Alan Stone (wrestler)|Alan Stone]].</ref>
|-
|Último Guerrero (hair) || Corsario Negro Jr. (hair) || Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, State of Mexico || FILLM event || {{dts|November 3, 2018}} ||
|-
|Último Guerrero (hair) || [[Máscara Año 2000]] (hair) || Mexico City || ''[[Juicio Final (2019)|Juicio Final]]'' || {{dts|May 31, 2019}} || <ref name=UGMA2KApuesta>{{cite web | url=https://www.mediotiempo.com/lucha-libre/cmll/ultimo-guerrero-rapo-a-mascara-ano-2000 | title=Último Guerrero rapó a Máscara Año 2000 | trans-title=Último Guerrero takes the hair of Máscara Año 2000 | work=MedioTiempo | language=es | access-date=June 1, 2019 | date=May 31, 2019 | first=Apolo | last=Valdez | publisher=[[MSN]]}}</ref>
|-
|Último Guerrero (hair) || [[Negro Casas]] (hair) || Mexico City || [[CMLL 86th Anniversary Show]] || {{dts|September 27, 2019}} || <ref group=Note>Last two men in a [[steel cage match]] that also included [[Bárbaro Cavernario]], [[:ja:バイロン・ウィルコット|Big Daddy]], [[Ciber the Main Man]], [[Gilbert el Boricua]], and [[Volador Jr.]]</ref><ref name=SLLive>{{cite web |url=https://superluchas.com/cmll-aniversario-86-27-septiembre-2019-resultados/ |trans-title=CMLL 86th Anniversary (September 27, 2019) {{!}} Live results {{!}} 7 scalps at play |title=CMLL Aniversario 86 (27 de septiembre 2019) {{!}} Resultados en vivo {{!}} 7 cabelleras en juego |date=September 27, 2019 | access-date=September 28, 2019 |work=[[Súper Luchas]] | language=es |first=Ernesto |last=Ocampo}}</ref>
|}

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=Note}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*{{Professional wrestling profiles}}

{{Navboxes
|list1=
{{CMLL International Gran Prix}}
{{CMLL Torneo Gran Alternativa}}
{{CMLL World Heavyweight Championship}}
{{CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship}}
{{CMLL World Tag Team Championship}}
{{CMLL World Trios Championship}}
{{CMLL Universal Championship}}
{{LLA Azteca Championship}}
{{Los Guerreros Laguneros}}
{{MLW National Openweight Championship}}
{{NWA World Middleweight Championship}}
{{TNA X Cup Tournaments}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Mexico}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ultimo Guerrero}}
[[Category:1972 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Mexican male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from Durango]]
[[Category:People from Gómez Palacio, Durango]]
[[Category:Masked wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century Mexican professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century Mexican professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:CMLL World Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:CMLL World Light Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:CMLL World Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:CMLL World Trios Champions]]
[[Category:NWA World Historic Middleweight Champions]]
[[Category:CMLL Universal Champions]]
[[Category:MLW National Openweight Champions]]

Dragon Kid

2025-04-15T11:19:26Z

89.136.44.148:

{{short description|Japanese professional wrestler}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Dragon Kid
|image = 20220920kid1.jpg
|alt =
|caption = Dragon Kid in September 2022
|names = '''Dragon Kid''' Little Dragon Hayabusa Kid
|height = {{convert|1.63|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name=PWI500-2006>{{cite news|title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated 500 - 2006 :106: Dragon Kid | work = Pro Wrestling Illustrated | publisher = Sports and Entertainment publications LLC | location = Blue Bell, [[Pennsylvania]], [[United States of America|USA]] | id = October 2006 | page = 55 | date = August 2006}}</ref>
|weight = {{convert|70|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=PWI500-2006/>
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1976|2|2|mf=y}}<ref name=PWI500-2006/>
|birth_place = [[Tōkai, Aichi]], Japan<ref name=PWI500-2006/>
|birth_name= {{nihongo|Nobuyoshi Nakamura|中村信義|Nakamura Nobuyoshi}}
|death_date =
|death_place =
|resides =
|billed =
|trainer = [[Último Dragón]]<ref name=DGProfile>{{cite web|url=http://dgusa.tv/roster/dragonkid.htm|title=Roster: Dragon Kid|publisher=[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate USA]]|access-date=April 18, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100501211506/http://www.dgusa.tv/roster/dragonkid.htm|archive-date=May 1, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Dos Caras]]
|debut = {{dts|1997|11|4}}<ref name=PWI500-2006/>
|retired =
}}
{{nihongo|'''Nobuyoshi Nakamura'''|中村信義|Nakamura Nobuyoshi|born February 2, 1976}} is a Japanese [[professional wrestler]] currently working for [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]] as {{nihongo|'''Dragon Kid'''|ドラゴン・キッド|Doragon Kiddo}}.

Nakamura initially broke into the wrestling business with [[Frontier Martial Arts Wrestling]] (FMW), but was not allowed to be a wrestler by owner [[Atsushi Onita]] and instead worked as a referee for the promotion during the mid-1990s. Longing to become a wrestler, he left FMW in 1997 and joined [[Ultimo Dragon]]'s Toryumón Gym, where he was given the gimmick of “Dragon Kid”, a character he has used for his entire career.

==Professional wrestling career==

===Training and early career (1994–1997)===
Nobuyoshi Nakamura wanted to be a wrestler for a long time, but he was told that he was too small to become one. He started training in the [[Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling]] dojo in 1994, but ended up as a referee (FMW head [[Atsushi Onita]], wary of injury to smaller wrestlers from his days as a junior heavyweight in [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]], prevented him from trying to achieve his potential). Nakamura never gave up his dream of being a wrestler. He was eventually introduced to [[Último Dragón]] by Nakamura's relative [[Jinsei Shinzaki]], who told him that his wrestling school had no size restriction, so he entered the Último Dragón Gym.<ref name="PowerSlam109">{{cite news|author=Chatra, Mo|title=Enter the Dragon|pages= 24–25|work=Power Slam Magazine|id=109|date=August 2003|publisher=SW Publishing LTD|location=[[Lancaster, Lancashire]], [[England]]}}</ref>

===Toryumon and Dragon Gate (1997–present)===
[[File:20220920kid3.jpg|thumb|Dragon Kid at a show held in [[Shinjuku Face]], September 2022]]
Nakamura debuted in 1997 as a first term student, and was given the gimmick of Dragon Kid, Último Dragón's pupil, as he was perceived as the Último Dragón's heir.<ref name="PowerSlam116">{{cite news|author=Chatra, Mo|title=Toryumon Uncovered|pages=34–35|work=Power Slam Magazine|id=116|date=March 2005|publisher=SW Publishing LTD|location=[[Lancaster, Lancashire]], [[England]]}}</ref> He spent 1998 wrestling in Mexico, but he did some spot participation with [[Michinoku Pro]] and also had a short run with [[World Championship Wrestling]] working as "Little Dragon." His only appearance on ''[[WCW Monday Nitro|Monday Nitro]]'' would be a victory over [[Eddie Guerrero]] via [[Pin (professional wrestling)|rollup]] after interference.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw98.htm | title= WCW Ring Results: 1998 | date= June 29, 1998 | access-date= April 18, 2010 | publisher= The history of WWE | author= Cawthron, Graham | quote=Little Dragon defeated Eddie Guerrero}}</ref>

In 1999, he debuted in Japan along with the rest of Toryumon.<ref name="PowerSlam116"/> In February, he captured his first title, defeating Dr. Cerebro to win the vacant NWA World Welterweight Title. He would lose the title two months later to SUWA, and in that match, he suffered a bad knee injury that put him out of action for the remainder of the year.<ref name=NWAWelter/> He would return to action on the first show of 2000 and proceeded to feud with SUWA. Though he failed to win the NWA World Welterweight Title back from SUWA, he did defeat him in a Mask vs. Hair match on August 24.<ref name="PowerSlam116"/> Shortly after winning, he was attacked by a debuting Darkness Dragon, and they started a feud that would last for a little over two years. It ended on September 8, 2002, when he defeated Darkness Dragon in a Best of Three Falls Mask vs. Mask Match, forcing Darkness to unmask.<ref name="PowerSlam116"/>

Darkness Dragon was booted out of M2K following the loss. He announced the formation of a new stable dubbed Do FIXER, and he invited Kid and Ryo Saito to join him, and they both accepted. On October 28, after Magnum TOKYO dissolved M2K, he announced that he and the remnants of M2K were the real Do FIXER, and that Darkness Dragon - now renamed K-ness - was still a member of the group and was sent into the home army (Seikigun) to cause problems within it. It worked in that Ryo Saito was not welcomed back into Seikigun, but Dragon Kid, however, was.<ref name="PowerSlam116"/>

When Seikigun disbanded at the end of 2002, he joined [[Masaaki Mochizuki]]'s Shin M2K stable at the start of 2003.<ref name="PowerSlam116"/> He stayed with the group until it dissolved in December, after Mochizuki lost a match to stablemate [[Kenichiro Arai]]. After that, Kid would go unaligned until mid-2004, and in May he won that year's El Numero Uno Tournament to the surprise of everyone.<ref name=DGProfile/> In mid-2004, he became a member of Do FIXER, and would stay in it until the very end. During his tenure with them, he won the [[Dragon Gate Open the Brave Gate Championship|Open the Brave Gate Championship]] from inaugural champion Naruki Doi in November 2005, and would hold the Open the Triangle Gate Titles with Ryo Saito and [[Genki Horiguchi]] on three separate occasions in 2005 and 2006.<ref name=DGProfile/> During the last few months of 2006, he contracted appendicitis, forcing him out of action for several months.

2007 he won his first non-Japanese promotion's championship, [[Westside Xtreme wrestling|wXw]]'s Lightweight Championship, in [[Essen]], [[Germany]] after defeating the British wrestler [[Pac (wrestler)|PAC]].<ref>[http://www.cagematch.de/hauptseite/?id=2&nr=1026&view=erfolge Cagematch : Dragon Kid > Title]</ref>

When Dragon Kid returned in early 2007, Saito decided to end Do FIXER activity following the betrayal of Genki Horiguchi, and brought him along into CIMA's new Typhoon stable. He joined them with a new look, marking the first ever change of his ring attire. When Saito and [[Susumu Yokosuka]] started teaming together, he and CIMA started teaming up exclusively with each other, calling themselves CK-1. When CIMA was out injured in mid-2008, Dragon Kid formed a team with Shingo Takagi for that year's [[Summer Adventure Tag League]] Tournament. The team proved very successful, even making it to the finals, but they lost out to the previous year's winners [[Naruki Doi]] and [[Masato Yoshino]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/lucha/dragon/tag.html#summer2008 | title= Summer Adventure Tag League 2008 | date= August 9–28, 2008 | access-date= April 18, 2010 | publisher= ProWrestlingHistory.com}}</ref>

On December 28, he, Ryo Saito and Susumu Yokosuka fought a Unit Split Survival Three-Way Six-Man Tag Match against teams from WORLD-1 and Real Hazard, and they lost, bringing about the end of Typhoon. However, he did not remain unaligned for very long, for on January 11, 2009, he joined Shingo Takagi's new unit, KAMIKAZE. On February 15, he, Shingo, and Taku Iwasa won the Open the Triangle Gate titles, but they lost them two months later.<ref name=DGProfile/>

At the end of the year, when the Generation War was going on, the Veteran-gun extended an invite to him to join their ranks. He did not accept nor reject the invitation, which eventually caused his KAMIKAZE stablemates to question where his loyalties lied. After Akira Tozawa interrupted an Ultra Hurricanrana attempt in a six-man tag match on January 11, 2010, causing them and YAMATO to lose, Kid decided to leave KAMIKAZE and side with CIMA, Gamma Susumu Yokosuka and KAGETORA in the WARRIORS-5 group, and by default the Veteran-gun.<ref name=DGProfile/>

Dragon Kid turned heel on January 14, 2011, along with the rest of WARRIORS, when they attacked Masato Yoshino and World-1, and joined forces with Naruki Doi's group.<ref name=VivaLaRaza20110121>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1295648558|title=Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|date=2011-01-21|access-date=2011-01-22|work=WrestleView|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410054824/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1295648558|archive-date=2011-04-10}}</ref> On January 18 the new group was named Blood Warriors.<ref name=VivaLaRaza20110121/> On May 15, the rest of Blood Warriors turned on Dragon Kid and kicked him out of the group, despite the fact that he still held the Open the Triangle Gate Championship with CIMA and [[Ricochet (wrestler)|Ricochet]]. He then joined Masaaki Mochizuki's new stable, Junction Three, to battle his former group. As a result, the title was declared vacant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1305452382&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=5/15 KING OF GATE - 15 May 2011|date=2011-05-15|access-date=2011-05-16|work=iHeartDG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818084159/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1305452382&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-date=18 August 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> On June 19 Dragon Kid gained a measure of revenge on Blood Warriors, when he and PAC defeated Ryo Saito and Genki Horiguchi to win the [[Dragon Gate Open the Twin Gate Championship|Open the Twin Gate Championship]]. They would lose the title to Blood Warriors representatives CIMA and Ricochet on July 17.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1310915275&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=7/17 Dragon Gate Pro Wrestling Festival in Kobe 2011 - 17 Jul 2011|date=2011-07-17|access-date=2011-07-17|work=iHeartDG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110171110/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1310915275&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-date=10 November 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> On February 9, 2012, Junction Three was forced to disband, after losing a fourteen-man elimination tag team match to Blood Warriors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1328780215&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120712062018/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1328780215&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-07-12|title=2/9 TRUTH GATE, Blood Warriors vs. Junction Three Finale - 09 Feb 2012|date=2012-02-09|access-date=2012-02-10|work=iHeartDG}}</ref> After joining the Veteran-gun, Dragon Kid won the Open the Brave Gate Championship for the second time on May 6, defeating Ricochet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1336287214&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715232715/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1336287214&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-07-15|title=5/6 Dead or Alive 2012 - 05 May 2012|date=2012-05-06|access-date=2012-05-06|work=iHeartDG}}</ref> After a reign of 364 days and nine successful defenses, he lost the title to Masato Yoshino on May 5, 2013.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gaora.co.jp/dragongate/data/result/2013/0505.html | title = Dead or Alive 2013 | date=2013-05-05 | access-date=2013-05-06 | work=[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]] | language=ja}}</ref> He would go on to team with Oretachi Veteran-gun stablemate [[K-ness|K-Ness]] to win the [[Open the Twin Gate Championship]], and with K-Ness and [[Masaaki Mochizuki]], won the [[Open the Triangle Gate Championship]]. He would suffer an injury later on, and would be forced to vacate both titles. On August 17, 2014, Dragon Kid and Masaaki Mochizuki quit Oretachi Veteran-gun to form a new stable with [[BxB Hulk]], which on September 9, 2014, would be named Dia.HEARTS. On February 4, 2016, Dia.HEARTS was forced to disband after losing a match to Monster Express and VerserK. On April 7, Dragon Kid joined the Over Generation unit.

On April 6, 2018, Kid defeated Kagetora to win the vacant Open the Brave Gate Championship for the third time.

==Music career==
On November 11, 2007, [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]] Records (a subsidiary of Dragon Gate Wrestling) released a CD featuring music from Nakamura and [[Eiji Ezaki]] (Japanese singer and retired wrestler, also known as Hayabusa).

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]'''
**[[Open the Brave Gate Championship]] ([[Open the Brave Gate Championship#Title history|4 times]])<ref name=DGProfile/>
**[[Open the Triangle Gate Championship]] ([[Open the Triangle Gate Championship#Title history|9 times]]) – with [[Ryo Saito (wrestler)|Ryo Saito]] and [[Genki Horiguchi]] (3), [[Shingo Takagi]] and [[Taku Iwasa]] (1), [[Nobuhiko Oshima|Cima]] and [[Ricochet (wrestler)|Ricochet]] (1), [[Makoto Saito (wrestler)|K-ness.]] and [[Masaaki Mochizuki]] (1), Big R Shimizu and Masaaki Mochizuki (1), [[Kenichiro Arai]] and Ryo Saito (1) and [[Punch Tominaga]] and Yamato (1)<ref name=DGProfile/>
**[[Open the Twin Gate Championship]] ([[Open the Twin Gate Championship#History|4 times]]) – with [[Pac (wrestler)|Pac]] (1), K-ness (1), Cima (1), and [[Naruki Doi]] (1 time)
**Open The Triangle Gate Title #1 Contendership Tournament (2014) - with [[BxB Hulk]] and [[Masaaki Mochizuki]]
**Summer Tag League (2016) - with [[Eita Kobayashi|Eita]]
**Open The Brave Gate Title Tournament (2018)
**Open the Triangle Gate Titles Tournament (2023) - with [[Yamato (wrestler)|Yamato]] and [[Punch Tominaga]]
**Rey De Parejas (2024)
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**Ranked No. 106 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2006<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=97&nr=179#2006|access-date=2018-09-15 |title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 – 2006 |publisher=CAGEMATCH}}</ref>
*'''[[Toryumon Japan]]'''
**El Numero Uno (2004)<ref name=DGProfile/>
**[[NWA World Welterweight Championship]] ([[NWA World Welterweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=NWAWelter>{{cite book | author=Royal Duncan and Gary Will | title=Wrestling Title Histories | chapter= Mexico: EMLL NWA Welterweight Heavyweight Title | page= 390 | publisher=Archeus Communications | year=2006|edition=4th | isbn=978-0-9698161-5-7}}</ref>
**[[UWA World Trios Championship]] ([[UWA World Trios Championship#Title history|3 times]]) – with [[Magnum Tokyo]] and [[Ryo Saito (wrestler)|Ryo Saito]] (1), with [[Masaaki Mochizuki]] and [[Kenichiro Arai]] (1) and Kenichiro Arai and [[Naruki Doi|Second Doi]] (1)<ref name=UWATrios>{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/mexico/uwa/uwa-6.html | title= Universal Wrestling Association World Trios Title | date= January 24, 2010 | access-date= April 18, 2010 | publisher= Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref><ref group=Note>The UWA Closed in 1995, since then various UWA titles have been used by promotions in Mexico and Japan, this title was promoted by Toryumon Japan at the time Dragon Kid won it.</ref>
*'''[[Westside Xtreme Wrestling]]'''
**wXw World Lightweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wxw-germany/ | title=Westside Xtreme Wrestling | access-date= July 6, 2008 | date= July 7, 2007 | quote= Dragon Kid beat PAC to win the wXw World Lightweight title | publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
*'''''[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
**[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Flying Wrestler|Best Flying Wrestler]] (2001)<ref name=PWI500-2006/>
**[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Wrestling Maneuver|Best Wrestling Maneuver]] (1999, 2000) {{small|[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Dragonrana|Dragonrana]]}}<ref name=PWI500-2006/>
**[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Match of the Year|Match of the Year]] (2006) {{small|with Genki Horiguchi and Ryo Saito vs. CIMA, Naruki Doi and Masato Yoshino (ROH Supercard of Honor, March 31}}<ref name=PWI500-2006/>

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=Note}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[http://kaz.theshoppe.com/dragon-kid/ Profile at kaz.theshoppe.com]
*{{Cite web | url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/d/dragon-kid.html | title= Wrestlers Profiles: Dragon Kid | date= 22 May 2023 | publisher= Online World of Wrestling}}
* [http://spora.jp/hayabusa_dragonkid/ Dragon Kid Official Blog] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111030234635/http://spora.jp/hayabusa_dragonkid |date=2011-10-30 }}

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{Dragon Gate employees}}
{{Open the Brave Gate Championship}}
{{Open the Twin Gate Championship}}
{{Open the Triangle Gate Championship}}
{{Rey de Parejas winners}}
{{NWA World Welterweight Championship}}
{{UWA World Trios Championship}}
{{WXW World Lightweight Championship}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Japan}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dragon Kid}}
[[Category:1976 births]]
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Tōkai, Aichi]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from Aichi Prefecture]]
[[Category:Masked wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:NWA World Welterweight Champions]]
[[Category:UWA World Trios Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Brave Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Twin Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Triangle Gate Champions]]

Makoto Saitō (wrestler)

2025-04-15T11:18:25Z

89.136.44.148:

{{Short description|Japanese professional wrestler}}
{{Refimprove|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name=Makoto Saitō
|image=K-ness..JPG
|caption=Saitō as K-ness. in 2011
|names={{plainlist|
* Darkness Dragon
* Jimmy K-ness J.K.S.<ref name=DG>{{cite web |url=https://www.gaora.co.jp/dragongate/data/prfl/kness.html |script-title=ja:K-ness. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731103133/https://www.gaora.co.jp/dragongate/data/prfl/kness.html |url-status=live |archive-date=July 31, 2022 |publisher=[[Dragongate]] |date=May 1, 2021 |language=ja}}</ref>
* K-ness.<ref name=DG />
* Makoto
* Sumo K-ness S.K.S<ref>{{cite web |url=http://battle-news.com/?p=16260 |script-title=ja:ドラゴンゲート11.6後楽園大会スモーズvs.ヴェルセルク全面対抗戦3番勝負、Over Generation後楽園初登場 |date=November 7, 2015 |access-date=November 6, 2015 |work=Battle News |language=ja}}</ref>
* Turbo-ness
}}
|height={{convert|1.72|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=DG />
|weight={{convert|74|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<ref name=DG />
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1974|4|16|mf=y}}<ref name=DG />
|death_date=
|birth_place=[[Nerima, Tokyo|Nerima]], [[Tokyo]], Japan<ref name=DG />
|resides=
|billed=
|trainer={{plainlist|
* [[Animal Hamaguchi]]
* Wrestle Yume Factory
* [[Último Dragón]]
}}
|debut=April 23, 1996<ref name=DG />
|retired=April 7, 2022
}}
{{nihongo|'''Makoto Saitō'''|{{linktext|斎藤}} {{linktext|誠}}|Saitō Makoto|extra=born April 16, 1974 in [[Nerima, Tokyo]], [[Japan]]}}, better known by his [[ring name]] '''K-ness''' (stylized with a period as '''K-ness.''' and read as {{nihongo||クネス|Kunesu|}}), is a Japanese retired [[professional wrestler]]. He is best known for his 23-year tenure with [[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon]] and later [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]], where he was [[NWA World Welterweight Championship|NWA World Welterweight Champion]], [[Open the Brave Gate Championship|Open the Brave Gate Champion]], two-time [[Open the Twin Gate Championship|Open the Twin Gate Champion]] and three-time [[Open the Triangle Gate Championship|Open the Triangle Gate Champion]].

He was also known under the ring name {{nihongo|'''Jimmy K-ness J.K.S.'''|ジミー・クネスJ.K.S.|Jimī Kunesu Jē Kē Esu}} while he was part of the Jimmyz stable.

==Career==
===Early years===
Saitō debuted in [[Michinoku Pro Wrestling]] around the same time as [[Gamma (wrestler)|Yoshito Sugamoto]], and then went on to wrestle on the Japanese [[independent circuit]].

===Toryumon===
He joined [[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Tōryūmon]] in 1999 as Makoto, with a vampire style gimmick. As Makoto he was a member of the legendary Crazy Max stable. However, he did not get along with [[Yoshikazu Taru|Taru]], and eventually was kicked out of the stable after losing to Taru in a loser leaves match.

He returned to Tōryūmon as Darkness Dragon, a takeoff on the Último Dragón lineage, joining heel stable M2K. With the help of his stablemates he became a main event performer. He had a bitter feud with [[Dragon Kid]] that ended in 2002 with Kid winning the feud after winning a best of 3 falls mask vs mask match. Darkness Dragon unmasked and briefly went face, forming a face stable called Do Fixer with Kid and [[Ryo Saito]]. His face turn, however, was a ruse designed to cause dissention between the faces. He would soon turn heel again, joining the remnants of M2K and revealing that they were the real Do Fixer. He remasked and reinvented himself as K-ness., and engaged in a major feud and rivalry with [[Masato Yoshino|Yossino]].

In November 2003 he suffered a major shoulder injury which caused him to miss out on the majority of 2004, and the switch from Tōryūmon to [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]].

===Dragon Gate===
By the time K-ness returned, Último Dragón had left the promotion and taken the Tōryūmon trademark with him.

On returning, K-ness re-united members from the various M2K factions that had split up over the past few years and created Final M2K. He had a relatively quiet 2005. He faced long term rival Yossino for the [[Open the Brave Gate Championship]], but was defeated.

In 2006, he spent a lot of time on the shelf again, recovering from nagging injuries. When he returned at the end of the year, he was no longer himself in terms of his health, and began to wrestle in the opening matches on Dragon Gate cards to reduce the possibility of re-injuring himself. He then held an office position as field manager and booker.

In late 2007 he began to take matches in the upper card again. Teaming with [[Masaaki Mochizuki]] and [[Don Fujii]], he ended up with a reign as one third of the [[Open the Triangle Gate]] champions. After dropping the titles, K-ness primarily returned to his background role. During that time, he unofficially allied with the "Over 30" veterans of Mochizuki, Fujii and [[Magnitude Kishiwada]], and occasionally took upper card matches with them.

In 2009, K-ness began wrestling as 'X' although no one knew who exactly X was. [[Genki Horiguchi]] eventually called out X, who turned out to be K-ness. He stopped teaming with the other veterans and joined Real Hazard, reuniting the K-neSuka team with [[Susumu Mochizuki|Susumu Yokosuka]]. On January 11, 2010, he defeated [[Naoki Tanizaki]] to become the Open the Brave Gate Champion.

On January 10, 2010, Genki Horiguchi announced that Real Hazard would start winning matches through teamwork rather than illegal tactics. He initially started out alone on this mission, but six days later, Yokosuka and K-ness decided to help him in his pursuit of clean fights. However, they all found themselves on the losing end of trios matches, with Horiguchi taking the fall every time, and a divide formed in Real Hazard over the clean fights issue, with them on one side and [[Yasushi Kanda]], [[Kzy]], and [[Takuya Sugawara]]{{snd}}who wanted to win through illegal methods{{snd}}on the other. On February 10, after [[Fumiyuki Hashimoto|Kagetora]] accidentally cost Sugawara a shot at becoming the next challenger for the [[Open the Dream Gate Championship]], tensions boiled over. Yokosuka and K-ness left Real Hazard, along with Horiguchi. K-neSuka also agreed to stop teaming with Horiguchi, since they all did not like how Horiguchi was losing constantly, and they all felt that that was preventing K-neSuka from getting to the top of the tag team division.

On February 27, K-ness dropped the Brave Gate title to [[Super Shisa]]. On May 13, 2010, K-ness and Susumu Yokosuka defeated [[Cyber Kong]] and [[Shingo Takagi]] to win the [[Dragon Gate Open the Twin Gate Championship]]. After the longest reign in the title's history, with four successful defenses, K-ness and Yokosuka lost the Open the Twin Gate Championship to [[Gamma (wrestler)|Gamma]] and [[Naruki Doi]] on November 23, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1290753672|title=Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly|date=2010-11-26|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|access-date=2010-11-26|work=WrestleView}}</ref> On December 4, K-ness and Susumu Yokosuka joined World-1. In a match on February 6, 2011, K-ness suffered a dislocated right shoulder and took time off to heal. On April 14, 2011, World-1 was forced to disband after losing a match to the Blood Warriors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1302775264&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=4/14 Champion Gate - 14 Apr 2011|date=2011-04-14|access-date=2011-04-14|work=iHeartDG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110420142840/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1302775264&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-date=20 April 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> On September 9, 2015, upon joining the Jimmyz stable, he was renamed Jimmy K-ness J.K.S.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://battle-news.com/?p=13993|title=ドラゴンゲート9.9後楽園大会 Summer Adventure Tag League 2015、土井＆Yamatovs.クネスカ、大阪06vs.フジイ＆斎了、キッド＆フラミータvs.ハルク＆Kzy|date=2015-09-10|access-date=2015-09-10|work=Battle News|language=ja}}</ref> On September 18, 2017, the Jimmyz were forced to disband after losing a match to VerserK.

In December 2021, K-ness announced that he would be retiring in April 2022 due to a lingering neck injury.

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]'''
:*[[Open the Brave Gate Championship]] ([[Open the Brave Gate Championship#Title history|1 time]])
:*[[Open the Triangle Gate Championship]] ([[Open the Triangle Gate Championship#Title history|3 times]]) – with [[Masaaki Mochizuki]] and [[Don Fujii]] (1), [[Susumu Mochizuki|Jimmy Susumu]] and Masaaki Mochizuki (1) and [[Dragon Kid]] and Masaaki Mochizuki (1)
:*[[Open the Twin Gate Championship]] ([[Open the Twin Gate Championship#History|2 times]]) – with [[Susumu Mochizuki|Susumu Yokosuka]] (1) and [[Dragon Kid]] (1)
:*[[Summer Adventure Tag League]] ([[Summer Adventure Tag League#2015|2015]]) – with Jimmy Susumu
*'''[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Toryumon Japan]]'''
:*[[NWA World Welterweight Championship]] ([[NWA World Welterweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
:*[[UWA World Trios Championship]] ([[UWA World Trios Championship#Title history|2 times]]) – with Susumu Mochizuki and [[Yasushi Kanda]] (1) and Masaaki Mochizuki and Susumu Mochizuki (1)

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{Dragon Gate employees}}
{{NWA World Welterweight Championship}}
{{Open the Brave Gate Championship}}
{{Open the Triangle Gate Championship}}
{{Open the Twin Gate Championship}}
{{Rey de Parejas winners}}
{{UWA World Trios Championship}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Japan}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Saito, Makoto}}
[[Category:1974 births]]
[[Category:People from Nerima]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:NWA World Welterweight Champions]]
[[Category:UWA World Trios Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Brave Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Twin Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Triangle Gate Champions]]

Naruki Doi

2025-04-15T11:08:17Z

89.136.44.148:

{{short description|Japanese professional wrestler}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Naruki Doi
|image = 20230717doi.jpg
|caption = Doi in July 2023
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1980|10|4}}<ref name=Cage/>
|birth_place = [[Ikoma, Nara|Ikoma]], [[Nara Prefecture|Nara]], Japan<ref name=Cage/>
|resides =
|names = '''Naruki Doi'''<ref name=Cage/> Second Doi<ref name=Cage/> "Mr. Saito"
|height = {{height|m=1.73|precision=0}}<ref name=Cage/>
|weight = {{convert|82|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<ref name=Cage/>
|billed =
|trainer = [[Último Dragón]]<ref name=Cage/> [[Skayde]]<ref name=Cage/>
|debut = May 13, 2000<ref name=Cage/>
|retired =
}}
{{nihongo|'''Naruki Doi'''|土井成樹|Doi Naruki|born October 4, 1980}}<ref name=Cage>{{cite web|url=http://cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=3269|title=Cagematch profile|access-date=2009-12-31|publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> is a Japanese [[professional wrestler]] currently performing for [[Dragongate|Dragon Gate]], [[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] and [[All Japan Pro-Wrestling]] as a freelancer. He also wrestled for [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) and [[Impact Wrestling|Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA); in the former promotion, he was a one-time [[ROH World Tag Team Championship|World Tag Team Champion]] with [[Shingo Takagi]].

==Career==

===Toryumon===
Doi debuted in Toryumon Japan as part of the T2P. As one of his family members was a player for the Japanese baseball team the [[Yomiuri Giants]], he was given a baseball gimmick and the name of Second Doi.

Doi was originally groomed as the top face for T2P, but injuries forced him to debut in Japan late and his growth was slightly stunted. He joined the Toryumon Japan roster, and Shin M2K as T2P ended its run, later joining Final M2K.

===Dragon Gate===
Doi continued on in Final M2K. At the end of 2004, he abruptly dropped the baseball gimmick and started competing under his real name.

In January 2005, Doi turned heel and joined [[Nobuhiko Oshima|CIMA]]'s new faction Blood Generation. He gained more rank then, and rose to be something of a second-in-command for the stable. He also became the first [[Dragon Gate Open the Brave Gate Championship|Open the Brave Gate]] Champion on March 13, and would hold it until November 13, when he lost it to [[Dragon Kid]].

On April 12, 2006, when [[Yoshito Sugamoto|Gamma]] was kicked out of Blood Generation due to constant clashes with CIMA, Doi left with Gamma, along with [[Masato Yoshino]] and [[Naoki Tanizaki]]. It was unclear whether Doi or Gamma was the leader of the splinter faction. After Doi and Gamma won the rights to the Blood Generation name in a tag match against CIMA and [[Don Fujii]] eleven days later, Doi's faction renounced it, renaming themselves the [[Muscle Outlaw'z]]. The MO'z ranks would grow when [[Magnitude Kishiwada]] joined them after returning from a stint of injury, as well as referee [[Kinta Tamaoka]]. The group would lose Tanisaki later that year, but shortly after recruited [[Genki Horiguchi]]. MO'z would also host any heel wrestlers visiting Dragon Gate.

Doi continued to gain rank in 2007, and formed a regular tag team with Masato Yoshino, known as Speed Muscle, an amalgamation of their respective nicknames "Speed Star" and "Bosou Muscle". Doi and Yoshino declared themselves the first [[Dragon Gate Open the Twin Gate Championship|Open the Twin Gate]] Champions after winning the inaugural [[Summer Adventure Tag League]] Tournament in June, and later defeated [[Taku Iwasa]] and [[Kenichiro Arai]] for the [[Dragon Gate I-J Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|I-J Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] to unify the two belts. In November, Doi and Yoshino added the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] to their collection. Doi and Yoshino would drop the GHC titles to [[Shingo Takagi]] and [[BxB Hulk]] of [[New Hazard]] in January 2008, and then the Open the Twin Gate titles to Iwasa and Arai the month after, and opted to stop teaming with each other. Doi briefly teamed with Horiguchi while Yoshino pursued CIMA and the Open the Dream Gate championship. Yoshino put forward an impressive performance, and despite losing, was congratulated by both CIMA and Doi. Their team reconciled.

Doi and Yoshino's increasing popularity began to cause a split in the Muscle Outlaw'z, as Yoshino began to feud with stablemate [[Yasushi Kanda]]. The MO'z eventually split, with the heel faction of Kanda, Horiguchi, Gamma and YAMATO joining up with Shingo Takagi and Cyber Kong to form Real Hazard. Doi and Yoshino formed their own new stable, World-1, that also included BxB Hulk, Naoki Tanizaki, and [[m.c. KZ]].

In August, he and Yoshino won the Summer Adventure Tag League Tournament for the second year in a row, and then a month later, on September 26, they captured the Open the Twin Gate Titles for a second time from [[Ryo Saito (wrestler)|Ryo Saito]] and [[Susumu Yokosuka]]. Their second reign was very short, for they lost the titles nine days later to [[Masato Onodera|YAMATO]] and [[Cyber Kong]]. However, Doi would go on to become the ace of the promotion by year's end: He won the [[King of Gate]] Tournament on December 19, and then nine days later he defeated Shingo Takagi to become the Open the Dream Gate Champion.

[[File:Naruki Doi 2009 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|180px|Doi in 2009]]
On May 5, he made a notable defense of the title against the former sumo champion-turned-wrestler [[Akebono Tarō|Akebono]]. Despite the huge size difference, he was able to defeat Akebono and retain the title, after hitting him with five consecutive Bakatare Sliding Kicks. On July 19, he got his biggest victory ever when he defeated Open the Brave Gate Champion CIMA in a Title vs. Title Match, claiming the Brave Gate for a second time and really cementing his status as the unquestioned ace of the promotion. He vacated the Brave Gate immediately afterwards. On August 24, 2010, Doi and Masato Yoshino won their third Summer Adventure Tag League by defeating Genki Horiguchi and Ryo Saito in the finals.<ref name=SummerAdventureTag2010>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1283192682|title=Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly|date=2010-08-30|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|access-date=2010-08-30|work=WrestleView|url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901211928/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1283192682|archive-date=2010-09-01}}</ref> On October 13, 2010, Doi turned on Yoshino and joined the former Deep Drunkers and [[Takuya Sugawara]] to form a new heel stable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1287180298|title=Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly|date=2010-10-15|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|access-date=2010-10-16|work=WrestleView|url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216164710/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1287180298|archive-date=2010-12-16}}</ref> On November 23, 2010, Doi and Gamma defeated [[Makoto Saito (wrestler)|K-ness]] and Susumu Yokosuka to win the Open the Twin Gate Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1290753672|title=Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly|date=2010-11-26|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|access-date=2010-11-26|work=WrestleView}}</ref> At the final Dragon Gate show of 2010, ''Final Gate 2010'' on December 26, Doi unsuccessfully challenged his former partner Masato Yoshino for the Open the Dream Gate Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.purolove.com/dragongate/results/results10.php|title=2010 Dragon Gate results|access-date=2010-12-27|work=Purolove}}</ref> On January 10, 2011, Doi and Gamma lost the Open the Twin Gate Championship to Don Fujii and [[Masaaki Mochizuki]]. On January 14, 2011, Team Doi aligned themselves with CIMA's Warriors stable, who turned heel in the process.<ref name=VivaLaRaza20110121>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1295648558|title=Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|date=2011-01-21|access-date=2011-01-22|work=WrestleView}}</ref> On January 18 the new group was named Blood Warriors.<ref name=VivaLaRaza20110121/> On September 2, Doi, Kzy and Naoki Tanizaki defeated Gamma, Masato Yoshino and YAMATO to win the [[Dragon Gate Open the Triangle Gate Championship]]. They were stripped of the title on January 19, 2012, after Tanizaki was sidelined for six months with a shoulder injury. After being kicked out of Blood Warriors by new leader [[Akira Tozawa]], Doi reunited with Masato Yoshino to form World-1 International. On May 6, Doi, Yoshino and [[Pac (wrestler)|Pac]] won the Open the Triangle Gate Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1336287214&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|title=5/6 Dead or Alive 2012 - 05 May 2012|date=2012-05-06|access-date=2012-05-06|work=iHeartDG|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715232715/http://iheartdg.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1336287214&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&|archive-date=15 July 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> On September 12, 2013, Doi again turned on Yoshino and jumped to [[Mad Blankey]], signalling the end of World-1 International.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://battle-news.com/battle/2013/09/001955.php|title=意地を見せた斎了を下したYamatoに、土井から裏切られた吉野が挑戦表明！ジミーズを下したミレニアルズはベテラン軍を指名！|date=2013-09-13|access-date=2013-09-13|work=Battle News|language=ja}}</ref> On August 5, 2014, Doi became the interim Open the Dream Gate Champion, when he defeated BxB Hulk in a four-on-one handicap match.<ref name=DG080514>{{cite web|url=http://battle-news.com/fight/index.php?QBlog-20140806-1|title=【Dragon Gate】ハルクvs土井、サイバー、Kzy、問題龍のドリームゲート戦|date=2014-08-06|access-date=2014-08-06|work=Battle News|language=ja}}</ref> He failed to become the official champion, losing to Hulk in a one-on-one match on August 17. On June 13, Doi and YAMATO would defeat Masato Yoshino and Sachihoko Boy to become Open the Twin Gate champions. On August 16, 2015, Mad Blankey was forced to disband after losing to Jimmyz in a five-on-five elimination tag team match, after being betrayed by K-ness.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/436339/|title=【ドラゲー】サバイバル戦敗退でマッドブランキー軍解散|date=2015-08-17|access-date=2015-08-17|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja}}</ref> On September 23, Doi formed a new stable named VerserK with Cyber Kong, Kotoka, Mondai Ryu, Shingo Takagi and Yamato.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iheartdg.com/1294-2/|title=09/23 Summer Adventure Tag League|date=2015-09-23|access-date=2015-09-24|work=iHeartDG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170528121702/http://www.iheartdg.com/1294-2/|archive-date=2017-05-28|url-status=dead}}</ref> Doi and Yamato would hold the Open the Twin Gate championships until losing the titles to T-Hawk and Big R Shimizu on March 6, 2016. They'd break Mochizuki and Fujii's most defences record with 9 defenses before losing the belts. On October 12, 2016, VerserK turned on Doi after disbanding Monster Express and kicked him out of the unit. Doi subsequently became a [[tweener (professional wrestling)|tweener]], and once again began teaming with longtime partner Masato Yoshino. Doi unsuccessfully challenged YAMATO for the [[Open the Dream Gate Championship]] at Final Gate on December 25.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.iheartdg.com/1225-final-gate-2016/ |title=12/25 the Final Gate 2016 - iHeartDG |access-date=2016-12-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225131809/http://www.iheartdg.com/1225-final-gate-2016/ |archive-date=2016-12-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Doi refused a handshake from YAMATO after the match, and was helped to the back by two men wearing pink hoods over their heads. On January 18, 2017, Doi saved Masato Yoshino, Kotoka, and Ben-K from an attack by VerserK. A match between the two sides was then set for February 2. On May 4, Naruki Doi reunited with Masato Yoshino and formed a new unit called MaxiMuM with Big R Shimizu, Ben-K, and Kotoka.

===Foreign excursion===
Doi became one half of the [[ROH World Tag Team Championship|ROH World Tag Team Champions]] on March 3, 2007, with [[Shingo Takagi|Shingo]], beating [[The Briscoe Brothers]] in [[Liverpool]], [[England]].<ref name="ROHtag"/> The two would lose the title back to the Briscoes at ''All Star Extravaganza III'' on March 30.<ref name="ROHtag"/> In June 2008, he and Masato Yoshino joined [[Milano Collection A.T.]] and [[T. J. Perkins|Puma]] to form [[Team Japan]] in that year's [[TNA 2008 World X Cup Tournament|TNA World X Cup Tournament]] and together they had matches against members of the other teams, losing each match. At [[Victory Road (2008)|Victory Road]], Doi competed in the [[Ultimate X match]] but came up short.

Doi has also appeared for the Hawaii-based Action Zone Wrestling, debuting with tag team partner [[Masato Yoshino]] on January 7, 2008 in a four-way tag team match. He later returned for singles action at AZW's third anniversary show Anniversary Annihilation on June 2, 2008 in a triple threat match against Akua and Sabaki.

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)|World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)#Title history|2 times]])<ref name=ExciteSeries2023>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=361909|title=AJPW Excite Series 2023 - Tag 2: Pro-Wrestling Day MANIAx|work=cagematch.net|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|date=February 19, 2023|access-date=February 19, 2023}}</ref>
*'''[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[DDT Universal Championship]] ([[DDT Universal Championship#Reigns|1 time]])<ref name=ExtremeParty>{{cite web|url=http://extremeparty.heteml.net/title.html#universal|script-title=ja:DDT UNIVERSAL選手権|work=Extreme Party|access-date=January 12, 2023|language=ja}}</ref>
**[[KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship]] ([[KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship#Reigns|1 time]]) – with [[Toru Owashi]] and [[Kazuki Hirata]]
**[[Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship]] ([[List of Ironman Heavymetalweight Champions#Title history|2 times]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/ddt/ironman-hm.html|title=Ironman Heavymetalweight Title (Japan)|author=Wrestling Titles|work=wrestling-titles.com|date=March 14, 2021|access-date=March 15, 2021}}</ref>
*'''[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]'''
**[[Dragon Gate I-J Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[Dragon Gate I-J Heavyweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Masato Yoshino]]<ref name=CageTitles>{{cite web|url=http://cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=3269&view=erfolge#erfolge|title=Cagematch title history|access-date=2009-12-31|publisher=Cagematch}}</ref>
**[[Open the Brave Gate Championship]] ([[Dragon Gate Open the Brave Gate Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref name=CageTitles/>
**[[Open the Dream Gate Championship]] ([[Dragon Gate Open the Dream Gate Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref name=CageTitles/>
**[[Open the Triangle Gate Championship]] ([[Dragon Gate Open the Triangle Gate Championship#Title history|15 times]]) – with [[Nobuhiko Oshima|Cima]] and [[Shingo Takagi]] (1), Cima and [[Tatsuki Fujii|Don Fujii]] (1), [[Yoshito Sugamoto|Gamma]] and Masato Yoshino (3), Gamma and [[Magnitude Kishiwada]] (1) Magnitude Kishiwada and Masato Yoshino (1), [[Pac (wrestler)|Pac]] and [[Naoki Tanizaki]] (1), [[M.c.KZ|Kzy]] and Naoki Tanizaki (1), Masato Yoshino and Pac (1), Masato Yoshino and [[Shachihoko Boy]] (1), [[Rich Swann]] and Shachihoko Boy (1), [[Cyber Kong]] and Kzy (1), [[Big R Shimizu]] and [[Ben-K]] (1), Masato Yoshino and Jason Lee (1), [[Kota Minoura]] and [[Minorita (wrestler)|Minorita]] (1)<ref name=CageTitles/>
**[[Open the Twin Gate Championship]] ([[Dragon Gate Open the Twin Gate Championship#History|8 times]]) – with Masato Yoshino (2), Gamma (1), [[Ricochet (wrestler)|Ricochet]] (1), [[Masato Onodera|Yamato]] (2), Takashi Yoshida (1) and [[Dragon Kid]] (1 time, current)<ref name=CageTitles/>
**Interim Open the Dream Gate Championship (1 time)<ref name=DG080514/>
**[[King of Gate]] ([[King of Gate#2008|2008]])
**[[Summer Adventure Tag League]] (2007, 2008, 2010) – with Masato Yoshino<ref name=SummerAdventureTag2010/><ref name=PuroCentral>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/doi.html|title=Puroresu Central profile|access-date=2009-12-31|publisher=Puroresu Central}}</ref>
**[[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)#List of Dragon Gate Triple Crown Champions|First]] [[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)|Triple Crown Champion]]
**[[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)#Dragon Gate|Third]] [[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)|Grand Slam Champion]]
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**Ranked No. 66 of the top 500 wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2020<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://heelbynature.com/all-elite-wrestling/jon-moxley-tops-2020-pwi-500-list/|title = Jon Moxley Tops 2020 PWI 500 List, Top 100 Revealed •}}</ref>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]'''
**[[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Masato Yoshino]]<ref name=CageTitles/>
*'''[[Ring of Honor]]'''
**[[ROH World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of ROH World Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – with [[Shingo Takagi|Shingo]]<ref name="ROHtag">{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohworldtagteamtitles.php|title=Ring Of Honor Tag Team Championship|access-date=2010-04-05|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412035856/http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohworldtagteamtitles.php|archive-date=2010-04-12}}</ref>
*'''[[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon Japan]]'''
**[[UWA World Trios Championship]] ([[UWA World Trios Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with Dragon Kid and Kenichiro Arai<ref name=CageTitles/>
*'''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
**[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Match of the Year|Match of the Year]] (2006) with Masato Yoshino and Cima vs. Dragon Kid, Genki Horiguchi and Ryo Saito (ROH – ''Supercard of Honor'' – March 31)

{|class="wikitable sortable" width=100%
|-
!width=5%|Wager
!width=20%|Winner(s)
!width=20%|Loser(s)
!width=20%|Location
!width=15%|Date
!width=20%|Notes
|----- align="center"
|Hair || [[Terumasa Ishihara|BxB Hulk]] ([[Takashi Yoshida|Cyber Kong]]) || Naruki Doi ([[M.c.KZ|Kzy]])|| Aichi, Japan || {{dts|2014|05|05}} || This was a six-way [[Professional wrestling match types#Cages|steel cage match]], also involving [[Cima (wrestler)|Cima]] ([[Dragon Kid]]), [[Jimmy Kanda]] ([[Susumu Mochizuki|Jimmy Susumu]]), [[Masato Yoshino]] (Shachihoko Boy) and [[Naoki Tanizaki|Mr. Kyu Kyu Naoki Tanizaki Toyonaka Dolphin]] ([[Genki Horiguchi|Genki Horiguchi H.A.Gee.Mee!!]]).
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[http://dgusa.tv/roster/doi.htm Dragon Gate USA profile]
*{{Professional wrestling profiles}}

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship}}
{{GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship}}
{{Dragon Gate employees}}
{{King of Gate}}
{{Open the Dream Gate Championship}}
{{Open the Brave Gate Championship}}
{{Open the Twin Gate Championship}}
{{Open the Triangle Gate Championship}}
{{Rey de Parejas winners}}
{{UWA World Trios Championship}}
{{World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)}}
{{KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship}}
{{DDT Universal Championship}}
{{International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship}}
{{ROH World Tag Team Championship}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Japan}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Doi, Naruki}}
[[Category:1980 births]]
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Nara Prefecture]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:ROH World Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:UWA World Trios Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Dream Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Brave Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Twin Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Triangle Gate Champions]]
[[Category:World Junior Heavyweight Champions (AJPW)]]
[[Category:Ironman Heavymetalweight Champions]]
[[Category:King of Gate winners]]

Muscle Outlaw'z

2025-04-15T11:07:21Z

89.136.44.148:

{{short description|Professional wrestling stable}}
{{Infobox wrestling team
|article_name = Muscle Outlaw'z
|type = S
|image =
|caption =
|members = [[Hiromasa Horiguchi|Genki Horiguchi]] [[Yoshito Sugamoto|Gamma]] [[Yasushi Kanda]] [[Masato Onodera|YAMATO]] Dr. Muscle [[Takashi Yoshida|Cyber Kong]] [[Kinta Tamaoka]] [[Jack Evans (wrestler)|Jack Evans]] [[Naruki Doi]] [[Masato Yoshino]] [[Naoki Tanizaki]] [[Magnitude Kishiwada]]
|names =
|former_members =
|debut = April 23, 2006
|disbanded = May 14, 2008
}}
{{More citations needed|date=February 2022}}
'''Muscle Outlaw'z''', or '''MO'z''' for short, was a [[professional wrestling]] [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|stable]] in the [[Japan]]ese [[Professional wrestling promotion|promotion]] [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]], formed on April 23, 2006. It was founded by former Blood Generation members [[Naruki Doi]], [[Masato Yoshino]], [[Naoki Tanizaki]], and [[Yoshito Sugamoto|Gamma]], intending to compete with [[Nobuhiko Oshima|CIMA]]'s faction. Other members included [[Hiromasa Horiguchi|Genki Horiguchi]], [[Magnitude Kishiwada]], [[Yasushi Kanda]], [[Kinta Tamaoka]], [[Cyber Kong]], and [[Masato Onodera|YAMATO]].

==History==
At one time the main heel and largest faction in Dragon Gate, the Muscle Outlaw'z are one of the most successful factions in Dragon Gate history, with several championships to their credit. Being heels, they mainly utilized dirty and underhanded tactics to win their matches, and though they specialized in group tactics, they could hold their own in singles competition.

MO'z started when Magnitude Kishiwada got injured in February 2006 and had to take some time off, but he promised his stablemates in '''Blood Generation''' that "a friend" would come and take his place while he recuperated. On March 19, that "friend" turned out to be his old [[Osaka Pro Wrestling]] running buddy Gamma. Gamma and the stable's leader CIMA took a dislike to each other almost immediately, and their constant butting of heads prompted CIMA to kick him out of the faction on April 12. However, Gamma would be joined in his departure by Naruki Doi, Masato Yoshino, and the newly recruited Naoki Tanisaki. Doi and Gamma then defeated CIMA and [[Don Fujii]] on April 23 in a tag match, winning full rights to the Blood Generation name, but they immediately renounced the name, instead establishing the "Muscle Outlaw'z". Their roster was bolstered when Kishiwada joined them when he returned from his injury, and when Genki Horiguchi defected from Do FIXER on February 4, 2007. Referee Kinta Tamaoka also joined their ranks in May 2006, acting as their own personal referee. He allowed the MO'z members to break the rules and he used fast counts when they pinned their opponents, and he also refused to count pinfalls done to MO'z members and would sometimes even attack opponents.

The group became the refuge for any heel wrestler visiting Dragon Gate, their membership list including Pentagon Black, [[Kevin Owens|Kevin Steen]], [[Babi Slymm|Muscle Gang]], and [[Arik Cannon]]. This has caused their membership to become the highest in Dragon Gate history.

Kishiwada would become more of a part-time member, spending increasing amounts of time away from Dragon Gate, and Naoki Tanisaki would eventually leave the group and the promotion altogether in late 2006 to become a freelancer, with the El Dorado Wrestling promotion as his main haunt.

Masato Yoshino and Genki Horiguchi competed in [[MTV2]]'s [[Wrestling Society X]] as "Team Dragon Gate". They began on a losing streak, until they were "reprogrammed" by Sakoda. They returned with a new dark edge and won their last two matches before WSX was canceled by MTV. Team Dragon Gate was active while Horiguchi was still aligned with Do FIXER in Dragon Gate.

As September 2007 approached, Kinta's relationship with the other members of MO'z began to deteriorate after he cost the group several matches due to misaimed protein powder attacks. After he took the fall in a tag match where he and Gamma lost their hair to CIMA and Dragon Kid, Gamma had had enough, and challenged Kinta to a match on September 22 where the loser would be banished from MO'z. Gamma lost the match after all of the MO'z members surprisingly aided Kinta, and so he was banished from the group, and then he had his contract with Dragon Gate annulled the next day. A month later, on October 21, when the MO'z stormed the ring after a tag match between [[Typhoon]] and [[New Hazard]] and assaulted both stables, Gamma rushed to the ring to save the day and joined with Typhoon. This, however, was short-lived, as he quickly gave CIMA, Typhoon's leader, a [[Tombstone Piledriver]] and rejoined MO'z, and then the group mobbed Kinta and booted him out. This culminated in a six-man tag match later that night between Genki Horiguchi, Masato Yoshino, and Gamma against all three referees of Dragon Gate with Yasushi Kanda as the special referee. MO'z would go on to win the match after Kanda interfered on the Outlawz' behalf, hitting Kinta with a blue box right before he could hit his finisher. He was then revealed as the latest MO'z member.

Championship success abounded in the group. They dominated the Open the Triangle Gate title scene, winning the belts four times. Masato Yoshino and Genki Horiguchi won the Open the Brave Gate title on separate occasions in 2007. Naruki Doi would win the ROH World Tag Team Titles with an unaligned Shingo Takagi in March 2007. The group’s greatest success came from the tandem of Doi and Yoshino. Dubbed "Speed Muscle", an amalgamation of their nicknames Speed Star (Yoshino) and Bosou Muscle (Doi), the duo would become the first Dragon Gate Open the Twin Gate Champions in 2007, and later in the year they would add the WAR I-J Heavyweight Tag Team Championship and Pro Wrestling NOAH GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship to their collection.

On April 17, 2008, New Hazard's YAMATO joined MO'z after attacking his tag partner Naoki Tanisaki (who had recently returned but didn't re-align with MO'z) in a match against Gamma and Genki Horiguchi. On May 5, after weeks of dissension, Doi and Yoshino split from the Outlaw'z, turning face after costing Yasushi Kanda his hair in a Mascara contra Cabellera (Mask vs. Hair) Cage Survival Six-Way Match. Nine days later, Shingo Takagi and Cyber Kong turned on BxB Hulk, ending New Hazard, and they proceeded to join with the remaining heel members of Muscle Outlaw'z to form Real Hazard, effectively ending Muscle Outlaw'z after two years of activity. Dr. Muscle, however, has vowed to carry on the MO'z name until the end of time.

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]'''
**[[Open the Brave Gate Championship]] (4 times) – Horiguchi (1), Yoshino (2), Gamma (1)<ref name="official">{{cite web|url=http://www.gaora.co.jp/dragongate/data/title/brave.html|title=Open the Brave Gate official title history|accessdate=2007-07-17|publisher=Dragon Gate Official Site|language=Japanese}}</ref>
**[[Open the Triangle Gate Championship]] (4 times) Doi, Gamma and Yoshino (2), Doi, Gamma and Kishiwada (1), Doi, Kishiwada and Yoshino (1)<ref name="trianglegate">{{cite web|url=http://wrestling-titles.com/japan/dg/dg-6.html|title=Open the Triangle Gate title history|accessdate=2007-05-12|publisher= Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref>
**[[Open the Twin Gate Championship]] (1 time) – Doi and Yoshino<ref name="first">{{cite web|url=http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/other/headlines/wrestling/20071012-00000035-spnavi-fight.html|title=Dragon Gate Gate of Victory October 12, 2007 report|accessdate=2007-10-12|publisher=SportsNavi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716065802/http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/other/headlines/wrestling/20071012-00000035-spnavi-fight.html|archive-date=July 16, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
**[[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] (1 time) – Doi and Yoshino
**[[Dragon Gate I-J Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|I-J Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] (1 time) – Doi and Yoshino
**[[King of Gate]] ([[King of Gate#2007|2007]]) – Gamma
**[[Summer Adventure Tag League]] (2007) – Doi and Yoshino
*'''[[Wrestle Association R]]'''
**[[WAR International Junior Heavyweight Championship]] (1 time) – Black

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Navboxes
|list1=
{{Open the Twin Gate Championship}}
{{Open the Triangle Gate Championship}}
{{Rey de Parejas winners}}
}}

[[Category:Dragon Gate (wrestling) teams and stables]]
[[Category:Independent promotions teams and stables]]
[[Category:Japanese promotions teams and stables]]

Milano Collection A. T.

2025-04-15T11:04:23Z

89.136.44.148:

{{short description|Japanese professional wrestler}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name=Milano Collection A. T.
|image=Milano Collection A.T..jpg
|caption=Sawafuji as Milano Collection A. T. in June 2007, after winning the [[Best of the Super Juniors#2007|2007 Best of the Super Juniors]]
|birthname=Akihito Sawafuji<ref name=Realname/>
|names={{ubl|Akihito Terui<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 3, 2000 |script-title=ja:闘龍門MEXICO　第13回自主興行 |trans-title=Toryumon Mexico 13th Independent Show |url=http://www.gaora.co.jp/dragongate/data/result/mx2/013.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040811035557/http://www.gaora.co.jp/dragongate/data/result/mx2/013.html |archive-date=August 11, 2004 |website=[[Dragongate]] |language=ja}}</ref>|Masked Italiano|'''Milano Collection A. T.'''}}
|height={{convert|1.83|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name=NJPW/>
|weight={{convert|85|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<ref name=OWOW/>
|birth_date ={{Birth date and age|1976|8|27|mf=y}}<ref name=NJPW/>
|death_date =
|birth_place = [[Morioka, Iwate|Morioka]], [[Iwate Prefecture|Iwate]], [[Japan]]<ref name=NJPW/>
|billed = [[Milan]], [[Italy]]<ref name=NJPW/>
|trainer=[[Skayde]] [[Magnum Tokyo]]<ref name=OWOW/> [[Último Dragón]] Rudy Boy Gonzalez Texas Wrestling Academy
|debut=May 13, 2000<ref name=NJPW/>
|retired=January 18, 2010
|}}
{{nihongo|'''Akihito Sawafuji'''|澤藤章人|Sawafuji Akihito|born August 27, 1976}},<ref name=Realname>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/16999/|script-title=ja:食いっぱぐれない技術に憧れた|date=2012-06-13|access-date=2014-02-03|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221024655/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/16999/|archive-date=2014-02-21}}</ref><ref name=NJPW>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/prof/mirano.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100618201640/http://www.njpw.co.jp/prof/mirano.html|title=ミラノコレクションA.T.|archive-date=2010-06-18|access-date=2014-02-03|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref name=OWOW>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/bios/m/milano-collection-a-t/|title=Milano Collection A.T. profile|access-date=2013-02-03|work=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref name=Puro>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/milano.html|title=Profile at Puroresu Central|publisher=Puroresu Central|access-date=2014-02-03}}</ref> is a Japanese [[color commentator]] and retired [[professional wrestler]], better known by his ring name {{nihongo|'''Milano Collection A. T.'''|ミラノコレクションA.T.|Mirano Korekushon Ē Tī}}. As Milano, Sawafuji adopted the gimmick of an Italian fashion aficionado/supermodel, reflected in his ring attire. Milano is also known for walking to the ring with an invisible dog known as Mikeru. After retiring from in-ring competition in 2010, Milano began working as a color commentator for [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW), a position he maintains to this day.

==Professional wrestling career==
===Toryumon and Dragon Gate (2000–2005)===
Sawafuji debuted in 2000 in [[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon]], where he later adopted the persona and ring name of Milano Collection A. T., an Italian [[fashion]] [[aficionado]]/[[supermodel]], wearing lavish coats and trunks and walking to the ring with an invisible dog named Mikeru to much more success, and upon his arrival in Japan, he was the ace of Toryumon's T2P class. In 2002, he won the T2P Strongest Merit Assessment League defeating [[Masato Yoshino]] and received the [[NWA International Light Heavyweight Championship]] for the win. He then went on to form the Italian Connection with [[Masato Yoshino|Yossino]] and [[Yasushi Tsujimoto|Yassini]].<ref name=cagematch>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=29&nr=136|title=Italian Connection |publisher=Cagematch|access-date=2019-03-16}}</ref> The unit eventually added members [[Takayuki Yagi|Pescatore Yagi]], [[Shuji Kondo|Condotti Shuji]], [[Anthony W. Mori]] and mascot [[Tzuki|Venezia]]. With the closure of T2P in July 2003, he joined the [[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon]] main roster.

===American excursion (2005–2006)===
In mid-2006, he began training at the Texas Wrestling Academy in [[San Antonio, Texas]] at the urging of [[World Wrestling Entertainment|WWE]]'s [[Shoichi Funaki]], and trained under Rudy Boy Gonzalez. He also wrestled for many other [[Professional wrestling in the United States|American wrestling federations]], including [[East Coast Wrestling Association]], [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH), NWA Anarchy, [[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]] and [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA), where he took part in the [[TNA 2008 World X Cup Tournament|2008 World X Cup]] as part of [[Team Japan]], winning his first and only singles match for TNA against [[Christopher Daniels|Curry Man]], gaining 2 points for his team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/07/04/6065381.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120724044330/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/07/04/6065381.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 24, 2012|title=Impact: Bad dates and Sting's return|last=Sokol|first=Bryan|date=2008-07-04|publisher=SLAM! Sports|access-date=2009-04-06}}</ref> He then competed at [[Victory Road (2008)|Victory Road]] in the third round, which was a four team triple elimination match, dominating early in the match before getting eliminated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/07/13/6147126.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630040304/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/07/13/6147126.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 30, 2012|title=Main event mars Victory Road|last=Kapur|first=Bob|date=2008-07-13|publisher=SLAM! Sports|access-date=2009-04-06}}</ref>

===New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2007–present)===
After returning to Japan full time in 2007, he began working for [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) as a part of the [[RISE (professional wrestling)|R.I.S.E.]] faction. He received his first title opportunity in New Japan on November 6, 2006, unsuccessfully challenging [[Tiger Mask IV]] for the [[NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship]].<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=8802| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211216164126/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=8802| archive-date = 2021-12-16| title = NJPW Circuit 2006 Explosion ~ G1 Tag League ~ - Tag 13 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref> He achieved his greatest success in both New Japan and as a professional wrestler in 2007 when he won [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'s [[Best of the Super Juniors#2007|Best of the Super Juniors tournament]], defeating [[Wataru Inoue (wrestler)|Wataru Inoue]] in the final.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=12012|website=Cage Match|title= NJPW New Japan 35th Anniversary Tour Circuit 2007 Best Of The Super Junior XIV ~Power of Mind|access-date=6 May 2023}}</ref> In August, he took part in the [[G1 Climax#2007|G1 Climax]], finishing with 2 wins and 4 points. In November, he teamed with [[Hirooki Goto]] as R.I.S.E in the [[G1 Tag League#2007|G1 Tag League]], making it to the semi-finals where they were eliminated by [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]] and [[Koji Kanemoto]].<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=14470| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160121060951/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=14470| archive-date = 2016-01-21| title = NJPW 35th Anniversary Tour ~ Circuit 2007 New Japan Truth ~G1 Tag League~ - Tag 10 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>

On January 18, 2010, Sawafuji announced his retirement from professional wrestling because of [[inferior oblique muscle]] [[Conjugate gaze palsy|palsy]], brought on by an excessively strong thrust kick to the eye by [[Keiji Takayama|Gedo]]. A retirement ceremony was held on February 14.

Sawafuji remains with New Japan as a member of the IWGP Championship Committee and a color commentator.

== As a trainer ==
Sawafuji is currently a trainer for [[World Wonder Ring Stardom]].<ref name="KakutoLogInterview">{{cite web |url=https://kakutolog.info/wrestling/stardom/31966/ |author=T.SAKAI |date=November 30, 2023 |website=Kakuto Log |at= |language=ja |script-title=ja:ミラノ先生「練習時間の確保を」　復活スターダムに向け岡田社長に進言 |access-date=November 30, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130180729/https://kakutolog.info/wrestling/stardom/31966/ |archive-date=November 30, 2023}}</ref>

===Wrestlers trained===
{{Div col|colwidth=15em}}
* Aya Sakura<ref name="KakutoLogInterview"/>
* [[Giulia (wrestler)|Giulia]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://monthlypuroresu.com/features/giulia-stardom-english-interview/ |title=Q&A with Joshi Superstar Giulia |work=Monthly Puroresu |date=September 11, 2022 |access-date=November 30, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104014354/https://monthlypuroresu.com/features/giulia-stardom-english-interview/ |archive-date=November 4, 2023}}</ref>
* Hanako<ref name="KakutoLogInterview"/>
* [[Miyu Amasaki]]<ref name="KakutoLogInterview"/>
* Yuzuki<ref name="KakutoLogInterview"/>
{{div col end}}

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]]'''
**ICW/ICWA Tex-Arkana Television Championship (1 time)
*'''[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]'''
**[[Dragon Gate Open the Triangle Gate Championship|Open the Triangle Gate Championship]] ([[Dragon Gate Open the Triangle Gate Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Takayuki Mori|Anthony W. Mori]] and [[Masato Yoshino|Yossino]]<ref name=Puro/>
**[[Rey de Parejas]] ([[Rey de Parejas#2004|2004]]) – with Anthony W. Mori and Yossino
*'''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[Best of the Super Juniors]] ([[Best of the Super Juniors#2007|2007]])<ref name=Puro/>
*'''[[National Wrestling Alliance|NWA Florida]]'''
**[[Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup]] ([[Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup#Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup (2006)|2006]])
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**PWI ranked him #'''61''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[PWI 500]] in 2007<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi/milano-collection-a-t-1889.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2007|access-date=2021-04-23|work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
*'''[[Texas Wrestling Academy|Texas Wrestling Entertainment]]'''
**TWE Television Championship (1 time)
*'''[[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon]]'''
**[[NWA International Light Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA International Light Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
**[[UWA World Trios Championship]] ([[UWA World Trios Championship#Title history|2 times]]) – with [[Yasushi Tsujimoto|Brother Yasini]] and Yossino (1), and Yossino and [[Shuji Kondo|Condotti Shuji]] (1)<ref name=OWOW/><ref name=Puro/>
**T2P Strongest League (2002)<ref name=OWOW/>
**Young Dragons Cup (2000)<ref name=OWOW/>

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://www.puroresucentral.com/milano.html Puroresu Central profile]
* {{professional wrestling profiles}}

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{Open the Triangle Gate Championship}}
{{Rey de Parejas winners}}
{{UWA World Trios Championship}}
{{New Japan Pro Wrestling personnel}}
{{Best of the Super Juniors}}
}}

[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1976 births]]
[[Category:People from Morioka, Iwate]]
[[Category:Martial artists from Iwate Prefecture]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling announcers]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:UWA World Trios Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Triangle Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Best of the Super Juniors winners]]

Shuji Kondo

2025-04-15T11:01:15Z

89.136.44.148:

{{Update|reason=Is missing Wrestle-1's folding|inaccurate=yes|date=December 2021}}
{{short description|Japanese professional wrestler}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name=Shuji Kondo
|names='''Shuji Kondo''' Condotti Shuji Dotti Shuji
|image=Shuji Kondo.jpg
|caption=Kondo in 2010
|height={{convert|1.73|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|weight={{convert|95|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1978|1|21}}
|death_date =
|birth_place = [[Fuji, Shizuoka]]
|resides=
|billed=
|trainer= [[Último Dragón]] [[Skayde]]
|debut=May 18, 2001
|retired=
|}}
{{nihongo|'''Shuji Kondo'''|近藤修司|''Kondō Shūji''|born January 21, 1978}} is a [[Japanese people|Japanese]] professional wrestler. Prior to becoming a pro wrestler, he played [[Rugby union|rugby]]. After starting his career in [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Toryumon]], Kondo eventually joined [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW), where he became one of the promotion's top [[Cruiserweight (professional wrestling)|junior heavyweights]], winning the [[World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)|World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] three times and the [[All Asia Tag Team Championship]] once. Upon leaving AJPW in 2013, Kondo joined [[Wrestle-1]], where he became half of the inaugural [[Wrestle-1 Tag Team Championship|Wrestle-1 Tag Team Champions]]. Kondo also worked as the vice president, booker and trainer for Wrestle-1 until its closure in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.daily.co.jp/newsflash/ring/2015/08/03/0008270249.shtml|script-title=ja:Ｗ－１がプロレスラー養成学校設立|date=2015-08-03|access-date=2015-08-03|work=Daily Sports Online|publisher=[[Kobe Shimbun]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal| last = Meltzer | first = Dave | author-link = Dave Meltzer | date = April 3, 2017 | title = April 3, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Massive Wrestlemania weekend preview, plus tons of news | journal = [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] | location = [[Campbell, California]] | issn = 1083-9593 | page=39}}</ref> He now works as a freelancer in promotions like Pro Wrestling Basara and DragonGate.

==Professional wrestling career==

===Toryumon/Dragon Gate===

Kondo was part of the T2P class in Toryumon. At first he was a face in the Toryumon Seikigun.

He would turn heel and join the Italian Connection, changing his name to Condotti Shuji, after the shopping district. One of his stablemates in the ItaCon was [[Yasushi Tsujimoto|"brother" Yasshi]], who has remained a firm ally of his ever since.

In 2003, the ItaCon was divided over the face/heel issue, with Kondo leading the heel side. He would lead the turn, briefly rename to Dotti Shuji, and soon after revert to his real name. He and Yasshi formed a group called Hagure Gundam (Rogue Corps in English) with fellow ItaCon member [[Shogo Takagi]], and [[Toru Owashi]]. When Hagure Gundam was joined by [[Masaaki Mochizuki]], it was renamed Aagan Iisou. Mochizuki would later be kicked out of the stable after he and Kondo feuded over who was leader, and [[Takuya Sugawara]] was added to the group.

On December 31, 2004, all five members of Aagan Iisou – Kondo, Yasshi, Sugawara, Owashi, and Shogo – were fired from Dragon Gate, the newly renamed Toryumon, for alleged behavioral problems.

===Dragondoor===

Kondo was built up as the heel ace of the Dragondoor promotion. All five members of Aagan Iisou were on the roster, but Kondo only aligned himself with YASSHI and Sugawara. Despite the three of them being the heels, they received most of the fan support over the babyfaces.

===All Japan Pro Wrestling===

He soon joined AJPW, where he and long-time associate "brother" Yasshi would ally themselves with Taru's [[Voodoo Murders]] stable and even hold the All-Asia Tag Team Titles for a short time. The Voodoo Murderers were previously in an intense feud against [[Roughly Obsess and Destroy|RO&D]], but defeated their long-time foes after [[D'Lo Brown]] and [[Barry Buchanan|Buchanan]] turned on RO&D and joined the Voodoo Murderers. Kondo also became the [[World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)|World Junior Heavyweight Champion]] having won the title from junior ace [[Taka Michinoku]]. On February 17, 2007, Kondo lost the Jr. Heavyweight Title to [[Katsuhiko Nakajima]], thus ending his 1-year, 4-month title reign. Kondo would remain a regular top player in AJPW's junior division for the next several years – a run which included a tag-team with [[Kaz Hayashi]] and occasionally working with the heavyweights in tag-team action as a partner of [[Suwama]]. His allegiance with both men would be defining parts of his tenure through his working with both men across multiple factions in big-match scenarios. As AJPW and [[Pro Wrestling Noah|Pro Wrestling NOAH]] began working together more in 2011–2013, Shuji began working NOAH as a part-time outsider and, as an AJPW representative, would defeat NOAH's [[Yoshinobu Kanemaru]] for the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] on September 29, 2012. Before the year was out, Kondo would return twice to NOAH for successful defenses against [[Atsushi Aoki]] and [[Kotaro Suzuki]], respectively. His third defense would be on January 2, 2013, in a dual-title match against reigning AJPW World Junior Heavyweight Champion [[Hiroshi Yamato]]. With the victory over Yamato, Kondo became the first person to hold both AJPW and GHC Junior Championships simultaneously; though, the dual-title run would be short lived as Kondo would lose the GHC Junior Title to old dragondoor rival [[Taiji Ishimori]] on January 28. In that same month, the new incarnation of the [[Burning (professional wrestling)|Burning]] faction – [[Jun Akiyama]], [[Go Shiozaki]], Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Kotaro Suzuki, and Atsushi Aoki – would invade AJPW after leaving their old home of Pro Wrestling NOAH the month prior. All members immediately challenged for AJPW gold and on February 23, Kondo would fall to Kanemaru to end his second reign. On March 4, 2013, Kondo joined [[Kohei Suwama|Suwama]] and [[Joe Doering]] as a member of the stable, [[Last Revolution]]. In June 2013, Kondo announced his resignation from All Japan in the aftermath of Nobuo Shiraishi taking over as the president and [[Keiji Mutoh]] leaving the promotion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/153442/|script-title=ja:武藤新団体に船木が合流へ|date=2013-06-17|work=[[Tokyo Sports]]|access-date=2013-06-17|language=ja}}</ref> His final match as an AJPW roster member was on June 30 when he and Kaz Hayashi challenged unsuccessfully for the All Asia Tag Team Championship being held by Burning's Aoki and Suzuki.

On January 25, 2018, Kondo returned to AJPW as a Wrestle-1 representative for an eight-man tag team match. Despite having competed for the heavyweight division there and in other promotions, Kondo participated in the [[AJPW Junior League|Jr. Battle of Glory.]] Kondo would win his block with a 4–1 record, and go on to defeat 2017 tournament winner, [[Koji Iwamoto]], in the Final. The tournament victory would lead to an unsuccessful challenge for Atsushi Aoki's World Junior Heavyweight Championship on March 25. Kondo would next return on August 3, teaming with freelancer Kotaro Suzuki for a run in the [[AJPW Junior Tag League|Junior Tag Battle of Glory]] which ended at an even 3–3 record. Though unsuccessful in the tournament, Kondo did get another direct pinfall over Koji Iwamoto in their league match which led to Kondo being nominated as Iwamoto's first challenger for Koji's newly-won Junior Title. On September 22, Kondo regained the World Junior Heavyweight Championship for a third time. His third reign would last two months – passing a defense against [[Hikaru Sato]] before losing the title back to Koji Iwamoto on November 29.

===El Dorado===

Kondo is also one of the main players in dragondoor's successor, El Dorado. Unlike in dragondoor, Kondo was set up to be the face ace of the promotion. He and YASSHI split for the first time in years, with YASSHI briefly leading his own faction. Kondo started a faction called Sukiyaki, named after his famous love of meat dishes. When his friend and fellow Dragon Gate exile Naoki Tanisaki abruptly left El Dorado and returned to Dragon Gate, Kondo disbanded Sukiyaki. After defeating Magnitude Kishiwada on August 15, 2008 to win the Greatest Golden League, Kondo announced his departure from El Dorado.

===Wrestle-1===
[[File:TAKAYAMANIA CIMG4868.jpg|thumb|250px|Kondo (left) with [[Taiyo Kea]] (right) in 2018.]]
On July 10, 2013, Kondo was announced as part of Keiji Mutoh's new [[Wrestle-1]] promotion.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/sports/fight/headlines/article/20130710-00000001-spnavi | title=武藤敬司が新団体『Wrestle-1』を旗揚げ | date=2013-07-10 | access-date=2013-07-10 | work=Sports Navi | publisher=[[Yahoo!]] | language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822174455/http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/sports/fight/headlines/article/20130710-00000001-spnavi | archive-date=2013-08-22 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/f-bt-tp0-20130710-1155147.html | title = 武藤が新団体「Wrestle-1」設立 | date=2013-07-10 | access-date=2013-07-10 | work=[[Nikkan Sports]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/161419/ | title = 武藤新団体は「Wrestle-1」 | date=2013-07-10 | access-date=2013-07-10 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja}}</ref> During the promotion's [[Wrestle-1#Wrestle-1 Hataage Sen|inaugural event]] on September 8, Kondo teamed with Kaz Hayashi in a tag team match, where they were defeated by the [[Big Japan Pro Wrestling]] team of [[Daisuke Sekimoto]] and [[Yuji Okabayashi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/fight/all/2013090801/|title=武藤新団体「Wrestle-1」旗揚げ戦|date=2013-09-08|access-date=2013-09-08|work=Sports Navi|publisher=[[Yahoo!]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911075633/http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/fight/all/2013090801|archive-date=2013-09-11}}</ref> As part of a working relationship between Wrestle-1 and American promotion [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA), Kondo and Hayashi earned a shot at the [[TNA World Tag Team Championship]] by defeating Desperado ([[Kazma (wrestler)|Kazma Sakamoto]] and [[Masayuki Kono]]) on February 15, 2014.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/fight/index.php?QBlog-20140215-2 | title = 【Wrestle-1】TNA三大タイトル挑戦者決定戦 | date=2014-02-15 | access-date=2014-02-15 | work=Battle News | language=ja}}</ref> On March 2 at [[Kaisen: Outbreak]], Kondo and Hayashi unsuccessfully challenged [[The American Wolves|The Wolves]] ([[Davey Richards]] and [[Eddie Edwards (wrestler)|Eddie Edwards]]) for the TNA World Tag Team Championship in a three-way match, which also included [[The BroMans]] ([[Jessie Godderz]] and [[Robbie E]]), who went on to win the match and become the new champions.<ref name=KaisenOutbreakResults>{{cite web | url = http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1455 | title = Fighting Entertainment Wrestle-1 「開戦～Outbreak～」 | date=2014-03-02 | access-date=2014-03-02 | work=[[Wrestle-1]] | language=ja}}</ref> On September 22, Kondo entered the [[Wrestle-1 Championship]] [[Wrestle-1 Championship#Championship tournament|tournament]], defeating his tag team partner Hayashi in his first round match.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1504 | title=Wrestle-1 Tour 2014 初代王者決定トーナメント | date=2014-09-22 | access-date=2014-09-22 | work=[[Wrestle-1]] | language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924114031/http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1504 | archive-date=2014-09-24 }}</ref> The following day, he defeated Hiroshi Yamato to advance to the semifinals of the tournament.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1505 | title=Wrestle-1 Tour 2014 初代王者決定トーナメント | date=2014-09-23 | access-date=2014-09-23 | work=[[Wrestle-1]] | language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007232449/http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1505 | archive-date=2014-10-07 }}</ref> On October 8, Kondo was eliminated from the tournament in the semifinals by [[Kai (wrestler)|Kai]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1506 | title=Wrestle-1 Tour 2014 初代王者決定トーナメント | date=2014-10-08 | access-date=2014-10-08 | work=[[Wrestle-1]] | language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008165123/http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1506 | archive-date=2014-10-08 }}</ref> Through Wrestle-1's relationship with [[Pro Wrestling Zero1]], Kondo and [[Seiki Yoshioka]] won the [[NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship]] on November 7 by defeating "brother" Yasshi and Takuya Sugawara.<ref name=W1vsZ1>{{cite web | url=http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1523 | title=Kassen ～合戦 Zero1vsW-1全面対抗戦～ | date=2014-11-07 | access-date=2014-11-07 | work=[[Wrestle-1]] | language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141107152430/http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1523 | archive-date=2014-11-07 }}</ref> In November, Kondo and Hayashi took part in the First Tag League Greatest tournament, set to determine the inaugural [[Wrestle-1 Tag Team Championship|Wrestle-1 Tag Team Champions]], where they finished second in their block with a record of three wins and one loss, advancing to the semifinals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.w-1.co.jp/news/detail.php?id=3139|title=「First Tag League Greatest ～初代タッグ王者決定リーグ戦～」公式戦全日程終了！11月30日（日）東京・後楽園ホール（18時試合開始）大会での決勝トーナメント組み合わせ決定のお知らせ|date=2014-11-28|access-date=2014-11-28|work=[[Wrestle-1]]|language=ja}}</ref> On November 30, Kondo and Hayashi first defeated Kai and [[Ryota Hama]] in the semifinals and then [[Akira Nogami|Akira]] and [[Manabu Soya]] in the finals to win the tournament and become the inaugural Wrestle-1 Tag Team Champions.<ref name=W1Tag>{{cite web|url=http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1520|title=Wrestle-1 Tour 2014 First Tag League Greatest ～初代タッグ王者決定リーグ戦～|date=2014-11-30|access-date=2014-11-30|work=[[Wrestle-1]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205225551/http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1520|archive-date=2014-12-05}}</ref> On March 1, 2015, Kondo and Yoshioka lost the NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship back to Yasshi and Sugawara.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/sports/fight_all/3837 | script-title=ja:Zero1「Zero1_Fourteen」 | date=2015-03-01 | access-date=2015-03-01 | work=Sports Navi | publisher=[[Yahoo!]] | language=ja}}</ref> After seven successful title defenses, Kondo and Hayashi lost the Wrestle-1 Tag Team Championship to [[Jun Kasai]] and Manabu Soya on July 12, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1553|title=Wrestle-1 Tour 2015 Symbol|date=2015-07-12|access-date=2015-07-12|work=[[Wrestle-1]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713012213/http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1553|archive-date=2015-07-13}}</ref>

On October 9, 2015, Kondo broke off his partnership with Hayashi and formed a new stable with Masayuki Kono and rookies Hiroki Murase and [[Shotaro Ashino]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://battle-news.com/?p=15260|title=W-1 10.9後楽園大会ファン感謝デー／W武藤vs.征矢＆スギちゃんのF-1初代王者決定戦、new Wild order vs.JacketsのUWA6人タッグ王座決定戦|date=2015-10-09|access-date=2015-10-09|work=Battle News|language=ja}}</ref> On October 31, the stable was named TriggeR. On November 27, Kondo and Kono won the Wrestle-1 Tag Team Championship.<ref name=KonoW1Tag>{{cite web | url = http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1576 | title = Wrestle-1 Tour 2015 Autumn Bout | date = 2015-11-27 | access-date = 2015-11-27 | work = [[Wrestle-1]] | language = ja | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151208101658/http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1576 | archive-date = 2015-12-08 }}</ref> They lost the title to Kazma Sakamoto and [[Yuji Hino]] on March 6, 2016.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1595 | title = 「Wrestle-1 Tour 2016 Trans Magic」 | date = 2016-03-06 | access-date = 2016-03-06 | work = [[Wrestle-1]] | language = ja | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160308120652/http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1595 | archive-date = 2016-03-08 }}</ref> On December 9 Kondo with [[Jun Kasai]] and [[Nosawa Rongai]] defeated [[Andy Wu (wrestler)|Andy Wu]], Daiki Inaba and [[Seiki Yoshioka]] to win the UWA World Trios Championship.<ref name=titlewinwrestle-1>{{cite web | url = http://puroresuspirit.net/2016/12/wrestle-1-results-for-december-9-2016/ | title = 「Wrestle-1 UWA」 | date=2016-12-08 | access-date=2016-12-09 | work=[[Wrestle-1]] | language=en}}</ref>

On March 27, 2017, it was announced that Kondo would become Wrestle-1's new executive vice president on April 1, serving under new president Kaz Hayashi.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/667637/ | script-title=ja:カズ・ハヤシがＷ‐１社長就任武藤は会長職に | date=2017-03-27 | access-date=2017-03-27 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja}}</ref>

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]'''
:*[[All Asia Tag Team Championship]] ([[All Asia Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Yasushi Tsujimoto|"brother" Yasshi]]
:*[[World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)|World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)#Title history|3 times]])
:* [[AJPW Junior League|Junior League/Jr. Battle of Glory]] ([[Jr. Battle of Glory#2009|2009]], [[Jr. Battle of Glory#2018|2018]])
:*[[AJPW Junior Tag League|Junior Tag League]] ([[AJPW Junior Tag League#2012|2012]]) – with [[Kaz Hayashi]]
:*Mika Kayama Cup (2010) – with [[Kohei Suwama]]<ref name=Love10>{{cite web|url=http://www.purolove.com/ajpw/results/results10.php|title=All Japan Pro-Wrestling Results: 2010|work=Purolove|access-date=2010-12-16}}</ref>
:*Aquamarine Cup Tag Tournament (2005) – with "brother" Yasshi
*'''[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]'''
**[[Open the Twin Gate Championship]] ([[Open the Twin Gate Championship#History|1 time]]) – with [[Kenoh]]
*'''El Dorado Wrestling'''
:*Treasure Hunters Tag Tournament (2006) – with [[Dick Togo]]
:*Greatest Golden League (2008)
*'''[[Pro-Wrestling Basara]]'''
:*[[UWA World Trios Championship]] ([[UWA World Trios Championship#Title history|1 time, current]]) – with [[Takuya Sugawara]] and [[Toru Owashi]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=213010|title=BASARA 173 ~ Futo Fukutsu|work=cagematch.net|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|date=October 24, 2021|access-date=October 24, 2021}}</ref>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''
:*PWI ranked him #'''236''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2013.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2013|access-date=2013-08-22|work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]'''
:*[[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
:* [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|2 times, current]]) – with [[Hajime Ohara]] (1) and Eita (1)
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Zero1]]'''
:*[[NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Seiki Yoshioka]]<ref name=W1vsZ1/>
*'''[[Tokyo Sports]]'''
:*[[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Best Bout Award|Match of the Year]] (2008) – vs. Naomichi Marufuji on November 3, 2008<ref name="puroresu.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.puroresu.com/awards/2000s.html |title = Puroresu Awards: 2000s}}</ref>
:*[[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Best Tag Team Award|Tag Team Of The Year]] (2006) – with Taru, Suwama, & "brother" Yasshi<ref name="puroresu.com"/>
*'''[[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon Japan]]'''
:*[[British Commonwealth Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[British Commonwealth Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title History|1 time]])
:*[[UWA World Trios Championship]] ([[UWA World Trios Championship#Title history|2 times]]) – with [[Milano Collection A.T.]] and Yossino (1), and Toru Owashi and "brother" Yasshi (1)
:*[[Rey de Parejas]] ([[Rey de Parejas#2003|2003]]) – with "brother" Yasshi<ref name=RDP03>{{Cite web |script-title=ja:Rey De Parejas 〜闘龍門タッグリーグ戦〜 |trans-title=Rey de Parejas: Toryumon Tag League |url=https://www.gaora.co.jp/dragongate/data/result/2003/1026.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040708080716/https://www.gaora.co.jp/dragongate/data/result/2003/1026.html |date=October 26, 2003 |archive-date=July 8, 2004 |website=[[Dragongate]] |language=ja}}</ref>
*'''[[Wrestle-1]]'''
:*[[UWA World Trios Championship]] ([[UWA World Trios Championship#Title history|3 times]]) – with [[Jun Kasai]] and [[Nosawa Rongai]] (1),<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1650 | title = 「Wrestle-1 Tour 2016 Shining Winter」 | date=2016-12-09 | access-date=2016-12-09 | work=[[Wrestle-1]] | language=ja}}</ref> Kaz Hayashi and [[Masayuki Kono]] (1), and Kaz Hayashi and [[Manabu Soya]] (1)<ref>{{cite web | url = http://w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour2.php?id=1673 | title = 「Wrestle-1 Tour 2017 Triumph」 | date=2017-05-06 | access-date=2017-05-06 | work=[[Wrestle-1]] | language=ja}}</ref>
:*[[Wrestle-1 Tag Team Championship]] ([[Wrestle-1 Tag Team Championship#Title history|5 times]]) – with Kaz Hayashi (2),<ref name=W1Tag/> Koji Doi (1), Masayuki Kono (1),<ref name=KonoW1Tag/> and [[Seigo Tachibana]] (1)
:*[[Wrestle-1 Tag League|Tag League Greatest]] ([[Wrestle-1 Tag League#2014|2014]]) – with Kaz Hayashi<ref name=W1Tag/>
:*[[Wrestle-1 Tag League]] ([[Wrestle-1 Tag League#2018|2018]]) – with Koji Doi

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.w-1.co.jp/player/kondo.php Wrestle-1 profile]

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship}}
{{Kongo (professional wrestling)}}
{{Voodoo Murders}}
{{All Asia Tag Team Championship}}
{{AJPW Junior League}}
{{AJPW Junior Tag League}}
{{World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)}}
{{Open the Twin Gate Championship}}
{{Rey de Parejas winners}}
{{UWA World Trios Championship}}
{{International Lightweight Tag Team Championship (Zero1)}}
{{Wrestle-1}}
{{Wrestle-1 Tag Team Championship}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kondo, Shuji}}
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1978 births]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from Shizuoka Prefecture]]
[[Category:Japanese professional wrestling trainers]]
[[Category:Japanese professional wrestling executives]]
[[Category:All Asia Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:British Commonwealth Junior Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:GHC Junior Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:World Junior Heavyweight Champions (AJPW)]]
[[Category:UWA World Trios Champions]]
[[Category:Wrestle-1 Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:International Lightweight Tag Team Champions (Zero1)]]

Mayumi Ozaki

2025-04-13T15:45:42Z

89.136.44.148: /* Championships and accomplishments */

{{short description|Japanese professional wrestler (born 1968)}}
{{BLP sources|date=February 2010}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Mayumi Ozaki
|image = Mayumi Ozaki 2019.jpg
|caption = Ozaki in November 2019
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1968|10|28|mf=y}}
|birth_place = [[Kawaguchi City|Kawaguchi]], [[Saitama Prefecture]], [[Japan]]
|names = Mayumi Ozaki Mayumi Saita<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ayakohamada.com/06Battle/2005index.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110915090209/http://www.ayakohamada.com/06Battle/2005index.html |title= 9月11日 M's STYLE|trans-title= M's STYLE, September 11th|location= 1st RING, Shinkiba|others=winner: Aja Kong&[[Mika Akino|AKINO]] vs Mayumi Ozaki＆[[Ayako Hamada]]. Uraken/ebigatame, 23 min. 46 sec.|script-title=ja:2005|archive-date=2011-09-15 |year=2004 |access-date=2013-04-05 | work=AyakoHamada.com | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ayakohamada.com/06Battle/2005index.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110915090209/http://www.ayakohamada.com/06Battle/2005index.html |title= 4月3日 GAEA 旗揚げ10周年記念興行|location= 横浜文化体育館 |others= ○浜田文子＆尾崎真弓＆A・コング（25分52秒APクロス > 体固め）×ダイナマイト・関西＆×GAMI＆AKINO |script-title=ja:2005 | archive-date=2011-09-15 |year=2004 | access-date=2013-04-05 | work=AyakoHamada.com | language=ja}}</ref> Pure Wild Queen of the Street Fight
|height = {{convert|1.55|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|weight = {{convert|57|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
|trainer = [[Kotetsu Yamamoto]]
|debut = August 17, 1986
}}
{{nihongo|'''Mayumi Ozaki'''|尾崎魔弓|Ozaki Mayumi}} (born October 28, 1968) is a [[Japanese people|Japanese]] [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. She is currently working for [[Oz Academy]].

==Professional wrestling career==
Ozaki debuted in a [[Tag team|tag team match]] in August, 1986.
<ref>
{{cite news
|url=http://www.nownews.com/2010/01/19/350-2560437.htm
|title=Sword Huan Spring / Ozaki Mogong AV battle!
|date=19 January 2010
|work=[[Nownews]]
|publisher=[[Eastern Television]]
|language=zh
|access-date=13 February 2010}}
</ref> In her career, she held the [[WWWA World Tag Team Championship|WWWA tag titles]] with [[Dynamite Kansai]] from April 11, 1993 to December 6, 1993 (both winning from and losing to [[Manami Toyota]] and [[Toshiyo Yamada]] of [[All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling]], selected for "Wrestling Observer Newsletter's Match of the Year for 1993". They rematched in April 1993 and won at the Dreamslam II (and with it the titles); the first time a woman's match won the award. Their final match was at St. Battle Final in December. (AJW).
<ref name=thisday>{{cite web
|url=http://www.cagesideseats.com/2016/3/2/11135720/this-day-in-wrestling-history-mar-2-flying-angel
|title=This Day in Wrestling History (Mar. 2): Flying Angel
|author=The Notorious Eddie Mac
|work=Cageside seats features - WWE
|publisher=[[Vox Media, Inc.]]
|date=2016-03-02
|access-date=2016-09-27}}</ref> She also held the UWA Junior and JWP Junior titles between 1988 and 1991, and teamed with Cutie Suzuki and Hikari Fukuoka to win the JWP Tag Titles a number of times between 1992 and 1995. She held the [[AAAW Tag Team Championship]] with [[Aja Kong]], beating GAEA's Sugar Sato and [[Chikayo Nagashima]] on August 23, 1998 in [[Tokyo]].

In 1995 Ozaki competed at the [[World War 3 (1995)|1995 World War 3]] on [[pay-per-view]]<ref name=PPV>
It was the first World War 3 held and broadcast at the Norfolk Scope in Norfolk, Virginia.
{{cite web
|url= http://www.cagesideseats.com/2015/11/26/9781484/this-day-in-wrestling-history-november-26-the-thanksgiving-night-wars |title=This Day in Wrestling History (November 26): The Thanksgiving Night Wars
|author=The Notorious Eddie Mac
|work=Cageside seats features - WWE
|publisher=[[Vox Media, Inc.]]
|date=Nov 26, 2015
|access-date=2016-09-27}}
</ref> event where she teamed with [[Cutie Suzuki]] against [[Bull Nakano]] and [[Akira Hokuto]] where they lost.<ref name=PPV /> They also competed against the same team the very next night on [[WCW Monday Nitro]] which they also lost.

Until 1997, Ozaki usually wrestled in [[JWP Joshi Puroresu]], but was also the leader of her own [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|stable]] called the [[Oz Academy]],<ref name=Company>
{{cite web
|url = http://www.oz-a.com/company.html
|title = organizational outlines
|access-date=July 1, 2012
| work=Oz Academy
| language=ja}}
</ref> which freelanced in other women's promotions in Japan, such as AJW and [[GAEA Japan|GAEA]]. In 1998 Ozaki became a true free agent, and began to promote her own shows using her Oz Academy wrestlers, looking for a niche in the fragmented women's ''puroresu'' scene. Ozaki made her mark mostly in tag team matches as she competed in four bouts that were among the greatest ever in women's tag team wrestling, having earned a 5-star rating each by the [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]].<ref>Ozaki visited the States to join tournament, and notably, the 2006 Queen of the Death Match Tournament. Barbed Wire Boards Match - Mayumi Ozaki b Sumie Sakai (quarters). A 2 Out of 3 Falls Log Cabin Match - Mayumi Ozaki b Sexxxy Eddy (semis); No Ropes Barbed Wire, Electrified Light Tubes Steel Cage Match - Mickie Knuckles b Maymi Ozaki (final) in Fans Bring the Weapons format. Ozaki ended up a finalist. {{cite web
|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/iwamidsouth/_2006/
|title= IWA Mid South Wrestling – Queen of the Death Match Tournament at Plainfield, Indiana
|work= Results, IWA Mid-South – 2006
|editor= David Buckler, Online World of Wrestling
|publisher= Black Pants, Inc.
|date=2006-11-03
|access-date= 2016-09-27
}}</ref>

In December 2011, Ozaki took part in American promotion [[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]]'s ''JoshiMania'' weekend, teaming with [[Mio Shirai]] in a losing effort against the team of Cherry and [[Ayako Hamada]] on night one on December 2.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1322936288
|title=December 2nd Chikara Joshi Mania Night #1 results
|last=Martin
|first=Adam
|date=2011-12-03
|access-date=2011-12-04
|work=WrestleView
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111206215953/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1322936288
|archive-date=2011-12-06
}}
</ref> The following day, Ozaki defeated Shirai in a singles match.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1323027609
|title=December 3rd Chikara Joshi Mania Night #2 results
|last=Martin
|first=Adam
|date=2011-12-04
|access-date=2011-12-05
|work=WrestleView
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111206220003/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1323027609
|archive-date=2011-12-06
}}
</ref> On the third and final night of the tour, Ozaki defeated [[Kaori Yoneyama]] in another singles match.<ref>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1323099875
|title=Second report of Chikara JoshiMania Night #3
|last=Martin
|first=Adam
|date=2011-12-05
|access-date=2011-12-05
|work=WrestleView
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111206220026/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1323099875
|archive-date=2011-12-06
}}</ref>

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]'''
** [[AJPW TV Six-Man Tag Team Championship]] ([[AJPW TV Six-Man Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Suwama]] and [[Maya Yukihi]]
*'''[[All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[WWWA World Tag Team Championship]] (1 time) – with [[Dynamite Kansai]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/jp/japan/zenjo/j-wwwa-t.html|title=WWWA World Tag Team Championship|date=1993-04-11|location=[[Osaka]]|access-date=2016-09-27}}</ref>
*'''[[Gaea Japan]]/[[Marvelous That's Women Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[AAAW Single Championship]] ([[AAAW Single Championship#Reigns|2 times, current]]){{efn|name=AAAW Single|Ozaki's first reign with the AAAW Single Championship was under the Gaea banner. Her second reign was at Marvelous.<ref name="AAAWSingle">{{cite web|url=https://www.pwmania.com/marvelous-in-tokyo-results-august-7-2023-korakuen-hall|title=Marvelous in Tokyo Results – August 7, 2023 (Korakuen Hall)|work=PWMania.com|first=Ethan|last=Black|date=August 7, 2023|access-date=September 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811203740/https://www.pwmania.com/marvelous-in-tokyo-results-august-7-2023-korakuen-hall|archive-date=August 11, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="AAAWTitleHistory">{{cite web|last1=|first1=|title=AAAW Singles Title (Japan)|url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/gaea/aaaw-s.html|work=wrestling-titles.com|date=|accessdate=}}</ref>}}<ref name="AAAWTitleHistory">{{cite web|last1=|first1=|title=AAAW Singles Title (Japan)|url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/gaea/aaaw-s.html|work=wrestling-titles.com|date=|accessdate=}}</ref>
**[[AAAW Tag Team Championship]] (3 times)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://oz-a.com/press/2008_11_06.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070518042631/http://www.oz-a.com/result/2007-03.html|archive-date =2007-05-18|title=Press Release: Actress Sayuri Kokusho to second Mayumi Ozaki at Shinjuku Face|access-date=2016-09-27|work=[[Oz Academy]] 史上最強! 女子プロレス軍団OZ Academy OZアカデミー参上!!|series=Interview with Mayumi Ozaki|language=ja}}</ref> – with [[Aja Kong]] (1), [[Akira Hokuto]] (1), and [[Kaoru (wrestler)|Kaoru]] (1)
**Gaora Cup (2001)
**Tag Team Tournament (1998) – with [[Chikayo Nagashima]]
**Tag Team Tournament (2001) – with Kaoru
*'''''[[Guinness World Records]]'''''
:* Oldest (female) pair to win a professional tag team wrestling championship (2023) – with [[Jaguar Yokota]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Oldest pair to win a professional tag team wrestling championship (female)|url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/751002-oldest-pair-to-win-a-professional-tag-team-wrestling-championship-female|work=[[Guinness World Records]]|access-date=August 26, 2023}}</ref>
*'''Japan Women's Pro Wrestling'''
**JWP Junior Championship (3 times)<ref name=UWA&JWP>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/jwpw/uwa-wm-j.html|work=Women's Junior Title, Japan Woman Pro-Wrestling (1987 -1989) and UWA & JWPW (1989 - 1992)|title=Mayumi Ozaki, Champion, October 24, 1987.|date=1987-10-24|access-date=2016-09-27}}</ref>
**UWA Junior Championship (1 time)<ref name=UWA&JWP/>
*'''[[JWP Joshi Puroresu]]'''
**[[JWP Openweight Championship]] ([[JWP Openweight Championship#Reigns|1 time]])
**[[JWP Tag Team Championship]] ([[JWP Tag Team Championship#Reigns|3 times]]) – with [[Cutie Suzuki]] (2),<ref name=thisday /> and Hikari Fukuoka (1)
*'''[[Marvelous That's Women Pro Wrestling]]'''
**AAAW Single Championship (2 times, current){{efn|name=AAAW Single}}<ref name="AAAWSingle"/>
*'''[[Oz Academy]]'''
**[[Oz Academy Openweight Championship]] ([[Oz Academy Openweight Championship#Title history|4 times]])
**[[Oz Academy Tag Team Championship]] ([[Oz Academy Tag Team Championship#Title history|7 times, current]]) – with Jaguar Yokota (1, current), Kaoru (2), [[Maya Yukihi]] (1), [[Mio Shirai]] (1), [[Sakura Hirota]] (1) and [[Yumi Ohka]] (1)
**[[Oz Academy Pioneer 3-Way Championship]] [[Oz Academy Pioneer 3-Way Championship#Title history|(1 time)]]
**Oz Academy Openweight Title #1 Contendership League (2008)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=4887|title=OZ Academy Openweight Title #1 Contendership League|work=Cagematch.net|accessdate=March 17, 2023}}</ref>
**Oz Academy Openweight Title #1 Contendership Tournament (2019)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=5798|title=OZ Academy Openweight Title #1 Contendership Tournament|work=Cagematch.net|accessdate=March 17, 2023}}</ref>
**Best Wizard Award (13 times)
***Best Bout Award (2013) vs. [[Chikayo Nagashima]] on September 15<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.livedoor.jp/ozacademy/archives/65737968.html|title= 2013 the Best Wizard by Audience Poll|date=January 14, 2014|access-date=January 19, 2014|work=[[Oz Academy]]|publisher=[[Livedoor]]|language=ja | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404024426/http://blog.livedoor.jp/ozacademy/archives/65737968.html | archive-date=April 4, 2023 | url-status=live}}</ref>
***Best Bout Award (2017) {{small|with Maya Yukihi vs. [[Mika Akino|Akino]] and [[Kaho Kobayashi]] on October 29}}<ref name="OzAwards2017">{{cite web | url = https://ameblo.jp/nakamura-hiroyuki/entry-12342126257.html | title = OZアカデミー開幕戦超速報です！ | date=January 7, 2018 | accessdate=July 31, 2023 | publisher=[[Ameba (website)|Ameba]] | language=Japanese | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730235126/https://ameblo.jp/nakamura-hiroyuki/entry-12342126257.html | archive-date=July 30, 2023 | url-status=live}}</ref>
***Best Bout Award (2019) {{small|vs. [[Hiroyo Matsumoto]] in a [[barbed wire match|barbed wire]] [[Hardcore wrestling|current blast bat death match]] on August 25}}<ref name="OzAwards2019">{{cite web | url = https://oz-academy.com/archives/19238 | script-title=ja:【2019 Best Wizard, Best Bout ＆ハプニング賞】1位以外も含めた結果を発表！| date=January 7, 2020 | access-date=July 31, 2023 | work=[[Oz Academy]] | language=ja | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128170059/https://oz-academy.com/archives/19238 | archive-date=November 28, 2020 | url-status=live}}</ref>
***Best Bout Award (2020) {{small|vs. [[Saori Anou]] on August 28}}<ref name="OzAwards2020">{{cite web | url = https://oz-academy.com/archives/21060 | script-title=ja:【1/10新宿】試合結果速報～ベストバウト、MVP、さらにタッグ戦の行方は!?| date=January 10, 2021 | access-date=July 31, 2023 | work=[[Oz Academy]] | language=ja | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924225148/https://oz-academy.com/archives/21060 | archive-date=September 24, 2022 | url-status=live}}</ref>
***Best Bout Award (2021) {{small|vs. Maya Yukihi, Saori Anou and Yumi Ohka on August 18}}<ref name="OzAwards2021">{{cite web | url = https://oz-academy.com/archives/25285 | title = 【22.1.9新宿】試合結果～2021MVPは雪妃魔矢！全試合くじ引きで決定するも、火災報知器作動にて大会中断 | date=January 1, 2022 | accessdate=August 1, 2023 | work=[[Oz Academy]] | language=Japanese | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130145643/https://oz-academy.com/archives/25285 | archive-date=January 30, 2023 | url-status=live}}</ref>
***Best Bout Award (2022) {{small|vs. Akino on December 30}}<ref name="OzAwards2022">{{cite web | url = https://oz-academy.com/archives/30481 | title = 【2023.1.8新宿】開幕戦全試合結果～全試合当日抽選の結末は!? | date=January 8, 2023 | accessdate=December 12, 2023 | publisher=[[Oz Academy]] | language=Japanese | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527234211/https://oz-academy.com/archives/30481 | archive-date=May 27, 2023 | url-status=live}}</ref>
***Best Bout Award (2023) {{small|with [[Kakeru Sekiguchi|Kakeru]] and Saori Anou vs. [[Chigusa Nagayo]], [[Mio Momono]] and [[Tomoko Watanabe (wrestler)|Tomoko Watanabe]] on October 22}}<ref name="OzAwards2023">{{cite web | url = https://oz-academy.com/archives/32594 | title = 【24.1.7新宿】全試合結果～OZの至宝マーベラスに流出！トーナメントは尾崎・加藤が罰ゲーム決定！| date=January 4, 2024 | accessdate=March 13, 2024 | publisher=[[Oz Academy]] | language=Japanese | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107120110/https://oz-academy.com/archives/32594 | archive-date=January 7, 2024 | url-status=live}}</ref>
***Best Bout Award (2024) {{small|vs. Maya Yukihi on August 18}}<ref name="OzAwards2024">{{cite web | url = https://oz-academy.com/archives/34687 | title = 【25.1.5新宿】試合結果～安納サオリの無差別級挑戦が決定！| date=January 5, 2025| accessdate=January 6, 2025 | work=[[Oz Academy]] | language=Japanese | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250106004516/https://oz-academy.com/archives/34687 | archive-date=January 6, 2025 | url-status=live}}</ref>
***Best Singles Match Award (2010) vs. Kaoru on August 22<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oz-a.com/m/2010_best.html|title=2010 the Best Wizard|access-date=February 12, 2012|work=[[Oz Academy]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201172949/http://oz-a.com/m/2010_best.html|archive-date=February 1, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
***Best Singles Match Award (2011) vs. Aja Kong on April 10<ref name="2011OzAwards">{{cite web|url=http://www.oz-a.com/press/2012_01_17.html|title=2011 Best Wizard by Audience Poll|access-date=February 12, 2012|work=[[Oz Academy]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501104006/http://www.oz-a.com/press/2012_01_17.html|archive-date=May 1, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
***Happening Award (2019) {{small|Ozaki's destroying the Openweight Championship}}<ref name="OzAwards2019"/>
***MVP Award (2011, 2019)<ref name="2011OzAwards"/><ref name="OzAwards2019"/>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Wave]]'''
**[[Catch the Wave#Catch the Wave Awards|Catch the Wave Award]]
***[[Catch the Wave#Best Performance Award (ベストパフォーマンス賞, Besutopafōmansu-shō)|Best Performance Award]] ([[Catch the Wave#2016|2016]]) {{small|shared with Atsushi Ishiguro}}<ref>{{cite web|url = http://pro-w-wave.com/archives/2491|script-title = ja:Catch the Wave 2016 波女決勝戦 | author = Wave |date = 2016-06-05 |access-date = 2016-06-06 |work = [[Pro Wrestling Wave]] |language = ja |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160608165412/http://pro-w-wave.com/archives/2491 |archive-date = 2016-06-08 |url-status = dead}}</ref>
*'''Super Fireworks Pro Wrestling'''
:* [[Blast Queen Championship]] ([[Blast Queen Championship#Title history|1 time]])
*'''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
:*[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Match of the Year|Match of the Year]] (1993) with Dynamite Kansai vs. Manami Toyota and Toshiyo Yamada on April 11<ref name=thisday/>

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

==Publications==

===Books===

*{{cite book
|title=悪役 (ザ・ヒール) ― 私はハードに生きたいの |trans-title= A heel - hard and strong
|last=Ozaki |first=Mayumi
|publisher= [[Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha]]
|language=ja
|year=1990 |id={{ASIN|4408100919|country=jp}} }}

*{{cite book |title=悪玉―憎まれる生き方 |trans-title= Rogue - life as a baddie
|
last=Ozaki |first=Mayumi
|publisher=Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha
|isbn=9784883382903
|language=ja |year=2003 }}

*{{cite book
|title= リングから見えた殺意――女子プロレスラー・鬼剣魔矢の推理|trans-title=Ringside detective Maya Kitsurugi, a female professional wrestler (mystery)
|last=Ozaki |first=Mayumi
|publisher=[[Shodensha]]
|isbn=9784396615024
|language=ja
|year=2014}}

*{{cite book
|url= https://ndlopac.ndl.go.jp/F/?func=full-set-set&set_number=098712&set_entry=000001&format=999
|title= 1993年の女子プロレス |trans-title=Women's Professional Wrestling, 1993 (includes interview with Mayumi Ozaki)
|last=Yanagisawa |first= Ken
|publisher=[[Futabasha]] |work= Futaba Paperbacks|number= ya-32-01
|language=ja
|year=2016 }}

===Magazines===
*{{cite magazine
|url=https://ndlopac.ndl.go.jp/F/?func=full-set-set&set_number=098712&set_entry=000016&format=999
|title=対談堺屋太一×尾崎魔弓日本の復興と女子プロレス
|trans-title=Interview with Mayumi Ozaki - the Great Earthquake and Women's Puroresu
|series=Path to lead away from the Great Earthquake of North East Japan
|author1= {{nihongo|堺屋太一|Sakaiya Taichi}}
|author2= Mayumi Ozaki
|publisher= Daisanbunmei-sha INC.
|magazine= Daisan Bunmei magazine
|volume=621 |number= 3
|language=ja
|pages=38–41
|year= 2011}}

===Manga===
*{{cite book
|title=ヒールのテキスト|trans-title=Text for Heels
|last=Ozaki |first=Mayumi |others=Toru Shinohara, cartoonist
|publisher=リイド社
|isbn=9784845804955
|work=SPコミックス |volume=1
|language=ja
|year=1992 }}

*{{cite book
|title=ヒールのテキスト|trans-title=Text for Heels
|last=Ozaki |first=Mayumi |others=Toru Shinohara, cartoonist
|publisher=リイド社
|isbn=9784845804962
|work=SPコミックス |volume=2
|language=ja
|year=1992 }}

*{{cite book
|title=ヒールのテキスト|trans-title=Text for Heels
|last=Ozaki |first=Mayumi |others=Toru Shinohara, cartoonist
|publisher=リイド社
|isbn=978-4845804979
|work=SPコミックス |volume=3
|language=ja
|year=1992 }}

===Videos===

*{{cite video
|people = Mayumi Ozaki (player), KAORU (player), JWP (sponsor), WOWOW (video), Quest (producer)
|year = 2009
|title = Mayumi Ozaki vs KAORU, October 20, 1994 (Sapporo Teisen Hall)
|work = JWP History of Fierce Battle - tag team match, AJW vs GAEA Japan
|url = https://ndlopac.ndl.go.jp/F/?func=full-set-set&set_number=098712&set_entry=000020&format=999
| format = color, stereo, standard
| medium = DVD 244 minutes
| language =ja
| access-date = 2016-09-27
| id = SPD-4110
| isbn = 978-4-86308-193-2
}}

*{{cite video
|people = Mayumi Ozaki (player), Cutie Suzuki (player), Dynamite Kansai (player), JWP Women's Professional Wrestling (sponsor), WOWOW/FIGHTING TV Samurai (video), RING STARS (image)
|year = 2012
|title = Dynamite Kansai vs Mayumi Ozaki, August 10 and Mayumi Ozaki vs Cutie Suzuki, October 15, 1996 (Korakuen Hall)
|work = Lineage - Queens of JWP Open Weight - JWP 20th anniversary
|volume = 1
|url = https://ndlopac.ndl.go.jp/F/?func=full-set-set&set_number=098712&set_entry=000015&format=999
| medium = DVD 240 minutes
| language =ja
| publisher = Quest
| location = Tokyo, Japan
| access-date = 2016-09-27
| id = SPD-4115
| isbn = 978-4-86308-389-9
}}

*{{cite video
|people = Mayumi Ozaki (player), Kyoko Inoue (player), Takako Inoue (player), Cutie Suzuki (player), Jet Link (producer)
|year = 2014
|title = Kyoko Inoue, Takako Inoue vs Mayumi Ozaki, Cutie Suzuki
|work = All Star Dreamslam - 25th anniversary, All Japan Women’s pro wrestling. April 2nd, 1993, Yokohama.
|url= https://ndlopac.ndl.go.jp/F/?func=full-set-set&set_number=098712&set_entry=000010&format=999
|volume = disk 3 |number= 1
| format = color, monoral, standard
| medium = DVD 395 minutes
| language =ja
| publisher = Pony Canyon
| location = Kanagawa, Japan
| access-date = 2016-09-27
| id = PCBE-63500
}}

*{{cite video
|people = Yumiko Hotta (player), Manami Toyota (player), Sakie Hasegawa (player), Mayumi Ozaki (player), Plum Mariko (player), Hikari Fukuoka (player), Jet Link (producer)
|url = https://ndlopac.ndl.go.jp/F/?func=full-set-set&set_number=098712&set_entry=000007&format=999
|title = High tension triple impact - Yumiko Hotta, Manami Toyota, Sakie Hasegawa vs Mayumi Ozaki, Plum Mariko, Hikari Fukuoka.
|work = Legacy of queens, 25th Anniversary match - All Japan Women Pro-Wrestling. August 25, 1993 at Budokan
|location = Tokyo
|publisher = Pony Canyon
|year = 2015
|language = ja
|medium = 2 DVD, 345 minutes
|series = AJW Legendary DVD
|format = color, monoral, standard
|volume = 3
|number = disc 2
|id = PCBE-53971
|access-date = 2016-09-27
}}

*{{cite video
|people = Dynamite Kansai (player), Mayumi Ozaki (player), Inoue (player), Rumi Kazama (player), Toshiyo Mamada (player), Mausmi Toyota (player), Jet Link (producer)
|year = 2015
|url = https://ndlopac.ndl.go.jp/F/?func=full-set-set&set_number=098712&set_entry=000006&format=999
|location = Tokyo
|publisher = Pony Canyon
|work = Super women story final, 25th Anniversary match - All Japan Women Pro-Wrestling, December 6, 1993 at Kokugikan
|title = WWWA World tag match championship at Kokugikan - full voltage - Dynamite Kansai, Mayumi Ozaki vs Toshie Yamada, Manami Toyota
|medium = 2 DVD, 300 minutes
|access-date= 2016-09-27
| language = ja
| series = AJW Legendary DVD
| volume = 5 |number= disc 2
| format = color, monoral, standard
|id = PCBE-53973
}}

*{{cite video
|people = Mayumi Ozaki (player), Cutie Suzuki (player), Etsuko Mita (player), Mima Shimoda (player), Jet Link (producer)
|year = 2015
|title = Rowdy Pirates air assault Pure Hearts: JWP tag team match - Mayumi Ozaki, Cutie Suzuki vs Etsuko Mita, Mima Shimoda.
|work = Wrestling Queendom - All Japan Women Pro-Wrestling all star game, March 27, 1994 at Yokohama Arena
|url = https://ndlopac.ndl.go.jp/F/?func=full-set-set&set_number=098712&set_entry=000005&format=999
| series = AJW Legendary DVD
| volume = 6 |number= DISC 2
| format = color, monoral, standard
| medium = 2 DVD, 293 minutes
| access-date = 2016-09-27
| language = ja
| publisher = Pony Canyon
| location = Kanagawa, Japan
| id = PCBE-53974
}}

===Music===

*{{cite AV media
| title = Mayumi Ozaki - The Last Stand (original song)
| work = ピュア・ハート JWP女子プロレステーマ曲集
| trans-title = Pure Heart - theme songs for JWP Women's Professional Wrestlers
| year = 1994
| others = Compilation album
| number = 3
| url = https://ndlopac.ndl.go.jp/F/?func=full-set-set&set_number=098046&set_entry=000006&format=999
| last = Various artists
| publisher = Vap
| location = Tokyo, Japan
| id = VPCC-81050
}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Mayumi Ozaki}}
*{{Chikara profile|mayumi-ozaki|Mayumi Ozaki}}
*[http://www.oz-a.com/profile/ozaki.html Oz Academy profile]

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{AAAW Single Championship}}
{{AAAW Tag Team Championship}}
{{AJPW TV Six-Man Tag Team Championship}}
{{Blast Queen Championship}}
{{JWP Openweight Championship}}
{{JWP Tag Team Championship}}
{{Oz Academy Openweight Championship}}
{{Oz Academy Tag Team Championship}}
{{Oz Academy Pioneer 3-Way Championship}}
{{WWWA World Tag Team Championship}}
{{Grand Slam-Triple Crown Champions}}
}}

{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ozaki, Mayumi}}
[[Category:1968 births]]
[[Category:20th-century female professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century female professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Japanese female professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from Saitama Prefecture]]
[[Category:Oz Academy Openweight Champions]]
[[Category:Oz Academy Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:Oz Academy Pioneer 3-Way Champions]]
[[Category:AAAW Single Champions]]
[[Category:AAAW Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:JWP Openweight Champions]]
[[Category:JWP Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:WWWA World Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:AJPW TV Six-Man Tag Team Champions]]

Kuishinbo Kamen

2025-04-09T13:52:56Z

89.136.44.148:

{{Short description|Japanese professional wrestler (born 1975)}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
| name = Kuishinbo Kamen
| image = くいさん.JPG
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = Kuishinbo Kamen in 2014.
| birth_name = Akinori Tsukioka
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1975|08|19}}
| birth_place = [[Mima, Tokushima]], [[Japan]]
| death_date =
| death_place =
| resides =
| spouse =
| children =
| family =
| alma_mater =
| names = Akinori Tsukioka Super Robo K '''Kuishinbo Kamen'''
| height = {{Convert|182|cm|ftin|abbr=on}} 
| weight =
| billed =
| trainer =
| debut = 1999
| retired =
| website = [https://twitter.com/kuishinbokamen Official Twitter]
}}
{{nihongo|'''Akinori Tsukioka'''|月岡明則|Tsukioka Akinori|born August 19, 1975}} is a Japanese [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] better known as {{nihongo|'''Kuishinbo Kamen'''|くいしんぼう仮面|Kuishinbō Kamen}}, a [[wrestling mask|masked]] [[clown]] character. Kuishinbo Kamen is Japanese for "Gluttonous Mask". For a while he was forced to give up the Kuishinbo Kamen character, instead he worked as "Super Robo K", a futuristic Robot character, but returned to the Kuishinbo Kamen identity later on.

==Professional wrestling career==
Tsukioka made his professional wrestling debut in 1999, working under his real name for [[International Wrestling Association of Japan]] for the first year of his career. When Tsukioka joined [[Osaka Pro Wrestling]] he adopted a masked clown gimmick, the comedic character "Kuishinbo Kamen" who wore a clown suit and even had a hat with yellow pom-poms attached to the mask. He quickly developed a storyline feud with another comedic masked wrestler known as [[Mitsunobu Kikuzawa|Ebessan]]. Kamen defeated Ebessan to become the first ever holder of the [[Osaka Meibutsu Sekaiichi Championship]] (roughly translated into the "Osaka World's Best Attraction Championship").<ref name=Meibutsu/> On June 29, 2002 he became a double champion winning a [[Battle Royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] to become the [[Osaka Pro Wrestling Battle Royal Championship|Osaka Pro Wrestling Battle Royal Champion]]).<ref name=BattleRoyal/> A title he would hold for a month and a half before losing it in another battle royal.<ref name=BattleRoyal/> February 2, 2003 Kurishinbo Kamen's feud with Ebessan hit its peak as Ebessan defeated Kurishinbo Kamen to win the Osaka Meibutsu Sekaiichi Championship, but more importantly the loss forced Tsukioka to give up the Kurishibo Kamen character.<ref name=Meibutsu/> He would return to the ring a week later as ""Super Robo K", a [[robot]] gimmick completed with a more mechanical wrestling style. The character change only lasted for a couple of months before Kurishinbo Kamen returned to the ring. He regained the Meibutso Sekaiichi Championship on February 21, 2004 almost a year to the day he lost it.<ref name=Meibutsu/> In March 2003 Kurishinbo Kamen and other Osaka Pro Wrestling representatives traveled to the [[United States of America]], where they were part of the [[TNA 2004 World X Cup Tournament|2004 World X-Cup]] in [[TNA Wrestling]]. Kuishinbo Kamen teamed up with rival Ebessan and [[Kazushige Nosawa|Nosawa]], known as "[[Team Japan]]" losing to [[Chris Sabin]], [[Elix Skipper]] and [[Sonjay Dutt]] who were part of "Team NWA". The group also worked a match for Revolution Pro Wrestling and [[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]] before returning to Japan. Kurishinbo Kamen would hold the Battle Royal and the Meibutsu Sekaiichi several times in subsequent years.<ref name=Meibutsu/><ref name=BattleRoyal/> On June 6, 2010 Kamen teamed up with Ebessan III and [[Kanjyuro Matsuyama]] to defeat the team of Atsushi Kotoge, Daisuke Harada and Takoyakida to win the [[UWA World Trios Championship]], holding it for six days before losing it to [[Tokyo Gurentai]] ([[Minoru Fujita|Fujita]], [[Kazuhiko Masada|Mazada]] and Nosawa).<ref name=UWATrios/>

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Dragon Gate Wrestling|Dragon Gate]]'''
**[[Open the Owarai Gate Championship]] (1 time, current)
*'''[[Dramatic Dream Team]]'''
:*[[Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship]] ([[Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref name=Metalweight>{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/ddt/ironman-hm.html | title=Ironman Heavymetalweight Title | date=February 15, 2015 | accessdate=May 1, 2015 | publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>

*'''[[Osaka Pro Wrestling]]'''
:*[[Osaka Meibutsu Sekaiichi Championship]] ([[Osaka Meibutsu Sekaiichi Championship#Title history|5 times]], first, current)<ref name=Meibutsu>{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/osaka/osaka-sp.html | title=World's Best Osaka Attraction Title | date=July 19, 2010 | accessdate=May 3, 2015 | publisher=wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
:*[[Osaka Pro Wrestling Battle Royal Championship]] ([[Osaka Pro Wrestling Battle Royal Championship#Title history|4 times]])<ref name=BattleRoyal>{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/osaka/osaka-br.html | title=Osaka Pro-Wrestling Battle Royal Title | date=April 4, 2014 | accessdate=May 3, 2015 | publisher=wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
:*[[Osaka Pro Wrestling Owarai Championship]] ([[Osaka Pro Wrestling Owarai Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref name=Owarai>{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/osaka/osaka-owarai.html | title=Osaka Pro-Wrestling Owarai Title | date=July 12, 2014 | accessdate=May 3, 2015 | publisher=wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
:*[[UWA World Trios Championship]] ([[UWA World Trios Championship#Title history|1 time]]) - with Ebessan (III) and [[Kanjyuro Matsuyama]]<ref name=UWATrios>{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/mexico/uwa/uwa-6.html | title=Universal Wrestling Association World Trios Title | date=December 26, 2010 | accessdate=May 1, 2015 | publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
:* FM Osaka Cup 1 Day Six Man Tag Tournament (2009) - with Ebessan (III) and Kanjyuro Matsuyama

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship}}
{{Osaka Pro Wrestling Battle Royal Championship}}
{{Osaka Meibutsu Sekaiichi Championship}}
{{Osaka Pro Wrestling Owarai Championship}}
{{Open the Owarai Gate Championship}}
{{UWA World Trios Championship}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kuishinbo Kamen}}
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Masked wrestlers]]
[[Category:1975 births]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:UWA World Trios Champions]]
[[Category:Ironman Heavymetalweight Champions]]
[[Category:Osaka Owarai Champions]]
[[Category:Osaka Meibutsu Sekaiichi Champions]]
[[Category:Open the Owarai Gate Champions]]

Kazuyuki Fujita

2025-03-28T11:54:12Z

89.136.44.148:

{{short description|Japanese professional wrestler and MMA fighter}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Kazuyuki Fujita
| other_names = Ol' Ironhead The Last Disciple of Antonio Inoki The Last Successor of Inokiism Wild Beast The Real Beast
| image = Kazuyuki Fujita.jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = Fujita speaking in [[Shibuya, Tokyo]], July 2018
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1970|10|16}}
| birth_place = [[Funabashi, Chiba]], Japan
| residence =
| nationality =
| height = 6 ft
| weight = 240 lbs
| weight_class = [[Heavyweight (MMA)|Heavyweight]]
| reach =
|martial_art = [[MMA]]
| style = [[Freestyle wrestling]], [[shoot wrestling]]
| stance = Orthodox
| fighting_out_of = [[Funabashi, Chiba]], [[Japan]]
| teacher = [[Antonio Inoki]] [[Satoru Sayama]] [[Marco Ruas]]
| team =
| rank =
| years_active = 2000–2009, 2013, 2016-2018 ([[Mixed martial arts|MMA]])
| mma_kowin = 9
| mma_subwin = 7
| mma_decwin = 2
| mma_koloss = 8
| mma_subloss = 2
| mma_decloss = 4
| mma_draw =
| mma_nc =
| url =
| sherdog = 315
| footnotes =
| updated =
}}

{{nihongo|'''Kazuyuki Fujita'''|藤田和之|Fujita Kazuyuki|born October 16, 1970}} is a Japanese [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], former [[Mixed martial arts|mixed martial artist]] and [[freestyle wrestling|freestyle wrestler]], currently signed to [[Pro Wrestling Noah]], where he is a one-time [[GHC Heavyweight Championship|GHC Heavyweight Champion]]. He has most recently fought in [[Road FC]], but is also known for his work in the [[PRIDE Fighting Championships]], [[K-1]], [[Rizin Fighting Federation]], and [[World Victory Road]].

Fujita began his career as a professional wrestler in 1993, joining the [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) dojo, while still competing as an amateur wrestler. Debuting in 1996, Fujita would put his wrestling career on hiatus in early 2000 to train in MMA. Returning the following year with a new shoot based offence, Fujita won the [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]] immediately and went on to hold it two more times before leaving the company in 2005. After a six-year hiatus, Fujita returned to pro wrestling in 2011 for [[Inoki Genome Federation]] (IGF), and continues to make occasional appearances as a freelancer, most recently for [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] and [[Real Japan Pro Wrestling]] (RJPW).

==Early life==
Fujita practiced [[freestyle wrestling]] in high school. He participated in the [[International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles|FILA]] World Championships as a junior in 1988, placing sixth, and in the Espoir division in 1989, placing eleventh. In 1993, Fujita placed fifth at the Asian Championships at the senior level, and in 1993 and 1994, he represented Japan as a senior in the World Cup, a dual meet tournament. He was also a national champion in Japan in [[Greco-Roman wrestling]]. He missed making the Japanese Olympic team by 1 point in the Olympic qualifiers.

==Professional wrestling career==

===New Japan Pro-Wrestling (1996–2005)===
==== Early career (1996–2000) ====
Fujita was approached to join [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) in 1993 whilst he was still competing in amateur wrestling. Fujita agreed to join, but because of his amateur career, his professional debut was delayed three years until 1996. Fujita made his in-ring debut on November 1, 1996, losing to [[Yuji Nagata]].<ref>{{cite web |title=NJPW Super Grade Tag League VI - Tag 19 |publisher=Cagematch |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=94941}}</ref> Fujita was trained in the NJPW dojo by [[Antonio Inoki]] and [[Satoru Sayama]], who described him as a "monster". Regarded as a promising rookie for his natural athletic ability and strength, Fujita was pushed as a future star during his young lion days. In 1998, he was one of the wrestlers selected to face [[Riki Choshu]] in one of his retirement matches, and was also chosen as a training partner for former [[judo]]ka [[Naoya Ogawa]] during his transition into professional wrestling. Despite being praised and touted as a future star, Fujita had doubts about a career in professional wrestling, and didn't feel like he was adapting to it well enough. In addition, he struggled to find a regular position on the card behind more experienced rookies like [[Yuji Nagata]], [[Manabu Nakanishi]] and [[Satoshi Kojima]]. In 1999, he requested to leave New Japan with the intention of joining [[Fighting Network Rings]], a former shoot-style promotion that had recently changed itself to a full on [[mixed martial arts]] company. New Japan higher ups agreed to the move, as did Rings' owner [[Akira Maeda]], but at the last minute, New Japan owner and Fujita's trainer Antonio Inoki intervened and stopped it. In a bid to keep Fujita in New Japan, Inoki sent him abroad to train for MMA, with the intention of sending him to [[Pride Fighting Championship]] as a representative of Team Inoki.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sp.ch.nicovideo.jp/dropkick/blomaga/ar1365669|title = 【全文公開】藤田和之…こんなプロレスラーはもう２度、現れないだろう。だからプロレスで燃え尽きて欲しい：Dropkick}}</ref> Fujita's run in Pride was successful, and in 2001 he was bought back in to wrestle for New Japan.

====Return and championship push (2001–2005)====
After over a year away from pro-wrestling, Fujita's return to NJPW was announced in early 2001 for the Strong Style 2001 pay-per-view on April 9, where he was set to face [[Scott Norton]] for the [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]]. Fujita dominated the match with his new shoot-based offence and quickly won the championship in just under 7 minutes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results01.html|title=Results 2001|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=42378|title=NJPW Strong Style 2001 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Fujita made two successful defences, beating [[Yuji Nagata]] and [[Don Frye]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=43356|title=NJPW Super-Force Group Declaration 2001 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=43165|title=NJPW Dome-Quake « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Fujita reigned as champion until January 2002, when he was forced to vacate the title due to injury.

Fujita returned to New Japan on July 20, 2002, at Toukon Memorial Day, beating [[Cruiserweight (professional wrestling)|junior heavyweight]] [[Masahito Kakihara]] in 1:09.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=42100|title=NJPW Summer Fight Series 2002 - Tag 21 ~ Sapporo Toukon Memorial Day - Tag 2 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> At ''Cross Road'' on August 29, Fujita entered a tournament for the vacated NWF Heavyweight Championship but was defeated by eventual winner [[Yoshihiro Takayama]], giving Fujita his first loss in New Japan since January 2000.<ref name="Results 2002">{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results02.html|title=Results 2002|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> On October 14, Fujita challenged [[Yuji Nagata]] for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship but came up short.<ref name="Results 2002"/>

After spending most of 2003 in Pride, Fujita returned to New Japan once again in October 2003 at Ultimate Crush II, teaming with [[Minoru Suzuki]], [[Bob Sapp]], [[Yoshihiro Takayama]] and [[Shinsuke Nakamura]] as "Shin Inoki Gun" to defeat [[Yuji Nagata]], [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]], [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]], [[Manabu Nakanishi]] and [[Seiji Sakaguchi]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=47393|title=NJPW Ultimate Crush II « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> In June 2004, he won the vacated [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]] for a second time by defeating [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]]. He lost the championship to [[Kensuke Sasaki]] on October 9, 2004.

In 2005 he joined the Team JAPAN faction, and on July 18, 2005, he won the championship for the third time against [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]]. In August 2005, Fujita entered the 2005 [[G1 Climax]] where he won all his matches in the round robin portion, then defeated [[Toshiaki Kawada]] but lost to [[Masahiro Chono]] in the finals. He lost the IWGP Championship to [[Brock Lesnar]] on October 8, 2005, at ''[[Toukon Souzou New Chapter]]'' in a three-way match including Masahiro Chono. Lesnar pinned Chono to win the title. In late 2005 he withdrew from a rematch with Lesnar, scheduled for January 4, 2006. Fujita was represented by Inoki Office, an agency originally started by [[Antonio Inoki]], and had not been under a contract with NJPW.

===Inoki Genome Federation (2011–2015)===
After almost 6 years away from the ring, Fujita returned to professional wrestling in 2011 with his longtime associate and mentor [[Antonio Inoki]]'s [[Inoki Genome Federation]] (IGF) promotion where he competed for the next few years. He won the IGF Championship from [[Jerome Le Banner]] in early 2012, and made successful defences against [[Bobby Lashley]], [[Hideki Suzuki]], Erik Hammer and Atsushi Sawada before dropping it to [[Satoshi Ishii]] in a worked shoot fight in December 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=91&page=4|title=Matches « Kazuyuki Fujita « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Fujita made a rare appearance outside of IGF in November 2015, competing for [[Genichiro Tenryu]]'s [[Tenryu Project]] retirement show, where he teamed with [[Daisuke Sekimoto]] in a loss to [[Suwama]] and [[Yuji Okabayashi]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=140208|title=Tenryu Project Genichiro Tenryu Retirement ~ Revolution FINAL « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> Not long after this, Fujita left IGF and became inactive in pro wrestling once again.

=== Freelance (2017–2019) ===

After two more years away from wrestling, Fujita once again returned to the ring in October 2017, now a freelancer. He formed an alliance with fellow IGF and NJPW alumni [[Kendo Kashin]], with [[Nosawa Rongai]] also aligning himself with the pair. They began a feud with [[Atsushi Onita]] during the lead up to Onita's retirement match in [[Korakuen Hall]], where the three lost to Onita, [[Kai (wrestler)|Kai]] and [[Shingo Takagi]] on October 31.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=186652|title=Atsushi Onita Produce Atsushi Onita Final Korakuen Hall Convention ~ Retirement Style « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/201710310000541.html|title=大仁田厚、後楽園で藤田和之と引退試合を戦う理由 - プロレス : 日刊スポーツ|website=nikkansports.com}}</ref> In early 2018, the trio invaded [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] for a short lived run, starting a feud with Suwama's [[Evolution (AJPW)|Evolution]] stable.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=196025|title=AJPW Dream Power Series 2018 - Tag 5 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> In their only official match in the promotion, they defeated Suwama, [[Hikaru Sato]] and Yusuke Okada by referee's decision on March 25.<ref name="auto"/> Fujita would also make a one-off appearance for [[Big Japan Pro Wrestling]] in July 2018, teaming with Daisuke Sekimoto to defeat [[Daichi Hashimoto]] and Hideyoshi Kamitani.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=203253|title=BJW Osaka Suprise [sic] 38 ~ Strong World 2018 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref>

After another extended period of absence, Fujita returned to the ring in June 2019, debuting for [[Real Japan Pro Wrestling]] (RJPW). Still aligned with Kendo Kashin, Fujita began a feud with RJPW ace [[Yuji Sakuragi|Super Tiger]], challenging him to a match for the Legend Championship. In a prelude match, Fujita and Kashin defeated Tiger and [[Masakatsu Funaki]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=232641|title=RJPW First Generation Tiger Mask Satoru Sayama Strong Style Pro-Wrestling Vol. 2 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref> In their official title match on September 19, Fujita defeated Tiger to win the title, ending his reign at 735 days.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://battle-news.com/?p=52800|title=藤田和之がスーパー・タイガーを破り7年ぶりのシングル王座を戴冠！船木が「久々に異種格闘技戦を思い出した」とロッキーを絶賛！アレクと竹田の決戦は不透明決着！将軍岡本が岩崎から王座奪取！|website=バトル・ニュース}}</ref> Fujita also made a special appearance for [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] in September, beating [[Yoshiki Inamura]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=240857|title=NOAH N-1 Victory 2019 - Tag 12 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}</ref>

=== Pro Wrestling Noah (2021-present) ===

==Mixed martial arts career==
In January 2000 Fujita put his professional wrestling career on hiatus and began training for mixed martial arts competition. His trainer was his professional wrestling mentor and mixed martial arts legend, [[Antonio Inoki]], as well as luta livre veteran [[Marco Ruas]].

===Pride and K-1===
====First wins====
Kazuyuki entered the [[Pride Fighting Championships|PRIDE]] organization as part of the 2000 Openweight Grand Prix. His first opponent was [[Fighting Network RINGS]] alumnus [[Hans Nijman]], who Fujita beat fast by taking him down and submitting him with a wrestling neck crank. After this success, Inoki sent him abroad to compete in American promotion Extreme Shootout, where he KOed Dan Chase and then submitted Will Childs, before returning to PRIDE.

On May 1, Fujita competed at [[Pride Grand Prix 2000 Finals]], where he would score the first big win of his career by defeating [[Mark Kerr (fighter)|Mark Kerr]], who at the time was considered to be one of the best heavyweights in MMA. Kerr dominated early in the match, taking the Japanese down and hitting [[ground and pound]] through his guard, followed by a series of [[knee strike]]s to the head, but Fujita endured shockingly all the punishment and waited for his opportunity. It finally came when Kerr became visibly tired from attacking, moment in which Kazuyuki took him down, taking his back and launching his own series of knee strikes and [[hammerfist]]s. Kerr turtled up while Fujita scored points over him with unceasing striking, and at the end the referee stopped the match in Fujita's favour. His win over Kerr was considered to be a gigantic upset, and was the first loss in Kerr's career, snapping a 13-fight unbeaten streak.

Fujita's next fight was against former UFC Heavyweight Champion [[Mark Coleman]] in the semifinals of the Grand Prix, but the NJPW corner threw in the towel at the start of the match to avoid risks for Fujita's health. Despite Fujita being eliminated from the tournament, he became a star with the Japanese crowds for his victory over Kerr; the toughness he demonstrated in that fight gaining him the nickname "Ironhead". As Fujita himself noted, "I am not so great a puncher, not so great a kicker. I don't really have anything all that great, but in today's vale tudo, the strongest is the one that can take a beating."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/7/Pride-and-Glory-25240|title=Pride and Glory|work=Sherdog}}</ref>

At Pride 10, Fujita next fought MMA superstar [[Ken Shamrock]]. Like in the Kerr fight, Fujita took another incredible beating yet was not knocked out, and Shamrock then began to experience heart attack symptoms and had his corner throw in the towel, resulting in another massive win for Fujita and his career. Color commentator [[Eddie Bravo]] proclaimed during Fujita's fight with Shamrock, "that guy can take a baseball bat to the side of the head!".

He followed up his titanic wins over Kerr and Shamrock with a win over dangerous striker [[Gilbert Yvel]] at Pride 12. Fujita scored takedowns and dominated positionally Yvel for most of the match, only occasionally trying armlocks, in order to secure a decision win. It was after this match that commentator [[Stephen Quadros]] coined the term "lay and pray" to describe the strategy.

In May 2001 at Pride 14, Fujita defeated fellow pro wrestler [[Yoshihiro Takayama]] by submission in his first PRIDE main event. Notably, Takayama was similarly able to take a great punishment, enduring knees to the head and punches, but Kazuyuki submitted him via [[arm triangle choke]].

====Main competition====
On August 19 at the K-1 Andy Hug 2001 GP Final, Fujita fought K-1 legend and future MMA legend [[Mirko Cro Cop]] in Cro Cop's MMA debut. The fight was short and brutal, with Fujita shooting a takedown which Cro Cop tried to avoid with a knee strike to the face. Though Fujita was unfazed and completed the takedown, it opened a cut in his eye, which moved the referee to stop the match for a TKO loss for the Japanese.

Fujita was baffled for the fortuitousness of the bout and requested a rematch, which was conceded for the Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye event. This fight would be longer and more intense, with Fujita repeatedly taking the kickboxer down only for the latter to successfully defend from his [[Guard (grappling)|guard]]. At the second half of the match, however, Cro Cop started dominating through [[low kick]]s and a powerful [[Sprawl (grappling)|sprawl]], which he used to hold Fujita down while scoring series of unanswered knees to the head. The bout went to the judges, where Mirko seized the unanimous win.

In 2003, after Fujita defeated fellow NJPW pro wrestler [[Manabu Nakanishi]], he launched a challenge to PRIDE champion [[Fedor Emelianenko]] for a match in Pride 26. When it came, Kazuyuki shocked the world by stunning Emelianenko with a heavy counter right hand, but despite his best attempts to remain on the offensive Emelianenko recovered and defeated Fujita with a [[rear naked choke]] submission. At the end of the year, Fujita defeated American boxer: [[Imamu Mayfield]] by submission at Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2003.

In May 2004, Fujita made his debut for the K-1 MMA event ROMANEX, taking on then [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship|IWGP Heavyweight Champion]] [[Bob Sapp]]. Not fearing Sapp's size and fame, Fujita executed a takedown and went aggressively for Sapp on the ground, repeatedly landing punches and soccer kicks on his head. At this moment, Sapp ceased fighting and only covered himself to defend Fujita's assault. Finally, the referee stopped the match for a TKO victory. Sapp had to vacate his championship after this performance, while Kazuyuki adopted the nickname of "The Real Beast" to capitalize on Sapp's own "The Beast" moniker.

Egyptian Greco-Roman wrestler and Olympic gold medalist [[Karam Gaber]] was his next opponent, at the [[K-1 Premium 2004 Dynamite!!]] event. The younger and bigger Karam managed to push down and fend off Kazuyuki, but he landed a punch after one minute which knocked out Gaber.

On May 5, 2006, at [[PRIDE Total Elimination Absolute]], Fujita returned to MMA by competing in PRIDE's 2006 Openweight Grand Prix making him the only fighter in PRIDE's history to have competed in both openweight grand prix. In the first round, Fujita defeated [[James Thompson (fighter)|James Thompson]] by knockout. Typically, Thompson dominated Fujita for most of the fight, until Fujita rallied with a flurry of punches that knocked out him at his weakest point.

At the quarterfinals, Fujita fought PRIDE Middleweight champion and feared [[Muay Thai]] striker [[Wanderlei Silva]]. The match was wild, with Silva landing soccer kicks and knees while Fujita relentlessly tried to take him down and handle him on the ground. After avoiding [[armbar]]s and [[triangle choke]]s by powering out, Fujita controlled the Brazilian through his guard for a few minutes, but the situation returned to the beginning when the referee stood them up. With three minutes left in the clock, Silva unloaded on Fujita and surprisingly managed to knock him down with hook combos, after which he delivered multiple soccer kicks to the face. Although Fujita was not knocked out, he was unable to stop Silva's offence, so the referee stepped in to give the Brazilian the win.

After defeating freestyle champion [[Eldar Kurtanidze]] by submission due to strikes, Fujita was pitted against [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] fighter [[Jeff Monson]]. The Japanese wrestler fended off takedowns and choke attempts, but Monson was able to lock one of them to make Kazuyuki tap out. The fight was historic as it would be the final fight in PRIDE's history. Fujita would lose by submission.

===World Victory Road===
After PRIDE was sold to [[Zuffa]], Fujita joined the new promotion: [[World Victory Road]]. He debuted on March 5, 2008, at Sengoku 1 where he defeated [[Peter Graham (kickboxer)|Peter Graham]] by submission. Fujita next fight was against [[Travis Wiuff]] at Sengoku 3 where he lost by TKO.

On August 2, 2009, Fujita was defeated by [[Blagoi Ivanov]] at [[World Victory Road]]'s ninth event, Sengoku 9.

On December 31, 2009, at Dynamite!! 2009, Fujita took on [[Alistair Overeem]] and was knocked out via knee to the head in the first round. This was the first time Fujita has been knocked unconscious.

After a 4-year hiatus from the sport, Fujita returned to face [[Satoshi Ishii]] on December 31, 2013, at Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2013 for the [[Inoki Genome Federation#IGF Heavyweight Championship|IGF Championship]]. Fujita lost the bout via unanimous decision, marking his fourth loss in a row.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Satoshi-Ishii-Shinya-Aoki-Claim-Wins-at-Inoki-BomBaYe-2013-61409|title=SATOSHI ISHII, SHINYA AOKI CLAIM WINS AT INOKI BOM-BA-YE 2013|publisher=sherdog.com|date=December 31, 2013}}</ref>

===Road Fighting Championship===

After an eight fight losing streak, Fujita has since competed for [[Road Fighting Championship|Road FC]] where he is currently on a three fight winning streak. However, he has not competed since 2018 due to returning to professional wrestling full-time.

==Championships and accomplishments==
'''Mixed Martial Arts'''
*'''Extreme Shootout'''
**2000 Extreme Shootout - The Underground Tournament Winner<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/3/Sherdogcom-Preview-PRIDE-OpenWeight-Grand-Prix-4888|title=Sherdog.com Preview: PRIDE Open-Weight Grand Prix - Kazuyuki Fujita vs. Wanderlei Silva|website=Sherdog|access-date=2018-10-21}}</ref>
*'''Fight Matrix'''
**2000 Rookie of the Year<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fightmatrix.com/fightmatrix-awards/|title=Fight Matrix - MMA Awards|work=fightmatrix.com}}</ref>
*'''[[PRIDE Fighting Championships]]'''
**[[PRIDE Grand Prix 2000 Finals|2000 PRIDE Openweight Grand Prix Semi-Finalist]]

'''Professional Wrestling'''
*'''[[Inoki Genome Federation]]'''
**[[Inoki Genome Federation#IGF Championship|IGF Championship]] ([[Inoki Genome Federation#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/f-bt-tp0-20120714-983444.html|script-title=ja:藤田、王者レバンナ破った／ＩＧＦ|date=2012-07-14|access-date=2012-07-15|work=Nikkan Sports|language=ja}}</ref>
*'''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Heavyweight Champions|3 times]])
**Singles Best Bout (2005) vs. [[Masahiro Chono]] on August 14<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2005-awards.html|title=2005 New Japan Awards|access-date=2011-04-28|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref>
*'''''[[Nikkan Sports]]'''''
**Fighting Spirit Award (2000)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2000|title=Nikkan Sports Awards - 2000|website= wrestlingscout|date=February 14, 2016}}</ref>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]'''
**[[GHC National Championship]] ([[GHC National Championship#Reigns|1 time]])
**[[GHC Heavyweight Championship]] ([[GHC Heavyweight Championship#Reigns|1 time]])
*'''[[Strong Style Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[Legend Championship]] ([[Legend Championship#Reigns|1 time]])
*'''[[Tokyo Sports]]'''
**[[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Best Bout Award|Match of the Year]] (2001) vs. Yuji Nagata on June 6, 2001<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresu.com/awards/2000s.html|title=The Great Hisa's Puroresu Dojo : Puroresu Awards: 2000s|work=Puroresu Dojo}}</ref>
**[[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Newcomer Award|Rookie of the Year]] (1997)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresu.com/awards/1990s.html|title=The Great Hisa's Puroresu Dojo: Puroresu Awards: 1990s|work=Puroresu Dojo}}</ref>

==Mixed martial arts record==
{{MMArecordbox
| draws=
| nc=
| ko-wins= 9
| ko-losses= 8
| sub-wins= 7
| sub-losses= 2
| dec-wins= 2
| dec-losses= 4
| dq-wins=
| dq-losses=
| other-wins=
| other-losses=
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 18–14
| [[Choi Mu-Bae]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[Road FC 050]]
| {{dts|2018|11|3}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:55
| [[Daejeon]], [[South Korea]]
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 17–14
| Justin Morton
| Submission (north-south choke)
| [[Road FC 049]]
| {{dts|2018|8|18}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 1:19
| [[Seoul]], [[South Korea]]
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 16–14
| Handong Kong
| TKO (retirement)
| [[Road FC 047]]
| {{dts|2018|5|12}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 4:46
| [[Beijing]], [[China]]
| Road FC 2018 Openweight Grand Prix Alternate
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 15–14
| Sang Soo Lee
| TKO (punches)
| HEAT 41
| {{dts|2017|12|23}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:59
| [[Nagoya]], Japan
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 15–13
| Aorigele
| TKO (punches)
| [[Road FC 044]]
| {{dts|2017|11|11}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:59
| [[Shijiazhuang]], China
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 15–12
| [[Baruto Kaito]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[2016 in Rizin Fighting Federation|Rizin World Grand-Prix 2016: 1st Round]]
| {{dts|2016|9|25}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Saitama, Japan]]
| {{small|Openweight Grand-Prix 1st Round}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 15–11
| [[Jiří Procházka]]
| KO (punch)
| Rizin FF 1
| {{dts|2016|4|17}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:33
| [[Nagoya]], Japan
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 15–10
| [[Satoshi Ishii]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye|Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2013]]
| {{dts|2013|12|31}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Tokyo]], Japan
| For the [[Inoki Genome Federation#IGF Championship|IGF Championship]]
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 15–9
| [[Alistair Overeem]]
| KO (knee)
| [[Dynamite!! 2009|Dynamite!! The Power of Courage 2009]]
| {{dts|2009|12|31}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:15
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 15–8
| [[Blagoi Ivanov]]
| Decision (split)
| [[World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku 9]]
| {{dts|2009|8|2}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 15–7
| [[Travis Wiuff]]
| KO (punches)
| [[2008 in World Victory Road#World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku 3|World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku 3]]
| {{dts|2008|6|8}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:24
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 15–6
| [[Peter Graham (kickboxer)|Peter Graham]]
| Submission (north-south choke)
| [[2008 in World Victory Road#World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku First Battle|World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku First Battle]]
| {{dts|2008|3|5}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:23
| [[Tokyo]], Japan
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 14–6
| [[Jeff Monson]]
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| [[PRIDE 34]]
| {{dts|2007|4|8}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 6:37
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 14–5
| [[Eldar Kurtanidze]]
| TKO (submission to punches)
| [[Pride Shockwave 2006|PRIDE FC: Shockwave 2006]]
| {{dts|2006|12|31}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:09
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 13–5
| [[Wanderlei Silva]]
| TKO (punches and soccer kicks)
| [[Pride Critical Countdown Absolute|Pride FC - Critical Countdown Absolute]]
| {{dts|2006|July|01}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 9:21
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
| PRIDE 2006 Openweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 13–4
| [[James Thompson (fighter)|James Thompson]]
| KO (punch)
| [[Pride Total Elimination Absolute|Pride FC - Total Elimination Absolute]]
| {{dts|2006|May|05}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 8:25
| [[Osaka, Japan|Osaka]], Japan
| PRIDE 2006 Openweight Grand Prix First Round.
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 12–4
| [[Karam Gaber]]
| KO (punch)
| K-1 - Premium 2004 Dynamite!!
| {{dts|2004|12|31}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:07
| [[Osaka, Japan|Osaka]], Japan
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 11–4
| [[Bob Sapp]]
| TKO (submission to soccer kicks)
| [[K-1 MMA ROMANEX]]
| {{dts|2004|5|22}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:15
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 10–4
| [[Imamu Mayfield]]
| Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke)
| [[Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye|Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2003]]
| {{dts|2003|12|31}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 2:15
| [[Kobe, Japan|Kobe]], Japan
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 9–4
| [[Fedor Emelianenko]]
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| [[PRIDE 26]]
| {{dts|2003|6|8}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 4:17
| [[Yokohama, Japan|Yokohama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 9–3
| [[Manabu Nakanishi]]
| TKO (punches)
| [[NJPW Ultimate Crush]]
| {{dts|2003|5|2}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 1:09
| [[Tokyo]], Japan
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 8–3
| [[Mirko Cro Cop]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye|Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2002]]
| {{dts|2002|12|31}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 8–2
| [[Tadao Yasuda]]
| Submission (arm-triangle choke)
| UFO - Legend
| {{dts|2002|8|8}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:46
| [[Tokyo]], Japan
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 7–2
| [[Mirko Cro Cop]]
| TKO (doctor stoppage)
| [[K-1 Andy Memorial 2001 Japan GP Final]]
| {{dts|2001|8|19}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:39
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 7–1
| [[Yoshihiro Takayama]]
| Submission (arm-triangle choke)
| [[2001 in Pride FC#Pride 14 - Clash of the Titans|Pride 14 - Clash of the Titans]]
| {{dts|2001|5|27}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 3:10
| [[Yokohama, Japan|Yokohama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 6–1
| [[Gilbert Yvel]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[2000 in Pride FC#Pride 12 - Cold Fury|Pride 12 - Cold Fury]]
| {{dts|2000|12|9}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 10:00
| [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 5–1
| [[Ken Shamrock]]
| TKO (corner stoppage)
| [[2000 in Pride FC#Pride 10 - Return of the Warriors|Pride 10 - Return of the Warriors]]
| {{dts|2000|8|27}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 6:46
| [[Tokorozawa, Saitama]], Japan
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 4–1
| [[Mark Coleman]]
| TKO (corner stoppage)
| [[PRIDE Grand Prix 2000 Finals]]
| {{dts|2000|May|01}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:02
| [[Tokyo]], Japan
| PRIDE 2000 Openweight Grand Prix Semifinals
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 4–0
| [[Mark Kerr (fighter)|Mark Kerr]]
| Decision (unanimous)
| [[PRIDE Grand Prix 2000 Finals]]
| {{dts|2000|May|01}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 15:00
| [[Tokyo]], Japan
| PRIDE 2000 Openweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 3–0
| Will Childs
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| Extreme Shootout - The Underground
| {{dts|2000|4|1}}
| align=center| N/A
| align=center| N/A
| [[Killeen, Texas]], United States
| Extreme Shootout - The Underground Tournament Finals
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 2–0
| Dan Chase
| KO (punch)
| Extreme Shootout - The Underground
| {{dts|2000|4|1}}
| align=center| N/A
| align=center| N/A
| [[Killeen, Texas]], United States
| Extreme Shootout - The Underground Tournament Semifinals
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 1–0
| [[Hans Nijman]]
| Submission (neck crank)
| [[PRIDE Grand Prix 2000 Opening Round]]
| {{dts|2000|January|30}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:48
| [[Tokyo]], Japan
| PRIDE 2000 Openweight Grand Prix 1st Round
{{end}}

==Filmography==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! style="width:75px;"| Year
! style="width:250px;"| Title
! style="width:150px;"| Role
|-
| 2001
| ''[[Di Gi Charat|Di Gi Charat - A Trip to the Planet]]''
| Dejiko's father (voice)
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.k-1sport.de/en/database/show_fighter.php?id=202 K-1sport.de - Complete Fighters Profile of Kazuyuki Fujita]
*{{Sherdog}}
*[https://www.iat.uni-leipzig.de/datenbanken/dbfoeldeak/start.php FILA Wrestling Database]

{{Navboxes
|list1=
{{GHC Heavyweight Championship}}
{{GHC National Championship}}
{{IWGP Heavyweight Championship}}
{{Sugiura-gun}}
}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fujita, Kazuyuki}}
[[Category:1970 births]]
[[Category:Heavyweight mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing freestyle wrestling]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Greco-Roman wrestling]]
[[Category:IWGP Heavyweight champions]]
[[Category:Japanese male mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Japanese male sport wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Funabashi]]
[[Category:GHC Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:GHC National Champions]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers who competed in MMA]]

Yoshinari Ogawa

2025-02-12T20:44:40Z

89.136.44.148:

{{short description|Japanese professional wrestler (born 1966)}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name='''Yoshinari Ogawa'''
|names='''Yoshinari Ogawa'''
|height={{convert|1.80|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|weight={{convert|82|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
|birth_date ={{Birth date and age|1966|11|2|mf=y}}
|death_date =
|birth_place =[[Toride, Ibaraki]], Japan
|billed=
|trainer=[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] [[Genichiro Tenryu]] [[Shohei Baba|Giant Baba]] [[Kazuharu Sonoda]]
|debut=September 3, 1985
|retired=August 13, 2024
|}}

{{nihongo|'''Yoshinari Ogawa'''|小川良成|Ogawa Yoshinari}} (born November 2, 1966) is a Japanese retired [[professional wrestler]], best known for his appearances with [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] and [[Pro Wrestling Noah]]. He earned the [[nickname]] of "Rat Boy" from the English-speaking ''[[Puroresu]]'' fanbase due to his sneaky, clever in-ring tactics and baiting his opponents into quick pins, as well as the dishevelled, greasy appearance he cultivated during the late-1990s.

== Professional wrestling career ==

=== All Japan Pro Wrestling (1985–2000) ===
{{see also|Revolution (puroresu)|l1=Revolution}}

Yoshinari Ogawa debuted in [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] in 1985, working on the undercard, until joining [[Genichiro Tenryu]]'s group [[Revolution (puroresu)|Revolution]], which helped him elevate higher on the card. He remained in the group until it disbanded in 1990 upon Tenryu's abrupt departure from AJPW.

After Tenryu left, Ogawa became one of the top stars in AJPW's junior heavyweight division in the 1990s, winning the junior heavyweight championship three times. He also reigned as tag team champion with his mentor, [[Mitsuharu Misawa]].

=== Pro Wrestling Noah (2000–2024) ===
Ogawa left AJPW for Misawa's newly formed [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] in 2000, where he continued his tag team with Misawa, even winning the [[GHC Tag Team Championship]] becoming the second ever champions by defeating the team of [[2 Cold Scorpio|Scorpio]] and [[Vader (wrestler)|Vader]], holding the titles for nine days before losing the titles to [[Takao Omori]] and [[Yoshihiro Takayama]]. On April 7, 2002, he scored a huge upset, beating [[Jun Akiyama]] very quickly to become the [[GHC Heavyweight Championship|GHC Heavyweight Champion]]. Ogawa held the title for 153 days, defending his championship twice against [[Akira Taue]] and [[Takeshi Rikio]], before ultimately losing it to Takayama on September 7, 2002. On January 10, 2004, Ogawa and Misawa won the [[GHC Tag Team Championship]] for a second time, this time defeating [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]] and [[Yuji Nagata]] at the Great Voyage 2004 show. The team held the championship for a then-record 379 days while defending the belts seven times, another record at the time. They lost the championships to the team of [[2 Cold Scorpio|Scorpio]] and [[Doug Williams (wrestler)|Doug Williams]] on January 23, 2005.

Ogawa became a mainstay in the junior heavyweight division forming a partnership with [[Zack Sabre Jr.]] starting in 2013 as the pair joined to take part in the [[NTV G+ Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League]] for the vacant [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]]. The team came in second place in their block losing to eventual block and league winners [[Jyushin Thunder Liger]] and [[Tiger Mask IV]] on the final day. However, the team defeated Liger and Tiger Mask on December 7, 2013, at 'Great Voyage in Tokyo Vol. 2' to become the tag team champions for the first time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=103616|title=NOAH Great Voyage 2013 In Tokyo Vol. 2 ~ Akira Taue Retirement Memorial Show « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=www.cagematch.net|access-date=2017-07-04}}</ref> The pair defended their titles for the first, and only, time on March 8, 2014, defeating [[Kenoh]] and [[Hajime Ohara]] at 'Great Voyage in Tokyo' show.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=108262|title=NOAH Great Voyage 2014 In Tokyo « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=www.cagematch.net|access-date=2017-07-04}}</ref> The team lost the titles on March 21, 2014, to the team of [[Atsushi Kotoge]] and [[Taiji Ishimori]], but Ogawa and Sabre became two-time champions less than a month later by defeating Kotoge and Ishimori for the championships. Yet again, on July 5, 2014, after just one defense over [[Hiro Tonai]] and [[Shiori Asahi]] which occurred on May 3, Ogawa and Sabre lost the titles to Kotoge and Ishimori at 'Great Voyage in Tokyo Vol.2'.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=113323|title=NOAH Great Voyage 2014 In Tokyo Vol. 2 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=www.cagematch.net|access-date=2017-07-04}}</ref>

The pair entered the 2014 NTV G+ Junior Tag League and finished last in their four-team block with four points. On May 10, 2015, Ogawa and Sabre received a title match against the champions [[Kyosuke Mikami|El Desperado]] and [[Taka Michinoku]] at Great Voyage in Yokohama. This match was a losing effort from the team and Ogawa, in the summer of 2015, took part in his first singles tournament since 2008, the [[Global Junior Heavyweight League]]. Ogawa finished fifth in the block of seven with six points and victories over Desperado, [[Hitoshi Kumano]], and [[Sho Tanaka]]. Ogawa and Sabre took part in their third straight NTV G+ Junior Tag League and finished second, again losing to the eventual block winners, Desperado and Michinoku, on the final day of the league. This match was their final match as a team and on November 30, 2015, Ogawa's six-man team of Hitoshi Kumano and [[Muhammad Yone]] defeated Sabre's team of [[Genba Hirayanagi]] and [[Jado|Captain Noah]] with Ogawa scoring the decision over Sabre in what was Sabre's final match in Pro Wrestling Noah.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=142173|title=NOAH Winter Nagivation 2015 - Tag 5 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=www.cagematch.net|access-date=2017-07-04}}</ref>

Ogawa, alongside several Noah company-mates, took part in the first two [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] '[[Lion's Gate Project]]' shows where he defeated [[Jay White]] on the first show on February 25, 2016, then defeated David Finlay on the second show which took place on May 19.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=145830|title=NJPW Lion's Gate Project1 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=www.cagematch.net|access-date=2017-07-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=152078|title=NJPW Lion's Gate Project2 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=www.cagematch.net|access-date=2017-07-04}}</ref> Ogawa took part in the qualifying for the 2016 [[Super J-Cup]] defeating Hitoshi Kumano in his first qualifier but losing to [[Taiji Ishimori]] in the final of his qualifying region.

In 2019, Ogawa won the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] with [[Kotaro Suzuki]] and formed a stable named Stinger later joined by [[Atsushi Kotoge]] and Chris Ridgeway.

On January 4, 2020, Ogawa defeated [[Hayata (wrestler)|Hayata]] to win the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] for the first time in his career, thereby completing his win of NOAH's four major GHC titles and becoming the fourth man to do so after [[Naomichi Marufuji]], [[Kenta Kobayashi|KENTA]] and [[Takashi Sugiura]].

On August 13, 2024, it was announced that Ogawa would be retiring due to a neck injury suffered in an eight-man tag team match on August 4, in which his team with [[Daga (wrestler)|Daga]], [[Super Crazy]] and Yu Owada lost to [[Tadasuke (wrestler)|Tadasuke]], [[Yohei Hayata|HAYATA]], [[Yuki Sato (wrestler)|AMAKUSA]] and [[Yohei Fujita|YO-HEY]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-13 |title=小川良成選手引退のお知らせ {{!}} プロレスリング・ノア公式サイト {{!}} PRO-WRESTLING NOAH OFFICIAL SITE |url=https://www.noah.co.jp/news/6097/ |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=www.noah.co.jp |language=ja}}</ref>

== Championships and accomplishments ==
*'''[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]'''
:*[[All Asia Tag Team Championship]] ([[All Asia Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Mitsuharu Misawa]]
:*[[World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)|World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)#Title history|3 times]])
:*[[World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)|World Tag Team Championship]] ([[World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)#Title history|1 time]]) – with Mitsuharu Misawa
:*January 3 Korakuen Hall Junior Heavyweight Battle Royal (1991, 1995)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/alljap/ajtourn.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=April 9, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103153959/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/alljap/ajtourn.htm |archive-date=January 3, 2011 }}</ref>
:*World Junior Heavyweight Title League (1998)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pro Wrestling History |url=http://prowrestlinghistory.com/ |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=prowrestlinghistory.com}}</ref>
*'''[[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]'''
**[[Open the Triangle Gate Championship]] ([[Open the Triangle Gate Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Seiki Yoshioka]] and [[Yuya Susumu]]
*'''''[[Nikkan Sports]]'''''
**Technique Award (1998)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-1998|title=Nikkan Sports Awards - 1998|website=wrestlingscout|date=February 11, 2016|access-date=August 13, 2018|archive-date=December 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202120158/https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-1998|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**Ranked No. '''224''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the "PWI Years" in 2003
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]'''
:*[[GHC Heavyweight Championship]] ([[GHC Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
:*[[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|9 times]]) – with [[Zack Sabre Jr.]] (2), [[Minoru Tanaka (wrestler)|Minoru Tanaka]] (1), [[Kotaro Suzuki]] (1), [[Hayata (wrestler)|Hayata]] (3), [[Chris Ridgeway]] (1) and [[Eita (wrestler)|Eita]] (1)
:*[[GHC Tag Team Championship]] ([[GHC Tag Team Championship#Title history|2 times]]) – with Mitsuharu Misawa
:*[[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] (1 time)
:*[[Global Junior Heavyweight Tag League]] ([[Global Junior Heavyweight Tag League#2019|2019]]) – with Kotaro Suzuki
*'''''[[Tokyo Sports]]'''''
**[[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Technique Award|Technique Award]] (1996)

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
*[http://www.accelerator3359.com/Wrestling/bios/yogawa.html Profile]
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{All Asia Tag Team Championship}}
{{GHC Heavyweight Championship}}
{{GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship}}
{{GHC Tag Team Championship}}
{{Global Junior Heavyweight Tag League}}
{{Open the Triangle Gate Championship}}
{{AJPW Junior League}}
{{World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)}}
{{World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)}}
{{Pro Wrestling Noah personnel}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ogawa, Yoshinari}}
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from Ibaraki Prefecture]]
[[Category:1966 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:GHC Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:GHC Junior Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:GHC Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:All Asia Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:World Junior Heavyweight Champions (AJPW)]]
[[Category:World Tag Team Champions (AJPW)]]
[[Category:Open the Triangle Gate Champions]]
[[Category:Global Junior Heavyweight Tag League winners]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese sportsmen]]

Tiger Mask IV

2025-02-12T20:41:10Z

89.136.44.148:

{{Short description|Japanese professional wrestler}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Tiger Mask IV
|image = Tiger Mask IV 2015.JPG
|alt =
|caption = Tiger Mask in August 2015
|birthname = Yoshihiro Yamazaki<ref name=OWOW>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/t/tiger-mask-4.html|title=Online World of Wrestling profile|access-date=2010-08-29|work=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
|names = '''[[Tiger Mask (professional wrestling)|Tiger Mask]]'''<ref name=NJPW>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/data/detail_profile.php?f=012|title=タイガーマスク|access-date=2015-08-21|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref>
|height = {{convert|1.73|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name=NJPW/>
|weight = {{convert|85|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<ref name=NJPW/>
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1970|10|20|mf=y}}<ref name=OWOW/>
|birth_place = [[Urayasu, Chiba]], Japan
|resides =
|billed =
|trainer = [[Satoru Sayama]]<ref name=NJPW/><ref name=PWI500-2004/> [[The Great Sasuke]]<ref name=OWOW/>
|debut = July 15, 1995<ref name=NJPW/>
|retired =
}}
{{nihongo|'''Yoshihiro Yamazaki'''|山崎佳宏|Yamazaki Yoshihiro|born October 20, 1970}}<ref name=OWOW/> is a Japanese [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], best known for being the fourth man to portray {{nihongo|'''[[Tiger Mask (professional wrestling)|Tiger Mask]]'''|タイガーマスク|Taigā Masuku}}. He primarily works for [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) where he is a former 6-time [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion]] and 2-time [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion]]. Having competed as Tiger Mask since 1995, he is the longest tenured incarnation of the character.

==Career==
The young Yamazaki was originally trained by the original [[Tiger Mask (professional wrestling)|Tiger Mask]] ([[Satoru Sayama]]) and [[Great Sasuke|The Great Sasuke]] and unlike the [[Mitsuharu Misawa|second]] and [[Koji Kanemoto|third]] Tiger Masks, Yamazaki has been endorsed by Sayama himself. He also traveled to Mexico where he trained in ''[[lucha libre]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.njpw.com/fighters/tigermask.shtml |title=NJPW.com >> Fighters >> 4th Tiger Mask |access-date=2009-08-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120211247/http://www.njpw.com/fighters/tigermask.shtml |archive-date=2008-11-20 }}</ref>

===Michinoku Pro Wrestling (1995–2001)===
He made his professional wrestling debut in 1995 for [[Michinoku Pro Wrestling]] (Michinoku Pro/MPW) and became the fourth Tiger Mask, succeeding [[Koji Kanemoto]]. While working for Michinoku Pro Tiger Mask won the "APEX OF TRIANGLE" Six Man Tag Team Championship with his trainer the Great Sasuke and [[Gran Hamada]]. Just over a year into his wrestling career Tiger Mask won the [[UWA World Middleweight Championship]] and held it for 3 months before being forced to vacate the title due to an injury.<ref name="UWATitle">{{cite book|title=Wrestling Title Histories|last1=Duncan|first1=Royal|last2=Will|first2=Gary|publisher=Archeus Communications|edition=4th|year=2006|page=398|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref> After returning from his injury Tiger Mask spent a couple of years working mid card and lower main event matches until he was finally given another run with a singles title when he won a tournament to crown a new [[British Commonwealth Junior Heavyweight Championship|British Commonwealth Jr. Heavyweight Champion]] in [[London]], [[England]]. Despite it being called "British Commonwealth", the title was mainly promoted in Japan. Tiger Mask would later vacate the title due to an injury but was given a second reign with the title in 2000 that would last exactly one year shortly before Tiger Mask left Michinoku Pro.<ref name="BritishTitle">{{cite book|title=Wrestling Title Histories|last1=Duncan|first1=Royal|last2=Will|first2=Gary|publisher=Archeus Communications|edition=4th|year=2006|page=415|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>

After leaving M-Pro, Yamazaki trained with [[mixed martial artist]] and fellow Sayama trainee [[Enson Inoue]]. Management of [[Pride Fighting Championships]] proposed him to compete in mixed martial arts with his mask on, but he declined after receiving a better offer to wrestle for [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]. The same year, there was a suggestion of making [[Guy Mezger]] fight at Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye replacing Yamazaki under the Mask, but he similarly refused.<ref name=Files>{{cite book|title=Pride: The Secret Files|date=2008|publisher=Kamipro|language= ja}}</ref>

===New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2002–present)===
Tiger Mask made his NJPW debut on January 20, 2002, and at first wrestled as a Michinoku Pro star and not a full-time worker. In December 2002, he officially joined NJPW, and quickly rose in the contenders ranks in the Junior Heavyweight division. On April 23, 2003, Tiger Mask was booked to win the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]] from then champion [[Koji Kanemoto]].<ref name="strongenergy">{{cite web |url= http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/energy03.php |title=NJPW Strong Energy tour results |access-date=2007-07-08 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070819095120/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/results/energy03.php  |archive-date = 2007-08-19}}</ref> Tiger Mask's first IWGP reign came to an end in December 2003, when he had to vacate the title due to an injury.<ref name="IWGPJr">{{cite web |url= http://puroresufan.com/njpw/history/jrtitle.php |title=IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship title history |access-date=2009-01-11 |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080822142137/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/history/jrtitle.php  |archive-date = 2008-08-22}}</ref> Tiger Mask returned with renewed strength and won the [[Best of the Super Juniors#2004|2004 Best of the Super Juniors]] tournament where he beat the then IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion [[Minoru Tanaka (wrestler)|Heat]] in the semi-finals and Koji Kanemoto in the finals to win the annual tournament.<ref name=PWI500-2004>{{cite news|title=Pro Wrestling illustrated 500 - 2004 :84 Tiger Mask IV|work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]|publisher=Sports and Entertainment publications LLC|location=Blue Bell, [[Pennsylvania]], [[United States]]|id=December 2004|page=27|date=October 2004}}</ref> It wouldn't be until 2005 that Tiger Mask was able to recreate his semi final victory to defeat Heat for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title.<ref name="IWGPJr"/> Tiger Mask also won the [[Best of the Super Juniors#2004|2005 Best of the Super Juniors]] making him the first and only wrestler to win the tournament two years in a row until the record would be shared by [[Hiromu Takahashi]] in 2021. In October 2005 Tiger Mask lost the title to the fourth incarnation of the [[Black Tiger (professional wrestling)|Black Tiger]] gimmick ([[Rocky Romero]]).<ref name="IWGPJr"/> Tiger Mask defeated Black Tiger in a rematch on February 19, 2006, in a match where Black Tiger put both the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship and the [[NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] on the line, making Tiger Mask a double champion.<ref name="IWGPJr"/><ref name="NWATitle">{{cite web |url= http://www.wrestling-titles.com/nwa/world/nwa-j.html |title= NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship|access-date=2009-01-11 |publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
Tiger Mask's reign as IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion ended on May 3, 2006, by the man he won the title from the first time, Koji Kanemoto.<ref name="IWGPJr"/> the NWA World Junior Heavyweight title would reside around Tiger Mask's waist for over a year until he lost it to [[Mike Quackenbush]] on a [[National Wrestling Alliance]] (NWA) sanctioned show in Portage, Indiana.<ref name="NWATitle"/>

[[File:Tiger Mask VI 2013.JPG|thumb|left|Tiger Mask in September 2013.]]
When New Japan decided to create several "Brands", Tiger Mask was appointed as an '[[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Ace|ace]]' of Wrestle Land alongside [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]] but ended up wrestling 2 matches under the WRESTLE LAND Brand. In July 2008, Tiger Mask defeated [[Fergal Devitt|Prince Devitt]] in a tournament final to become a four-time IWGP World Jr. Heavyweight champion. On the "Circuit 2008 New Japan Generation" tour [[Low Ki]] ended Tiger Mask's reign. On January 4, 2009, during NJPW's annual Tokyo Dome show [[Wrestle Kingdom III]], he regained the title and became only the third five-time IWGP World Junior Heavyweight champion in the title's history.<ref name="IWGPJr"/> Tiger Mask made his first successful title defense [[Jushin Thunder Liger]] after which he was presented with a third-generation IWGP Junior Heavyweight championship belt. While being presented with the belt he was attacked by new version of Black Tiger, the fifth version of his storyline arch enemy. After defeating and unmasking the fourth Black Tiger (Rocky Romero) at Resolution '09 in a title vs. mask match, the fifth Black Tiger once again attacked Tiger Mask, gave him a [[Professional wrestling throws#Death Valley driver|Death Valley driver]] and then unmasked him.<ref name=Resolution09>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=538|title=(Results) New Japan, 4/5/09|date=2009-04-05|access-date=2011-01-23|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> On June 20, 2009, at [[Dominion 6.20]], Tiger Mask defeated Black Tiger V in a mask vs. mask match. Afterwards Black Tiger removed his mask to reveal [[Tatsuhito Takaiwa]], the first native under the Black Tiger mask.<ref name=Dominion620>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=687|title=(Results) New Japan, 6/20/09|date=2009-06-20|access-date=2011-01-23|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> On August 15, 2009, at ''G1 Climax 2009 Tour'' Tiger Mask lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title to [[Místico]]. He regained the title on November 8, 2009, at NJPW's [[Destruction '09]] show when he defeated Místico.<ref name=Nov09>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.com/resultados-njpw-destruction-tiger-mask-vence-a-mistico-team-3d-y-nakamura-retienen/ | title= Resultados NJPW DESTRUCTION – Tiger Mask vence a Místico – Team 3D y Nakamura retienen | date= November 8, 2009 | access-date= November 8, 2009 | work=[[Súper Luchas]] | language=es}}</ref> On January 4, 2010, at [[Wrestle Kingdom IV in Tokyo Dome]] Tiger Mask lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship to [[Naomichi Marufuji]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/11848/|title=January 4 New Japan Tokyo Dome report - legends, promotional wars|date=2010-01-04|access-date=2010-01-04|publisher=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer]]}}</ref> After losing a rematch to Marufuji on May 8, 2010, Tiger Mask began showing signs of a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] turn as he attacked the champion after the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1536|title=Back and a large update|date=2010-05-12|access-date=2010-06-13|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> Tiger then entered the [[Best of the Super Juniors#2010|2010 Best of the Super Juniors tournament]] in an attempt to win his third BOSJ and on May 30 continued his heelish behaviour by refusing to shake hands with [[Andrade Cien Almas|La Sombra]] after losing his opening match to him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1591|title=(Results) New Japan, 5/30/10|date=2010-05-30|access-date=2010-06-13|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> The following day it was announced that Tiger had suffered a neck injury and would be sidelined for two months, forcing him to forfeit the rest of his matches in the Best of the Super Juniors tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=160|title=Tiger Mask injured, out of Super Jr. tournament|date=2010-05-31|access-date=2010-06-13|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref>

He made his return on August 14, 2010, in a six-man tag team match, where he, Koji Kanemoto and [[Ryusuke Taguchi]] wrestled [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] representatives [[Atsushi Aoki]], [[Ricky Marvin]] and [[Taiji Ishimori]] to a fifteen-minute time limit draw.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1950|title=(Results) New Japan, 8/14/10|date=2010-08-14|access-date=2010-08-22|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> On August 22 Tiger and Kanemoto defeated Marvin and Ishimori at a Pro Wrestling Noah event to win the promotion's [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]].<ref name=GHCJrTag>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2007|title=NJ in NOAH results; Kanemoto & Tiger win belts, Nakamura loses|date=2010-08-22|access-date=2010-08-22|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> They would lose the title to Atsushi Aoki and Naomichi Marufuji on December 24, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2478|title=Kanemoto & Tiger Mask lose GHC Jr. Tag Title|date=2010-12-24|access-date=2010-12-26|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> On January 23, 2011, Tiger Mask put his mask on the line in a Mask vs. Hair match at ''[[Fantastica Mania 2011]]'', a New Japan and [[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]] co–promoted event in Tokyo, and defeated [[Tomohiro Ishii]] to win his third ''Lucha de Apuesta''. After the match Ishii attacked and unmasked Tiger Mask.<ref name=FantasticaMania>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=134|title=NJPW Presents CMLL Fantastica Mania 2011|date=2011-01-23|access-date=2011-01-23|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref name=FantasticaManiaSSS>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2525|title=(Results) New Japan x CMLL, 1/23/11|date=2011-01-23|access-date=2011-01-23|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> On February 20 at [[The New Beginning (2011)#February 20|The New Beginning]], Tiger Mask defeated Ishii, who had begun wearing a Black Tiger mask, in a Mask vs. Mask match.<ref name=NewBeginning>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=142|title=The New Beginning|date=2011-02-20|access-date=2011-02-20|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> On June 16, 2012, at [[Dominion 6.16]], Tiger Mask won his first [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]], when he and Jushin Thunder Liger defeated [[Taichi Ishikari|Taichi]] and [[Taka Michinoku]] for the vacant title.<ref name=Dominion616>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=584|title=Dominion 6.16|access-date=2012-06-16|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> On July 22, the team lost the title to [[Forever Hooligans]] ([[Alex Koslov]] and Rocky Romero).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=593|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour Kizuna Road|access-date=2012-07-22|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730073154/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=593|archive-date=2012-07-30}}</ref> On September 23, 2015, at [[Destruction in Okayama (2015)|Destruction in Okayama]], Tiger Mask defeated Steve Anthony to win the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship for the second time.<ref name=DestructioninOkayama2015>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1036|title=Destruction in Okayama|access-date=2015-09-23|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> He lost the title back to Anthony on March 19, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1099|title=Road to Invasion Attack 2016|access-date=2016-03-19|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> On October 25, 2021, Tiger Mask became IWGP Junior Tag Team Champion with his Flying Tigers teammate Robbie Eagles. The pair later lost the championships to Six or Nine ([[Ryusuke Taguchi]] and [[Master Wato]]) on February 19, 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=331623|title=NJPW New Years Golden Series 2022 - Tag 14 - TV-Show @ Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=February 19, 2022|access-date=February 20, 2022}}</ref>

===Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2007, 2008)===
Tiger Mask made several appearances for the American-based wrestling company [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA) through the working relationship between NJPW and TNA. He appeared on [[TNA Sacrifice]] 2007 in a four-way bout featuring [[Alex Shelley]], [[Jerry Lynn]], and [[Low Ki|Senshi]].<ref name="TNA">{{cite web|url=http://www.tnawrestling.com/news/fullnews2.php?all=1333|author=Banks, B.|title=New Japan Star Tiger Mask To Compete Sunday At Sacrifice|publisher=[[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]]|access-date=May 13, 2007|date=May 9, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070512005739/http://www.tnawrestling.com/news/fullnews2.php?all=1333|archive-date=May 12, 2007}}</ref> He also made a couple of appearances on ''[[TNA Impact!]]'', TNA's weekly show in early 2008.

==Other media==
Outside of wrestling, Yamazaki appeared on the second [[Sasuke (TV series)|SASUKE]] competition in 1998 although he failed to make it past the first obstacle of the First Stage.

==Personal life==
On July 22, 2006, Yamazaki married a then 32-year-old woman whose given name is unknown, though her former surname was Nishimura. He was previously married to a daughter of wrestler [[Gran Hamada]].<ref name=MondoFamily>{{Cite book| author= Madigan, Dan | title= Mondo Lucha Libre: the bizarre & honorable world of wild Mexican wrestling | publisher= HarperCollins Publishers | year= 2007 | chapter = A family affair | pages = 128–132 | isbn=978-0-06-085583-3}}</ref>

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[All Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)|World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)#Title history|1 time]])
*'''[[Michinoku Pro Wrestling]]'''
**Apex of Triangle Six–Man Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with [[Masanori Murakawa|The Great Sasuke]] and [[Gran Hamada]]<ref name=OWOW/>
**[[British Commonwealth Junior Heavyweight Championship|British Commonwealth Jr. Heavyweight Championship]] ([[British Commonwealth Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title History|2 times]])<ref name=NJPW/><ref name="BritishTitle"/>
**Fukumen World League (2000, 2007)<ref name=Purolove>{{cite web|url=http://www.purolove.com/njpw/profiles/tigermask.php|title=Purolove profile|access-date=2010-08-22|work=Purolove}}</ref>
**Fukumen World Tag League (2000) – with Gran Hamada<ref name=Purolove/>
*'''[[National Wrestling Alliance]]'''
**[[NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref name="NWATitle"/><ref name=DestructioninOkayama2015/>
*'''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champions|6 times]])<ref name=OWOW/><ref name="IWGPJr"/><ref name=Nov09/>
**[[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions#Title history|2 times]]) – with [[Jushin Thunder Liger]] (1)<ref name=Dominion616/> and [[Robbie Eagles]] ([[List of IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions#Title history|1]])
**[[Best of the Super Juniors]] ([[Best of the Super Juniors#2004|2004]],<ref name=PWI500-2004/> [[Best of the Super Juniors#2005|2005]])<ref name=NJPW/>
**Jr. Heavyweight MVP Award (2005)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2005-awards.html|title=2005 New Japan Awards|access-date=2011-04-28|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''
**PWI ranked him #'''21''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2005<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50005.htm|access-date=2008-07-13|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 - 2005|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070616161906/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50005.htm|archive-date=2007-06-16}}</ref>
**PWI ranked him #'''431''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI Years in 2003
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]'''
**[[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|2 times]]) – with [[Tiger Mask III]] (1)<ref name=GHCJrTag/> and Jushin Thunder Liger (1)<ref name=Noah072813>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1172|script-title=ja:2013年7月28日|access-date=2013-07-28|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja}}</ref>
**[[NTV G+ Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League]] ([[NTV G+ Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League#2013|2013]]) – Jushin Thunder Liger<ref name=Noah072813/>
*'''[[Universal Wrestling Association]]'''
**[[UWA World Middleweight Championship]] ([[UWA World Middleweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="NJPW" /><ref name="UWATitle" />

===Luchas de Apuestas record===
{{See also|Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|l1=Luchas de Apuestas}}
{|class="wikitable sortable" width=100% style="text-align: center"
!width=20% scope="col"|Winner (wager)
!width=20% scope="col"|Loser (wager)
!width=20% scope="col"|Location
!width=20% scope="col"|Event
!width=15% scope="col"|Date
!class="unsortable" width=5% scope="col"|Notes
|-
|Tiger Mask IV ([[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]])
|[[Rocky Romero|Black Tiger (IV)]] (mask)
|Tokyo, Japan
|''Resolution '09''
|{{dts|2009|4|5}}
|<ref name=Resolution09/>
|-
|Tiger Mask (mask)
|[[Tatsuhito Takaiwa|Black Tiger (V)]] (mask)
|[[Osaka]], Japan
|[[Dominion 6.20]]
|{{dts|2009|6|20}}
|<ref name=Dominion620/>
|-
|Tiger Mask (mask)
|[[Tomohiro Ishii]] (hair)
|Tokyo, Japan
|''[[Fantastica Mania 2011|Fantastica Mania]]''
|{{dts|2011|1|23}}
|<ref name=FantasticaMania/><ref name=FantasticaManiaSSS/>
|-
|Tiger Mask (mask)
|[[Tomohiro Ishii|Black Tiger (VI)]] (mask)
|Sendai, Japan
|[[The New Beginning (2011)|The New Beginning]]
|{{dts|2011|2|20}}
|<ref name=NewBeginning/>
|}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Portal|Japan}}
*{{Commons category-inline|Tiger Mask IV}}
*{{NJPW profile|id=1445|name=Tiger Mask|newlink=yes}}

{{Navboxes|
|list1=

{{World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)}}
{{GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship}}
{{Global Junior Heavyweight Tag League}}
{{IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship}}
{{New Japan Pro Wrestling personnel}}
{{Best of the Super Juniors}}
{{NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{UWA World Middleweight Championship}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tiger Mask 4}}
[[Category:Tiger Mask]]
[[Category:1970 births]]
[[Category:IWGP Junior Heavyweight champions]]
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Masked wrestlers]]
[[Category:People from Urayasu, Chiba]]
[[Category:Contestants on Japanese game shows]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:World Junior Heavyweight Champions (AJPW)]]
[[Category:British Commonwealth Junior Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:UWA World Middleweight Champions]]
[[Category:Global Junior Heavyweight Tag League winners]]
[[Category:Best of the Super Juniors winners]]
[[Category:NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champions]]

Taiji Ishimori

2025-02-12T20:36:52Z

89.136.44.148:

{{short description|Japanese professional wrestler}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name=Taiji Ishimori
|image= Ishimori20191103.jpg
|caption= Ishimori in November 2019
|names=Army Santa<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1902|title=Noahful Gift 2017 ～ファン感謝祭～|access-date=2017-12-26|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja}}</ref> Bone Soldier Ishimori Tai-chan '''Taiji Ishimori''' Superstar Bone Soldier Jr
|height={{height|m=1.63|precision=0}}<ref name=NOAHbio>{{cite web|title=石森太二 (Ishimori Taiji)|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/profile017.php|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|access-date=4 February 2012|language=ja}}</ref>
|weight={{convert|75|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<ref name=NOAHbio/>
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|02|10|mf=y}}<ref name=NOAHbio/>
|death_date =
|birth_place =[[Tagajo, Miyagi]], Japan<ref name=NOAHbio/>
|resides=
|billed=
|trainer=[[Tamon Honda]] [[Último Dragón]]
|debut={{dts|2002|5|11}}<ref name=NOAHbio/>
|retired=
}}
{{nihongo|'''Taiji Ishimori'''|石森太二|Ishimori Taiji|born February 10, 1983}} is a Japanese [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. He is signed to [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW), where he is a member of [[Bullet Club]] and its [[List of Bullet Club members#War Dogs|War Dogs]] sub-group. Ishimori is a three-time [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion]], and is also a one-time [[NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champion]] alongside former Bullet Club teammates [[Tama Tonga]] and [[Tanga Loa]].

Ishimori is best known for his 12-year stint with [[Pro Wrestling Noah]], where he became one of the most decorated [[Cruiserweight (professional wrestling)|junior heavyweight]]s in the promotion's history, holding the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] three times, while also setting the record for the longest reign with the championship at 405 days during his first reign. Ishimori also held the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] a record six times, and won the promotion's [[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League]] a record four times. He is also known for his work in [[Impact Wrestling]], where he is a one-time [[Impact X Division Champion]].

==Professional wrestling career==

===Toryumon (2002–2004)===
When he was an [[amateur wrestler]], Taiji Ishimori was trained in [[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon Mexico]] and debuted against [[Fumiyuki Hashimoto]] in 2002. He went to compete in the ''Young Dragons Cup'' and won after beating [[Jun Ogawauchi]], [[Takuya Sugawara|Henry III Sugawara]] and lastly [[Shuji Kondo|Condotti Shuji]]. Shortly after, he was given a [[pop idol]] [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] and formed a [[boy band]]-like faction with [[Brahman Brothers|Kei and Shu Sato]], calling themselves the Sailor Boys. Ishimori was intended to become the "ace" (the top student) of his graduating class, even going so far as to release an album, "Keep on Journey", to support their gimmick. However, the fan interest never matched his hype, and Ishimori became one of Toryumon's bigger failures. Sailor Boys' rival faction, Los Salseros Japoneses ([[Takeshi Minamino]], [[Kenichi Sakai|Pineapple Hanai]] and [[Takayasu Fukuda|Mango Fukuda]]) was in turn more successful with the fans. While in the Toryumon X brand, Sailor Boys also feuded with Mini Crazy Max ([[Takuya Sugi|Mini Cima]], [[Fumiyuki Hashimoto|Suwacito]] and [[Masaki Okimoto|Small Dandy Fujii]]), defeating them in X's debut show.

Unlike the rest of his class, Taiji did his Japanese debut for [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]'s Wrestle-1 project. Returning to Mexico, he won the [[UWA World Welterweight Championship]] on May 11, 2003, defeating [[Super Crazy]] to win the belt. Ishimori defended the UWA World Welterweight Championship 2 times, against [[Fuerza Guerrera]] on August 31, 2003 and against [[Masato Yoshino|Yossino]] on December 7, 2003. He dropped the UWA championship to [[Takeshi Minamino]] on August 29, 2004. He tried to regain the title in the ''Dragon Fire The Final Challenge event'', but it was unsuccessful. Also, at the last Toryumon X show, Sailor Boys challenged [[Gedo (wrestler)|Gedo]], [[Jado]] and [[Katsushi Takemura]] for the [[UWA World Trios Championship]], but they were defeated.

===New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2004–2005)===
Following the title loss, Ishimori began working for [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) as one of their "Young Lions" prospects. Very early in his NJPW run he was teamed up with [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]] for a one night U-30 (Under 30) [[tag team]] tournament. In the first round the team defeated Blue Wolf and [[Katsuhiko Nakajima]] and in the finals they defeated [[Ryusuke Taguchi]] and [[Shinsuke Nakamura]] to win the tournament.<ref name=U30Tag/> At one point he teamed up with his mentor [[Último Dragón]] for an unsuccessful shot at the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]], held by [[Jado & Gedo]] at the time.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=16490|title=NJPW Chrono Stream ~ Masahiro Chono 20th Anniversary|date=November 3, 2004|access-date= March 24, 2010|publisher= CageMatch.net|language=de}}</ref> By mid-2005, Ishimori had left NJPW and begun working for [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW).

===All Japan Pro Wrestling (2005–2006)===
In August 2005, Ishimori debuted in AJPW teaming with [[Keiji Muto]]. They, along with [[Kaz Hayashi]], [[Satoshi Kojima]] and other face wrestlers, feuded with the villainous [[Voodoo Murders]] group. Ishimori also started teaming with another former NJPW rookie, [[Katsuhiko Nakajima]], eventually taking part in the AJPW 2006 Junior Tag League. Together they defeated Kikujiro (Nobutaka Araya) & [[Kikutaro]] and [[Akira Nogami|Akira]] & [[Ryuji Hijikata]], but they passed without achieving much success. Ended the league, Ishimori left All Japan.

During his time in AJPW, Ishimori also worked for the short lived promotion dragondoor as the top [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] (good guy), and once again failed to be accepted in that role by fans. He formed a high-flying faction with [[Kota Ibushi]], [[Takuya Sugi|Little Dragon]] and [[Tsutomu Oosugi|Milanito Collection a.t.]], but they were beaten by the stable Aagan Iisou led by [[Shuji Kondo]]. Ishimori also was in the El Dorado Wrestling debut show, leaving the promotion right after.

===Pro Wrestling Noah (2006–2018)===
[[File:Taiji Ishimori at ROH 2013.jpg|thumb|Ishimori in 2013]]
Ishimori began working as a freelance wrestler for [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] in March, 2006 and often worked as part of the [[Pro Wrestling Noah#Pro Wrestling Sem|SEM]] promotion that was considered the [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental territory]] for Noah. He began teaming up with [[Kenta Kobayashi|Kenta]], wrestling on many shows together, trying to earn a match for the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]]. The team failed to win the title on their initial chance. Due to being trained in Mexico Ishimori often wrestled against Mexican ''[[Lucha libre|Luchadores]]'' who toured with Noah, facing such opponents as [[Charly Manson]] or [[Abismo Negro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=6655|title=NOAH Summer Navigation 2006 – Tag 1|date=July 1, 2006|access-date= March 24, 2010|publisher=CageMatch.net|language=de}}</ref> He also wrestled on the Noah / [[Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide|AAA]] co-promoted show [[TripleSEM]] on September 3, 2007 teaming with [[El Elegido]] and Kenta to lose to the Mexican Powers ([[Crazy Boy]], [[Joe Líder]] and [[Juventud Guerrera]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://Superluchas.com/super-luchas-desde-japon-resultados-triplesem-en-el-differ-ariake-de-tokio-3-sep-07/|title=Súper Luchas desde Japón: Resultados TripleSEM en el Differ Ariake de Tokio (3 SEP 07)|date=September 3, 2007| author=Yoav|access-date=September 12, 2009|work=[[Súper Luchas]]|language=es}}</ref> In 2007 Ishimori became a full-time Noah wrestler and shortly after Ishimori and Kenta won the Tag Champions. The team went to [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]] and defeated the team of [[BxB Hulk]] and [[Shingo Takagi]] on March 20, 2008. to bring the Noah Junior Heavyweight Tag Title back to Noah.<ref name=GHCJrTag>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/noah/ghc-jt.html|title=Global Honored Crown Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title|date=February 18, 2010|access-date=March 24, 2010|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref> Ishimori and Kenta successfully defended the title against [[Ricky Marvin]] and [[Kotaro Suzuki]] and also the team of [[Bryan Danielson]] and [[Eddie Edwards (wrestler)|Eddie Edwards]] from [[Ring of Honor]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=21946|title=NOAH Northern Navigation '08 – Tag 10|date=June 1, 2008|access-date=March 24, 2010|publisher=CageMatch.net| language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=22613|title= NOAH European Navigation 2008 – Tag 10|date=June 21, 2008|access-date=March 24, 2010|publisher=CageMatch.net|language=de}}</ref> On July 13, 2008 Ishimori and Kenta were defeated by [[Yoshinobu Kanemaru]] and Kotaro Suzuki and lost the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.<ref name=GHCJrTag/> In September, 2008 the team won the [[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League#2008|2008 Nippon TV Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League]], with 12 points for 6 victories including defeating the reigning GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag team champions in the last match.<ref name=NTV>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/noah/ntv.html#2008|title=NTV Junior Heavyweight Tag Team League 2008|date=August 23 – September 6, 2008|access-date=March 24, 2010|publisher=ProWrestlingHistory.com}}</ref> In 2009 Ishimori began teaming regularly with Ricky Marvin, chasing after the Junior tag team titles. In early 2010 the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag title became vacant when Kotaro Suzuki suffered a knee injury. Ishimori and Marvin teamed up for a tournament to determine the next champions. They defeated Bobby Fish and Eddie Edwards in the first round and Genba Hirayanagi and Yoshinbou Kanemaru in the finals to win the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.<ref name=GHCJrTag/> On August 22 Ishimori and Marvin lost the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship to [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] representatives [[Koji Kanemoto]] and [[Tiger Mask IV|Tiger Mask]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2007|title=NJ in NOAH results; Kanemoto & Tiger win belts, Nakamura loses|date=2010-08-22|access-date=2010-08-22|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> On January 27, 2013, Ishimori defeated [[Shuji Kondo]] to win the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] for the first time.<ref name=GreatVoyage2013>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1101|script-title=ja:2013年1月27日(日)|access-date=2013-01-28|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja}}</ref> Through Noah's working relationship with Ring of Honor, Ishimori made his debut for the promotion on May 4, 2013, in [[Toronto|Toronto, Ontario, Canada]], facing Eddie Edwards in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_70397.shtml|title=ROH News: "Border Wars" iPPV results & news from Sat. night|date=2013-05-05|last=Caldwell| first=James|access-date=2013-05-05|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> During the following day's tapings of ''[[Ring of Honor Wrestling]]'' Ishimori defeated [[Roderick Strong]] in a singles match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/roh-indy-wrestling-news/41307-spoilers-5-5-roh-tv-tapings-from-toronto-canada|title= Spoilers: 5/5 ROH TV Tapings from Toronto, Canada|date=2013-05-05|last=Namako|first=Jason|access-date=2013-05-06|work=WrestleView}}</ref> After a 405-day reign, the longest in the title's history, Ishimori lost the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship to Daisuke Harada on March 8, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1254|title=「Great Voyage 2014 in Tokyo」方舟進章～有明春の陣～|access-date=2014-03-08|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja}}</ref> He won the title for the second time on December 23, 2015, by defeating [[Taichi Ishikari|Taichi]].<ref name=Destiny2015>{{cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1510|title=Destiny 2015|access-date=2015-12-23|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja}}</ref>

On July 5, 2016, Ishimori defeated [[Yoshinari Ogawa]] in a four-man tournament final to win one of Noah's three spots in NJPW's [[Super J-Cup#2016|2016 Super J-Cup]].<ref name=Noah070516>{{cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=8719|script-title=ja:【試合結果速報致します】「Navig. with Emerald Spirits 2016」7月5日(火)後楽園ホール大会|date=2016-07-05|access-date=2016-07-05|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja}}</ref> In this same month, Ishimori took part in the 2016 [[NTV G+ Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League]] with his partner being American wrestler ACH. The pair won the tag league defeating [[Hajime Ohara]] and [[Kenoh]] for a spot in the final match then defeating Momo no Seishun (Atsushi Kotoge and Daisuke Harada), at the time the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship holders, in the final match.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1626|title=プロレスリング・ノア公式サイト {{!}} PRO-WRESTLING NOAH OFFICIAL SITE|website=noah.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2017-02-18}}</ref> Their title match against Momo no Seishun was held on the final of the 2016 Super J-Cup and they were defeated.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1619|title=プロレスリング・ノア公式サイト {{!}} PRO-WRESTLING NOAH OFFICIAL SITE|website=noah.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2017-02-18}}</ref>

Upon Atsushi Kotoge's vacation of the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship, Ishimori faced Hajime Ohara for the vacant title on January 7, 2017, Noah's first show of the year. Ishimori lost the match to Ohara.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1722|title=プロレスリング・ノア公式サイト {{!}} PRO-WRESTLING NOAH OFFICIAL SITE|website=noah.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2017-02-18}}</ref> Following a victory over [[Hi69]] on January 9, the two agreed to form a tag team and made their interest in the newly vacant GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship known. The team squared off with the team of [[Hayata (wrestler)|Hayata]] and [[Yo-Hey]] on February 18 for the vacated title and defeated them to become the thirtieth champions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=9682|title=「俺とHi69の持ってる可能性ならヘビーのタッグを狙うことだってできる。NOAH the REBORNって言ってるなら､全部を覆す!(石森)」2月18日(土)博多スターレーン大会試合後コメント|website=noah.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2017-02-18}}</ref> They went on to lose the title to Hayata and Yo-Hey in a rematch on August 26.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1810|title=Summer Navig. 2017 vol.2|access-date=2017-08-26|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=ja}}</ref> On March 12, 2018, Ishimori officially announced his departure from Pro Wrestling Noah. Ending his 12-year tenure with the company.

===Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (2006–2007, 2010, 2015–2016)===
Through Noah's working relationship with AAA in Mexico Ishimori sometimes travels to Mexico, wrestling for AAA. This began in 2006 when he travelled to Mexico to team up with [[El Oriental]] and [[Naomichi Marufuji]] to defeat The Mexican Powers (Crazy Boy, Joe Líder and Juventud Guerrera). Subsequently, he appeared on AAA's 2007 ''[[Rey de Reyes (2007)|Rey de Reyes]]'' event, teaming with [[El Alebrije (wrestler)|El Alebrije]], [[El Zorro (wrestler)|El Zorro]] and [[Brazo de Plata]] to defeat ''Los Vipers Revolution'' (Antifaz, [[Histeria (wrestler)|Histeria]], [[Mr. Niebla]] and Kaoma, Jr.).<ref name="Rey2007">{{cite web | url = http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/mexico/aaa/rey.html#2007 | title = Asistencia Asesoria y Administracion Rey de Reyes Tournament| access-date = February 19, 2009 | date= March 18, 2007 | publisher= ProWrestlingHistory.com}}</ref> On March 19, 2010 Ishimori teamed up with [[Takeshi Morishima]] to defeat ''La Hermandad 187'' ("The Brotherhood of 187"; [[Psicosis|Nicho el Millonario]] and [[Joe Líder]]) to win the [[AAA World Tag Team Championship]], representing the AAA [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] ("bad guy") faction ''[[Foreign Legion (wrestling)|La Legión Extranjera]]'' ("The Foreign Legion").<ref name=AAATag5/> On May 23, 2010 Morishima and Ishimori lost the AAA World Tag Team Championship to the team of [[Atsushi Aoki]] and [[Go Shiozaki]] during Pro Wrestling Noah's Navigation with Breeze show in [[Niigata, Niigata]], [[Japan]].<ref name=TagNr06>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.com/de-ultima-hora-en-japon-los-cinturones-aaa-cambian-de-manos-los-nuevos-campeones-vienen-a-triplemania%c2%a018/ | title= De última hora: En Japón los cinturones AAA cambian de manos, los nuevos campeones vienen a Triplemania 18 | date= May 23, 2010 | access-date= May 24, 2010 | work=[[Súper Luchas]] | language=es}}</ref>

Ishimori returned to AAA on May 24, 2015, when he, [[Atsushi Kotoge]] and [[Yoshihiro Takayama]] represented Pro Wrestling Noah in the [[Lucha Libre World Cup (2015)|Lucha Libre World Cup]]. They were, however, defeated in the first round of the tournament by the Dream Team ([[Místico|Myzteziz]], [[Alberto Del Rio|El Patrón Alberto]] and [[Rey Mysterio|Rey Mysterio Jr.]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/54563-aaa-lucha-libre-world-cup-results-5-24-15-live-ippv-results|title=AAA Lucha Libre World Cup Results – 5/24/15 (Live results)|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|date=May 24, 2015|access-date=May 24, 2015|work=Wrestleview}}</ref>

In early June 2016, Ishimori again represented Noah in the [[Lucha Libre World Cup (2016)|2016 Lucha Libre World Cup]]. Team Noah, made up of Ishimori, [[Maybach Taniguchi]] and Naomichi Marufuji, finished fourth in the tournament.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/05/63-65-aaa-lucha-world-cup-results-usalucha-underground-vs-team-aaa-finals-tna-represented-mens-womens-tournament-noah-mysterio/ | title = 6/3 & 6/5 AAA "Lucha World Cup" Results – USA/Lucha Underground vs. Team AAA finals, TNA represented in men's & women's tournament, Noah, Mysterio, more | date=June 5, 2016 | access-date=June 6, 2016 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

===Return to NJPW (2016)===
On July 20, 2016, Ishimori returned to NJPW to take part in the [[Super J-Cup (2016)|2016 Super J-Cup]] events. On night one, he was eliminated from the Super J-Cup tournament in the first round by [[Yujiro Kushida|Kushida]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1175 | title = Super J-Cup 2016 | access-date=2016-07-20 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> At night two on August 21, he and [[ACH (wrestler)|ACH]] utilized their championship opportunity granted by winning the [[Global Junior Heavyweight Tag League#2016|2016 NTV G+ Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League]] to unsuccessfully challenge the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]] [[Atsushi Kotoge]] and [[Daisuke Harada]].

On October 21 at ''Road to Power Struggle'', Ishimori and ACH entered the [[Super Junior Tag Tournament#2016|2016 Super Junior Tag Tournament]]. They advanced to the next round after defeating the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]], [[The Young Bucks]] in the first round.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwinsider.com/article/105517/1021-njpw-road-to-power-struggle-report.html?p=1 | title = 10/21 NJPW Road to Power Struggle report | last=Macklin | first=Matthew | date=October 21, 2016 | access-date=November 5, 2016 | work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> After defeating David Finlay and [[Ricochet (wrestler)|Ricochet]] in the semifinals on October 30,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/daily-update-hell-cell-sasha-banks-vs-charlotte-njpw-tag-tournament-223626 | title = Daily Update: Hell in a Cell, Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte, NJPW tag tournament | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | author-link=Dave Meltzer | date=October 30, 2016 | access-date=November 5, 2016 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Ishimori and ACH were defeated in the finals of the tournament by [[Roppongi Vice]] ([[Trent Barreta|Beretta]] and [[Rocky Romero]]) on November 5.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-power-struggle-live-results-tetsuya-naito-vs-jay-lethal-224011 | title = NJPW Power Struggle live results: Tetsuya Naito vs. Jay Lethal | last=Rose | first=Bryan | date=November 4, 2016 | access-date=November 5, 2016 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>

=== Impact Wrestling (2017–2018) ===
Through a working relationship between Noah and [[Impact Wrestling|Global Force Wrestling]] (GFW), Ishimori made his debut for the American promotion on July 2, 2017, at [[Slammiversary XV]]. Teaming with fellow Noah wrestler Naomichi Marufuji, he took part in a four-way tag team match, contested for both the GFW Tag Team Championship and the [[Impact Wrestling World Tag Team Championship]], which was won by [[The Latin American Xchange]] (Santana and Ortiz).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/07/02/souceks-gfw-slammiversary-xv-report-72-bobby-lashley-vs-alberto-el-patron-dutt-vs-ki-rosemary-vs-sienna/ | title = Soucek's GFW Slammiversary XV report 7/2: Bobby Lashley vs. Alberto El Patron, Dutt vs. Ki, Rosemary vs. Sienna | last=Soucek | first=Andrew | date=July 2, 2017 | access-date=August 18, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Ishimori also took part in the following week's ''[[GFW Impact!]]'' tapings, where he entered the [[2017 GFW Super X Cup Tournament|2017 Super X Cup]],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.wrestleview.com/gfw-news/85145-spoilers-75-impact-wrestling-taping-results-from-orlando/ | title = Spoilers: 7/5 GFW Impact TV tapings from Orlando, Florida | last=Namako | first=Jason | date=July 6, 2017 | access-date=August 18, 2017 | work=Wrestleview}}</ref> making it all the way to the finals, before losing to [[Dezmond Xavier]] on August 17.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/17/mcmahons-gfw-impact-report-817-destination-x-lashley-vs-sydal-ishimori-vs-xavier-sienna-vs-kim-gfw-title-fallout/ | title = McMahon's GFW Impact report 8/17: Destination X, Lashley vs. Sydal, Lee vs. Sonjay in a ladder match, Ishimori vs. Xavier, Sienna vs. Kim, GFW Title fallout | last=McMahon | first=Mike | date=August 17, 2017 | access-date=August 18, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

Ishimori returned to GFW, now known as Impact Wrestling, on November 5, 2017, at [[Bound for Glory (2017)|Bound for Glory]], where he defeated [[Tyson Dux]] to earn a future shot at the [[Impact X Division Championship]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/tna-results/bound-glory-2017-live-results-eli-drake-vs-johnny-impact-245786 | title = Bound for Glory 2017 live results: Eli Drake vs. Johnny Impact | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | author-link=Dave Meltzer | date=November 5, 2017 | access-date=November 10, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Four days later, Ishimori defeated [[Trevor Lee]] to win the Impact X Division Championship for the first time.<ref name=ImpactNov17Tapings>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/tna-news/impact-wrestling-tv-taping-results-title-changes-career-match-more-246176 | title = Impact Wrestling TV taping results: Title changes, career match, more | date=November 11, 2017 | access-date=November 11, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> He dropped the title to [[Matt Sydal]] on January 12, 2018, in a match where the [[Impact Grand Championship]] of his opponent was also on the line. In March, Ishimori signed his release from Pro Wrestling Noah, declaring himself a free agent, but with questions surrounding if he will ever be back on Impact Wrestling.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2018/0312/637825/taiji-ishimori-announces-he-leaving-pro-wrestling-noah/|title=Taiji Ishimori Announces He's Leaving Pro Wrestling NOAH - WrestlingInc.com|work=WrestlingInc.com|access-date=2018-05-06|language=en}}</ref>

On June 4, the official Impact Wrestling Twitter announced that Ishimori would make his return to the company, under his [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling|NJPW]] Bone Soldier gimmick for [[Slammiversary XVI]].<ref>http://impactwrestling.com/the-bone-soldier-coming-to-slammiversary/ {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref> At the event Ishimori lost a fatal four-way match which was won by [[John Morrison (wrestler)|Johnny Impact]]. On the July 26 episode of Impact Wrestling, Ishimori defeated [[Petey Williams]]. On the August 9 episode of Impact Wrestling, Ishimori and Williams defeated [[Desi Hit Squad]] which turned out to be his final match in Impact. After November 24, 2018, his profile was removed from Impact website.

===Second return to NJPW (2018–present)===
On April 13, 2018, NJPW began promoting the return of Bone Soldier, a wrestler last seen in the promotion in January 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/njpw-bullet-club-bone-soldier-speculation/|title=Let's Speculate Wildly About The Return Of NJPW's BONE SOLDIER|author=Emily Pratt|work=[[Uproxx]]|date=April 16, 2018|access-date=May 4, 2018}}</ref> On May 4 at [[Wrestling Dontaku 2018]], Ishimori returned to NJPW revealing himself as the new Bone Soldier and in the process joined [[Bullet Club]] by attacking IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, [[Will Ospreay]]. On May 7, NJPW announced Ishimori as a participant in the [[Best of the Super Juniors#2018|2018 Best of the Super Juniors]] tournament. He would complete the tournament with 5 wins and 2 losses, advancing to the finals. On June 4, Ishimori was defeated in the finals by [[Hiromu Takahashi]].

At [[G1 Special in San Francisco]], Bullet Club's [[Tama Tonga]] and [[Tanga Loa]] along with [[Tonga Fifita|King Haku]] attacked other members of the group and declared themselves "Bullet Club OG". [[Bad Luck Fale]] and [[HIKULEO (wrestler)|Hikuleo]] aligned with this new Tongan subgroup, while the rest of the group has since been referred to as "Bullet Club Elite". Ishimori was confirmed by Tama Tonga as being part of BCOG. Ishimori, Tonga and Loa defeated the Young Bucks and Marty Scurll during the finals of the G1 Climax 28 to become the new NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions.

During the Road to Power Struggle, Ishimori entered the Super Jr. Tag Tournament, choosing [[Robbie Eagles]] as his tag team partner. Both Ishimori and Eagles finished the tournament with 6 points, failing to advance to the finals. On January 4 at [[Wrestle Kingdom 13]], Ishimori defeated Kushida to win the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]]. On January 30, 2019, they lost the 6-Man Championship against Taguchi, Makabe and Yano,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/37890?showResult=1 | title=2019.01.30 Road to THE NEW BEGINNING 2019 Night4 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING }}</ref> while on April 6, he would lose the Jr. Heavyweight title into [[Dragon Lee (wrestler)|Dragon Lee]] as part of a triple threat match as part of [[G1 Supercard]].

On June 16, 2019 during NJPW's Kizuna Road event, Ishimori and Bullet Club teammate [[El Phantasmo]] defeated [[Roppongi 3K]] to win the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] for the first time.<ref>[http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/csonkas-njpw-kizuna-road-review-6-16-19 Csonka's Kizuna Road review - 411 Mania.com]</ref> Ishimori entered the 2019 [[Super J Cup]] but was eliminated by SHO in the first round. On September 16, 2019 at [[Destruction (2019)|Destruction]] Ishimori and Phantasmo made their first defense of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships against [[Will Ospreay]] and former teammate Robbie Eagles. The duo then entered [[Super Junior Tag Tournament#2019|Super Junior Tag League 2019]] where they finished with 10 points and a record of 5 wins and 2 losses, tied for first with [[Suzuki-gun]] and [[Roppongi 3K]]. Despite this Ishimori and Phantasmo were excluded from the finals at [[Power Struggle (2019)]] due to losing to both teams in the tournament and instead wrestled on the undercard of the show defeating the [[Chaos (professional wrestling)|Chaos]] team of Robbie Eagles and [[Rocky Romero]] before attacking tournament winners Roppongi 3K after the finals. On January 5, 2020 at [[Wrestle Kingdom 14]] Ishimori and Phantasmo dropped the Junior Heavyweight Championships to Roppongi, ending their reign at 203 days, 1 successful defense.

In June 2020, Ishimori entered the 2020 [[New Japan Cup]], his debut in a heavyweight tournament, defeating young lion Gabriel Kidd in the first round. In the second round Ishimori faced his longtime rival Kanemaru, finally defeating him after 13 attempts. Ishimori would be eliminated in the quarterfinals by tournament runner up [[Kazuchika Okada]]. At [[Dominion in Osaka-jo Hall (2020)]] Ishimori teamed with Bullet Club teammate [[Yujiro Takahashi]] to defeat Okada and [[Hirooki Goto]]. At Sengoku Lord in Nagoya Ishimori defeated Yuya Uemura then after the main event attacked junior heavyweight champion Hiromu Takahashi, challenging him for the belt. On August 29, 2020 at [[Summer Struggle in Jingu]] Ishimori won the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]] for a second time by tapping out [[Hiromu Takahashi]]. After Roppongi 3K had to vacate the IWGP Junior Tag Team Championships, a four team round robin tournament was announced to crown new champions which Ishimori entered teaming with Gedo. The two finished the league with one win and two losses, failing to advance to the finals. Ishimori would then enter the 2020 Best of the Super Juniors, where he would finish with 14 Points (7 Wins & 2 Losses), however losses to Hiromu Takahashi & [[Kyosuke Mikami|El Desperado]] caused Ishimori to finish in 3rd Place and barely miss the finals. Ishimori would lose his championship to the winner of the tournament, Hiromu Takahashi, at [[Wrestle Kingdom 15]].

Ishimori and Phantasmo defeated Yoshinobu Kanemaru and El Desperado for the titles on January 23, 2021,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/85463?showResult=1 | title=2021.01.23 Road to THE NEW BEGINNING | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING }}</ref> only to lose them back to the two one month later on February 25.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/88360?showResult=1 | title=2021.02.25 Road to CASTLE ATTACK | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=NJPW|title=NJPW Road to The New Beginning Day 5 Results {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/85463?showResult=1|accessdate=January 23, 2021}}</ref> Later that year, they won the titles for a third time at Kizuna Road on June 23 by defeating Roppongi 3K. In July at [[Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome]], the duo retained the titles against Mega Coaches (Rocky Romero and [[Ryusuke Taguchi]]).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/new-japan-results/njpw-wrestle-grand-slam-tokyo-dome-live-results-iwgp-title-match-347971 | title=NJPW Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome live results: IWGP title match | date=25 July 2021 }}</ref> The duo entered the [[Super Junior Tag League#2021|Super Junior Tag League]], but the tournament was won by Desperado and Kanemaru.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/njpw-crowns-super-junior-tag-league-2021-winners-350356 | title=NJPW crowns Super Junior Tag League 2021 winners | date=17 August 2021 }}</ref> The title match was scheduled for [[Wrestle Grand Slam in MetLife Dome]], where Phantasmo and Ishimori lost the titles.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/100135?showResult=1 | title=2021.09.04 "Card Fight!! VANGUARD overDress" presents WRESTLE GRAND SLAM in MetLife Dome | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING }}</ref> In November, Ishimori entered the [[Best of the Super Juniors#2021|Best of the Super Juniors]] tournament, finishing with a record of 12 points, failing to advance to the finals.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/njpw-crowns-best-super-juniors-28-winner-362741 | title=NJPW crowns Best of the Super Juniors 28 winner | date=15 December 2021 }}</ref> At [[Wrestle Kingdom 16]], Ishimori and Phantasmo now going by the name of '''Bullet Club's Cutest Tag Team''', failed to regain the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, after losing a three-way match between Mega Coaches and champions Flying Tiger (Robbie Eagles and [[Tiger Mask IV|Tiger Mask]]), who retained.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://itrwrestling.com/news/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-16-night-2-results/ | title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 Night 2 Results | date=5 January 2022 }}</ref>

During the NJPW New Years Golden Series tour, Bullet Club's Cutest Tag Team failed to capture the Junior Heavyweight titles once again. In March, Ishimori entered the [[New Japan Cup#2022|New Japan Cup]] once again, receiving a [[Bye (sports)|bye]] to the second round, where he lost to [[Great-O-Khan]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/results/njpw-new-japan-cup-2022-day-6-full-results | title=NJPW New Japan Cup 2022 Day 6 Full Results | date=12 March 2022 }}</ref> In April at [[Hyper Battle '22|Hyper Battle]], Ishimori and Phantasmo once again unsuccessfully challenged for the Junior Heavyweight Tag Team titles, losing to Six or Nine (Ryusuke Taguchi and [[Master Wato]]).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/336018?showResult=1 | title=Hyper Battle'22 – 東京・両国国技館 }}</ref> In May at [[Wrestling Dontaku 2022|Wrestling Dontaku]], Ishimori defeated El Desperado to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship for a third time.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/338245?showResult=1 | title=WRESTLING DONTAKU 2022 – 福岡PayPayドーム }}</ref> This led to Ishimori entering the [[Best of the Super Juniors#2022|Best of the Super Juniors 29]] tournament, where he competed in the A Block.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mandatory.com/wrestlezone/news/1293450-njpw-best-of-super-juniors-29-lineup-announced-including-champions-from-roh-impact-gleat | title=NJPW Best of Super Juniors 29 Lineup Announced, Including Champions from ROH, IMPACT & GLEAT | date=May 2022 }}</ref> Ishimori finished his tournament campaign with 12 points, narrowly missing out on a place in the finals, after a loss to block winner Hiromu Takahashi on the final day.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/njpw-best-of-the-super-juniors-29-finals-live-results-hiromu-vs-el-desperado | title=NJPW Best of the Super Juniors 29 finals live results: Hiromu vs. El Desperado | date=3 June 2022 }}</ref> Ishimori avenged the loss, retaining the title against Takahashi the following month.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/njpw-announces-title-matches-for-new-japan-road-shows-set-for-later-this-month/ | title=411Mania }}</ref> Ishimori held the title for the rest of the year, until [[Wrestle Kingdom 17]], where he lost the title to Takahashi in a four-way match also involving Wato and Desperado, ending his 248 day reign.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://wrestlingheadlines.com/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-17-results/ | title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 Results | date=4 January 2023 }}</ref>

In May, Ishimori entered the [[Best of the Super Juniors#2023|Best of the Super Juniors 30]], competing in the A Block.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2023/05/03/complete-lineups-for-best-of-the-super-juniors-tournament/ | title=Complete lineups for Best of the Super Juniors tournament | date=3 May 2023 }}</ref> During his penultimate block match with Hiromu Takahashi, Ishimori suffered a cervical spine injury. The injury was later confirmed to end his tournament campaign, forcing him to forfeit his final match against [[T. J. Perkins|TJP]], thus resulting in him scoring 10 points.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw1972.com/151374 | title=Taiji Ishimori injured; to miss remainder of BOSJ tour | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING }}</ref>

On October 9 at [[Destruction (2023)#Night 2|Destruction in Ryōgoku]], Ishimori made his return from injury attacking IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Hiromu Takahashi after his successful title defence and challenging him to a future title match.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/njpw-destruction-in-ryogoku-live-results-sanada-vs-evil-lumberjack-match | title=NJPW Destruction in Ryogoku live results: SANADA vs. EVIL lumberjack match | date=9 October 2023 }}</ref> Ishimori had his first match back since his injury on October 14, defeating [[Revolution Pro Wrestling|Revolution Pro Wrestling's]] [[Robbie X]] at [[Royal Quest III]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/njpw-royal-quest-iii-results/#:~:text=*%20IWGP%20United%20States%20Heavyweight%20Championship,Zack%20Sabre%20Jr | title=411Mania }}</ref>

On January 6, 2025, Ishimori announced that he was now a member of the [[List of Bullet Club members#War Dogs|War Dogs]] sub-group of Bullet Club.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5ElTW6pBOY&ab_channel=NJPWWORLDOfficial |title=#njdash 5th match Backstage (with Subtitles) 1/6/25 {{!}} NEW YEAR DASH!! 第5試合 Backstage |date=2025-01-06 |last=NJPW WORLD Official |access-date=2025-01-08 |via=YouTube}}</ref>

=== Ring of Honor (2024) ===
On the February 29, 2024 episode of ''[[ROH on Honor Club]]'', Ishimori made his return to ROH for the first time since 2019, defeating Jacoby Watts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/roh-honor-club-2292024-results-aminata-vs-taya-castle-vs-johnny-tv-taiji-ishimori-returns|title=ROH On HonorClub (2/29/2024) Results: Aminata vs Taya, Castle vs Johnny TV, Taiji Ishimori Returns|last=Pulido|first=Luis|website=Fightful|date=February 29, 2024|access-date=December 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331210511/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/roh-honor-club-2292024-results-aminata-vs-taya-castle-vs-johnny-tv-taiji-ishimori-returns|archive-date=March 31, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship]] ([[List of Ironman Heavymetalweight Champions#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/ddt/ironman-hm.html|title=Ironman Heavymetalweight Title (Japan)|author=Wrestling Titles|work=wrestling-titles.com|date=March 14, 2021|access-date=March 15, 2021}}</ref>
*'''[[Impact Wrestling]]'''
**[[Impact X Division Championship]] ([[List of Impact X Division Champions|1 time]])<ref name=ImpactNov17Tapings/>
*'''[[Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide]]'''
**[[AAA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[AAA World Tag Team Championship#AAA World Tag Team Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Takeshi Morishima]]<ref name=AAATag5>{{cite web|url=http://www.luchalibreaaa.com/tripleaeneljuandelabarrera.html|title=Ya estamos en la Casa|date=March 19, 2010|access-date= March 20, 2010| publisher= [[Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide|AAA]] | language=es}}</ref>
**Best Wrestler of the Lucha Libre World Cup award (2017)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://superluchas.com/2017/10/10/aaa-resultados-lucha-libre-world-cup-2017-pagano-psycho-clown-los-vencedores/|title=AAA: Resultados "Lucha Libre World Cup 2017" – Pagano y Psycho Clown son los vencedores – Superluchas|date=10 October 2017}}</ref>
*'''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champions|3 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=146|title=IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 2019|access-date=May 1, 2022}}</ref>
**[[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|3 times]]) – with [[El Phantasmo]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=147|title=IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 16, 2019|access-date=May 1, 2022}}</ref>
**[[NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – with [[Tama Tonga]] and [[Tanga Loa]]<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/24761?showResult=1 | title = G1 Climax 28 Night19 | access-date=August 12, 2018 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref>
** [[KOPW (New Japan Pro-Wrestling)|KOPW Provisional Championship]] ([[KOPW (New Japan Pro-Wrestling) #Reigns|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=4685|title=NJPW King Of Pro-Wrestling Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=July 25, 2021|access-date=May 1, 2022}}</ref>
**U-30 One Night Tag Tournament (2004) – with [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]]<ref name=U30Tag>{{cite web | url=http://cagematch.de/?id=26&nr=917 | title= NJPW Tsuyoku-Are ~Toukon Series 2004 – Tag 13 | quote= U-30 One Night Tag Tournament Final: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Taiji Ishimori besiegen Ryusuke Taguchi & Shinsuke Nakamura (14:49) | date= October 30, 2004 | access-date= January 21, 2010 | publisher=Cagematch.net | language=de}}</ref>
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**Ranked No. 83 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''[[PWI 500]]'' in 2022<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2022.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2021|work=The Internet Wrestling Database|access-date=September 14, 2022}}</ref>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]'''
**[[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|3 times]])<ref name=GreatVoyage2013/><ref name=Destiny2015/>
**[[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|6 times]]) – with [[Kenta Kobayashi|Kenta]] (1), [[Ricky Marvin]] (1), [[Atsushi Kotoge]] (2) and [[Hi69]] (2)<ref name=GHCJrTag/>
**[[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League|Nippon TV/NTV G+ Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League]] ([[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League|4 times]]) – [[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League#2007|2007]] and [[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League#2008|2008]] with [[Kenta Kobayashi|Kenta]],<ref name="NTV" /> [[NTV G+ Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League#2012|2012]] with Atsushi Kotoge, [[NTV G+ Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League#2016|2016]] with [[ACH (wrestler)|ACH]]<ref>{{cite web | url = http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1626 | script-title=ja:日テレG+ presents「第10回日テレG+杯争奪ジュニアヘビー級タッグリーグ戦」 | access-date=2016-07-30 | work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]] | language=ja}}</ref>
**Super J-Cup Qualifying Tournament A (2016)<ref name=Noah070516/>
*'''[[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon X]]'''
**[[UWA World Welterweight Championship]] ([[UWA World Welterweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=F4WMay11>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/day-pro-wrestling-history-may-11-von-erichs-vs-verne-don-leo-jonathan-shane-douglas | title=On this day in pro wrestling history (May 11): Von Erichs vs. Verne & Don Leo Jonathan, Shane Douglas vs 2 Cold Scorpio | date=May 11, 2015 | access-date=March 21, 2020 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] | first=Brian | last=Hoops}}</ref>
**[[Toryumon (Ultimo Dragon)#Championships|Young Dragons Cup]] (2002)
**Yamaha Cup (2003) – with [[Shu and Kei Sato|Shu Sato]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
* {{NJPW profile|id=1364|name=Taiji Ishimori|newlink=yes}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles|cagematch=1853|wrestlingdata=1515|iwd=taiji-ishimori-2983}}
* {{Twitter|taiji_ishimori|石森太二}}
* {{IMDb name|nm6602674|Taiji Ishimori}}
{{Navboxes
|list1=
{{AAA World Tag Team Championship}}
{{Bullet Club}}
{{Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship}}
{{GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship}}
{{Global Junior Heavyweight Tag League}}
{{IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship}}
{{KOPW (professional wrestling championship)}}
{{NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship}}
{{New Japan Pro Wrestling personnel}}
{{TNA X Division Championship}}
{{UWA World Welterweight Championship}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ishimori, Taiji}}
[[Category:1983 births]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Bullet Club members]]
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from Miyagi Prefecture]]
[[Category:Ironman Heavymetalweight Champions]]
[[Category:IWGP Junior Heavyweight champions]]
[[Category:TNA/Impact X Division Champions]]
[[Category:IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:GHC Junior Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:AAA World Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:UWA World Welterweight Champions]]
[[Category:Global Junior Heavyweight Tag League winners]]
[[Category:KOPW Champions]]