Gedo (wrestler) | Today's AI Wiki

1. Overview

Keiji Takayama, better known by his ring name Gedo (外道_Gedō^Japanese), is a prominent Japanese professional wrestler, manager, and booker signed with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Born on February 20, 1969, in Musashimurayama, Tokyo, Gedo has forged a multifaceted career marked by both in-ring accomplishments and significant behind-the-scenes influence. He is widely recognized for his highly successful and long-standing tag team with Jado, a partnership that spanned over three decades and earned them numerous championships across various promotions. Beyond his wrestling prowess, Gedo gained substantial acclaim as the main booker for NJPW since the early 2010s, a role in which he has been instrumental in shaping the company's direction and storylines. On-screen, he has served as a pivotal manager for top wrestlers, initially for Chaos and its former leader Kazuchika Okada, and later controversially defecting to manage the villainous Bullet Club faction, including leaders Jay White and David Finlay. His strategic mind, distinct "heel" persona, and mastery of in-ring psychology have left an indelible mark on professional wrestling.

2. Early Life and Debut

Keiji Takayama was born on February 20, 1969, in Musashimurayama, Tokyo. He possessed an A blood type. His journey into professional wrestling began in 1988 when he successfully passed an audition for the Takeshi Puroresu Gundan (TPG), a parody of the World Wrestling Federation's "Rock 'n' Wrestling" era established by New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Takayama received his fundamental wrestling training, including receiving bumps (受身_Ukemi^Japanese), under the guidance of Apollo Sugawara. He later recalled that he had mentally prepared for rigorous training by practicing to endure hardship, which made the actual training less difficult for him.

He made his professional debut on March 19, 1989, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, at the Eyedon Hall. His inaugural match was against Monkey Magic Wakita, who would later become known as Super Delfin. Following his debut, Takayama briefly adopted the ring name Black Eidman, a change from his initial, never-used-in-Japan name, Black Wolf, but did not compete under this new name while affiliated with Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW). During his time in Universal Wrestling Association (UWA) in 1990, he initially used the ring name Bulldog KT, and he also notably served as a referee for a controversial cage deathmatch between Bull Nakano and Aja Kong at an All Japan Women's Pro Wrestling event on September 1, 1990. His declaration of Aja Kong as winner by ring-out sparked controversy and fan backlash.

3. Professional Wrestling Career

Gedo's professional wrestling career is extensive, marked by a dynamic shift from a prominent in-ring performer to a highly influential backstage figure.

3.1. Early Career and Tag Team Activities (1989-2001)

After TPG disbanded, Gedo, along with Monkey Magic Wakita and Shoji Akiyoshi (who would later become Jado), left NJPW. In March 1990, Gedo joined Universal Wrestling Association (UWA) in Mexico, where he teamed with Jado (then known as Cooly SZ) under the ring names Crush (Gedo) and Punish (Jado), forming the tag team "Punish & Crush." Their look was an homage to The Road Warriors. On November 8, 1991, they defeated Silver King and El Texano to win the UWA/UWF Intercontinental Tag Team Championship. They held these titles for two more reigns in 1992. During this period, Gedo briefly broke up with Jado to form "Bad Company" with Pat Tanaka and Villano III. Gedo also gained valuable experience working with Pat Tanaka, a renowned master of receiving bumps, which significantly contributed to Gedo's own development in this area. Gedo's signature maneuver of spinning like a falling leaf when taking a lariat was originally a move used by Tanaka.

Returning to Japan, Gedo and Jado frequently toured with W*NG. In November 1992, they turned freelance and Gedo adopted his current ring name. They then competed in independent promotions like W☆ING. A notable incident occurred on November 2, 1993, during a scramble fire deathmatch where Jado powerbombed Kanemura into flames, causing serious burns due to an unexpected flare-up of the fire.

In February 1994, at the invitation of Último Dragón, Gedo and Jado moved to WAR (Wrestle Association "R"), where they formed the stable Fuyuki-Gun with Hiromichi Fuyuki. During this time, they were trained and mentored by Fuyuki and Ashura Hara, whom Gedo and Jado continue to regard as their mentors. Gedo holds the distinction of being the first champion of all WAR's titles. Fuyuki-Gun became the inaugural holders of the WAR World Six-Man Tag Team Championship, which they won five times. Gedo also became the inaugural International Junior Heavyweight Champion and, with Lion Do, the inaugural International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion. Gedo's skills were recognized in junior heavyweight tournaments; he reached the semi-finals of the 1994 Super J-Cup, losing to Wild Pegasus. In the 1995 Super J-Cup, he advanced to the finals, where he lost to Jushin Thunder Liger after four matches in one night. He won his first singles title on March 26, 1995, defeating Lionheart in a tournament final for the International Junior Heavyweight Championship, a title he would win again from Último Dragón.

As WAR declined, Gedo and Jado departed for Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW), a top independent promotion. In February 1997, Gedo, Jado, and others formed the "Brief Brothers" unit, which performed comedy skits in the ring. On March 21, 1997, Gedo, Jado, and Kodo Fuyuki captured the FMW World Street Fight 6-Man Tag Team Championship from The Headhunters and Hisakatsu Oya. In 1997, Gedo also toured North America, appearing at WCW Halloween Havoc where he wrestled Chris Jericho. During this match, commentator Mike Tenay famously called Gedo "the Dusty Rhodes of Japan," noting his appreciation for 1970s U.S. Southern-style brawling. Gedo also won the CRMW North American Mid-Heavyweight Championship on August 31, 1997, by defeating Ricky Fuji. In December 1997, Gedo and Jado won the BJW Tag Team Championship by defeating Ryuji Yamakawa and Yoshihiro Tajiri.

Gedo continued to collect titles in FMW, winning the FMW Brass Knuckles Tag Team Championship with Koji Nakagawa in June 1999, and multiple reigns of the WEW 6-Man Tag Team Championship and WEW Tag Team Championship with various partners, including Jado, Koji Nakagawa, and Masato Tanaka. In September 2000, he and Jado won the WEW Hardcore Tag Team Championship. Their WEW Tag Team and 6-Man Tag Team reigns extended into early 2001, often holding two titles simultaneously.

3.2. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2001-present)

Gedo's long and influential tenure within New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) began with his return in 2001, evolving from a tag team specialist to a pivotal managerial figure and ultimately the company's head booker.

3.2.1. NJPW Return and CHAOS Activities (2001-2011)

In February 2001, Gedo, Jado, Masato Tanaka, and Kaori Nakayama formed the "Complete Players" faction as freelancers, which saw them compete across various promotions including NJPW, All Japan Pro Wrestling, Pro Wrestling Zero1, and Michinoku Pro Wrestling. In June 2001, Gedo and Jado officially joined NJPW as members of the Team 2000 stable, shifting their focus to the junior heavyweight division. They also began a scientific training regimen, rare in professional wrestling at the time, to physically transform their bodies, inspired by the professionalism of foreign wrestlers during their time in ECW.

On July 20, 2001, Gedo and Jado captured the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship by defeating Jushin Thunder Liger and El Samurai at the Sapporo Dome. This victory earned them the 2001 Tokyo Sports Best Tag Team Award. They went on to establish a record for the most consecutive defenses of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, successfully defending it six times, before losing the title to Liger and Minoru Tanaka on May 2, 2002. Their rivalry with Liger was particularly intense, with Gedo and Jado notably pulling off Liger's mask in a surprise appearance. In September 2002, Gedo made history as the first male wrestler to be pinned by a female wrestler in NJPW, losing to Joanie "Chyna" Laurer via a schoolboy rollup. Gedo later expressed intense frustration over the loss, stating he regretted not being able to make Chyna understand the pain he felt from the pinfall.

On November 29, 2003, Gedo and Jado won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship for a second time, defeating Ryusuke Taguchi and Hirooki Goto. They lost the titles in March 2004 but regained them for a third time in June 2004, defeating Curry Man and Bryan Danielson. They then joined Liger in forming the C.T.U (Control Terror Unit) stable. After losing the titles in March 2005, Gedo and Jado embarked on a tour of CMLL in Mexico starting in October.

In July 2006, they secured their fourth IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, defeating El Samurai and Ryusuke Taguchi. In July 2007, Gedo was offered a contract by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) but declined, refusing to portray a stereotypical Japanese character. Following the dissolution of C.T.U. in July 2007, Gedo and Jado joined Great Bash Heel (GBH). When Togi Makabe took over as the new leader, Gedo and Jado continued their affiliation. In September 2008, Gedo caused a feud with Kantaro Hoshino, who intervened in Gedo's attempts to interfere in matches. During a street fight against Hoshino in December 2008, Gedo famously pressed a stamp of the match card onto Hoshino's forehead as a heel tactic, though he ultimately lost the match to Hoshino's iron fist punishment. In April 2009, following a betrayal by Toru Yano that dissolved GBH, Gedo and Jado became founding members of the new Chaos stable.

Gedo returned from a long-term absence due to a herniated disc in August 2009, celebrating his 20th-anniversary show with Jado by defeating Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Genba Hirayanagi. In the December 2009 Super J-Cup, he notably defeated Kota Ibushi in the first round before losing to YAMATO in the second round. In November 2010, Jado and Gedo won the 2010 Super J Tag League, defeating fellow Chaos members Davey Richards and Rocky Romero in the finals. While they failed to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship from Golden☆Lovers (Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi) in December 2010, Gedo and Jado were recognized as the "Best Booker" by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter at the end of 2011, an award they would win three more times together.

3.2.2. Main Booker and Manager Role (2012-2018)

Gedo celebrates Kazuchika Okada's victory at Power Struggle 2013

In January 2012, Gedo brought a returning Kazuchika Okada into Chaos and became his dedicated manager and spokesman, a role that defined the "Rainmaker" era. Gedo's signature catchphrases, delivered with a distinctive rolled "R," became "Money will fall from the sky!" (金の雨が降るぞ!!_{Kane no ame ga furu zo!!}^Japanese) and "The level (レヴェル_Reberu^Japanese) is different!" Gedo himself became known as the "Raintaker."

In June 2013, Gedo entered the spotlight for an in-ring challenge. After Prince Devitt (then leader of Bullet Club) challenged Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Okada proposed a condition: Gedo would challenge Devitt for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. On July 5, 2013, Gedo had his first shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship in nearly a decade, in a main event match against Devitt at Korakuen Hall. Despite a strong effort that garnered "Gedo" chants from the crowd, he ultimately lost to Devitt's Bloody Sunday. In November, Gedo and Jado challenged Suzuki-gun (Taichi and Taka Michinoku) for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship but were unsuccessful.

In early 2015, Gedo officially assumed the role of primary booker for New Japan Pro-Wrestling, succeeding Jado, who transitioned to becoming the head booker for Pro Wrestling Noah. This period was characterized by strategic storytelling and significant growth for NJPW, with Gedo at the helm of creative direction. He continued to manage Okada, celebrating his victories, such as at Power Struggle 2013. He also entered the Best of the Super Juniors tournament in 2015 and 2016, showing his continued in-ring ability.

3.2.3. Defection to Bullet Club and Management (2018-present)

At the finals of the 2018 G1 Climax, Kazuchika Okada publicly announced his decision to part ways with Gedo, stating he wanted to operate independently without a manager. Gedo, however, made a controversial return at Destruction in Kobe in September 2018. It initially appeared he would save Okada from an attack by Jay White, but instead, Gedo struck Okada with a chair, aligning himself with White and effectively defecting from Chaos. On October 8, at King of Pro-Wrestling, Gedo, Jay White, and Jado all completed their defection from Chaos, officially joining the Bullet Club faction.

Throughout Jay White's tenure as the fifth leader of Bullet Club, Gedo continued in his managerial role, occasionally wrestling in tag matches alongside White and other Bullet Club members. Following White's departure from NJPW, Gedo transitioned to managing David Finlay, who became the seventh and current leader of Bullet Club. Gedo and Finlay subsequently formed a sub-group within Bullet Club known as "Bullet Club War Dogs," which initially included Alex Coughlin, Clark Connors, Drilla Moloney, and Gabe Kidd, with wrestlers such as Jake Lee, Sanada, and Taiji Ishimori joining later. In February 2023, Gedo teamed with Taiji Ishimori for NOSAWA Rongai's retirement match, also featuring MAZADA.

3.3. Pro Wrestling Noah (2016)

On June 12, 2016, Gedo made a surprise appearance at a Pro Wrestling Noah event, reuniting with Jado. They unsuccessfully challenged Atsushi Kotoge and Daisuke Harada for the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship in a three-way match that also included Taichi and Taka Michinoku. However, on October 8, Gedo and Jado successfully defeated Kotoge and Harada to win the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship. Their reign was short-lived, as they lost the title back to Kotoge and Harada on December 24, 2016.

4. Wrestling Style and Techniques

Gedo's distinctive in-ring style is characterized by his mastery of "heel" tactics, exceptional receiving ability, and impactful mic performances, which are a hallmark of his character. Unlike the more linear power-based offense of his tag team partner Jado, Gedo's matches are often built around clever rule-bending, deception, and precise technical maneuvers. He adheres to an "evil aesthetic" philosophy, believing that true heel wrestling involves executing illegal attacks within the blind spots of the referee, maximizing their impact while avoiding disqualification.

A significant aspect of Gedo's in-ring persona is his frequent use of English insults and taunts, such as "Motherfucker!" (often pronounced as "Madafaka!") and "Hey! Hey! Hey!" He is also known to shout "Shit!" when taking offense.

His receiving ability is particularly lauded; he is known for his "over-the-top" reactions to opponents' moves, which effectively highlights their offense and draws more sympathy for them. Fellow wrestlers like Taka Michinoku have praised his skill, stating that Gedo, alongside Dick Togo, is one of the top two most skilled wrestlers globally in terms of receiving bumps. Dick Togo himself cited Gedo as one of his influences.

Some of Gedo's signature moves and techniques include:

Superfly (スーパーフライ_Sūpāfurai^Japanese): This is his signature diving body press, akin to a Frog splash. It is frequently used as a finishing maneuver. The name is a tribute to Superfly Jimmy Snuka, and Gedo often shouts "Superfly!" before executing it.
Gedo Clutch (外道クラッチ_{Gedō Kuratchi}^Japanese): Gedo's original pinning combination, widely copied by other wrestlers. He often sets it up with a low blow or a low dropkick, or after a Complete Shot.
Complete Shot (コンプリート・ショット_{Konpurīto Shotto}^Japanese): While once a finishing hold, it is now primarily used as a transition move. He passed this technique on to his mentor Pat Tanaka (then known as GOKU-DO), Masahiro Chono, and later to Jay White in Bullet Club.
Thrust Kick (トラース・キック_{Torāsu Kikku}^Japanese): A superkick-like move often used as a counter or to change the pace of a match. In recent years, he often uses it while kneeling, striking the pose before delivering the kick.
Knuckle Part (ナックル・パート_{Nakkuru Pāto}^Japanese): A punching strike, often delivered with an open-hand slap-like form. Unlike Jado, he rarely uses chop attacks. Since joining Bullet Club, he often uses this while wearing brass knuckles.
Manhattan Drop (マンハッタン・ドロップ_{Manhattan Doroppu}^Japanese): Frequently used as a counter, often flowing directly into a DDT, sometimes interspersed with a knuckle punch or chin crusher.
Chin Crusher (チン・クラッシャー_{Chin Kurasshā}^Japanese): A move favored by "craftsman-style" heels, Gedo's version involves a jump without aligning his feet.
Moonsault Attack (ムーンサルト・アタック_{Mūnsaruto Atakku}^Japanese): A moonsault press performed to an opponent standing outside the ring. This move is rarely used in recent years.
Diving Headbutt (ダイビング・ヘッドバット_{Daibingu Heddobatto}^Japanese): Another former signature move that he no longer uses. He was known for covering long distances with this move.
Tombstone Piledriver (ツームストーン・パイルドライバー_{Tsūmusutōn Pairu Doraibā}^Japanese): Previously used as a setup for his old finishing moves. Ironically, it is now a move used by his former protégé, Kazuchika Okada, to set up his own finisher.
WAR Special (WARスペシャル_{WAR Supesharu}^Japanese): A submission hold Gedo used as a finisher during his time in WAR. He successfully applied it against several opponents in his first Super J-Cup appearance.
Low Blow (急所蹴り_{Kyūsho Keri}^Japanese): Primarily used when an opponent has his back. Gedo's execution of this move is considered exceptionally skillful. In a memorable incident in All Japan Pro Wrestling, he attempted a low blow on Giant Baba from a full nelson, but his leg was too short, and Baba counter-attacked with his own low blow.
Cane Attack (杖攻撃_{Tsue Kōgeki}^Japanese): Used to assist a struggling partner or to distract the referee, utilizing the cane he often wears around his neck during his entrance. This attack has largely been replaced by the kendo stick.
Kendo Stick Attack (竹刀攻撃_{Shinai Kōgeki}^Japanese): Primarily used when interfering from the outside as a manager or second. This has become one of Gedo's signature assisting attacks.
Gong/Mallet Attack (ゴング、木槌攻撃_{Gongu, Kizuchi Kōgeki}^Japanese)
Leather Belt Attack (レザーベルト攻撃_{Rezā Beruto Kōgeki}^Japanese): Striking an opponent's back with a leather belt.
Brass Knuckles Attack (メリケンサック攻撃_{Merikensakku Kōgeki}^Japanese)
Super Powerbomb (スーパー・パワーボム_{Sūpā Pawābōmu}^Japanese): A signature tag team move with Jado, Tanaka, and Fuyuki. Gedo typically plays the assisting role in this maneuver.
Leaf Receiving (木の葉受け(木の葉舞い)_{Konoha Uke (Konoha Mai)}^Japanese): A unique technique where Gedo spins his entire body like a falling leaf when taking a lariat or similar impact, absorbing the blow with a corkscrew motion. This technique was inherited from GOKU-DO.

5. Management and Booking Philosophy

Gedo's strategic approach to booking and management is characterized by his "evil aesthetics" (悪の美学_{Aku no Bigaku}^Japanese). This philosophy centers on the idea of a heel utilizing subtle, rule-bending tactics that remain just within the boundaries of a referee's sight, or, more effectively, out of their sight. His booking style for New Japan Pro-Wrestling has been praised for creating compelling storylines, developing characters, and meticulously building up new stars like Kazuchika Okada. As a booker, he focused on long-term narratives and impactful moments, contributing significantly to NJPW's rise in popularity and critical acclaim throughout the 2010s. His influence as the main booker was such that he was entrusted with the creative direction of one of the world's most respected wrestling promotions.

6. Championships and Accomplishments

Gedo has achieved numerous championships and accolades throughout his extensive professional wrestling career across various promotions.

Big Japan Pro Wrestling
- BJW Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Jado
- Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling / World Entertainment Wrestling
  - FMW Brass Knuckles Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Koji Nakagawa (June 13, 1999)
  - FMW World Street Fight 6-Man Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Hiromichi Fuyuki and Jado (March 21, 1997)
  - WEW Hardcore Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Jado (September 21, 2000)
  - WEW 6-Man Tag Team Championship (5 times) - with Koji Nakagawa and Kodo Fuyuki (1, December 11, 1999), Koji Nakagawa and Jado (2, May 3, 2000), Jado and Kaori Nakayama (1, September 17, 2000), and Jado and Masato Tanaka (1, February 11, 2001)
  - WEW Tag Team Championship (3 times) - with Koji Nakagawa (1, July 31, 1999), Kodo Fuyuki (1, April 1, 2000) and Masato Tanaka (1, January 7, 2001)
  - WEW 6-Man Tag Team Championship Tournament (1999) - with Kodo Fuyuki and Gedo
  - New Japan Pro-Wrestling
    - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship (4 times) - with Jado (July 20, 2001; November 29, 2003; June 5, 2004; July 8, 2006)
    - DREAM* Win Jr. Tag Team Tournament (2002) - with El Samurai
    - Super J Tag League (2010) - with Jado
    - Pro Wrestling Illustrated
      - Ranked No. 121 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2006
      - Pro Wrestling Noah
        GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Jado (October 8, 2016)
        Tokyo Sports
        Best Tag Team Award (2001) - with Jado
        Toryumon X
        UWA World Trios Championship (1 time) - with Jado and Katsushi Takemura
        Universal Wrestling Association
        UWA/UWF Intercontinental Tag Team Championship (4 times) - with Punish (2, November 8, 1991; 1992), Pat Tanaka (1), and Dick Togo (1)
        Wrestle Association "R"
        WAR International Junior Heavyweight Championship (2 times) (March 26, 1995; 1995)
        International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Lion Do (1996)
        WAR World Six-Man Tag Team Championship (5 times) - with Hiromichi Fuyuki and Jado (1994; 1994; 1995; 1995; 1996)
        WAR World Six-Man Tag Team Championship Tournament (1994) - with Hiromichi Fuyuki and Jado
        Super J Cup 1995 Contestant Decision Tournament (1995) - with Último Dragón and Lionheart
        WAR International Junior Heavyweight Championship Tournament (1995)
        WAR International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Tournament (1996) - with Lion Do
        Wrestling Observer Newsletter
        Best Booker (2011-2014) - with Jado
        Best Booker (2016-2019)
        Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 2019)
        Michinoku Pro Wrestling
        Michinoku Futaritabi (2001) - with Dick Togo
        Pro Wrestling El Dorado
        UWA World 6-Man Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Jado and Katsushi Takemura
        Other Titles
        Rocky Mountain Wrestling Mid-Heavyweight Championship
        Rocky Mountain Wrestling North American Mid-Heavyweight Championship

7. Public Image and Personal Life

Gedo's public persona as a "heel" (villain) in professional wrestling contrasts sharply with his disciplined and professional personal life. Despite his aggressive on-screen character and frequent use of English profanities during matches, Gedo is known for his strict professionalism and rigorous training regimen. He is a non-drinker, a rare trait among wrestlers, and is regarded as a generally sensible individual in his private life.

Gedo himself devised his ring name, Gedo, along with Jado's. The inspiration came from the film Battles Without Honor and Humanity, specifically a line delivered by Bunta Sugawara that translates to "You rotten scum, Gedo!" He chose Gedo for himself as the name Jado overlapped with Atsushi Onita's nickname at the time.

Physically, Gedo is distinguishable from Jado by his shorter stature and the fact that Jado has tattoos while Gedo does not. Gedo also often wraps a bandana over his eyes during his entrance. He is characterized by a missing front tooth and a beard encompassing his chin, sideburns, and upper lip. In 2007, Gedo notably rejected a contract offer from WWE because it would have required him to portray a stereotypical Japanese character, a role he refused to take on.

8. Other Activities

Outside of his direct wrestling and booking roles, Gedo has also contributed to professional wrestling literature. He authored a book titled To Be The Gedo: "The Level is Different!" Survival Techniques (To Be The 外道 "レヴェルが違う!"生き残り術_{To Be The Gedō "Reveru ga Chigau!" Ikinokori Jutsu}^Japanese), published by Baseball Magazine Sha on December 22, 2017.

9. Legacy and Assessment

Gedo's enduring impact and legacy in professional wrestling are profound, particularly his transformative influence on New Japan Pro-Wrestling. His partnership with Jado is recognized as one of the longest-running and most successful tag teams in Japanese wrestling history, spanning over 30 years and proving highly influential in various promotions. His in-ring style, defined by shrewd heel tactics, exceptional bumping, and charismatic mic work, solidified his status as a master of wrestling psychology.

Beyond his in-ring contributions, Gedo is widely celebrated for his pivotal role as NJPW's main booker from the early 2010s. Under his creative direction, NJPW experienced significant growth and garnered widespread international acclaim for its compelling storylines and character development. His strategic vision is often credited for the rise of top stars like Kazuchika Okada and the overall strength of NJPW's roster and product.

Gedo's contributions have been recognized by numerous prestigious awards. He is an eight-time recipient of the "Best Booker" award from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, winning it four times alongside Jado (2011-2014) and four times independently (2016-2019). His overall impact on the industry was further cemented with his induction into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in the Class of 2019. Gedo's career exemplifies a rare combination of in-ring excellence, strategic acumen, and enduring character work, leaving an undeniable and lasting legacy on the sport.