1. Early Life and Rugby Career
Simi Taitoko Fale's early life was marked by a large family and a strong foundation in rugby before he transitioned into professional wrestling.
1.1. Early Life and Education
Born on January 8, 1982, Simi Taitoko Fale grew up as the eighth of eleven siblings in a large family. He began playing rugby at the age of three. When he was six, his entire family relocated from Tonga to Auckland, New Zealand. Fale attended De La Salle College, Mangere East, a high school renowned for its rugby program, from 1999 to 2000, where he was a member of the First XV and played for age-grade rugby teams. Inspired by former All Blacks player John Kirwan, he accepted a scholarship to play rugby in Japan at Tokuyama University, attending from 2001 to 2005 alongside fellow New Zealanders Sila Iona and Greame Brent.
1.2. Rugby Career
After graduating from university, Fale became a professional rugby player for the Japanese rugby union team Fukuoka Sanix Blues, joining the team in April 2006. His primary positions were lock and flanker. However, his rugby career was curtailed after two years due to significant injuries to his knees and ankles. Following his retirement from rugby, Fale worked as an English teacher before being invited by a former rugby friend, Minaminojima Isamu, a former sumo wrestler from Tonga, to try out for New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He successfully passed the tryout in May 2009.
2. Professional Wrestling Career
Simi Taitoko Fale's professional wrestling career began in New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 2010, eventually leading to his pivotal role in the Bullet Club.
2.1. New Japan Pro-Wrestling Debut and Early Activities
Fale commenced his training as a professional wrestler in June 2009. He made his in-ring debut on April 4, 2010, under the ring name "King Fale," in a match where he was defeated by Manabu Nakanishi. Just over a month later, Fale secured his first victory in New Japan, defeating Kyosuke Mikami. In September 2010, Fale joined Yuji Nagata's Seigigun ("Blue Justice Army") stable, alongside Wataru Inoue and Junji Hirata, engaging in a rivalry with the opposing heel unit, Chaos.
Fale and Super Strong Machine participated in the 2010 G1 Tag League, finishing last in their block with zero wins. He also reached the second round of the 2010 J Sports Crown Openweight 6 Man Tag Tournament with Giant Bernard and Karl Anderson. In 2011, Fale teamed with Nagata for the G1 Tag League, securing one win. He also competed in the "All Together" show, a joint event by NJPW, All Japan Pro Wrestling, and Pro Wrestling Noah held in response to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, where he unsuccessfully competed in The Destroyer Cup battle royal. Fale faced Hiromu Takahashi in a three-match series, winning all of them.
In 2012, Fale continued to team with fellow young lions like Tama Tonga, but often in losing efforts. On February 10, 2012, at NEVER.8: Go to the Next Level, Fale lost a singles match against Yuji Nagata, his former mentor. Following this, he departed for a fourteen-month learning excursion to the United States, where he debuted for NWA Houston on June 8, 2012, losing to Mysterious Q.
2.2. Bullet Club Era
Fale's return to New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 2013 marked a significant turning point in his career, as he became a cornerstone of the Bullet Club stable, evolving through different personas.
2.2.1. The Underboss (2013-2019)
On April 7, 2013, at Invasion Attack, Fale returned to New Japan as a heel, now known as "The Underboss" Bad Luck Fale. He was introduced as Prince Devitt's "bouncer" and immediately made his presence felt by attacking Ryusuke Taguchi after Devitt declared the dissolution of their tag team, Apollo 55. Fale wrestled his return match on May 3 at Wrestling Dontaku 2013, teaming with Devitt to defeat Captain New Japan and Ryusuke Taguchi. Later that night, Fale, Devitt, Karl Anderson, and Tama Tonga officially formed the "Bullet Club" stable. Fale's role was initially as Devitt's bodyguard, often carrying him to the ring on his shoulders and interfering in matches.
In November 2013, Fale defeated Tomoaki Honma by knockout, which ignited his first major feud with IWGP Heavyweight Champion Togi Makabe, who had been eliminated from the G1 Climax following Fale's interference in a match with Devitt. Fale and Devitt participated in the 2013 World Tag League, finishing with a record of three wins and three losses, narrowly missing the semifinals due to a loss against the previously winless Captain New Japan and Hiroshi Tanahashi on the final day. The rivalry with Makabe escalated, culminating in a "King of Destroyer match" at Wrestle Kingdom 8 in Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2014. This special rule match, where decisions were made only by knockout, TKO, or submission (no pinfalls or count-outs), saw Makabe defeat Fale with two King Kong Knee Drops.
In March 2014, Fale entered the New Japan Cup for the first time, successfully avenging his Wrestle Kingdom 8 loss by pinning Makabe in the first round. He advanced to the finals, defeating Tetsuya Naito and Shelton X Benjamin, before ultimately losing to Shinsuke Nakamura in the final on March 23. On May 25, after Nakamura successfully defended the IWGP Intercontinental Championship at Back to the Yokohama Arena, Fale appeared to challenge him for the title.
On June 21 at Dominion 6.21, Fale defeated Shinsuke Nakamura in a rematch to capture the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, marking his first major singles title in NJPW. He then entered his first G1 Climax from July to August, finishing third in his block with a record of six wins and four losses, with a final-day loss to Nakamura preventing him from reaching the finals. His reign as Intercontinental Champion was short-lived, as he lost the title back to Nakamura in his first defense at Destruction in Kobe on September 21. In November, Fale teamed with Tama Tonga in the 2014 World Tag League, finishing at the bottom of their block with three wins and four losses.
In early 2015, Fale began a notable feud with Kazuchika Okada, defeating the two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion in the first round of the 2015 New Japan Cup on March 5. However, he was eliminated in the second round by Tetsuya Naito. The rivalry with Okada concluded at Invasion Attack 2015 on April 5, where Okada defeated Fale. Fale participated in the 2015 G1 Climax, scoring a significant win over eventual tournament winner Hiroshi Tanahashi, but failed to advance to the finals, finishing with five wins and four losses. His victory over Tanahashi earned him a shot at the Wrestle Kingdom 10 IWGP Heavyweight Championship match contract, but he was defeated by Tanahashi at Destruction in Kobe on September 27.
At Wrestle Kingdom 10 on January 4, 2016, Fale, Yujiro Takahashi, and Tama Tonga competed for the inaugural NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship, but were defeated by Jay Briscoe, Mark Briscoe, and Toru Yano. Despite a mass exodus of Bullet Club members (including leader AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, and Doc Gallows), Fale re-signed with NJPW for two years, amidst interest from WWE. On February 11 at The New Beginning in Osaka, Fale, Tonga, and Takahashi defeated the Briscoes and Yano to win the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship. However, their reign lasted only three days, as they lost the title back to the Briscoes and Yano at The New Beginning in Niigata. In March, Fale defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi in the first round of the 2016 New Japan Cup but was eliminated by Michael Elgin in the second round. Fale then engaged in a new feud with Tanahashi, leading to an unsuccessful challenge for the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship alongside Kenny Omega and Yujiro Takahashi against Tanahashi, Michael Elgin, and Yoshitatsu on April 23. From July to August, Fale participated in the 2016 G1 Climax, securing major wins over Naomichi Marufuji and reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada, but ultimately failed to advance from his block with a record of five wins and four losses.
In March 2017, Fale reached the finals of the 2017 New Japan Cup, where he was defeated by Katsuyori Shibata. On April 9 at Sakura Genesis 2017, Fale attacked IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada, leading to a title match on May 3 at Wrestling Dontaku 2017, which Okada successfully retained. During the 2017 G1 Climax, Fale finished third in his block with six wins and three losses, failing to reach the finals. On August 11, Fale defeated his former mentor Yuji Nagata in Nagata's final G1 Climax match, bowing in a gesture of respect afterwards. On December 17, Fale, Tama Tonga, and Tanga Loa defeated Los Ingobernables de Japón (Bushi, Evil, and Sanada) to win the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship. They lost the title to Chaos (Beretta, Tomohiro Ishii, and Toru Yano) in a five-team gauntlet match at Wrestle Kingdom 12 in Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2018. The following day at New Year's Dash, they regained the title from Chaos. Fale competed in the 2018 New Japan Cup, being eliminated by Hiroshi Tanahashi in the second round. On May 3 at Wrestling Dontaku 2018, Bullet Club lost the 6-Man tag titles to The Super Villains (Marty Scurll and The Young Bucks). Fale wrestled in the 2018 G1 Climax, ending with six points and failing to advance. During this period, Bullet Club split into two factions: the OG (Original Gangsters) and the Elite. Fale, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and Taiji Ishimori remained part of the OG group. On October 8 at King of Pro-Wrestling, Bullet Club OG defeated Bullet Club Elite (the Young Bucks, Chase Owens, and Hangman Page).
2.2.2. The Rogue General (2019-present)
On January 28, 2019, Fale debuted a new persona, "The Rogue General," and began a short feud with Kazuchika Okada. Along with this new gimmick, Fale introduced changes to his combat attire, gradually replacing his all-black gear and sunglasses with mirror-style sunglasses and a chino hat. For a period, his entrance theme changed from "The Underboss" to "BULLET CLUB's Theme," but later reverted to a version of "The Underboss" with the opening vocal effect removed. He sometimes enters the arena with a foreign cigarette unlit in his mouth. At The New Beginning in Osaka in February 2019, Fale lost to Okada.
Fale competed in the 2019 New Japan Cup, but was eliminated by Will Ospreay in the first round. At G1 Supercard on April 6, Fale unsuccessfully participated in the ROH Honor Rumble. He then engaged in a feud (alongside Chase Owens) against the newly arrived Mikey Nicholls and Juice Robinson, unsuccessfully challenging for Robinson's IWGP United States Championship before defeating Mikey Nicholls with his signature move, the Grenade, which was usually ineffective at the time. Fale competed in the 2019 G1 Climax, finishing with eight points and failing to advance to the finals. In the G1 Climax, Fale often used illegal tactics; for example, on July 18, he attacked Okada during his entrance, dragging him into the ring before their match. On July 20, in a match against Zack Sabre Jr., Fale lost by count-out after being caught in a submission hold outside the ring. On July 27, in a match against Will Ospreay, Fale's partner Chase Owens interfered by pulling ring announcer Marty Asami out of the ring, leading to Fale's disqualification by referee Red Shoes Unno. Later that year, Fale teamed with Chase Owens in the 2019 World Tag League, finishing with six wins and nine losses, failing to advance to the finals. At Wrestle Kingdom 14 in January 2020, Fale wrestled on both nights. On the first night, he teamed with Bullet Club (Kenta, Chase Owens, and Yujiro Takahashi) in a loss to Chaos. On the second night, he participated in a five-team gauntlet match for the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship, where his team (with Chase Owens and Yujiro Takahashi) was eliminated by Chaos.
Fale was largely absent from NJPW for most of 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic border closures preventing his return to Japan. He returned in November, competing in the 2020 World Tag League with Chase Owens, finishing with three wins and six losses. On December 22, it was announced that Fale would face Toru Yano for the Official KOPW 2020 Trophy in a "Bodyslam or No Corner Pads match," which Yano won by bodyslamming Fale on December 23. At Wrestle Kingdom 15 on January 4, 2021, Fale advanced from the New Japan Ranbo match to compete in a four-way match for the Provisional KOPW 2021 Trophy on night two, which he failed to win.
In March 2021, Fale entered the 2021 New Japan Cup but was eliminated in the first round by Toru Yano via count-out. From November to December, Fale and Chase Owens again competed in the 2021 World Tag League, finishing with six wins and four losses, failing to advance. On January 4, 2022, at Wrestle Kingdom 16, Fale failed to advance from the New Japan Ranbo match. He received a bye to the second round of the 2022 New Japan Cup but was eliminated by Hiroshi Tanahashi. At Wrestling Dontaku 2022 on May 1, Fale and Chase Owens won the IWGP Tag Team Championship in a three-way tag team match, defeating Bishamon (Hirooki Goto and YOSHI-HASHI) and United Empire (Great-O-Khan and Jeff Cobb). They lost the titles on June 12 at Dominion 6.12 in Osaka-jo Hall. Fale was also announced as a participant in the G1 Climax 32 tournament in July, where he competed in the A Block, finishing with six points and failing to advance to the semi-finals. Notably, at G1 Climax 28, Fale finished with 3 wins and 6 foul losses, but he was the only participant who was never pinned throughout the tournament. On October 14, 2024, at the King of Pro-Wrestling event, Fale and his newest Bullet Club Rogue Army member, Caveman Ugg, unsuccessfully challenged the IWGP Tag Team Champions, Mikey Nicholls and Shane Haste.
2.2.3. Championship Reigns
During his career, Bad Luck Fale has held several championships:
- IWGP Intercontinental Championship (1 time, 9th overall)
- IWGP Tag Team Championship (1 time, 94th overall) - with Chase Owens
- NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship (3 times) - once with Tama Tonga and Yujiro Takahashi (2nd overall), and twice with Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa (14th overall)
2.2.4. Tournament Participations
Bad Luck Fale has been a regular participant in New Japan Pro-Wrestling's major tournaments:
- G1 Climax:
- 2014: Finished third in his block (6 wins, 4 losses).
- 2015: Finished fourth in his block (5 wins, 4 losses), notably defeating eventual winner Hiroshi Tanahashi.
- 2016: Finished with five wins and four losses, with big wins over Naomichi Marufuji and Kazuchika Okada.
- 2017: Finished third in his block (6 wins, 3 losses).
- 2018: Finished with 6 points (3 wins, 6 foul losses), being the only participant not pinned, showcasing his rule-breaking style.
- 2019: Finished with 8 points (4 wins, 5 losses).
- 2022: Finished with 6 points (3 wins, 3 losses).
- New Japan Cup:
- 2014: Reached the finals, losing to Shinsuke Nakamura.
- 2015: Eliminated in the second round by Tetsuya Naito.
- 2016: Eliminated in the second round by Michael Elgin.
- 2017: Reached the finals, losing to Katsuyori Shibata.
- 2018: Eliminated in the second round by Hiroshi Tanahashi.
- 2019: Eliminated in the first round by Will Ospreay.
- 2021: Eliminated in the first round by Toru Yano via count-out.
- 2022: Received a bye to the second round, where he was eliminated by Hiroshi Tanahashi.
- World Tag League:
- 2013: Teamed with Prince Devitt, failed to advance.
- 2014: Teamed with Tama Tonga, finished bottom of their block.
- 2019: Teamed with Chase Owens, failed to advance.
- 2020: Teamed with Chase Owens, failed to advance.
- 2021: Teamed with Chase Owens, failed to advance.
- New Japan Ranbo:
- 2021: Advanced to the four-way match for the Provisional KOPW 2021 Trophy at Wrestle Kingdom 15.
- 2022: Failed to advance from the New Japan Ranbo match at Wrestle Kingdom 16.
- ROH Honor Rumble:
- 2019: Unsuccessfully competed in the Honor Rumble at G1 Supercard.
2.3. Fale Dojo
In February 2017, Fale established his own professional wrestling school, Fale Dojo, in Auckland, New Zealand. The Dojo serves as a bridge for non-Japanese wrestlers aiming to compete in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Its mission is to train young talent in the fundamentals and advanced techniques of professional wrestling, including signature moves. Notable alumni of Fale Dojo who have gone on to compete in NJPW and other promotions include Toa Henare, Jay White, and Michael Richards.
3. Professional Wrestling Persona and Style
Bad Luck Fale's in-ring persona has evolved significantly since his debut. Initially turning against Yuji Nagata and other NJPW fan favorites, he embraced a villainous character as "The Underboss" of Prince Devitt's Bullet Club, often carrying Devitt to the ring. This persona emphasized his role as a formidable enforcer. His powerful physique and offensive capabilities are often compared to legendary giant wrestlers like André the Giant. After several years, Fale transitioned to "The Rogue General," a character that maintained his villainous traits but added a sense of leadership within Bullet Club.
As a larger-than-life wrestler, Fale has consistently utilized a power-based moveset. His character is known for taking shortcuts and cheating during matches, using his immense strength to inflict more pain than necessary and dictate the pace of the bout. He is particularly known for attacking ring announcers before his matches, often tearing their suits or knocking them out, a tactic believed to have originated from an instance where ring announcer Ozaki Hitoho mistakenly called him Tama Tonga. Despite his physical advantages, Fale's persona often seeks the "easy way out," making his matches unpredictable due to his willingness to bend or break the rules.
4. Professional Wrestling Techniques
Bad Luck Fale employs a range of power-based maneuvers, often leveraging his significant size and strength. His style incorporates both devastating finishing moves and a variety of signature and illegal tactics.
4.1. Finish Moves
- Bad Luck Fall (release Crucifix Powerbomb): Fale's primary finishing maneuver. He lifts his opponent into a hijack backbreaker position, then drops them forward in a release powerbomb. This move, similar to Hernandez's Border Toss, was first revealed in November 2013 against Tomoaki Honma. Initially, it was used to secure K.O. or referee stoppage victories, but from 2014 onwards, Fale began to follow up with a pinfall. Its parabolic trajectory makes it difficult for opponents to brace for impact, making it very hard to take. This move has famously defeated top NJPW wrestlers such as Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada, Tetsuya Naito, Jay White, Kota Ibushi, SANADA, and EVIL. However, opponents occasionally escape or counter the move. In one notable instance at the 2018 New Japan Cup, Fale attempted to throw Tanahashi into the audience, but Tanahashi struggled free, causing Fale to be counted out.
- Grenade (Lifting open-handed strike to the throat): A combination of a chokeslam and a thrust punch. Fale lifts his opponent in a chokeslam position, then thrusts his taped thumb into their throat before slamming them to the mat. It is similar to Umaga's Samoan Spike, but with a lift-up. Variations include catching a diving opponent with a throat thrust or hitting a charging opponent with a direct thrust. Once primarily a setup move, it became a frequent finisher in 2017 to preserve the Bad Luck Fall. Opponents can sometimes escape this move, and in the 2017 World Tag League, Takashi Iizuka bit Fale's hand to escape the Grenade.
- Tombstone Piledriver: Fale occasionally used this move as a finisher during the Road to Wrestling Dontaku series in 2017, notably performing it against Kazuchika Okada on April 22, 2017, securing a three-count. Its usage was discontinued after the Wrestling Dontaku tour.
- Falling Coconut (Diving splash): Fale's named diving body press, first seen against Shinsuke Nakamura on June 21, 2014. Despite his 331 lb (150 kg) weight, Fale demonstrates considerable leaping ability, flying close to the center of the ring. However, due to the time it takes him to ascend the top rope, opponents often evade it, leading to its rare use only in major matches.
4.2. Signature and Other Moves
- Flying Body Sausage (Body press): A jump onto a prone opponent to crush them.
- Rushing Lariat (Lariat): A quick lariat used to overwhelm charging opponents.
- Spear: Primarily used as a counter against rushing opponents.
- Backflip: A carry-and-throw move where Fale lifts his opponent into a Fireman's carry and then falls backward, slamming them onto the mat. He has used this move since his debut.
- Corner Body Attack (also called "Dump Truck" or "Corner Splash"): Fale charges into an opponent leaning against the corner, using his massive body. Togi Makabe coined the term "Dump Truck" due to the impact feeling like a collision with a large vehicle.
- T-SHOCK (Inverted full nelson into a Canadian backbreaker): A modified backbreaker and Fale's finisher during his "King Fale" era. He lifts the opponent into a Canadian backbreaker position from a reverse full nelson and drops to his knees, impacting their back and lower spine.
- Cliffhanger (Diving lariat): An aerial maneuver used by Fale during his initial run, but less seen after his return.
- Jumping Head Drop: Fale jumps onto a supine opponent's shoulder, striking with his head. This move was also seen less after his heel turn.
- Fale Hammer: Fale corners an opponent and violently strikes the side of their neck with his arm.
4.3. Pinfall and Counter Techniques
- Body Slam Reversal Pin: Fale's immense weight can also be used as a pinfall technique; if an opponent attempts to body slam him but is unable to sustain the lift, Fale can use his momentum to roll over and press them into a pinfall. This strategy leverages his heavy build to counter offensive maneuvers into immediate pinning opportunities.
- Salute Pin: Occasionally, Fale attempts a "Salute Pin," where he places one foot on a downed opponent and salutes before attempting a pin. While this often fails due to opponents recovering, it's used to add to his taunting, villainous persona.
4.4. Illegal and Combination Moves
As part of his villainous persona, Fale frequently employs illegal tactics and performs combination moves with his Bullet Club partners.
- Abdominal Punch: Fale punches the opponent's abdomen, usually from below. Sometimes opponents counter this without flinching.
- Chokehold: When enraged, Fale often chokes opponents using the ring announcer's microphone cord outside the ring. In the 2013 World Tag League, he famously choked Togi Makabe with Makabe's own chain, causing him to pass out. During a G1 Climax 29 tag match, Fale choked Tanahashi with a foreign broadcast mic cord to address the world.
- Tongan Massage: Fale steps onto a prone opponent's back, using his body weight to crush and disorient them. On occasion, Fale and other Bullet Club members have performed a multi-person 'Tongan Massage' by stepping on a prone opponent's back simultaneously, amplifying the crushing effect.
- DAWN RAID (with Tama Tonga): A double-team move where Fale and Tama Tonga simultaneously charge at a standing opponent, Fale delivering a lariat and Tonga a spear.
- Grenade Launcher (with Chase Owens): Chase Owens lifts an opponent, and Fale delivers a Grenade, with Owens then throwing the opponent backward using the momentum from Fale's strike.
- Rocket Launcher Elbow Drop (with Chase Owens): As Chase Owens performs a diving elbow drop from the top corner, Fale pushes him from below to increase the impact of the move.
5. Personal Life
Simi Taitoko Fale has several family connections within professional wrestling. He is a cousin to fellow wrestlers Tanga Loa, Tama Tonga, and Hikuleo. Fale and Tama Tonga spent their early childhoods in Muʻa, Tonga, without knowing each other. They later realized their relation while both were training at the NJPW Dojo, after a relative commented on a photo Fale had posted online.
Fale is of Tongan ethnicity and is fluent in Tongan, English, and Japanese. He has a distinctive tattoo on his right shoulder that reads "侍魂" (Samurai Damashii or Samurai Spirit), and a blend of traditional Japanese wabori (Japanese tattoo) dragon and Polynesian tattoo on his left shoulder. In 2017, it was reported that Fale was in a relationship with go-go dancer Pieter, also known as "Tokyo Latina," who has appeared as a valet for Fale's Bullet Club stablemate Yujiro Takahashi. In addition to his wrestling career, Fale also operates his professional wrestling school, Fale Dojo, in Auckland, New Zealand.
6. Championships and Accomplishments
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
- IWGP Intercontinental Championship (1 time, 9th overall)
- IWGP Tag Team Championship (1 time, 94th overall) - with Chase Owens
- NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship (3 times) - once with Tama Tonga and Yujiro Takahashi (2nd overall), and twice with Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa (14th overall)
- New Japan Ranbo (2021)
Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Ranked No. 71 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2017
7. Entrance Themes
- THE UNDERBOSS: Fale's theme song after his return to New Japan. In 2019, he temporarily changed his theme but later reverted to a version of "THE UNDERBOSS" with the introductory voice clip removed, especially for his entrance.
- BULLET CLUB Theme: Used from January to July 2019, reflecting his change from "The Underboss" persona.
- Let's get crazy: Fale's theme during his early career.
8. Media Appearances
Film
- The Vancouver Asahi (2014, directed by Izuru Narushima) - as Great Samoa
Television
- YOUは何しに日本へ? (TV Tokyo, February 22, 2015; December 5, 2022)