Masanobu Fuchi

3.1. Debut and Early Career (1974-1980)

Masanobu Fuchi officially joined All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) on April 10, 1974, leveraging his background in amateur wrestling. He made his professional wrestling debut just 12 days after his application, on August 22, 1974, facing off against the future innovator of death matches, Atsushi Onita, in Miyoshi, Tokushima (then Ikeda Town), at an outdoor venue beside Shikoku Electric Power. During these early years, Fuchi, along with Onita and Haru Sonoda (known as Kazuharu Sonoda), was recognized as one of the "Three Young Stars" who began to make a name for themselves. Fuchi and Onita frequently alternated between teaming up and feuding in the opening matches of AJPW events, establishing a dynamic rivalry and partnership.

3.2. Overseas Excursions (1980-1983)

In 1980, Masanobu Fuchi embarked on an overseas excursion to further his training and gain international experience. He first traveled to Puerto Rico, where he reunited with Atsushi Onita. From March 1981, Fuchi competed in the CWA in Memphis, Tennessee, using the ring name Masa Fuchi. During this period, he was managed by Tojo Yamamoto. Fuchi and Onita formed a formidable tag team, winning the AWA Southern Tag Team Championship three times. Their first reign began in March 1981, when they defeated Bill Dundee and The Dream Machine, though they held the titles for only seven days. They recaptured the titles in August 1981, defeating Dundee and Jerry Lawler, before losing them to Eddie Gilbert and Ricky Morton. To align with Onita's hometown, Fuchi's birthplace was publicly stated as Hiroshima, rather than his actual Kitakyushu origin.

From October 1981, Fuchi moved to the Florida territory of the NWA, joining CWF, which was promoted by Eddie Graham. There, he and Onita competed against prominent teams such as Jack Brisco and Jerry Brisco, and Butch Reed and Skip Young (known as Sweet Brown Sugar). While in Florida, Fuchi notably received instruction from Karl Gotch, a rare opportunity for an All Japan Pro Wrestling wrestler, with Gotch emphasizing neck strengthening through extensive bridging. After Onita returned to Japan, Fuchi continued his journey alone, first in Puerto Rico, then from November 1982, moving to the Mid-Atlantic region under MACW, promoted by Jim Crockett Jr.. During this time, Fuchi primarily served as a jobber to top stars including Ricky Steamboat, Roddy Piper, Wahoo McDaniel, Bob Orton Jr., Mike Rotunda, and Ric Flair, consistently delivering strong performances despite losing.

3.3. Rise as Junior Heavyweight Star (1983-1996)

Masanobu Fuchi made his triumphant return to Japan in August 1983. At the Kuramae Kokugikan event on August 31, which also featured Terry Funk's retirement match, Fuchi challenged Chavo Guerrero Sr. for the NWA International Junior Heavyweight Championship. Following the retirement of Atsushi Onita in 1985 and the transition of Mitsuharu Misawa (as Tiger Mask II) to the heavyweight division in 1986, Fuchi emerged as the premier junior heavyweight star within All Japan Pro Wrestling. In 1987, he captured the World Junior Heavyweight Championship for the first time by defeating Kuniaki Kobayashi. Over the next 11 years, Fuchi would hold this prestigious title on five occasions, firmly establishing his status as a top-tier junior heavyweight. His third reign, lasting four years from 1989 to 1993, was particularly notable, though its lengthy duration was also influenced by All Japan Pro Wrestling's relatively insular environment, which limited competition from outside promotions.

During the intense rivalry between Mitsuharu Misawa's Super Generation Army and Jumbo Tsuruta's Tsuruta-gun, Fuchi aligned himself with Tsuruta-gun, frequently participating in main event matches. Additionally, Fuchi, alongside Haruka Eigen and Motoshi Okuma, became a key member of the Akuyaku Shōkai (悪役商会_{Akuyaku Shōkai}^Japanese) (Heel Corporation), engaging in a popular feud with Giant Baba and Rusher Kimura's Family Army. This period showcased Fuchi's versatility as an indispensable "supporting player" who helped sustain All Japan before its major internal divisions. Rusher Kimura often playfully teased Fuchi about his unmarried status during his post-match microphone performances. A unique appearance for Fuchi occurred on December 4, 1984, at a charity event for Japan Pro-Wrestling in Takamatsu, where he competed as the "Mystery Masked Man X" (怪覆面X_{Kai Fuku-men X}^Japanese). Wearing a red mask reminiscent of the Strong Machine Corps, he lost to Riki Choshu in just 95 seconds. Though his identity was speculated upon at the time, Fuchi later confirmed he was the masked wrestler.

3.4. Loyalty and Veteran Role (1996-2013)

After losing the World Junior Heavyweight Championship for the final time in 1996, Masanobu Fuchi transitioned into the role of a seasoned veteran, often participating in opening "legends" bouts. He frequently teamed with Haruka Eigen against teams led by AJPW founder Giant Baba and Rusher Kimura. The year 2000 brought a severe crisis to All Japan Pro Wrestling when Mitsuharu Misawa and a significant portion of the roster defected to form Pro Wrestling Noah. Initially, Fuchi contemplated retirement in response to this mass exodus. However, a heartfelt appeal from Motoko Baba, Giant Baba's widow, who expressed a desire to hold Baba's third memorial service under the banner of All Japan Pro Wrestling, convinced Fuchi to remain active. Alongside Toshiaki Kawada, Fuchi was one of only two native wrestlers who chose to stay with AJPW, becoming a crucial pillar of the promotion during its most trying period.

This decision propelled Fuchi into a more prominent position on the card, as he was forced to step up to a top role due to the depleted roster. He notably teamed with Toshiaki Kawada and became a strong contender for the World Tag Team Championship. Fuchi secured his first title in eight years on May 22, 2004, when he teamed with fellow veteran Genichiro Tenryu to capture the 76th All Asia Tag Team Championship. Shortly after the arrival of Keiji Mutoh to AJPW, Fuchi was appointed as a director for the promotion, a position he continues to hold. Despite his administrative duties, Fuchi remained an active, full-time competitor for AJPW, though his matches increasingly took on a comedic tone in preliminary bouts against rookie heavyweights and junior heavyweights. He notably never lost a singles match to Kikutaro. On August 20, 2006, Fuchi briefly became a member of the villainous Voodoo Murders stable, wrestling under a red mask as Akaoni (赤鬼_Akaoni^Japanese). His tenure with the stable was short-lived, as he unmasked later that evening to help fellow All Japan wrestlers attack the stable after the main event. From November 23 to December 9, 2007, Fuchi participated in the World's Strongest Tag Determination League, teaming with Osamu Nishimura. They finished in 5th place with 7 points (2 wins, 2 losses, 3 draws).

As a senior figure, Fuchi, along with referee Kyohei Wada, was seen as a guardian of All Japan Pro Wrestling's identity. In 2009, it was revealed that Fuchi had resigned from his position on the AJPW Board of Directors and had not held an exclusive contract with the company since, effectively becoming a freelancer. While this allowed him to appear for other promotions, Fuchi publicly stated his unwavering dedication to AJPW, declaring, "If All Japan Pro Wrestling disappears, I will retire." He primarily continued to wrestle for AJPW on a pay-per-performance basis, with a rare exception being his appearance at Kenta Kobashi's retirement show on May 11, 2013, which he accepted at Kobashi's direct request.

Fuchi's unwavering commitment to All Japan was famously displayed at New Japan Pro-Wrestling's G1 Climax tournament in August 2000, held at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan. Dressed in a suit, Fuchi entered the ring and delivered a historic mic appeal: "For 30 long years, there has been a thick wall between All Japan Pro Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Today, I've come to break down that wall. All Japan Pro Wrestling may only have two wrestlers, but our pride and the stature of our name are second to none compared to New Japan!" He then shook hands with then-NJPW site manager Riki Choshu. When Masahiro Chono confronted him, throwing his hat in anger, Fuchi calmly picked it up and threw it back, saying, "Chono, you forgot something!" This bold act, along with his defiant closing remarks, "We will neither run nor hide! Chono, come if you dare!" and "To all New Japan Pro-Wrestling fans, I apologize for the disturbance!" garnered an unprecedented "Fucchi!" chant from the New Japan crowd, solidifying his image as a representative of All Japan's fighting spirit.

3.5. Later Career and Management (2013-present)

On July 14, 2013, during the launch event for All Japan Pro Wrestling after Keiji Mutoh's departure, Masanobu Fuchi made an official announcement, revealing he had re-signed with the promotion not only as a wrestler but also as a member of the Board of Directors, ending his freelance status. Shortly thereafter, Fuchi also took on the role of co-head booker for All Japan, working alongside Jun Akiyama.

In 2014, Fuchi celebrated significant career milestones, including a special match for his 60th birthday in January and a 40th-anniversary commemorative match in March. On December 14, at the "Kyohei Wada Referee 40th Anniversary & 60th Birthday Commemorative Tournament" in Korakuen Hall, Fuchi challenged Atsushi Aoki for the World Junior Heavyweight Championship, his first bid for the title in five years. Despite a more than 20-minute contest, Fuchi ultimately submitted to Aoki's shoulder hold.

On November 27, 2016, at a show in Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Fuchi teamed with his longtime friend Atsushi Onita. In a poignant turn of events, on the eve of Haru Sonoda's death anniversary, they defeated the "Hentai Jietai" (変態自衛隊_{Hentai Jietai}^Japanese) (Perverted Self-Defense Force) team of Hikaru Sato and Atsushi Aoki to become the 100th All Asia Tag Team Champions. At 62 years and 10 months old, Fuchi became the oldest All Asia Tag Team Champion in history. This victory marked Fuchi's first title in 12 years and the team's first championship together in 35 years, since their AWA Southern Tag Team title reign in Memphis in 1981. They eventually lost the titles back to Aoki and Sato on June 20, 2017.

Fuchi also participated in several highly acclaimed matches recognized by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

• On January 28, 1989, he was part of a 5 Star Match, teaming with Jumbo Tsuruta and Yoshiaki Yatsu against Genichiro Tenryu, Toshiaki Kawada, and Kodo Fuyuki (Samson Fuyuki).
• He participated in another 5 Star Match on October 19, 1990, alongside Jumbo Tsuruta and Akira Taue against Mitsuharu Misawa, Toshiaki Kawada, and Kenta Kobashi.
• Further 5 Star Matches included April 20, 1991 (with Tsuruta and Taue vs. Misawa, Kawada, and Kobashi), and May 22, 1992 (with Tsuruta and Taue vs. Misawa, Kawada, and Kobashi).
• On July 5, 1992, Fuchi and Yoshinari Ogawa had a 5 Star Match against Kenta Kobashi and Tsuyoshi Kikuchi.
• On February 13, 1994, he was part of a 5 Star Match with Toshiaki Kawada and Akira Taue against Kenta Kobashi, Mitsuharu Misawa, and Giant Baba.
• His final listed 5 Star Match occurred on December 14, 2000, teaming with Toshiaki Kawada against Takashi Iizuka and Yuji Nagata.

Fuchi took a long absence from competition following a match on January 2, 2023, due to a retinal detachment. He made his return to the ring on September 8, 2023, after an eight-month recovery period. As of 2024, Masanobu Fuchi continues to wrestle actively at 70 years old, marking 50 years since his debut.

4.1. Finishing Holds

• Backdrop suplex (Backdrop): Fuchi's signature move and cherished technique. Early in his career, after returning from overseas, he utilized a high-angle, twisting backdrop similar to Riki Choshu's, which was often called a "Jumping Backdrop." However, influenced by Lou Thesz's advice to prioritize impact speed over height, Fuchi evolved his backdrop into a low-angle, high-speed variation with a strong bridge, delivered from the hip. He became renowned as one of AJPW's "Four Great Backdrop Masters," alongside Jumbo Tsuruta, Steve Williams, and Yoshinari Ogawa. In high-stakes matches, Fuchi would unleash a barrage of backdrops, sometimes executing over a dozen in succession. His 10 consecutive backdrops against Takeshi Kikuchi during his 10th World Junior Heavyweight Championship reign remain legendary.
• Enzuigiri: Fuchi incorporated the enzuigiri into his combinations, executing it with impeccable timing. His distinct style involved a noticeable wind-up, delivering the kick in a wide arc similar to Antonio Inoki's. Known as a hidden master of this move, he once decisively knocked out Danny Kroffat. During his long 10th World Junior Heavyweight Championship reign, the enzuigiri served as his secondary finisher, complementing his backdrop.
• Fist Drop: Fuchi utilized a diving fist drop from the top rope at crucial moments in matches. During his 10th World Junior Heavyweight Championship reign, it functioned as a "hidden" finisher. When he temporarily aligned with the Voodoo Murders and adopted the "Akaoni" persona, the fist drop became his primary finishing hold.
• Small package (Neck Hold): Fuchi frequently employed the small package, often executing it in rapid succession, sometimes four or five times, leading many frustrated opponents to be pinned.

4.2. Striking Techniques

• Low Dropkick: A technique innovated by Fuchi himself, targeting the opponent's knee joints and lower legs. This move first gained prominence during his rivalry with Mitsuharu Misawa's Super Generation Army, specifically aimed at Misawa's pre-existing knee injuries. The low dropkick has since become a fundamental and indispensable technique in professional wrestling. Its prototype was developed during daily tag matches against Atsushi Onita after Onita returned from a left patella fracture. While some criticized the move as overly harsh, both Fuchi and Onita maintained it was a professional necessity.
• Front High Kick: Fuchi delivered this kick mercilessly, often striking the opponent's face with the sole of his boot. His ability to perfectly gauge the distance to his opponent made this move exceptionally effective.
• Knuckle part: Similar to Antonio Inoki's "Knuckle Arrow," this move involved a large wind-up before delivering a forceful punch to the opponent's head with a closed fist. Though technically illegal, Fuchi executed it with precision.
• Headlock Punch: While holding an opponent in a headlock, Fuchi would subtly deliver illegal punches to the face, hidden from the referee's view. When an opponent complained about the foul, Fuchi would feign innocence, demonstrating a legal open-hand 掌底_shōtei^Japanese (palm strike) to the referee, often eliciting a synchronized "Paah!" chant from the audience in response to his exaggerated gestures.

4.3. Throwing Techniques

• Body slam: Fuchi's body slams were known for their high angle and extended hang time, keeping the opponent airborne for a notable duration. Occasionally, after executing the move, he would playfully respond to crowd encouragement by feigning back pain before delivering another slam. During his feud with the Super Generation Army, he also used variations such as driving an opponent's face into the corner turnbuckle (referred to as a "Stun Gun") or ramming their throat into the top rope or guardrail (a "Guillotine Whip").
• Double Arm Suplex Hold: This move was a frequently used finisher for Fuchi from the late 1980s through the 1990s. Alongside his backdrop and enzuigiri, it served as a key decisive move and was often used in his World Junior Heavyweight Championship defenses. However, its frequency of use diminished by the mid-1990s, and it gradually faded from his repertoire.
• Calf Branding (子牛の焼印押し_{Koushi no Yakiin Oshi}^Japanese): Fuchi began using this move around 1985, often applying it to wrestlers like Dynamite Kid. However, as Fuchi transitioned into a style that avoided flashy techniques, particularly during his time as "Akaoni," this move became largely phased out.
• Jumping Drill-a-Hole Piledriver: In his prime, Fuchi would showcase this jumping piledriver at critical moments, sometimes using it as a finisher during his 10th World Junior Heavyweight Championship reign.
• German suplex: This was a signature move for Fuchi upon his return from overseas. He would execute it in a manner that appeared to be directly taught by Karl Gotch, characterized by maintaining a bridge with his legs in a "German salute"-like posture.

4.4. Submission Holds and Pinning Combinations

Masanobu Fuchi's technical prowess was evident in his diverse array of submission holds and clever pinning combinations, many of which were influenced by his Karl Gotch training, famously rumored to number 48 different techniques.

• Facelock: Fuchi utilized a step-over style facelock, similar to the one favored by Mitsuharu Misawa. Applied from behind a seated opponent, Fuchi would place one leg over the opponent's arm, leaning on them to apply pressure. This specific variation was notably co-devised by Fuchi and Misawa during their training sessions.
• Face Stomp: A provocative move where Fuchi would step on a supine opponent's face with one foot, primarily used for intimidation and psychological effect.
• Giant Backbreaker: This was a unique submission combining a cobra clutch with a backbreaker, a signature stretch hold originally developed by Fuchi's mentor, Giant Baba.
• Various Torture Submission Holds: Beyond specific named techniques, Fuchi employed a wide range of "torture" holds, many of which were directly passed down from Karl Gotch. One representative technique involved positioning an opponent supine on the corner ropes, then stepping on their chin with one foot and their other leg with the other, effectively arching the opponent painfully over the turnbuckle post.
  • Armbar
  • Leg Spread (股裂き_Matasaki^Japanese)
  • Chickenwing armlock: Fuchi was particularly skilled at applying this from the ground in a reverse position on an opponent lying on their stomach.
  • Standing Clutch (膝折り固め_{Hizaori Gatame}^Japanese) ("Knee-break hold"): This move involved standing behind a seated opponent, straddling their shoulders, and then sitting down on the back of their neck. From this position, Fuchi would grab one of the opponent's legs and pull it towards himself, tightening the hold. This technique inflicted damage not only to the knee and groin but also to the neck. It was frequently used as a torture move in the early 1990s and sometimes served as a finisher during his World Junior Heavyweight Championship reign, becoming one of his signature torture submissions of that era.
• Various Pinning Combinations: In addition to the small package, Fuchi was adept at numerous clever pinning combinations. These included the Jackknife pin, Samson clutch, Reverse rollup, Rolling cradle, and Backward Rolling Cradle. Since the mid-2000s, he has predominantly favored the small package.

8.1. Television

• Vital TV "Masanobu Fuchi's Happy Showa Dining Hall" (BS-TBS, May 17, 2018 - October 11, 2018)
• Quiz! Nō Bell SHOW (BS Fuji, January 9, 2019, January 10, 2019, January 11, 2019) - He appeared in three episodes.

8.2. Publications

• Oudō Blues (王道ブルース_{Ōdō Burūsu}^Japanese) ('King's Road Blues') (Tokuma Shoten, March 29, 2022) - An autobiography detailing his career and insights into professional wrestling.