Tetsuya Naito
Naito in April 2023
Born (1982-06-22) June 22, 1982[1]
Adachi, Tokyo, Japan[1]
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Tetsuya Naito
Naito
Naitoh
Billed height1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)[1]
Billed weight102 kg (225 lb)[1]
Trained byAnimal Hamaguchi[1]
Takada Dojo[1]
NJPW Dojo[1]
Hiroyoshi Tenzan[2]
DebutMay 27, 2006[1]

Tetsuya Naito (内藤哲也, Naitō Tetsuya, born June 22, 1982) is a Japanese professional wrestler signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he is the leader of the Los Ingobernables de Japón faction and current IWGP World Heavyweight Champion in his first reign.

Tetsuya Naito began training for a professional wrestling career in 2000, initially under Animal Hamaguchi before joining NJPW in 2004, where he underwent further training. He is a former NEVER Openweight Champion, and a former IWGP Tag Team and IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship with former No Limit partner Yujiro Takahashi. In addition, Naito is the winner of the 2013, 2017 and 2023 editions of the G1 Climax, NJPW's premier singles tournament, and of the 2016 New Japan Cup.

Regarded as one of the most popular and greatest wrestlers in NJPW history, Tokyo Sports awarded Naito with the MVP Award, the publication's highest honor, in 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2023. In 2020, Naito became the first person to hold both the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships at the same time, accomplishing that feat twice, becoming a three-time IWGP Heavyweight and record six-time IWGP Intercontinental Champion. In addition, he is the only person to win back the double gold, doing so at Summer Struggle in Jingu.

Professional wrestling career

Naito began training for a professional wrestling career in 2000, initially under Animal Hamaguchi.[1] In 2004 he won the "Takeda Dojo Submission" tournament, which landed him a contract with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) to train in their dojo.[1]

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2005–2009)

On November 3, 2005, Tetsuya passed a public audition held by NJPW in Korakuen Hall, graduating from the dojo and earning a spot on the promotion's roster.[1] After half a year of further training, Naito wrestled his debut match on May 27, 2006, losing to Takashi Uwano.[1] He picked up his first win on October 29 over Mitsuhide Hirasawa.[1] In 2007 Naito participated in the 2007 Best of the Super Juniors tournament, replacing a wrestler who was unable to compete due to injuries.[1] Tetsuya finished last in Block B, earning four points by defeating Gedo and El Samurai, losing the other four matches in his block.

In February 2008, Naito formed a tag team with fellow rookie Yujiro Takahashi called "No Limit". In March, the two went to fifteen-minute time limit draws with former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship teams such as Koji Kanemoto and Wataru Inoue, and Minoru and Prince Devitt, and Yujiro pinned veteran Super Strong Machine in a trios match.[3] All of this led to a junior tag title challenge for the duo, facing Machine's Legend stablemates Jyushin Thunder Liger and Akira, in which No Limit came up short when Akira pinned Tetsuya. Yujiro would then participate in the ongoing feud between New Japan and Pro Wrestling Zero1, teaming with Koji Kanemoto and Manabu Nakanishi in two separate tag team matches, losing to Zero1's Masato Tanaka and Tatsuhito Takaiwa in the former, and defeating Takao Omori and Osamu Namiguchi in the latter.[4]

In May 2008, Yujiro and Tetsuya underwent a five-match series with some of New Japan's top tag teams, dubbed "No Limit Generation Smash", held in the various Zepp clubs across Japan. The teams included Jado and Gedo, Togi Makabe and Toru Yano, Wataru Inoue and Koji Kanemoto, Shinsuke Nakamura and Hirooki Goto, and Yuji Nagata and Manabu Nakanishi. No Limit lost all five matches.[5] A special sixth match in the series took place in Zero1 on May 29, 2008, Yujiro and Tetsuya defeated Zero1's Osamu Namiguchi and Shito Ueda.[6] In June 2008, Yujiro entered the Best of the Super Juniors tournament, going winless in his first four matches before defeating Minoru in his final bout to finish with two points.[7] The following month, Tetsuya and Yujiro participated in a single-elimination tournament to decide the new holder of the recently vacated IWGP Junior Heavyweight title. Naito lost to Yujiro in the first round of the tournament.[8] On October 13, 2008, at Destruction '08 Yujiro and Tetsuya defeated Devitt and Minoru to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship. On January 4, 2009, at Wrestle Kingdom III in Tokyo Dome The Motor City Machine Guns of Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin defeated them to win the tag team title.[9]

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2009)

Shortly after losing the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Yujiro and Tetsuya traveled to North America for a "developmental tour", something often done with young Japanese wrestlers to expose them to other styles of wrestling and help them develop into better wrestlers. No Limit worked mainly for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), while also making an appearance for both Team 3D's wrestling academy and Jersey All Pro Wrestling, although Naito wasn't able to wrestle in JAPW due to an injury and was replaced by the team's TNA ally Sheik Abdul Bashir.[10] Yujiro and Naito worked for TNA approximately two months, receiving another unsuccessful shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.[11] No Limit's final appearance for TNA was a handicap match on the May 14, 2009, edition of Impact! against Kevin Nash, which the team lost.[12]

Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (2009–2010)

No Limit made their debut for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) in Mexico City, Mexico on May 29, 2009 teaming with Dos Caras Jr. to defeat Héctor Garza, La Sombra and Volador Jr. No Limit were presented as "Anti-Mexican" heels ("bad guys") and soon began teaming with Okumura under the team name La Ola Amarilla (Spanish for "The Yellow Wave"), in matches against Mexicans.

On July 10, 2009 No Limit teamed with Black Warrior to defeat the team of Héctor Garza, Toscano and El Sagrado, After the match Black Warrior made a challenge on behalf of Yujiro (as Yujiro does not speak Spanish) for a "hair vs. hair" match with Garza.[13] This led to all men being involved in a 15-man steel cage Luchas de Apuestas match at Infierno en el Ring that Tetsuya won by pinning Toscano, forcing him to have his hair shaved off.[14] Following the match No Limit's focus was on Black Warrior, who had turned on them during the cage match. When Jyushin Thunder Liger toured Mexico in September, 2009 he joined the "Anti-Mexico" faction, teaming with No Limit and Okumura to defeat Team Mexico (Último Guerrero, Atlantis, Black Warrior and Héctor Garza) at the CMLL 76th Anniversary Show on September 18, 2009.[15] The following week Yujio teamed with Okumura to win the 2009 Gran Alternativa tournament, defeating Toscano and Rouge in the first round, Héctor Garza and Ángel de Plata in the second round and Místico and Ángel de Oro in the finals.[16] The storyline feud between No Limit and Black Warrior reached its conclusion on October 16, 2009 as Black Warrior faced Yujiro in a Lucha de Apuesta, hair vs. hair match that Yujiro won two falls to one, forcing Black Warrior to have his hair shaved off after the match.[17]

After the storyline with Black Warrior ended, No Limit began working with the team of El Texano Jr. and El Terrible in a feud that led to a Lucha de Apuesta hair vs. hair match between the two teams that was the main event of CMLL's Sin Salida show on December 4, 2009. After being successful throughout the summer and fall No Limit finally lost to Texano Jr. and Terrible at Sin Salida and were both shaved completely bald after the match per Lucha Libre traditions.[18] While Yujiro has not returned to CMLL since their return to NJPW on January 4, 2010 Naito returned in January and has stated that he would like to work in Mexico between NJPW tours. Naito teamed up with Okumura and is expected to team up with Taichi, a NJPW rookie who will be travelling to Mexico to gain experience.[19]

Return to NJPW

No Limit (2010–2011)

Naito in February 2012

On December 5, 2009, NJPW announced that Yujiro and Naito were returning to Japan as part of their annual January 4 Tokyo Dome show called Wrestle Kingdom IV in Tokyo Dome.[20] At the event Yujiro and Naito defeated Team 3D (Brother Ray and Brother Devon) and Bad Intentions (Giant Bernard and Karl Anderson) in a three-way hardcore match to win the IWGP Tag Team Championship.[21] No Limit had their first title defense on February 14, 2010, defeating El Texano Jr. and El Terrible to retain the title.[22] On April 4 at New Dimension No Limit joined New Japan's top heel stable Chaos, led by the IWGP Heavyweight Champion Shinsuke Nakamura.[23] On May 3, 2010, at Wrestling Dontaku 2010 Naito and Takahashi lost the IWGP Tag Team Championship to Yuji Nagata and Wataru Inoue of Seigigun in a three-way match, which also included Bad Intentions (Giant Bernard and Karl Anderson).[24]

After losing the title, Tetsuya began breaking out on his own, scoring pinfall victories over the reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion Togi Makabe, IWGP Tag Team Champion Karl Anderson and former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Manabu Nakanishi and wrestling four-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi to a 30-minute time limit draw during the 2010 G1 Climax tournament, while also having another strong showing against Tanahashi in a losing effort at Destruction '10 on October 11.[25][26][27][28][29] On October 24 No Limit entered the 2010 G1 Tag League.[30] After three wins and two losses, they finished first in their block and advanced to the semifinals.[31] On November 7, after defeating Manabu Nakanishi and Strong Man in the semifinals, No Limit was defeated in the finals of the tournament by Yuji Nagata and Wataru Inoue.[32] On December 11, 2010, No Limit picked up a major win by defeating the TNA World Tag Team Champions, The Motor City Machine Guns, in a non–title match.[33] On January 4, 2011, at Wrestle Kingdom V in Tokyo Dome, Naito unsuccessfully challenged Jeff Hardy for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.[34][35] On May 3, No Limit failed in their attempt to regain the IWGP Tag Team Championship from Bad Intentions. After the match Takahashi walked out on Naito.[36][37]

In May 2011 Naito took part in New Japan's first tour of the United States, the Invasion Tour 2011. On May 13 in Rahway, New Jersey, he entered the tournament to determine the first ever IWGP Intercontinental Champion, defeating local worker Josh Daniels in his first round match.[38] The following day in New York City, Naito was eliminated from the tournament in the semifinal stage by MVP.[39] Upon their return to Japan, Takahashi turned on Naito on May 26, effectively dissolving No Limit and turning Naito face.[40]

Singles success (2011–2015)

On June 18 at Dominion 6.18, Takahashi defeated Tetsuya in the first match between the former members of No Limit.[41] On June 28, Naito returned to CMLL for a one-month stint.[42] Upon his return to Japan, Naito faced Takahashi during the first day of the 2011 G1 Climax, with Takahashi once again emerging victorious.[43] Naito then went on to win six out of his eight remaining matches, including picking up big wins over Giant Bernard, Yoshihiro Takayama and IWGP Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi, to win his block and advance to the finals of the 2011 G1 Climax. However, in the end, Naito failed to win the tournament as he was defeated in the finals by Shinsuke Nakamura.[44] On September 19, Naito defeated Takahashi in the third singles match between the two, after which he made an official challenge towards Hiroshi Tanahashi and the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.[45] On October 10 at Destruction '11, Naito failed in his attempt to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship from Tanahashi.[46]

On January 4, 2012, at Wrestle Kingdom VI in Tokyo Dome, Naito faced All Japan Pro Wrestling's Keiji Mutoh in a losing effort.[47] From late 2011 to early 2012, Naito was involved in a feud with Shinsuke Nakamura, which built to a singles match on February 12 at The New Beginning, where Naito was victorious and in the process became the number one contender to new IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada.[48] Naito received his title opportunity on March 4 in the main event of New Japan's 40th anniversary event, but was defeated by Okada.[49] During the next months, Naito began having problems with Hiroshi Tanahashi, after he was chosen over Naito as the next challenger for Okada.[50][51] In August, Naito took part in the 2012 G1 Climax tournament, during which he picked up a big win over Kazuchika Okada.[52] However, a loss to Hirooki Goto on the final day of the tournament meant that Okada managed to overtake him in the standings, causing him to get eliminated from the tournament.[53] Despite suffering a legitimate knee injury during the tournament, Naito continued wrestling regularly afterwards.[54] On October 8 at King of Pro-Wrestling, Naito was defeated by Yujiro Takahashi, when the referee ended the match due to Takahashi punishing Naito's injured knee. Following the match, Naito was stretchered out of the arena.[55] Naito underwent reconstructive knee surgery on October 16 and was expected to miss eight months of in-ring action.[56]

Naito, representing Los Ingobernables in August 2015

On May 3, 2013, Naito made an appearance at New Japan's Wrestling Dontaku 2013 event, announcing that he would be returning to the ring on June 22, while also naming the NEVER Openweight Championship, held by Masato Tanaka, as his goal.[57] On June 22 at Dominion 6.22, Naito defeated Takahashi in his return match.[58] On July 20, Naito failed in his attempt to capture the NEVER Openweight Championship from Tanaka.[59][60] From August 1 to 11, Naito took part in the 2013 G1 Climax.[61] Finishing with a record of five wins and four losses, Naito clinched the number one spot in his block and advanced to the finals after a win over Karl Anderson on the final day. In the finals, Naito defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi to win the 2013 G1 Climax and earn a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Naito, however, announced that he first wanted a rematch with Masato Tanaka for the NEVER Openweight Championship.[62] The following day, Naito was given a contract, which granted him a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship on January 4, 2014, at the Tokyo Dome.[63] On September 29 at Destruction, Naito defeated Masato Tanaka to not only retain the contract, but to also win the NEVER Openweight Championship.[64] On October 14 at King of Pro-Wrestling, Naito successfully defended both the title and the contract against Yujiro Takahashi.[65] On November 9 at Power Struggle, Naito defeated Masato Tanaka to retain the NEVER Openweight Championship and solidify his spot in the main event of the January 4 Tokyo Dome show.[66] Naito and reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada faced off on November 23 during the first day of the 2013 World Tag League in a match, where Naito and Mexican wrestler La Sombra were defeated by Okada and Yoshi-Hashi.[67] Naito and La Sombra finished the tournament on December 6 with a record of three wins and three losses, failing to advance from their block.[68] Following a disappointing fan reaction to a confrontation between Naito and Okada, New Japan announced that fans would get to vote whether they or Shinsuke Nakamura and Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship would be the true main event of the Tokyo Dome show.[69][70] When the results were released on December 9, Naito and Okada had gotten only half the votes Nakamura and Tanahashi had gotten and, as a result, lost their main event spot for New Japan's biggest show of the year.[71][72] On January 4, 2014, at Wrestle Kingdom 8 in Tokyo Dome, Naito failed in his title challenge against Okada.[73][74] The following day, Naito entered a new feud with Tomohiro Ishii, who announced his intention of becoming the next NEVER Openweight Champion.[75] On February 11 at The New Beginning in Osaka, Naito lost the NEVER Openweight Championship to Ishii in his third title defense.[76]

From July 21 to August 8, Naito took part in the 2014 G1 Climax, where he finished fifth in his block with a record of five wins and five losses.[77][78] On October 13 at King of Pro-Wrestling, Naito unsuccessfully challenged Okada, whom he had defeated during the G1 Climax, for his IWGP Heavyweight Championship number one contender's contract.[79][80] The following month, Naito reunited with La Sombra for the 2014 World Tag League.[81] The team finished in the middle of their block with a record of four wins and three losses.[82] In May 2015, Naito took part in the NJPW/Ring of Honor (ROH) co-produced tour of United States and Canada, during which he unsuccessfully challenged Jay Lethal for the ROH World Television Championship at Global Wars '15.[83]

Los Ingobernables de Japón and rise to stardom (2015–2019)

Naito with Los Ingobernables de Japón in February 2016

While the rest of NJPW workers returned to Japan, Naito remained in North America, returning to Mexico and CMLL for a tour,[84] during which he continued teaming with La Sombra as part of his Los Ingobernables stable.[85][86] His tour culminated with him and La Sombra unsuccessfully challenging Negro Casas and Shocker for the CMLL World Tag Team Championship on June 21.[87] Naito returned to NJPW the following week with a new look and persona,[88] while also announcing that he now represented Los Ingobernables also in NJPW.[89] From July 20 to August 14, Naito took part in the 2015 G1 Climax.[90] Despite big early wins over A.J. Styles and eventual tournament winner Hiroshi Tanahashi,[91][92] Naito finished third in his block with a record of five wins and four losses and thus failed to advance to the finals.[93] On October 12 at King of Pro-Wrestling, Naito unsuccessfully challenged 2015 G1 Climax winner Hiroshi Tanahashi for his IWGP Heavyweight Championship contract. During the match, the returning Takaaki Watanabe was revealed as Naito's new partner, but his outside interference was stopped by Hirooki Goto and Katsuyori Shibata.[94] Shortly afterwards, Naito and Watanabe, now dubbed "Evil", were joined by Bushi to form the Los Ingobernables de Japón stable.[95] In December, Naito and Evil won their block in the 2015 World Tag League with a record of five wins and one loss, advancing to the finals of the tournament.[96] On December 9, Naito and Evil were defeated in the finals by Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma.[97]

On January 4, 2016, at Wrestle Kingdom 10 in Tokyo Dome, Naito was defeated by Hirooki Goto, with whom Los Ingobernables de Japón had been feuding since the previous October.[98] Naito avenged the loss on March 12 by defeating Goto in the finals to win the 2016 New Japan Cup.[99] On April 10 at Invasion Attack 2016, Naito defeated Kazuchika Okada with help from his Los Ingobernables de Japón stablemates Bushi, Evil and the debuting Sanada to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the first time.[100] Naito made his first successful title defense on May 3 at Wrestling Dontaku 2016 against Tomohiro Ishii.[101] On June 19 at Dominion 6.19 in Osaka-jo Hall, Naito lost the IWGP Heavyweight Championship back to Kazuchika Okada.[102] From July 22 to August 13, Naito took part in the 2016 G1 Climax, where he finished second in his block with a record of six wins and three losses.[103] Naito finished tied with block winner Kenny Omega on points, but failed to advance to the finals due to losing to Omega in their head-to-head match on the final day.[104] On September 25 at Destruction in Kobe, Naito defeated Michael Elgin to win the IWGP Intercontinental Championship for the first time.[105] He made his first successful title defense on November 5 at Power Struggle against Jay Lethal.[106] Naito then took part in the 2016 World Tag League, where he and Los Ingobernables member Rush finished with a record of four wins and three losses, failing to advance to the finals due to losing to block winners Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa in their final round-robin match.[107]

On December 14, Tokyo Sports named Naito the 2016 MVP in all of Japanese professional wrestling, marking the first time since 2010 that the award was not won by either Hiroshi Tanahashi or Kazuchika Okada. Naito won the award decidedly in the first round of voting, garnering 18 of 21 votes to beat Okada and Kenny Omega.[108] On January 4, 2017, at Wrestle Kingdom 11 in Tokyo Dome, Naito successfully defended the IWGP Intercontinental Championship against Hiroshi Tanahashi,[109] which he followed up with another successful title defense against Michael Elgin on February 11 at The New Beginning in Osaka.[110] On April 29 at Wrestling Toyonokuni 2017, Naito retained the IWGP Intercontinental Championship against Juice Robinson, after which he was challenged by Hiroshi Tanahashi.[111] Naito's reign ended on June 11 at Dominion 6.11 in Osaka-jo Hall, where he was defeated by Hiroshi Tanahashi.[112] On July 1 at G1 Special in USA, Naito took part in a tournament to determine the inaugural IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion, but was eliminated in his first round match by Tomohiro Ishii.[113]

Naito carrying the briefcase containing the Tokyo Dome IWGP Heavyweight Championship challenge rights certificate in November 2017

The following month, Naito won his block in the 2017 G1 Climax with a record of seven wins and two losses, advancing to the finals of the tournament.[114] On August 13, Naito defeated Kenny Omega in the finals to win his second G1 Climax.[115] On October 9 at King of Pro-Wrestling, Naito defeated Tomohiro Ishii to ensure his spot in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 12.[116] On December 14, Naito became the fifth wrestler to win consecutive MVP Awards from Tokyo Sports.[117] On January 4, 2018, Naito was defeated by Okada in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 12.[118] The following night, at New Year Dash!! 2018, Naito was attacked by Chris Jericho.[119]

On April 29, 2018 at Wrestling Hinokuni, Naito defeated IWGP Intercontinental Champion Minoru Suzuki to win the title for a second time. After a 5-man tag match against Suzuki-gun at Wrestling Dontaku, Naito was again attacked by Chris Jericho, setting up their anticipated match at Dominion. On June 9, 2018 at Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall, Jericho defeated Naito to win the IWGP Intercontinental Championship ending Naito's reign at 41 days with 0 successful defenses.[120] The following month, Naito took part in the 2018 G1 Climax, where he finished fourth in his block with a record of six wins and three losses.[121] At Destruction in Beppu, Naito once again defeated Minoru Suzuki in a singles match.[122] At Power Struggle, Naito first defeated Zack Sabre Jr., and then saved his stablemate Evil from an ambush by Jericho. Their rematch was set on Wrestle Kingdom 13.

At the event, Naito defeated Jericho to win the IWGP Intercontinental Championship for the third time.[123] At New Year Dash, Suzuki-gun attacked Los Ingobernables de Japón and Taichi challenged Naito to a match for the title. At The New Beginning in Sapporo, Naito retained his title.[124] Naito was announced to take part in 2019 New Japan Cup and faced Kota Ibushi in the first round, but lost. This led to a title match at G1 Supercard, where Naito was defeated by Ibushi. At Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall, Naito regained the IWGP Intercontinental Championship from Ibushi.

Dual champion and Evil's betrayal (2019–2022)

Naito in 2018

Naito participated in the 2019 G1 Climax, in which he finished 2nd, with a 5-4 record, losing in the final match of the B block to the man who would go on to win the block, Jay White. Naito's loss to White led to a match between them at Destruction in Kobe, in which Naito lost the IWGP Intercontinental Championship in the night's main event. At Power Struggle, Naito came out to confront Jay White and propose a match between them at Wrestle Kingdom 14 for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, also expressing his desire to be the first man to hold both the IWGP Intercontinental Championship and the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at the same time. White proceeded to call out both IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada, and G1 Climax 29 winner Kota Ibushi. During a heated argument; Ibushi, Naito, and White conveyed their wish to be the first "Dual Champion," while Okada said that he only cared about the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.[125] A vote was set up for fans, where they decided for a match for both championships at Wrestle Kingdom 14, which was dubbed the "Double Gold Dash".[126] During the first night of Wrestle Kingdom 14 on January 4, 2020, Naito defeated White to win the Intercontinental Championship, before going on to defeat Okada the following night to win the Heavyweight Championship, becoming the first person to hold both championships simultaneously.[127][128] After the match, whilst attempting to close out the show with his signiture roll-call, Naito was attacked by Kenta.[129] A match between Naito and Kenta was set up for The New Beginning in Osaka where both championships would be defended; Naito emerged as the victor.[130]

On July 11, Naito came down to the ring to celebrate Evil's New Japan Cup win but would instead be attacked by his stablemate. Evil was eventually joined by members of the Bullet Club, establishing himself as a heel and defecting from Los Ingobernables de Japon for the Bullet Club.[131][132] At Dominion in Osaka-jo Hall on July 12, Naito lost both championships to Evil, ending his reigns at 188 and 189 days respectively.[133] However, Naito would win back both titles at Summer Struggle in Jingu, making him a three-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and a record six-time IWGP Intercontinental Champion.[134] From September to October, Naito competed in the 2020 G1 Climax in the B Block, but did not win, and finished with 12 points (six wins and three losses).[135] At Power Struggle on November 7, Naito defeated Evil once again to retain the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships.[136] During the first night of Wrestle Kingdom 15 on January 4, 2021, Naito lost the championships to Ibushi, thus ending both his reigns at 128 days and with one title defense.[137] At Castle Attack on February 28, Naito faced Ibushi for the Intercontinental Championship, but was defeated.[138]

On July 11, 2021 at Summer Struggle in Sapporo, Naito teamed up with Los Ingobernables de Japón stablesmate Sanada and defeated Dangerous Tekkers (Taichi and Zack Sabre Jr.) to win the IWGP Tag Team Championship, marking Naito's first tag title reign since No Limit held the title in 2010.[139] However, they lost the titles at Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome back to Dangerous Tekkers, ending their reign at just 14 days.[140] Naito returned to singles competition in September, where he competed in the G1 Climax 30 tournament. However, in his opening match against Zack Sabre Jr, which he lost, Naito suffered a knee injury and was forced to forfeit the tournament.[141] Naito returned 2 months later, to team with Sanada once again in the World Tag League, the team finished with 16 points, but losses to Dangerous Tekkers and EVIL and Yujiro Takahashi, who also finished with 16 points, stopped them advancing to the finals.[142] At Wrestle Kingdom 16, Los Ingobernables de Japon lost to United Empire in a six-man tag-team match on Night 1, however Naito defeated Jeff Cobb on Night 2.[143][144] On Night 3, LIJ (Naito, Takagi, Sanada, Bushi and Takahashi) defeated Pro Wrestling Noah's, Kongo (Katsuhiko Nakajima, Manabu Soya, Tadasuke, Alejandro and Kenoh).[145]

Naito was the first challenger for new IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada's championship, but was defeated at NJPW New Years Golden Series[146] Naito competed in the New Japan Cup in March, defeating the likes of Hiroshi Tanahashi and Jeff Cobb to make it to the semi-finals.[147] In the semi-finals Naito defeated Kazuchika Okada to advance to the finals, where he was defeated by Zack Sabre Jr.[148] Naito received another World Championship match at Wrestling Dontaku, but was once again defeated by Okada.[149] Also Dominion 6.12 in Osaka-jo Hall, Naito was announced to be a part of the G1 Climax 32 tournament in July, where he would compete in the C Block.[150] He finished with 8 points, defeating Zack Sabre Jr on the final block match day to advance to the semi-finals.[151] In the semi-finals, Naito lost to D Block winner Will Ospreay ending his G1 campaign.[152] From November 22 until December 14, Naito and Sanada took part in the 2022 World Tag League finishing the tournament with a record of seven wins and three losses, failing to advance to the finals of the tournament.[153] On January 4, 2023, Naito teamed with stablemates, Bushi and Sanada, losing to Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shota Umino and Keiji Muto, in Muto's final NJPW match ahead of his upcoming retirement.[154] On the second night of the event on January 21, LIJ competed in a series of matches, where LIJ members took on members of the Kongo stable of Pro Wrestling Noah. In the show's main event, Naito defeated Kongo's leader Kenoh, winning the LIJ vs. Kongo series 3-2 and the NJPW vs. NOAH series 5-4. After the match, Naito was approached by Keiji Muto, who challenged him to be his final opponent in his retirement match at Keiji Muto Grand Final Pro-Wrestling "Last" Love, which Naito accepted.[155] A month later on February 21 at the event, Naito defeated Muto.[156]

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship pursuit (2023–Present)

In March, Naito participated in the 2023 New Japan Cup. He defeated El Phantasmo and Chase Owens in his first two matches.[157][158] After being knocked out in the quarterfinal by Sanada on March 17, he was approached by Taichi, accompanied by the rest of his Just 4 Guys stable, as Sanada left Los Ingobernables de Japón to join the stable, now named Just 5 Guys.[159][160]

In July, Naito entered the annual G1 Climax tournament, where he was placed into the D Block.[161] Naito finished joint top of his block with 10 points, thus advancing him to the quarterfinal round.[162] In the quarterfinals, Naito defeated Hikuleo to advance in the tournament.[163] In the semi-final round, Naito defeated Will Ospreay, in a critically acclaimed match.[163] On August 13, Naito won the tournament, defeating Kazuchika Okada in the finals. This was his third G1 Climax victory, and earnt him a future IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match at Wrestle Kingdom 18.[164] The following day, during a press conference, instead of receiving a briefcase containing a contract for a title shot at Wrestle Kingdom, Naito was automatically inserted into the main event at the Tokyo Dome, instead of defending is title shot, a tradition that was broke by Kazuchika Okada the previous year. This led to Naito, questioning the point of wrestling with no stakes, threatening to "lie down in five seconds", while Cobb rightfully asserted his claim to challenge Naito for his title match. This controversy resulted in Naito sarcastically hand making a Tokyo Dome ‘contract’ and a ‘briefcase’ to put it in, which led to NJPW announcing that Naito would defend his contract at Destruction. At the event, Naito successfully defended his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship number one contender's contract against Jeff Cobb.[165] The following month at Destruction in Ryōgoku, following a successful title defence against Evil, Naito confronted former teammate and IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Sanada who was now confirmed to be his Wrestle Kingdom opponent.[166] On January 4, 2024, at Wrestle Kingdom, Naito defeated Sanada in the main event to win his first IWGP World Heavyweight Championship and end Sanada's record 271-day reign.[167] After a brief interruption by House of Torture being fought off by SANADA, Naito managed to fulfill his childhood dream and closed the show with his signature roll-call, after being cut off by KENTA four years prior, with SANADA requesting a rematch between the two.[168]

All Elite Wrestling (2023)

On the June 24, 2023 edition of AEW Collision, Naito made his All Elite Wrestling (AEW) debut after being revealed as Darby Allin and Sting's mystery partner at Forbidden Door against Le Suzuki Gods.[169]

Other media

Personal life

Naito is a fan of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp baseball team and has throughout his career wrestled in red, which is the team's main color, and the team's fans have been known to sing his wrestling theme song as a chant for Hiroshima.[172] Having been born in Tokyo, Naito originally supported the local Yomiuri Giants, but switched teams in the 1990s following Tatsunori Hara's retirement.[173] In 2017, Naito collaborated with Hiroshima Toyo Carp for a shirt.[174]

Naito's signature taunt, where he widens his eye with his thumb and index finger is known as "Abre los Ojos" ("Open Your Eyes").[175] Naito came up with the taunt in 2009 during his Mexican excursion, where local fans hurled racially-charged taunts at him for his narrow eyes.[176] The taunt has since also been used by, among others, baseball player Shinnosuke Ogasawara and Yuki Kashiwagi of idol group AKB48.[177][178]

Championships and accomplishments

Naito as the IWGP Heavyweight Champion in June 2016

Luchas de Apuestas record

Winner (wager) Loser (wager) Location Event Date Notes
Naito (hair)Toscano (hair)Mexico City, MexicoInfierno en el Ring (2009)July 31, 2009[Note 1][14]
El Texano Jr. and El Terrible (hair)No Limit
(Yujiro and Naito) (hair)
Mexico City, MexicoSin SalidaDecember 4, 2009[18]

Notes

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 "内藤 哲也" (in Japanese). 新日本プロレスリング. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  2. "Tetsuya Naito". CAGEMATCH. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  3. "Circuit 2008 New Japan Cup ~Who is the Highest~ tour results". Strong Style Spirit. Archived from the original on May 24, 2008. Retrieved May 26, 2008.
  4. "Circuit 2008 New Japan Brave tour results". Strong Style Spirit. Archived from the original on May 2, 2008. Retrieved May 26, 2008.
  5. "New Japan X Zepp "Smash!" tour results". Strong Style Spirit. Archived from the original on May 21, 2008. Retrieved May 28, 2008.
  6. "Zero1 Unshakeable tour results" (in German). PuroLove.com. Retrieved May 30, 2008.
  7. "NJPW Best of the Super Jr. XV ~Fly High 15th Anniversary~". Strong Style Spirit. Retrieved September 28, 2008.
  8. "NJPW New Japan TRILL tour results". Strong Style Spirit. Retrieved September 28, 2008.
  9. Martin, Adam (2009-01-04). "1/4 NJPW Wrestle Kingdom III Results: Tokyo, Japan". WrestleView. Retrieved 2010-03-08.
  10. "JAPW International Invasion". Cagematch. Retrieved 2010-03-08.
  11. "No Limit's matches in the United States". Cagematch. Retrieved 2010-03-08.
  12. Boutwell, Josh (2009-05-15). "Impact Results - 5/14/09". WrestleView. Retrieved 2010-03-08.
  13. Mario Licona (July 11, 2009). "Ya son sus clientes" (in Spanish). Esto, OEM Online. Retrieved July 14, 2009.
  14. 1 2 Arturo Rosas Plata (August 1, 2009). "Naitoh... Abrió los Ojos!". Ovaciones (in Spanish). Mexico, D.F.: Editorial Ovaciones, S. A. de C.V. pp. 22–23. Número 21665 Año LXII. Retrieved August 2, 2009.
  15. Ascencio, Alfredo (September 19, 2009). "Místico supera al maestro" (in Spanish). Esto: OEM enlinea. Retrieved September 19, 2009.
  16. Marquina, Alva (September 25, 2009). "CMLL- (Resultados en vivo 25 septiembre de 2009) – Último Guerrero venció a Liger. Yujiro y Okumura se llevan el Torneo la Gran Alternativa". Súper Luchas (in Spanish). Retrieved September 26, 2009.
  17. Ascencio, Alfredo ' (October 17, 2009). "Warrior no pudo ante Yujiro" (in Spanish). Esto OEM Enlina. Retrieved October 18, 2009.
  18. 1 2 Islas, Alejandro (December 5, 2009). "CMLL: Sin Salida (Resultados 4 diciembre 2009) – Texano Jr. y Terrible ganan las cabelleras de Yujiro y Naito". Súper Luchas (in Spanish). Retrieved December 5, 2009.
  19. "Exportaciones NJPW: Kazuchika Okada irá a TNA, mientras que Taichi estará visitando México". Súper Luchas (in Spanish). January 19, 2010. Retrieved January 25, 2010.
  20. "Primeras luchas anunciadas para Wrestle Kingdom IV – NJPW quiere llevar a Hulk Hogan". Súper Luchas (in Spanish). December 5, 2009. Retrieved December 7, 2009.
  21. 1 2 "January 4 New Japan Tokyo Dome report - legends, promotional wars". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. 2010-01-04. Retrieved 2010-01-04.
  22. "Resultados NJPW (14 de Febrero) – No Limit vence a Terrible y Texano Jr". Súper Luchas (in Spanish). February 14, 2010. Retrieved February 15, 2010.
  23. "News & lineups, including 5/3 full card!". Strong Style Spirit. April 5, 2010. Retrieved April 7, 2010.
  24. Flores, Manuel (May 3, 2010). "Jushin Liger, nuevo campeón mundial medio del CMLL – Nakamura pierde el título IWGP". Súper Luchas (in Spanish). Retrieved May 3, 2010.
  25. "(Results) New Japan, 8/6/10". Strong Style Spirit. August 6, 2010. Retrieved October 22, 2010.
  26. "(Results) New Japan, 8/8/10". Strong Style Spirit. August 8, 2010. Retrieved October 22, 2010.
  27. "(Results) New Japan, 8/10/10". Strong Style Spirit. August 10, 2010. Retrieved October 22, 2010.
  28. "(Results) New Japan, 8/15/10". Strong Style Spirit. August 15, 2010. Retrieved October 22, 2010.
  29. "(Results) New Japan, 10/11/10". Strong Style Spirit. October 11, 2010. Retrieved October 22, 2010.
  30. "(Results) New Japan, 10/24/10". Strong Style Spirit. October 24, 2010. Retrieved November 7, 2010.
  31. "(Results) New Japan, 11/6/10". Strong Style Spirit. November 6, 2010. Retrieved November 7, 2010.
  32. "(Results) New Japan, 11/7/10". Strong Style Spirit. November 7, 2010. Retrieved November 7, 2010.
  33. "(Results) New Japan, 12/11/10 & Liger wins another title in USA". Strong Style Spirit. December 11, 2010. Retrieved December 11, 2010.
  34. レッスルキングダムV in 東京ドーム. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved January 4, 2011.
  35. Caldwell, James (January 4, 2011). "TNA News: Tokyo Dome Show results - Jeff Hardy defends TNA World Title, Beer Money challenges for IWGP Tag Titles, RVD vs. Yano". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved January 4, 2011.
  36. レスリングどんたく 2011. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on May 8, 2011. Retrieved May 3, 2011.
  37. "(Results) New Japan, 5/3/11". Strong Style Spirit. May 3, 2011. Retrieved May 3, 2011.
  38. Martin, Adam (May 14, 2011). "5/13 New Japan Pro Wrestling Results: Rahway, NJ". WrestleView. Retrieved May 15, 2011.
  39. Martin, Adam (May 15, 2011). "5/14 New Japan Pro Wrestling Results: New York". WrestleView. Archived from the original on May 22, 2011. Retrieved May 15, 2011.
  40. "(Results) New Japan, 5/26/11". Strong Style Spirit. May 26, 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2011.
  41. "Dominion 6.18". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved June 18, 2011.
  42. "Vuelve Naitoh con triunfo". Récord (in Spanish). June 28, 2011. Retrieved June 29, 2011.
  43. "(Results) New Japan, 8/1/11". Strong Style Spirit. August 1, 2011. Retrieved August 1, 2011.
  44. "ブシロード Presents G1 Climax XXI ~The Invincible Fighter~". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). August 14, 2011. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  45. "G1 Climax Special 2011". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved September 19, 2011.
  46. "Destruction '11". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved October 10, 2011.
  47. "NJPW 40th anniversary Tour. レッスルキングダムVI in 東京ドーム". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on January 8, 2012. Retrieved January 4, 2012.
  48. "The New Beginning". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved February 12, 2012.
  49. "NJPW 40th anniversary 旗揚げ記念日". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved March 4, 2012.
  50. "NJPW 40th anniversary レスリングどんたく 2012". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved June 16, 2012.
  51. "NJPW 40th anniversary Tour Best of the Super Jr. XIX ~The door to the glory~". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved June 16, 2012.
  52. "カードファイト!! ヴァンガード Presents NJPW 40th anniversary Tour G1 Climax 22 ~The One And Only~". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). August 3, 2012. Retrieved August 12, 2012.
  53. "カードファイト!! ヴァンガード Presents NJPW 40th anniversary Tour G1 Climax 22 ~The One And Only~". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). August 12, 2012. Retrieved August 12, 2012.
  54. "カードファイト!! ヴァンガード Presents NJPW 40th anniversary Tour G1 Climax 22 ~The One And Only~". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  55. "NJPW 40th anniversary King of Pro-Wrestling". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on October 14, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
  56. 全治8か月の新日本・内藤が悲痛告白. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). October 21, 2012. Archived from the original on October 19, 2013. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
  57. 復帰の内藤 標的はNEVER王座. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). May 24, 2013. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  58. "Dominion 6.22". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved June 22, 2013.
  59. "吉野家Presents Kizuna Road 2013". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved July 20, 2013.
  60. Namako, Jason (July 20, 2013). "7/20 NJPW iPPV Results: Akita, Japan (Devitt vs. Okada)". WrestleView. Retrieved July 20, 2013.
  61. "『G1 Climax 23』出場メンバー発表!! 飯伏幸太、石井智宏が初出場!! 柴田勝頼が9年ぶりエントリー!!". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). 2013-07-05. Archived from the original on 2013-07-06. Retrieved 2013-07-05.
  62. 1 2 "ブシモ Presents G1 Climax 23". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on August 16, 2013. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  63. "『G1』初優勝の内藤が"1・4ドームIWGP挑戦権利書"を獲得!しかし、その視線はあくまで田中将斗!". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). August 12, 2013. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  64. "Destruction". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved September 29, 2013.
  65. "King of Pro-Wrestling". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved October 14, 2013.
  66. "Power Struggle". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved November 9, 2013.
  67. "World Tag League 2013". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved December 7, 2013.
  68. "World Tag League 2013". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved December 7, 2013.
  69. "【WK8】オカダと内藤、中邑と棚橋、デヴィットと飯伏が、タイトルマッチに向けてコメント!【1・4東京ドーム対戦カード発表記者会見】". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). November 11, 2013. Retrieved December 9, 2013.
  70. Meltzer, Dave (November 11, 2013). "New Japan announces fan voting for Tokyo Dome main event". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved December 9, 2013.
  71. "【WK8】1.4東京ドーム全カード!! メインは中邑vs棚橋に決定!! 後藤vs柴田! 真壁vsファレ! 小島がNWA挑戦! ハーリー・レイス氏も登場!! "X"とは?". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). December 9, 2013. Retrieved December 9, 2013.
  72. Meltzer, Dave (December 9, 2013). "Tokyo Dome main event is". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved December 9, 2013.
  73. "バディファイトPresents Wrestle Kingdom 8 in 東京ドーム". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved January 4, 2014.
  74. Caldwell, James (January 4, 2014). "Caldwell's NJPW Tokyo Dome results 1/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of New Japan's biggest show of the year - four title changes, former WWE/TNA stars featured, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
  75. "New Year Dash !!". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved January 5, 2014.
  76. "The New Beginning in Osaka". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  77. "バディファイトPresents G1 Climax 24". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on August 8, 2014. Retrieved August 8, 2014.
  78. Namako, Jason (August 8, 2014). "8/8 NJPW G-1 Climax Day 11 recap (Okada/Suzuki)". Wrestleview. Retrieved August 8, 2014.
  79. "Kin of Pro-Wrestling". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on October 17, 2014. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
  80. "PPV results - 10/13 New Japan in Tokyo, Japan: Styles drops IWGP World Hvt. Title to Tanahashi, more title changes, former WWE star returns to New Japan, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. October 13, 2014. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
  81. "『World Tag League 2014』出場チーム&公式戦が決定! 棚橋はヨシタツとタッグ結成! 桜庭、AJ、柴田、ROH、NWAも参戦!". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). November 11, 2014. Archived from the original on November 12, 2014. Retrieved December 5, 2014.
  82. "World Tag League 2014". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on December 10, 2014. Retrieved December 5, 2014.
  83. Meltzer, Dave (May 15, 2015). "Ring Of Honor/New Japan Pro-Wrestling Global Wars Night 1 live results & coverage: ROH All-Stars vs. Bullet Club". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved May 15, 2015.
  84. "内藤哲也がメキシコに上陸!! CMLL遠征第1戦で、早くもウルティモ・ゲレーロとの抗争勃発!?【5.24アレナメヒコ大会結果】". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). May 26, 2015. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
  85. 内藤哲也がソンブラのユニット「ロス・インゴベルナブレス」に正式加入!? 【5.27アレナメヒコ記者会見】. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). May 28, 2015. Retrieved May 28, 2015.
  86. "La Sombra integra a japonés Naito a Los Ingobernables". Diario Rotativo (in Spanish). May 27, 2015. Retrieved May 28, 2015.
  87. 内藤哲也がショッケルの前に敗れ、CMLL世界タッグ王座戴冠ならず!! 【6.21アレナメヒコ大会結果】. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). June 22, 2015. Retrieved June 22, 2015.
  88. Rose, Bryan (June 28, 2015). "NJPW Korakuen Hall 6-28-15 report: Ten man elimination tag action". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved June 28, 2015.
  89. メキシコかぶれ?内藤が新日本本隊離脱も. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). June 29, 2015. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  90. Sempervive, Mike (July 18, 2015). "The Big Audio Nightmare's Guide to the annual New Japan G1 Climax". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved August 14, 2015.
  91. Caldwell, James (July 29, 2015). "NJPW G1 Climax Night 7 results 7/29: A.J. Styles vs. Naito, Tanahashi vs. Bullet Club, Nakamura misses third straight show, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved August 14, 2015.
  92. 【新日G1】Aブロック台風の目 内藤が明かした新必殺技. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). July 28, 2015. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
  93. "バディファイトPresents G1 Climax 25". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved August 14, 2015.
  94. "King of Pro-Wrestling". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  95. 内藤が新日「ロス・インゴベルナブレス・デ・ハポン」軍増殖予告. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). December 3, 2015. Retrieved December 3, 2015.
  96. "NJPW World Tag League Results & Standings". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on December 9, 2015. Retrieved December 6, 2015.
  97. "World Tag League 2015". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved December 9, 2015.
  98. 【新日・東京ドーム】ロス軍との抗争決着 洋央紀IWGP奪取へ. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). January 5, 2016. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  99. 1 2 "New Japan Cup 2016". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  100. 1 2 Meltzer, Dave (April 9, 2016). "NJPW Invasion Attack live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP Championship". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
  101. レスリングどんたく 2016. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  102. Meltzer, Dave (June 18, 2016). "NJPW Dominion live results: Tetsuya Naito vs Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP HW Championship". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  103. "2016 New Japan G1 Climax Results". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved August 13, 2016.
  104. "8/13 New Japan G1 Climax Night 18 Results – B Block concludes with Naito vs. Omega, Michael Elgin, Shibata". Pro Wrestling Torch. August 13, 2016. Retrieved August 13, 2016.
  105. 1 2 "Destruction in Kobe". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved September 25, 2016.
  106. Rose, Bryan (November 4, 2016). "NJPW Power Struggle live results: Tetsuya Naito vs. Jay Lethal". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved November 5, 2016.
  107. 戦国炎舞 -Kizna- Presents World Tag League 2016. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved December 7, 2016.
  108. 1 2 【プロレス大賞】MVP内藤 ベストバウト級の好試合を連発した"新日プロの救世主". Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). December 14, 2016. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
  109. Rose, Bryan; Currier, Joseph (January 3, 2017). "NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 11 live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  110. Rose, Bryan (February 10, 2017). "NJPW New Beginning in Osaka live results: Naito vs. Elgin". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  111. Rose, Bryan (April 29, 2017). "NJPW Wrestling Toyonokuni results: Naito vs. Robinson for IC title". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  112. Rose, Bryan (June 10, 2017). "NJPW Dominion live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved June 11, 2017.
  113. Radican, Sean (July 1, 2017). "Radican's 7/1 NJPW G1 Special In USA (night 1) report – tournament begins to crown first IWGP U.S. Champion, Okada defends IWGP Hvt. Championship against Cody (Rhodes)". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  114. ローソンチケット Presents G1 Climax 27. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  115. 1 2 Rose, Bryan (August 12, 2017). "NJPW G1 Climax 27 finals live results: Tetsuya Naito vs. Kenny Omega". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
  116. Rose, Bryan (October 8, 2017). "NJPW King of Pro Wrestling live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Evil". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved October 9, 2017.
  117. 1 2 【プロレス大賞】内藤哲也が2年連続MVP!「まさにデスティーノ」. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). December 14, 2017. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
  118. Renner, Ethan; Currier, Joseph (January 3, 2018). "NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12 live results: Okada-Naito, Omega-Jericho". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  119. "New Japan Pro-Wrestling New Year Dash!! 2018 results, full match coverage". Cageside Seats. January 5, 2018. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
  120. "保険見直し本舗 Presents DOMINION 6.9 in OSAKA-JO HALL – 大阪・大阪城ホール (2018)".
  121. "戦国炎舞 -KIZNA- Presents G1 CLIMAX 28". August 10, 2018. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  122. "NJPW Destruction in Beppu results for Monday, September 17: Naito vs. Suzuki, Goto vs. Taichi and more". Cageside Seats. September 17, 2018. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  123. "NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 13 results for Friday, January 4: Omega vs. Tanahashi, Okada vs. White, Jericho vs. Naito and more". Cageside Seats. January 4, 2019. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
  124. "NJPW New Beginning in Sapporo 2019 results for Sunday, February 3: Naito vs. Taichi and more". Cageside Seats. February 3, 2019. Retrieved February 3, 2019.
  125. Renner, Ethan (November 3, 2019). "NJPW Power Struggle live results: Jay White vs. Hirooki Goto". F4WOnline.com. Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved November 7, 2019.
  126. "What do fans think about the 'Double Gold Dash'?". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. November 4, 2019. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
  127. "2020.01.04 WRESTLE KINGDOM in TOKYO DOME night 1". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. January 4, 2020. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
  128. "2020.01.05 WRESTLE KINGDOM in TOKYO DOME night 2". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. January 5, 2020. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
  129. Powell, Jason (January 5, 2020). "1/5 NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 14 night two results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Championships, Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Chris Jericho, Kota Ibushi vs. Jay White, Jushin Liger's final match, Jon Moxley vs. Juice Robinson for the IWGP U.S. Title". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
  130. "2020.02.09 THE NEW BEGINNING in OSAKA". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Retrieved February 8, 2020.
  131. "411MANIA". EVIL Wins New Japan Cup 2020, Turns on Tetsuya Naito and Joins Bullet Club (Video). Retrieved 2022-07-25.
  132. "EVIL Wins New Japan Cup 2020, Joins Bullet Club | Fightful News". www.fightful.com. Retrieved 2022-07-25.
  133. "DOMINION In OSAKA-JO HALL". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Retrieved July 12, 2020.
  134. NJPW. "2020.08.29 D4DJ Groovy Mix Presents SUMMER STRUGGLE in JINGU | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". NJPW. Retrieved 2020-08-23.
  135. "G1 CLIMAX 30 Score Sheet | NEW JAPAN-PRO WRESTLING". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
  136. "2020.11.07 POWER STRUGGLE | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
  137. "2021.01.04 WRESTLE KINGDOM in TOKYO DOME night 1". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  138. NJPW. "2021.02.28 CASTLE ATTACK | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". NJPW. Retrieved 2021-02-28.
  139. 1 2 Renner, Ethan (July 11, 2021). "NEW CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT NJPW SUMMER STRUGGLE IN SAPPORO". f4wonline.com. Retrieved July 11, 2021.
  140. "NJPW Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome live results: IWGP title match".
  141. "Tetsuya Naito suffers knee injury; to withdraw from G1 Climax 31 【G131】 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING".
  142. "NJPW World Tag League night 11 results: Final block matches".
  143. "NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 Night 1 Results". 4 January 2022.
  144. "NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 Night 2 Results". 5 January 2022.
  145. "2022.01.08 WRESTLE KINGDOM 16 in YOKOHAMA ARENA | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". NJPW. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
  146. "NJPW New Years Golden Series Results 2/9/22". 9 February 2022.
  147. "New Japan Cup 2022 Results (3/19): First Semi-Final Matchup is Set". 20 March 2022.
  148. "NJPW News: Zack Sabre Jr. Wins Second New Japan Cup of Career". 27 March 2022.
  149. "Four titles change hands at NJPW Wrestling Dontaku 2022".
  150. "Field announced for NJPW G1 Climax 32". 12 June 2022.
  151. "NJPW G1 Climax 32 block winners determined, semifinals set".
  152. "The G1 Climax 32 finals are set". 17 August 2022.
  153. "NJPW World Tag League & Super Junior Tag League winners crowned". 14 December 2022.
  154. "2023.01.04 WRESTLE KINGDOM 17 in TOKYO DOME | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". NJPW.
  155. Fritts, Chick (January 21, 2023). "Wrestle Kingdom 17 in Yokohama Arena live results: NJPW vs. NOAH". WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, AEW News, AEW results.
  156. "411MANIA". Keiji Muto Grand Final Pro-Wrestling ‘Last-Love’ Hold Out Results 2.21.23: Mutoh Wrestles Final Matchups.
  157. "2023.03.05 NEW JAPAN CUP 2023 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". NJPW.
  158. "2023.03.10 NEW JAPAN CUP 2023 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". NJPW.
  159. "SANADA Leaves LIJ, Joins Just 4 Guys". 17 March 2023.
  160. "Four become Five Guys as SANADA leaves LIJ to join Taichi group | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING".
  161. "NJPW G1 Climax 33 Participants, Blocks & Full Schedule". Voices of Wrestling.
  162. Rueter, Sean (August 9, 2023). "New Japan's G1 Climax 33 quarterfinals are set". Cageside Seats.
  163. 1 2 https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/njpw-g1-climax-33-semifinals-live-results-naito-vs-ospreay-okada-vs-evil#:~:text=The%20semifinals%20of%20this%20year's,EVIL%20is%20the%20other%20semifinal.
  164. "Tetsuya Naito vs SANADA Will Headline Wrestle Kingdom 18 At The Tokyo Dome - Atletifo". 2023-08-13. Retrieved 2023-08-13.
  165. Staff, Voices of Wrestling (September 27, 2023). "NJPW Destruction In Kobe 2023 (September 24) Results & Review". Voices of Wrestling.
  166. Fritts, Chick (October 9, 2023). "NJPW Destruction in Ryogoku live results: SANADA vs. EVIL lumberjack match". WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, AEW News, AEW results.
  167. Renner, Ethan (January 4, 2024). "Titles change hands at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18". WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, AEW News, AEW results.
  168. "Tetsuya Naito Wins IWGP World Heavyweight Title At NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18, Gets His Roll Call | Fightful News". www.fightful.com.
  169. "411MANIA". Tetsuya Naito Appears on AEW Collision, Will Team With Sting and Darby Allin at Forbidden Door. Retrieved 2023-06-25.
  170. 新日本プロレスリングの人気選手が神室町最大のギャングに?!オカダ、棚橋、内藤ら6選手がPlayStation4専用ソフト『龍が如く6 命の詩。』に出演決定!. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). September 16, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  171. Pineda, Rafael Antonio. "Yen Press Licenses New Japan Academy Manga About New Japan Pro-Wrestling". Anime News Network. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  172. LARIATOOOO!! (2018-10-03). "Naito's favourite baseball team, the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, often use his theme song to lead the crowd in chants #NJPWpic.twitter.com/yruQeSDUgr". @mrlariato. Retrieved 2019-06-16.
  173. 内藤哲也、"制御不能"なカープ愛を綴る プロ野球・広島の始球式に登板. Abema Times (in Japanese). August 30, 2017. Retrieved September 22, 2017.
  174. 新日本広島サンプラザ大会で「カープ×内藤哲也」コラボTシャツ第2弾お目見え. Daily Sports Online (in Japanese). Kobe Shimbun. September 18, 2017. Retrieved September 22, 2017.
  175. 中日・小笠原 新日・内藤と対面し感激!合言葉は「トランキーロ」. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). March 15, 2017. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  176. "Vol. 8". Shin Nihon Puroresu Bi-Monthly. Tokyo: Baseball Magazine Sha. February 25, 2016. p. 63.
  177. 中日・小笠原3勝目に新日・内藤「約束が違いますねー」. Excite (in Japanese). August 28, 2017. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  178. 松井珠理奈は"レインメーカー" ゆきりん、さっしーとプロレスラーポーズ. Excite (in Japanese). February 12, 2017. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  179. "IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship history: page one". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). NJPW.co.jp. Retrieved December 23, 2010.
  180. "「アナタの2016年・新日本プロレス・ベストバウト」Twitterファン投票の結果発表!". NJPW.co.jp (in Japanese). New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
  181. オリジナル インタビュー 2016年12月19日 もうすぐイッテンヨン!新日本プロレス大忘年会!. njpwworld.com (in Japanese). New Japan Pro-Wrestling. December 19, 2016. Event occurs at 00:25:34.
  182. "「アナタの2016年・新日本プロレスMVP」Twitterファン投票の結果発表!". NJPW.co.jp (in Japanese). New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
  183. オリジナル インタビュー 2016年12月19日 もうすぐイッテンヨン!新日本プロレス大忘年会!. njpwworld.com (in Japanese). New Japan Pro-Wrestling. December 19, 2016. Event occurs at 00:47:50.
  184. 1 2 内藤哲也がMVP&年間最高試合/日刊バトル大賞. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). December 23, 2016. Retrieved December 23, 2016.
  185. "Jon Moxley Tops 2020 PWI 500 List, Top 100 Revealed •".
  186. Barrasso, Justin (January 7, 2021). "The Top 10 Wrestlers of 2020". SI.com. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  187. 1 2 内藤哲也が東スポプロレス大賞でも2冠 MVP&ベストバウト(オカダ戦). kakutolog.info (in Japanese). December 15, 2020. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  188. Lafferriere, Nicolas (December 12, 2023). "Tokyo Sports premia a Tetsuya Naito como el mejor luchador del 2023". Solowrestling (in Spanish). Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  189. Currier, Joseph (December 12, 2023). "Tetsuya Naito wins 2023 Tokyo Sports MVP Award". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
  190. 【プロレス大賞】内藤哲也 2年連続MVPから異例の技能賞. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). 2018-12-13. Retrieved 2018-12-13.
  191. 1 2 Alvarez, Bryan (March 15, 2018). "WOR: 2017 WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER AWARDS DISCUSSION AND MORE!". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
  192. Meltzer, Dave. "March 1, 2021, Wrestling Observer Newsletter 2020 awards issue, Elimination Chamber". Figure4Weekly. Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.