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Naoki Tanizaki

Naoki Tanizaki is a Japanese professional wrestler primarily known for his extensive work in Dragon Gate, distinctive "handle with care" style, and multiple championships across various promotions.

1. Overview

Naoki Tanizaki, born on December 1, 1978, is a Japanese professional wrestler primarily known for his extensive work in Dragon Gate. Throughout his career, he has been a prominent figure in various stables and storylines, known for his distinctive "handle with care" (取扱い注意Torikai ChūiJapanese) fighting style which emphasizes a tenacious and unreserved approach. Tanizaki's career is marked by his resilience, including overcoming early life challenges, and his adaptability, exemplified by his various ring names and shifting allegiances within different promotions, such as "Mr. Kyu Kyu Naoki Tanizaki Toyonaka Dolphin". He has held multiple championships across various promotions, showcasing his versatility and enduring presence in the Japanese professional wrestling scene.

2. Early Life and Background

Naoki Tanizaki was born on December 1, 1978, in Toyonaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. His journey into professional wrestling was marked by several personal and physical challenges from a young age. He dropped out of high school after his first year to dedicate himself to training at home and at a gym with the aspiration of becoming a professional wrestler. However, these plans were interrupted when he suffered a herniated disc, forcing him to abandon his wrestling dreams temporarily. As a result, he re-enrolled in high school and completed his education. After graduating, Tanizaki worked various jobs while his back pain gradually subsided. Once his condition improved, he resumed his rigorous training, reigniting his pursuit of a career in professional wrestling.

3. Professional Wrestling Career

Naoki Tanizaki's professional wrestling career began in 2002 and has spanned across numerous promotions, primarily in Japan, featuring significant runs with Dragon Gate and various independent organizations.

3.1. Toryumon and Early Dragon Gate (2002-2006)

Naoki Tanizaki embarked on his professional wrestling journey in Mexico, joining Toryumon as a 10th-term trainee. He made his debut on December 7, 2002, in a tag team match at Himnasio de la Unidad Cuauhtémoc in Mexico, partnering with Kenichi Sakai against the team of Manabu Murakami and Takeshi Yamamoto.

In 2004, Tanizaki transferred his affiliation to Toryumon Japan. Shortly after, the promotion rebranded and became Dragon Gate, and Tanizaki was the sole Toryumon X graduate to fully integrate into Dragon Gate at that time, predating Kagetora's integration in 2009. Initially, he sought to join Magnum Tokyo's Do Fixer stable. Magnum agreed, provided Tanizaki could win one match out of a 10-match trial series. However, Tanizaki lost all 10 matches, and was subsequently given a five-match re-trial series, which he also failed to win. Despite his losing streak during these trials, he eventually joined Do Fixer, initially developing a rivalry with Shingo Takagi. He was often overshadowed by emerging talents like Takagi and BxB Hulk and struggled to establish himself in singles competition.

By 2006, Tanizaki began to display heelish mannerisms, including repeated use of foreign objects and accidental attacks on his own teammates. These actions led to his expulsion from Do Fixer. Around this time, he was recruited by Cima to join the Blood Generation stable. Tanizaki officially joined Blood Generation on April 12, 2006. However, immediately after his induction, Blood Generation splintered into two distinct factions: Cima's new iteration of Blood Generation and the Muscle Outlaw'z. Tanizaki aligned himself with the Muscle Outlaw'z, led by Naruki Doi. His time with Muscle Outlaw'z was characterized by a consistent losing streak, particularly against international wrestlers Cima brought in, such as Jack Evans. In July 2006, his contract was terminated, and he officially departed Dragon Gate in December of that year.

3.2. Independent Circuit (2006-2008)

After his departure from Dragon Gate, Naoki Tanizaki quickly became a prominent figure in the Japanese independent circuit. While maintaining his status as a freelancer, he soon joined the roster of El Dorado Wrestling. However, an injury sidelined him after only his second match with the company. Upon his return, he formed an alliance with Shuji Kondo.

During this freelance period, Tanizaki expanded his reach, participating in several other promotions. He made appearances for Pro Wrestling ZERO1-MAX, competing in events such as the AWA World Junior Championship decision royal rumble on June 2, 2007. He also ventured into Big Japan Pro Wrestling, where he declared his intention to participate in deathmatches. As a test match, he competed in a hardcore match on July 22, 2007, at a joint Big Japan/El Dorado show in Hakata Star Lane, where he and his partner, Yuko Miyamoto, defeated Jun Kasai and MASADA. He officially made his deathmatch debut in August 2007 at the Sapporo Teisen Bowl, although he eventually distanced himself from Big Japan's deathmatch scene. Additionally, Tanizaki wrestled for Kaientai Dojo, where he became a member of the heel stable Omega. On March 6, 2008, he announced his departure from El Dorado Wrestling.

3.3. Return to Dragon Gate (2008-2017)

Six days after declaring himself a freelancer again following his departure from El Dorado Wrestling, Naoki Tanizaki made a surprise return to Dragon Gate on March 7, 2008, appearing as a new member of Muscle Outlaw'z at a Korakuen Hall event, only to immediately betray and abandon them. This return was significant as it was unusual for a previously released or departed wrestler to rejoin Dragon Gate. The following day, he officially returned to the promotion. However, YAMATO challenged his return. On March 20, at the Ota City Gymnasium, Tanizaki defeated YAMATO in a singles match, after which they reconciled and announced a tag team formation. On March 22, Tanizaki signed a specific freelance contract with Dragon Gate, allowing him to compete on all Dragon Gate shows while also remaining free to wrestle elsewhere. On April 17, YAMATO betrayed Tanizaki during a tag match at Korakuen Hall, joining Muscle Outlaw'z. On May 5, Tanizaki faced Shingo Takagi in a hardcore match, where he was defeated.

3.3.1. WORLD-1 and Initial Heel Turn (2008-2010)

Initially offered membership in Tozawa-juku, Tanizaki instead joined Naruki Doi, Masato Yoshino, BxB Hulk, and m.c.KZ in a new faction led by Doi and Yoshino, which would later be named WORLD-1. On December 21, 2008, he participated in a Mask vs. Hair match against Cyber Kong. Tanizaki initially won due to an interference by Cyber Kongcito that backfired. Cyber Kong's stable, Real Hazard, protested, but Kong insisted on honoring the stipulation, stating it would be Kongcito's mask. Kongcito was unmasked, beaten, and expelled from Real Hazard. Cyber Kong then demanded a restart due to the interference, which Cima, appointed as special referee, allowed, citing interference from both stables. Cyber Kong ultimately won, leading to Tanizaki losing his hair.

On August 30, 2009, Tanizaki won his first career title, the Dragon Gate Open the Brave Gate Championship, by defeating Kagetora in a tournament final for the vacant title. He successfully defended it six times before losing it to K-ness on January 11, 2010.

By June 2010, Tanizaki began exhibiting heelish tendencies, such as using a low blow against Super Shisa on June 13 to set up his Implant finisher. In the main event of the same show, he almost cost his WORLD-1 teammate Masato Yoshino a chance at the Open the Dream Gate title by accidentally hitting him with the Deep Drunkers' signature Blue Box, nearly leading to a loss against Deep Drunkers leader Takuya Sugawara. On June 20, 2010, he teamed with Naruki Doi and Pac to defeat the Warriors (Genki Horiguchi, Cima, and Gamma), winning the Dragon Gate Open the Triangle Gate Championship for the first time. During the match's closing moments, he again used a low blow, further teasing a heel turn. However, they lost the titles back to the former champions just four days later in a rematch.

On August 5, 2010, he interfered in a match between WORLD-1 teammates Naruki Doi and Masato Yoshino against Cima and Gamma, helping them secure a victory without their consent and expressing anger that no one from WORLD-1 was in his corner for his dark match. On August 24, 2010, he accidentally cost his team a win against Deep Drunkers when a misfired Protein Powder attack hit Pac, leading to their loss. He quickly apologized, stating everything was fine. On August 29, 2010, he competed in a tournament for the vacant Open the Brave Gate Championship but lost to Kzy in the first round. On September 3, 2010, he, Naruki Doi, and BxB Hulk challenged for the Open the Triangle Gate Championship but fell short after Tanizaki was pinned by Genki Horiguchi's Backslide From Heaven. The team then argued, agreeing to a Three Way Match on October 3.

On September 17, 2010, after another loss, Tanizaki finally snapped, arguing with BxB Hulk. Dr. Muscle intervened, attacking Hulk with an Implant. Tanizaki refused Dr. Muscle's handshake. Later, in the main event for the Open the Twin Gate Championship featuring his WORLD-1 teammates Masato Yoshino and Naruki Doi against K-ness and Susumu Yokosuka, he attacked both Yoshino and Susumu with an Implant, then laid Yokosuka over Yoshino, costing them the titles. He cemented his betrayal of WORLD-1 by joining the Deep Drunkers stable, completing his heel turn. On October 3, 2010, he won the Three Way Match against Hulk and Doi, with interference from his new Deep Drunkers teammates, eliminating both and mocking them, suggesting their "diamonds were probably made of glass," a jab at the WORLD-1 logo. On October 13, 2010, the Deep Drunkers were forced to disband after losing to WORLD-1, but Naruki Doi turned on his partners after the match, forming a new stable with Tanizaki, Yasushi Kanda, Kzy, and Takuya Sugawara. On October 25, Tanizaki, Kanda, and Sugawara defeated Cima, Gamma, and Genki Horiguchi to win the Open the Triangle Gate Championship. They lost the title to Cima, Dragon Kid, and Ricochet on December 26, 2010.

3.3.2. Blood Warriors and Impersonation Storyline (2011-2012)

On January 14, 2011, Tanizaki's new stable, Team Doi, aligned with the Warriors stable, who also turned heel. Four days later, on January 18, the new group was named Blood Warriors. On July 17, Tanizaki attacked Open the Brave Gate Champion Pac, a member of the rival group Junction Three, and stole his championship belt. With Pac returning to England for a month, Tanizaki declared he would defend the championship in his place. Blood Warriors named the title the "Blood Warriors Authorized Open the Brave Gate Championship," a title not recognized by Dragon Gate, with Tanizaki defending it in matches where he only needed to score two counts for a win.

On September 2, Tanizaki, Kzy, and Naruki Doi defeated Gamma, Masato Yoshino, and YAMATO to win the Open the Triangle Gate Championship. On September 16, the returning Pac defeated Tanizaki to reclaim possession of the Open the Brave Gate Championship. On January 8, 2012, Tanizaki was sidelined with a right shoulder dislocation and fracture, an injury requiring approximately six months to heal. This injury also led to Dragon Gate stripping Blood Warriors of their Open the Triangle Gate Championship on January 19.

Shortly after Tanizaki's injury, his Blood Warriors stablemate Tomahawk T.T. began to impersonate him, adopting Tanizaki's moveset and attire, and even getting fake tattoos that copied Tanizaki's. Blood Warriors claimed he was the real Tanizaki returning early from injury, but a slight change in the Japanese spelling of his name (e.g., 谷崎なおきTanizaki NaokiJapanese was used instead of his actual name 谷嵜なおきTanizaki NaokiJapanese) was used to indicate that Tomahawk T.T. was an imposter.

3.3.3. Jimmyz and Name Change Gimmick (2012-2015)

On March 1, 2012, the new leader of Blood Warriors, Akira Tozawa, rebranded the stable as Mad Blankey. Tanizaki returned from injury on June 30, saving Cima from Mad Blankey. The following day, on July 1, he joined the Jimmyz stable, a group characterized by its "anti-glamor" and "ordinary" wrestler gimmick, after appearing with black hair and glasses and asking to join.

On September 23, 2012, Tanizaki, along with Genki Horiguchi H.A.Gee.Mee!! and Ryo "Jimmy" Saito, unsuccessfully challenged the Mad Blankey trio of Akira Tozawa, BxB Hulk, and the imposter Naoki Tanizaki for the Open the Triangle Gate Championship in a match where the loser would lose the right to use their name. As a result, Tanizaki lost the rights to his real name. He attempted to rename himself Naoki Jimmy, but the fake Tanizaki claimed the right to choose his new name. Citing Tanizaki's "whining and crying" reminded him of the "kyu kyu" (キューキューKyū KyūJapanese) noise a dolphin makes, he renamed Tanizaki to Mr. Kyu Kyu Toyonaka Dolphin (Mr.キューキュー・豊中ドルフィンMr. Kyū Kyū Toyonaka DorufinJapanese).

Mr. Kyu Kyu Toyonaka Dolphin continued to team with the Jimmyz. On December 16, 2012, Dolphin secured his first pinfall victory over the fake Tanizaki, after Cyber Kong inadvertently cost his stablemate the match. On January 27, 2013, at a Kobe Sambo Hall event, Dolphin defeated the fake Naoki Tanizaki in a singles match, regaining the right to use his real name. In return, he renamed the fake Tanizaki "Mr. Pii Pii Tomakomai Penguin". The rivalry culminated on February 11, when the Jimmyz defeated Mad Blankey in a five-on-five elimination tag team match, which resulted in Penguin's exile from Dragon Gate. After the match, Tanizaki shook hands with Penguin and offered to team with him in the future, then defended Penguin from Mad Blankey's attack. Despite regaining his true name, Tanizaki continued to use the ring name Mr. Kyu Kyu "Naoki Tanizaki" Toyonaka Dolphin (Mr.キューキュー"谷嵜なおき"豊中ドルフィンMr. Kyū Kyū "Naoki Tanizaki" Toyonaka DorufinJapanese) and formed a partnership with Penguin, though they lost their first match together on February 15 against Akira Tozawa and BxB Hulk.

3.3.4. VerserK and Departure (2015-2017)

On October 8, 2015, at a Korakuen Hall event, Tanizaki betrayed the Jimmyz following his match with Jimmy K-Ness J.K.S.. Despite Jimmy Kagetora, who was out with an injury, asking him to remain with the Jimmyz, Tanizaki delivered his signature Implant finisher to Kagetora, signaling his departure from the stable. He then joined VerserK, a dominant heel stable, and reverted to using his real name, "Naoki Tanizaki." Throughout 2017, Tanizaki was quietly removed from Dragon Gate's official website, and in October, it was announced that his contract with the promotion had expired on October 31, officially marking his departure from Dragon Gate.

3.4. Post-Dragon Gate Career (2017-present)

After his contract with Dragon Gate expired on October 31, 2017, Naoki Tanizaki transitioned to the broader Japanese independent wrestling scene. On November 25, he officially joined Dove Pro Wrestling. He has continued to actively wrestle for Dove Pro Wrestling and other promotions, further solidifying his presence in the Japanese independent circuit.

4. Factions and Affiliations

Throughout his professional wrestling career, Naoki Tanizaki has been a member of several prominent stables and teams, often playing pivotal roles in their dynamics and storylines.

  • Do Fixer (2004-2006)
  • Blood Generation (2006)
  • Muscle Outlaw'z (2006)
  • Sukiyaki (El Dorado Wrestling) (2007-2008)
  • WORLD-1 (2008-2010)
  • Deep Drunkers (2010)
  • Blood Warriors (2011-2012)
  • Jimmyz (2012-2015)
  • VerserK (2015-2017)

5. Championships and Accomplishments

Naoki Tanizaki has achieved several championships and accolades throughout his professional wrestling career across various promotions.

  • DDT Pro-Wrestling
    • Ironman Heavymetal Championship (2 times)
    • UWA World Trios Championship (1 time) - with Ryota Nakatsu and Akiyori Takizawa
  • Dove Pro Wrestling
    • Dove Pro Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
    • Dove Pro Tag Team Championship (1 time)
  • Dragon Gate
    • Open the Brave Gate Championship (1 time)
    • Open the Triangle Gate Championship (6 times) - with Naruki Doi and Pac (1), Yasushi Kanda and Takuya Sugawara (1), Kzy and Naruki Doi (1), Genki Horiguchi H.A.Gee.Mee!! and Ryo "Jimmy" Saito (1), Jimmy Susumu and Ryo "Jimmy" Saito (1), and Jimmy Kanda and Jimmy Susumu (1)
    • Blood Warriors Authorized Open the Brave Gate Championship (1 time)
  • Apple Star Pro-Wrestling
    • Apple Star Certified Drunkards Championship (1 time)
  • Colega Pro-Wrestling
    • CPW Championship (1 time)
  • Pro-Wrestling Basara
    • Union Max Championship (1 time)
  • Professional Wrestling Just Tap Out
    • Independent World Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • Tenryu Project
    • International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Yusuke Kodama
  • Dotonbori Pro Wrestling
    • WDW 6-Man Tag Championship (1 time) - with Shoichi Uchida and Kyohei Kinoshita

6. Wrestling Style and Signature Moves

Naoki Tanizaki's wrestling style is characterized by his "handle with care" (取扱い注意Torikai ChūiJapanese) moniker, reflecting a tenacious and unreserved brawling approach. While not always the most technically flashy, his fighting style emphasizes bold, straightforward action and a willingness to engage in hard-hitting offense. His signature moves and finishers often involve impactful slams and knee strikes.

  • Implant
    • Tanizaki's primary finisher. This move involves tucking the opponent's head between his legs, lifting them upside down onto his back, and then gripping both of their legs under his armpits. He then drops to his knees with force, driving the opponent headfirst into the mat. It is a variation of a Piledriver or a modified Beach Break, similar in form to Takashi Omori's Axe Guillotine Driver.
  • Libido
    • A hidden gem and trump card used when the Implant is countered. Tanizaki lifts the opponent into a Canadian backbreaker position. From there, he rotates the opponent outwards while simultaneously turning sideways himself, driving his left knee directly into the opponent's face. It is a modified Go 2 Sleep.
  • Reverse Implant
    • A variation of the Implant, performed by lifting the opponent facing him, upside down, and then securing only one leg under his armpit. He then sits down, driving the opponent's head into the mat. This is a modified Tombstone Piledriver that lands with both knees to the mat.
  • Biting Dog
    • Tanizaki's original submission hold. He applies a Front facelock to an opponent on all fours, then rolls sideways to fold the opponent's right arm behind their back, hooking it with his own right leg to lock the arm. Finally, he wraps his legs around the opponent's torso to apply a body scissors choke.
  • Surfing Clutch
  • Casanova
    • A running knee strike delivered to a seated opponent, wherein Tanizaki swings one leg through, connecting with the inside of his knee to the opponent's face.
  • Casanova Kai
    • A variation of Casanova, a knee strike targeting the back of the opponent's head, similar to a Trance Rave.
  • FH (Fumidai ni shite Hiza)
    • A springboard knee strike. Tanizaki runs towards a standing opponent, places his left foot on the opponent's right thigh as a stepping stone, jumps, folds his right leg, and thrusts his right knee into the opponent's head.
  • DH (Dash shite Hiza)
    • A running corner knee strike. After an Irish whip into the corner, Tanizaki follows up with a run, placing his left foot on the opponent's right thigh (who is leaning in the corner), jumps, folds his right leg, and drives his right knee into the opponent's head.
  • Coconut Crush
  • Jigoku no Dandai (地獄の断頭台Guillotine of HellJapanese)

7. Other Ventures

Beyond his professional wrestling career, Naoki Tanizaki has also ventured into commercial appearances. He featured in a commercial for VAPE liquid, specifically for the "CRITICAL MIDNIGHT" product, in the advertisement titled "If you want to protect your beloved woman."

8. Legacy and Public Image

Naoki Tanizaki's legacy in professional wrestling is marked by his unique blend of resilience, adaptability, and a distinctive "handle with care" (取扱い注意Torikai ChūiJapanese) fighting style that often involved a rough, unhesitating approach. His career, particularly within Dragon Gate, showcased his ability to reinvent himself through various character changes and alignments, from his early struggles to join stables to his memorable heel turns and the elaborate "Mr. Kyu Kyu Toyonaka Dolphin" storyline. This specific storyline, where he lost and regained his name, became a defining characteristic of his career, demonstrating his willingness to embrace unusual and comedic gimmicks while still delivering impactful in-ring performances.

Tanizaki's consistency and long tenure in major Japanese promotions, coupled with his willingness to work both as a serious competitor and a character performer, have left a lasting impression on fans. He is remembered for his dedication, his ability to overcome personal setbacks such as early injuries, and his commitment to the craft of wrestling, contributing significantly to the dynamic and evolving landscape of Japanese professional wrestling, particularly in Dragon Gate.