Professional WrestlerJapaneseMasked WrestlerChampion

El Samurai

El Samurai is a Japanese professional wrestler best known for his long career in New Japan Pro-Wrestling's junior heavyweight division, distinctive mask, versatile style, and numerous championships.

1. Early Life and Amateur Career

Osamu Matsuda's journey into professional wrestling began with a strong foundation in amateur athletics and a move into the rigorous world of professional wrestling training, which eventually led him to develop his iconic masked persona.

1.1. Childhood and Education

Osamu Matsuda was born on April 19, 1966, in Hanamaki, Iwate, Japan. During his high school years, he attended Senshu University Kitakami High School, where he was an active member of the amateur wrestling club. He demonstrated significant talent and dedication in the sport, participating in major national competitions such as the Inter-High School Championships (National High School General Athletics Meet) and the National Sports Festival of Japan. His achievements in amateur wrestling laid the groundwork for his future professional wrestling career.

1.2. Professional Wrestling Debut and Mexico Excursion

Matsuda joined the NJPW Dojo in April 1985, alongside fellow trainee Takashi Iizuka, who would later be known as Takashi Iizuka. He made his professional wrestling debut on July 24, 1986, in a losing effort against Masaharu Funaki. For several years, he worked at the bottom of the card, wrestling against contemporaries like Kensuke Sasaki, Kenichi Oya, and Takayuki Iizuka.

In March 1991, Matsuda embarked on a learning excursion to Mexico. While working for the UWA promotion, he adopted a mask and the ring name "El Samurai," literally meaning "The Samurai" in Spanish. This masked persona became his enduring identity in professional wrestling.

2. Professional Wrestling Career

El Samurai's professional wrestling career was primarily defined by his long and successful tenure with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, followed by a period as a freelance wrestler where he continued to compete despite accumulating injuries.

2.1. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (1992-2008)

El Samurai made his highly anticipated return to NJPW in March 1992. Upon his return, he frequently found himself in matches against the Raging Staff stable, where his mask was often torn or removed. In April of the same year, he debuted in the Best of the Super Juniors tournament (then known as TOP OF THE SUPER Jr.). He advanced to the finals but was defeated by Jushin Thunder Liger, and his mask was torn off during the match. Just two months later, in June, he avenged this loss by defeating Liger to capture the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, his first major title. He successfully defended the title three times against formidable opponents such as Pegasus Kid and Dean Malenko before losing it to Ultimo Dragon in November 1992. During this period, he often teamed with Takayuki Iizuka and Akira Nogami, forming the "Toukon Trio."

In May 1993, El Samurai won the UWA World Middleweight Championship from Ultimo Dragon, but lost it back to him just four days later. He participated in the inaugural Super J-Cup tournament in April 1994, defeating Masayoshi Motegi in the first round before falling to The Great Sasuke in the quarterfinals. In December 1995, he secured the UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship by defeating Sabu. Later that month, he competed in Super J-Cup 2 but was eliminated in the first round by Dos Caras.

In March 1996, he lost the UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship to Koji Kanemoto. In June, he captured the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship from The Great Sasuke, but lost it back to him two months later. In August 1996, he entered a tournament to determine the first J-Crown champion. As the reigning WWF Light Heavyweight Champion, he defeated Gran Hamada in the first round before losing to the eventual winner, The Great Sasuke, in the quarterfinals. Notably, the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship, which El Samurai held twice, had reigns prior to December 1997 that are not officially recognized by WWE.

The year 1997 marked a significant turning point for El Samurai. In June, he won the Best of the Super Juniors IV tournament after six previous attempts, defeating Koji Kanemoto in the final match. This match became legendary among fans due to a sequence where Samurai endured Kanemoto's Avalanche Reverse Frankensteiner and, in the closing moments, had his mask completely torn off, revealing his face. He even wore a Mil Mascaras mask for the post-match photo. Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer awarded this match a five-star rating. In July, he defeated Liger to win the J-Crown, which at that time consisted of seven unified junior heavyweight championships. This victory also marked his second reign with the IWGP Junior Heavyweight, UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight, and WWF Light Heavyweight titles. However, he lost the J-Crown to Shinjiro Otani in August, failing to make any defenses.

During the late 1990s, a period known as the second golden age of NJPW's junior heavyweight division under president Seiji Sakaguchi, El Samurai engaged in fierce battles with wrestlers like Pegasus Kid, Black Tiger II, and Dean Malenko. As younger stars like Kanemoto, Otani, and Ryuichi Takaiwa (known as the "Tongarikonz") rose to prominence, El Samurai formed tag teams with Liger and Nobuo Honaga (later Kendo Kashin after Honaga's retirement) to serve as a formidable barrier for the new generation, contributing significantly to the excitement of the junior heavyweight scene. During this era, Samurai was often the primary target in tag matches, relentlessly attacked by the Tongarikonz (especially Kanemoto). These attacks sometimes provoked Samurai into a rage, leading him to chase Kanemoto outside the ring, disrupting the match. It is rumored that then-executive director Riki Choshu, possibly to discipline Samurai for his perceived lack of training, encouraged others to "make Osamu angry, it's interesting." Honaga, Choshu's confidant, often found himself trying to resolve these on-ring situations.

In March 2001, El Samurai and Jushin Thunder Liger defeated Junior Stars (Koji Kanemoto and Minoru) to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, marking Samurai's first tag team title. They lost the title to Jado and Gedo in July, when Samurai submitted to Jado's Crossface of JADO. However, in November, partnering again with Liger, they won the G1 Junior Tag League, defeating Jado and Gedo in the finals with Samurai making Jado tap out to a Chickenwing Armlock, avenging their previous loss.

In April 2004, El Samurai willingly unmasked for the first time since adopting the persona, wrestling under his real name, Osamu Matsuda, against Osamu Nishimura. This was a one-night-only event, and he later returned to his El Samurai persona. In February 2005, he unmasked again in a MUGA-style match against Shinsuke Nakamura. In February 2005, Samurai and Ryusuke Taguchi won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship by defeating Minoru and Hirooki Goto. However, they lost the title to Jado and Gedo in July, with Samurai again submitting to the Crossface of JADO.

In September 2007, El Samurai announced a long-term absence due to a knee injury. This was a rare occurrence, as he had been known for his exceptional durability throughout his career, often being referred to as the "wrestler who doesn't get injured." On February 1, 2008, NJPW agreed to let El Samurai leave the company after his contract expired, largely due to the many injuries that limited his appearances in late 2007 and early 2008.

2.2. Freelance Career (2008-2013)

After departing from New Japan Pro-Wrestling, El Samurai transitioned to a freelance career in February 2008. The same month, he appeared in All Japan Pro Wrestling, assisting Kaz Hayashi and Shuji Kondo against NOSAWA Rongai and MAZADA. In March, he teamed with Kaz Hayashi in the Junior Tag League, reaching the finals where they lost to Takashi Hijikata and Katsuhiko Nakajima, finishing as runner-up despite his knee injury and frequent mask-tearing incidents. On June 10, he appeared at "Mutoh Festival" as Osamu Matsuda, forming "Osamu Gundan" with Osamu Kido and Osamu Nishimura to face the Tokyo Gurentai (NOSAWA, MAZADA, TAKEMURA). After defeating NOSAWA himself, he put on his mask and challenged Hijikata for the World Junior Heavyweight Championship, but was unsuccessful. In June, he appeared in Real Japan Pro Wrestling, defeating Gran Hamada. In July, he participated in the Junior Heavyweight League for the first time, finishing with 2 wins and 2 losses (4 points). He also made appearances at NJPW's "PREMIUM" events in August, October, and December, marking his return to NJPW-affiliated rings after about a year and a month of absence due to injury.

In April 2009, he participated in Mobius, defeating Hajime Ohara to win the El Mejor de Mascarad Championship. In September, he competed in Pro-Wrestling FREEDOMS, challenging GENTARO for the Independent World Junior Heavyweight and VKF KING of WRESTLE NANIWA titles, but was defeated.

In January 2010, El Samurai gained further public recognition through the Japanese television program "AmeTalk," which featured a segment titled "Our Golden Pro-Wrestling All-Star Game." He was introduced as the third "tragic maskman" after The Cobra and Super Strong Machine. The program highlighted incidents such as his mask being torn twice in Best of the Super Juniors finals, and an anecdote where he briefly "stole" the IWGP Junior Tag Team Championship belt from Shinjiro Otani only to promptly return it after being scolded by then-executive director Riki Choshu. Comedian Tetsuya Arita of Cream Stew famously commented on Samurai's dejected demeanor after being reprimanded by Choshu, stating, "The melancholy he exudes is at the intermediate management level." From then on, World Pro-Wrestling began referring to him as the "Maskman of Melancholy."

In May 2010, he returned to New Japan, partnering with Koji Kanemoto to win the inaugural Super Junior Tag Tournament, which also determined the 25th IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship. However, in July, they lost the titles to Apollo 55 (Prince Devitt and Ryusuke Taguchi).

In July 2011, at the "Ryusei Kamen FIESTA" event, held as "El Samurai's 25th Anniversary Match," he defeated NOSAWA to win the X-LAW International Championship. In December, he competed in a match organized by Sportiva Entertainment with a special stipulation: if he lost, he would sign with the promotion. He lost to the Kubota Brothers and subsequently joined Sportiva Entertainment, becoming a regular in the Nagoya area. However, due to lingering injuries from his earlier career, his match appearances became increasingly limited.

3. Wrestling Style and Techniques

El Samurai was renowned for his versatile and adaptable wrestling style, combining traditional Japanese strong-style pro-wrestling with elements of Mexican Lucha Libre. His approach was characterized by his exceptional defensive skills, incredible flexibility, and seemingly inexhaustible stamina, making him an all-around performer capable of striking, throwing, submitting, high-flying, and brawling.

3.1. Overall Style

El Samurai's in-ring style was a unique blend that incorporated the hard-hitting strikes and technical grappling prevalent in 1990s New Japan junior heavyweight wrestling, augmented with the acrobatic and intricate maneuvers found in Lucha Libre. He was considered an "all-purpose" wrestler, adept at a wide array of techniques including strikes, throws, submissions, high-flying attacks, and even roughhouse tactics. His defensive skills were highly praised, as was his remarkable flexibility, often described as being "like an octopus," allowing him to take bumps and absorb impact with unusual resilience. His stamina was equally legendary, leading some to call him a "Yokai" (spirit or demon) due to his seemingly endless endurance. These attributes contributed to his incredible ability to endure punishment, known as "ukemi no tsuyosa" (strength in taking bumps), making him a deeply versatile and formidable opponent.

3.2. Signature Moves

El Samurai was particularly known for his extensive repertoire of DDT variations, alongside a diverse range of other signature and finishing maneuvers.

3.2.1. DDT Variations

El Samurai was famed for his "seven-colored DDTs," a poetic description that reflected the actual use of seven distinct variations of the DDT throughout his career.

  • DDT: His standard DDT was typically performed with a jumping motion. Although always considered a transitional move, he used this variation earlier in his career than his more famous Reverse DDT.
  • Reverse DDT: This move became synonymous with El Samurai. Tanaka Kero, a prominent ring announcer, once quipped that El Samurai was the "originator" while Sting was the "main practitioner." Initially, he performed it with a running step-and-jump, but over time, it evolved into a more direct backward fall, eventually settling into a sit-down version where he would sit down as he executed the move. While it was originally one of his finishing moves, it later became a common setup or a counter, often used when an opponent attempted a brainbuster or when scrambling for a back hold.
  • Vertical Drop Reverse DDT: A variation of his self-developed Reverse DDT, this was one of his primary finishers. Its appearance was often confused with a Vertical Drop Reverse Brainbuster. While Liger also briefly used a second-rope version as a finisher around the same time, Samurai's adoption of this move followed Liger's.
  • Avalanche DDT: Performed from the top rope, this was a rarely used move and never served as a finisher. Similar to the Vertical Drop Reverse DDT, Liger also used a second-rope version, and Samurai's usage came later.
  • Avalanche Reverse DDT: Another self-developed variation of his Reverse DDT and a significant finisher. This move was reserved for major matches and critical situations. While he would immediately go for a pin after executing it, opponents frequently escaped by reaching the ropes.
  • Swing DDT: This move was used with relatively high frequency, though opponents often managed to reverse or throw him off during its execution. While it was a variation developed by Super Delfin and a signature move of Black Tiger II, Samurai never used it as a finisher.
  • Reverse Swing DDT: A finisher developed by combining the Swing DDT with his Reverse DDT. This move was also rarely seen but was notably used from the top rope against Ryuichi Takaiwa when Takaiwa was attempting an Avalanche Death Valley Bomb.

3.2.2. Other Signature Moves

Beyond his DDT variations, El Samurai employed a wide array of other impactful techniques.

  • Chickenwing Armlock (also known as Samurai Lock): This was initially a secret weapon but later became a frequently used finishing hold, particularly in the latter part of his NJPW career. He often transitioned into it from an arm-trap pin or in conjunction with a headscissors.
  • Samurai Clutch: Identical to the Kid Clutch, this pinning combination was adopted in the later stages of his career and became a frequent finisher.
  • Samurai Bomb: A jumping powerbomb delivered from a Canadian backbreaker position, landing on both knees. It was also known as Samurai Special, with the release version called Samurai Bomb Whip. He often used the release version, transitioning into a jackknife pin or an abdominal pin. In his later career, due to muscle decline, he sometimes struggled to lift opponents fully.
  • Ground Manji Gatame: Executed from a Kawazu Otoshi (forward somersault slam), he would quickly transition into this submission hold. He was one of the premier users of this move among his contemporaries in the NJPW junior division and used it throughout his career.
  • La Magistral: A popular move among NJPW junior heavyweights of his era. Samurai's execution often appeared less conventional, and he frequently applied it from non-standard entry points.
  • Huracanrana: Another popular high-flying move during his NJPW junior career. His distinctive execution, where he would spring off an opponent's shoulder (dubbed "Kata Pyon" or "Shoulder Hop" by Tanaka Kero), or his fast-paced, head-first dives ("High-Speed Rana"), were notable. However, it was also frequently countered into a powerbomb.
  • Diving Headbutt: A staple move he performed at least once per match. Unlike other junior heavyweights, he rarely used body press-style diving attacks, relying solely on the Diving Headbutt for airborne attacks on downed opponents inside the ring. It was frequently dodged, often leading to him losing momentum.
  • Tope Suicida: In his prime, this dive was known as "Atmospheric Entry Tope" due to its incredible momentum. He also had a variation where a tag partner would whip an opponent into the ropes, then whip them back again to build up his momentum for the dive.
  • Tope con Hilo: Performed by gripping the top rope and rotating before launching, earning it the nickname "Samurai Con Hilo." He used it in conjunction with the Tope Suicida earlier in his career but reduced its frequency in later years.
  • Dropkick / Missile Kick: Consistently used a front-facing dropkick. In tag matches, he often teamed with his partner to deliver a simultaneous Missile Kick to sandwich opponents. Similar to his Diving Headbutt, it was frequently dodged.
  • Lariat: Delivered with his left arm in a sweeping motion, often causing opponents to spin around, especially given his larger frame for a junior heavyweight. He also used a corner Lariat, sometimes transitioning into a Swing DDT.
  • Shoulder Neckbreaker: Used frequently as a setup for his finishers, a transitional move in the middle of matches, or simply to wear down an opponent. Similar to his Reverse DDT, he would often repeatedly apply it to opponents who persistently got back up.
  • Tombstone Piledriver: He employed a common NJPW junior heavyweight style, clutching the opponent's waist, inverting them, and dropping down while briefly jumping or kneeling. Junior heavyweights often used this as a setup for high-flying moves, and Samurai frequently used it before his Diving Headbutt.
  • Shoulder Carry Facelock: An occasional move where he would hoist an opponent onto his shoulders and then fall forward, driving their face into the mat. This is a relatively common facebuster in Mexico.
  • Elbow: Frequently used in the earlier part of his career, showcasing precise speed and angles. While not often highlighted, he was considered a hidden master of the elbow. He also used jumping and corner elbows but transitioned to using the Lariat more prominently later on.
  • Face Kick: Used from early in his career, though not frequently emphasized. He would persistently kick a downed opponent's face with his toes, often in a brawling manner.
  • Reverse Brainbuster: A move he favored in the past, including a Vertical Drop version. He later refined and replaced both with his Reverse DDT variations.
  • Cabellarnaria: He also used a modified Cabellarnaria, applying it with a dragon sleeper hold instead of a traditional chinlock.
  • Samurai Clutch II: This was a Tokio Escondido-style pin, a variation of a small package hold. "Tokie Escondido" can also refer to a general category of rollup pins in Mexico.
  • Various Roll-up Pins: Including High-Angle Forward Roll-up and Backward Roll-up. Before developing the Reverse Brainbuster and Reverse DDT, he was known for his mastery of quick, opportunistic roll-ups from various positions. Tanaka Kero often joked in commentary that Samurai "doesn't do weight training, only running and roll-up practice."

4. Championships and Accomplishments

El Samurai accumulated numerous championships and tournament victories throughout his illustrious career, particularly in the junior heavyweight division.

  • Michinoku Pro Wrestling
    • British Commonwealth Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • New Japan Pro-Wrestling
    • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
    • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship (3 times) - with Jushin Thunder Liger (1), Ryusuke Taguchi (1), and Koji Kanemoto (1)
    • J-Crown (1 time)
    • NWA World Welterweight Championship (1 time)
    • UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
    • WWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
    • Best of the Super Juniors (1997)
    • DREAM* Win Junior Tag Team Tournament (2002) - with Gedo
    • G1 Climax Junior Heavyweight Tag League (2001) - with Jushin Thunder Liger
    • One Night's Captain's Fall Tournament (1994) - with The Great Sasuke, Gran Hamada, and Shinjiro Otani
    • Super Junior Tag Tournament (2010) - with Koji Kanemoto
  • Pro Wrestling Illustrated
    • Ranked No. 75 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1996
    • Ranked No. 210 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003
    • Ranked No. 47 of the top 100 tag teams of the "PWI Years" with Jushin Liger in 2003
  • Social Pro Wrestling Federation
    • One Night Junior Heavyweight Tournament (1994)
  • Universal Wrestling Association
    • UWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
    • UWA World Middleweight Championship (1 time)
    • WWF Light Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
  • Wrestle Association "R"
    • WAR International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Jushin Thunder Liger
  • MOBIUS
    • EL Mejor de Mascarad Championship (1 time)
  • Pro-Wrestling Kageki
    • Hakata Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • X-LAW
    • X-LAW International Championship (1 time)

    Additionally, El Samurai held the following championships as part of his reign as the second J-Crown (also known as Junior 7-Crown) Champion:

    • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship (30th reign)
    • NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship (87th reign)
    • NWA World Welterweight Championship (40th reign)
    • WWF Light Heavyweight Championship (31st reign)
    • UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship (32nd reign)
    • WWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship (11th reign)
    • British Commonwealth Junior Heavyweight Championship (11th reign)
    • Wrestling Observer Newsletter
      • Most Improved Wrestler (1992)

5. Personal Life and Legacy

El Samurai's personal life and unique character left a distinct impression within the wrestling community, shaping his public perception and enduring influence.

5.1. Personality and Anecdotes

El Samurai was known for his remarkable durability, rarely missing matches due to injury for the majority of his career. He participated in every Best of the Super Juniors tournament from its inception until 2007, the year before his departure from NJPW, and even once wrestled three matches in a single day. Despite his relatively tall stature for a junior heavyweight, earning him the moniker "Giant of Junior" (though his official height was the same as contemporaries like Koji Kanemoto and Ryusuke Taguchi), he was once marketed as part of the "New Generation Toukon Trio" with Takashi Iizuka and Akira Nogami.

Anecdotally, he grew up in the same neighborhood as entertainer Mitsumata Matazo, who was one year his junior, and they often played together as children. El Samurai was also famously known for his love of cigarettes and gambling, particularly horse racing. He was an avid reader of the specialist horse racing magazine, "Keiba Book." There's a notable anecdote where, for his birthday, he received a cake adorned not with candles, but with cigarettes, which he reportedly enjoyed smoking. He even wrestled under the name "Edo Samurai" for the first installment of NJPW's one-off "Wrestle Land" series.

He was self-admittedly averse to formal training, especially using equipment or machines. This was unusual in NJPW, known for its demanding training regimen, with fellow wrestlers often remarking that he "spent more time smoking than training." Yet, he remarkably endured in the fiercely competitive NJPW environment, even under the leadership of training-focused executive directors like Riki Choshu and Jushin Thunder Liger, who would openly express their displeasure but continued to book him. Liger attributed Samurai's survival to his commitment to basic training like running and stretching, which provided him with exceptional stamina and injury-resistant flexibility, as well as his ability to understand his role and position, and his agreeable (or compliant) personality.

5.2. Public Perception and Influence

El Samurai's public image was profoundly shaped by his masked persona and on-screen incidents, earning him the nickname "Maskman of Melancholy." The repeated mask-tearing incidents, particularly the one in the 1997 Best of the Super Juniors final against Koji Kanemoto where he fought on with a completely exposed face, contributed to this perception. His subdued and often dejected demeanor, particularly when facing reprimands, also fostered this image. Comedian Tetsuya Arita famously described his "air of melancholy" as being on par with an "intermediate manager level," a phrase that resonated with fans and further solidified his unique status.

His resilient performances and unique style, combining various wrestling elements, made him an influential figure, particularly for younger wrestlers. El Samurai occupied a distinctive position in professional wrestling, embodying both the stoic "samurai" image and an unexpected vulnerability that endeared him to a wide audience.

6. Entrance Themes

El Samurai used two primary entrance themes during his career:

  • First Theme: "THE UNFORGIVEN" by Robert Tepper
  • Second Theme: "TERRIBLE GIFT"

7. Media Appearances

El Samurai has also made notable appearances in media outside of professional wrestling:

  • Mayonaka no Hāley & Lace (Radio Nippon)
  • Ameagari Kesshitai no Talk番組 Ame Talk! (TV Asahi)