Tetsuya Naito

1.1. Childhood and Schooling

Naito was born in Adachi Ward, Tokyo, Japan. He attended Higashishimane Junior High School and later Tokyo Metropolitan Adachi Higashi High School. Influenced by his father, he started watching professional wrestling from a young age and even mimicked wrestling moves with friends in the classroom. His father, while a devoted fan, encouraged Naito to respect figures like Antonio Inoki by addressing them with a honorific. Despite a lenient upbringing, Naito's father instilled in him the importance of keeping promises, once scolding him for neglecting homework, equating it to breaking a promise to his teacher.

From first grade through junior high, Naito played in a youth baseball team coached by his father. His father, to avoid accusations of favoritism, rarely directly coached Naito during team practices. Naito served as team captain in fifth grade. He also played soccer from kindergarten through his senior year of high school, captaining both the baseball and soccer teams in junior high. His aspirations included becoming a professional baseball or soccer player. The professional soccer league's establishment when he was in fifth grade fueled his desire to go pro.

Naito's first live wrestling experience was at age five, accompanied by his father. He became a staunch fan of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) exclusively, viewing professional wrestling as synonymous with NJPW. A pivotal moment occurred on June 5, 1997, at a NJPW event in the Nippon Budokan, which he attended after purchasing his own ticket. Witnessing the spectacle, he realized, "There's nothing better than being able to do this in front of an audience and get paid for it," solidifying his decision to become a professional wrestler.

1.2. Entry into Professional Wrestling and Early Training

After concluding his high school soccer career in the summer of his third year, Naito began training at Animal Hamaguchi's training gym in September 2000. He enrolled in the gym's professional course, designed for aspiring wrestlers, and continued to train while working part-time after graduating high school, honing his sparring skills.

As he prepared to take the New Japan Pro-Wrestling entrance test, Naito suffered a significant injury in 2002, tearing his right anterior cruciate ligament during a sparring session at the gym. This injury, requiring nine months for full recovery, forced him to withdraw from that year's test. He missed another opportunity in 2003 due to rehabilitation and again in 2004 due to a shoulder injury sustained during bench pressing.

Finally, on November 3, 2005, Naito participated in NJPW's public audition held at Korakuen Hall. Feeling confident about his performance, he passed the test and officially moved into the NJPW dojo on December 1, beginning his journey as a professional wrestler.

2.1. New Japan Pro-Wrestling Debut and Young Lion Era (2005-2009)

After six months of rigorous training at the NJPW dojo, Tetsuya Naito made his professional wrestling debut on May 27, 2006, at a show in Soka Sports Health City Memorial Gymnasium, losing to Takashi Uwano of Riki Pro. Despite the loss, Naito later recalled feeling a profound sense of comfort in the ring under the spotlight, an experience that left a lasting impression. His innate talent and agile movements quickly garnered positive attention from peers and commentators.

In September, Naito underwent a "Trial 5-match series," facing established junior heavyweight veterans such as Jushin Liger, Jado, Minoru, Gedo, and Koji Kanemoto, losing all five contests. Leveraging this experience, Naito secured his first professional victory on October 29 against Mitsuhide Hirasawa at Kobe World Memorial Hall.

On January 4, 2007, his match against Hirasawa was honored with the 2006 Young Lion Best Bout Award by World Pro-Wrestling, marking his first time stepping into the Tokyo Dome ring for an award ceremony. In June, he made a surprise entry into the Best of the Super Juniors tournament due to an injury to Jado, picking up notable wins against Gedo and El Samurai. By October, he was appearing in the New Japan Rambo to determine the next IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship challenger, demonstrating his growing presence in the junior division.

In February 2008, Naito formed the tag team No Limit with fellow rookie Yujiro Takahashi, adopting a red-based short trunks costume. They challenged for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship against Liger and Akira in April but were unsuccessful. No Limit also participated in inter-promotional matches, defeating opponents from ZERO1-MAX and All Japan Pro Wrestling, where Naito introduced his new "Stardust Press" finisher. On October 13, 2008, at Destruction '08, No Limit defeated Minoru and Prince Devitt to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, marking their first championship victory. They successfully defended the title against Jado and Gedo in December. However, on January 4, 2009, at Wrestle Kingdom III, they lost the championship to The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin).

2.2. Foreign Excursion and No Limit Activities (2009-2011)

Following their championship loss, Naito and Takahashi embarked on a "developmental tour" to North America, a common practice for young Japanese wrestlers. They primarily worked for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and made an appearance for Jersey All Pro Wrestling (JAPW), though Naito was sidelined due to injury at the latter. They unsuccessfully challenged for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship in TNA twice.

In May 2009, No Limit moved their excursion to Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) in Mexico City, Mexico. Presented as "Anti-Mexican" heels, they allied with Shigeo Okumura to form La Ola Amarilla (Spanish for "The Yellow Wave"). Naito achieved a significant milestone on July 31, 2009, at Infierno en el Ring, where he won a 15-man steel cage Luchas de Apuestas (hair vs. hair) match by pinning Toscano. This marked the first time in 30 years a Japanese wrestler had won a hair vs. hair match in Arena México, solidifying his status in Mexico. He also teamed with Okumura and Jushin Liger at the CMLL 76th Anniversary Show to defeat Team Mexico. On October 16, Takahashi defeated Black Warrior in a hair vs. hair match, further asserting No Limit's dominance. However, their winning streak ended on December 4 at Sin Salida, where No Limit lost a hair vs. hair match to El Texano Jr. and El Terrible, forcing both Naito and Takahashi to be shaved bald, a traditional Lucha Libre custom.

Upon their return to Japan, Naito and Takahashi made a triumphant comeback at Wrestle Kingdom IV on January 4, 2010. They defeated Team 3D (Brother Ray and Brother Devon) and Bad Intentions (Giant Bernard and Karl Anderson) in a three-way hardcore match to win the IWGP Tag Team Championship, marking Naito's first heavyweight title. In March, Naito scored his first singles victory over Hiroshi Tanahashi at the New Japan Cup, breaking Tanahashi's knee with a Stardust Press. While initially operating as part of the NJPW main unit, No Limit unexpectedly turned heel on April 4, joining CHAOS, led by then-IWGP Heavyweight Champion Shinsuke Nakamura. As part of CHAOS, they became central figures in the heavyweight tag team division, feuding with Bad Intentions and Seigigun (Yuji Nagata and Wataru Inoue). They lost the IWGP Tag Team Championship to Seigigun at Wrestling Dontaku 2010 in May and were later runners-up in the 2010 G1 Tag League.

In 2011, Naito's individual aspirations grew. He unsuccessfully challenged Jeff Hardy for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom V on January 4. Internal friction within No Limit culminated on May 3 at Wrestling Dontaku 2011, when they failed to regain the IWGP Tag Team Championship. Following the match, Takahashi walked out on Naito, signaling the team's demise. On May 26, Takahashi officially turned on Naito, solidifying the dissolution of No Limit and turning Naito into a fan favorite.

2.3. Rise as a Singles Competitor and Injuries (2011-2015)

After the breakup of No Limit, Naito's focus shifted entirely to singles competition. He returned to CMLL for a month-long stint in June 2011. Upon his return, Naito entered the 2011 G1 Climax, where he notably defeated Giant Bernard, Yoshihiro Takayama, and then-IWGP Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi, winning his block before losing to Shinsuke Nakamura in the finals. His emotional reaction to the loss, shedding tears in the ring, resonated with fans. On September 19, Naito finally secured his first singles victory over former partner Yujiro Takahashi and immediately challenged Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. He unsuccessfully challenged Tanahashi at Destruction '11 on October 10.

On January 4, 2012, at Wrestle Kingdom VI, Naito faced Keiji Muto, one of his childhood idols. Despite the loss, Naito boldly declared Muto "a man of the past" and set his goal for the year: to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at age 29, a feat achieved by both Muto and Tanahashi. He defeated Nakamura in February to become the number one contender for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, then held by Kazuchika Okada. However, Naito was defeated by Okada in the main event of NJPW's 40th anniversary event on March 4, failing to capture the title.

During the 2012 G1 Climax, Naito suffered a legitimate knee injury during his match against Rush on August 7, but continued to wrestle through it. The injury was severely aggravated on October 8 at King of Pro-Wrestling, where he suffered a referee stoppage loss to Yujiro Takahashi, who mercilessly attacked his injured knee with a chair. Naito underwent reconstructive knee surgery on October 16, sidelining him for eight months. While recovering, he also expressed his vision for the NEVER Openweight Championship, a title concept he himself had championed for NJPW's younger talent.

Naito made a surprise appearance at Wrestling Dontaku 2013 on May 3, 2013, announcing his return to the ring for June 22 and declaring his immediate target: the NEVER Openweight Championship held by Masato Tanaka. In his return match at Dominion 6.22, Naito defeated Yujiro Takahashi, entering with a half-mask inspired by wings. He stated that the NEVER title was "first" on his list, a remark that angered Tanaka, who questioned Naito's perceived dismissiveness of the title. Naito unsuccessfully challenged Tanaka for the NEVER title in July.

From August 1 to 11, Naito participated in the 2013 G1 Climax, where he finished first in his block. In the finals, he defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi to win his first G1 Climax, earning the right to challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at the Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2014. However, Naito declared he first wanted a rematch with Masato Tanaka for the NEVER Openweight Championship. On September 29 at Destruction, Naito defeated Masato Tanaka to win the NEVER Openweight Championship and retain his IWGP Heavyweight Championship challenge certificate. He successfully defended both the title and the contract against Yujiro Takahashi and Masato Tanaka.

A significant controversy arose regarding the main event for Wrestle Kingdom 8. After a lukewarm fan reaction to a confrontation between Naito and Okada, NJPW announced a fan vote to determine if their IWGP Heavyweight Championship match or the IWGP Intercontinental Championship match between Shinsuke Nakamura and Hiroshi Tanahashi would headline the show. The results, released on December 9, showed Naito and Okada receiving only half the votes, resulting in their demotion from the main event spot, a perceived humiliation that fueled Naito's future rebellious character. On January 4, 2014, Naito lost his title challenge to Okada at Wrestle Kingdom 8.

Following this setback, Naito's momentum stalled. He lost the NEVER Openweight Championship to Tomohiro Ishii on February 11, 2014, at The New Beginning in Osaka, amidst a strong wave of boos from the audience, a reaction that became increasingly common for Naito in matches in Osaka. He then unsuccessfully challenged Ishii for the NEVER title in April. Despite failing to reach the G1 Climax 2014 finals, Naito scored notable wins over then-IWGP Heavyweight Champion AJ Styles and G1 winner Kazuchika Okada, foreshadowing future success. He continued to feud with Okada and AJ Styles, aiming for a singles match at the next Tokyo Dome show.

2.4. Formation of Los Ingobernables de Japón and Ascent to Stardom (2015-2019)

Naito faced AJ Styles at Wrestle Kingdom 9 on January 4, 2015, but lost. His struggle continued into the new year, marked by continued booing from fans, particularly in Osaka, and a semi-final loss in the March New Japan Cup. Recognizing the need for a profound change, Naito embarked on another excursion to CMLL in Mexico in May 2015. There, he integrated into the influential Los Ingobernables stable, founded by his associates La Sombra and Rush. This period had a transformative effect on Naito's persona. He initially disliked Mexico, finding it uncomfortable, but a reunion with his friend Bushi (who was also on excursion) led him to explore and appreciate the country, gradually changing his perception. His victories in Luchas de Apuestas also solidified his status in Mexico.

Upon his return to NJPW in June 2015, Naito unveiled a radically new look and persona. He began entering arenas wearing a Los Ingobernables cap and T-shirt, and adopted a deliberately nonchalant, rebellious style, often refusing to cooperate with his teammates and acting arrogantly. His aggression towards referees, particularly Red Shoes Unno, became a signature element. This new "ungovernable" attitude immediately captivated the audience.

During the 2015 G1 Climax, Naito made a significant impact with his slow, deliberate entrances, often in a black suit and silver mask, and his changed in-ring approach, which disoriented opponents. He developed a heated rivalry with Katsuyori Shibata. On October 12 at King of Pro-Wrestling, during his match against Hiroshi Tanahashi for the Tokyo Dome IWGP Heavyweight Championship challenge contract, Takaaki Watanabe (now known as Evil) appeared as Naito's new "partner," confirming his intentions to bring the "ungovernable" spirit to NJPW. Shortly after, Naito, Evil, and Bushi officially formed Los Ingobernables de Japón (L.I.J.). They reached the finals of the 2015 World Tag League but were defeated by Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma.

In 2016, with the departure of key NJPW stars like Nakamura and AJ Styles to WWE, Naito and L.I.J. stepped into the spotlight, riding a wave of surging popularity. Naito won the 2016 New Japan Cup in March, defeating Hirooki Goto in the finals. He openly mocked Goto and NJPW management, stating he would challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship "on his own terms," rejecting the traditional formal challenge. This anti-establishment stance resonated strongly with the fans. On April 10 at Invasion Attack 2016, Naito defeated Kazuchika Okada with the assistance of newly debuted L.I.J. member Sanada, winning the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the first time. In a controversial display, Naito immediately discarded the belt, tossing it into the air, asserting that his presence transcended the title's value. This symbolic act and his "ungovernable" philosophy further cemented his status as a defiant anti-hero.

Naito successfully defended the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Tomohiro Ishii in May, but lost it back to Kazuchika Okada at Dominion 6.19 in Osaka-jo Hall in June. Despite the loss, Naito had successfully drawn NJPW owner Hiroyasu Kinani to the event through his provocations, signifying his emergence as a top draw. In the 2016 G1 Climax, Naito consistently headlined events and, though he didn't win, he defeated IWGP Intercontinental Champion Michael Elgin. He accepted Elgin's subsequent challenge, famously stating the belt "came to him," and defeated Elgin at Destruction in Kobe in September to win the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. This victory made Naito the first wrestler to hold all three major NJPW singles titles: IWGP Heavyweight, IWGP Intercontinental, and NEVER Openweight. For his immense impact and captivating persona, Tokyo Sports awarded Naito the MVP Award for 2016, a significant recognition as it was the first time since 2010 that the award wasn't won by Tanahashi or Okada.

On January 4, 2017, at Wrestle Kingdom 11, Naito successfully defended the IWGP Intercontinental Championship against Hiroshi Tanahashi, a match seen as a generational shift. He continued to defend the title against Michael Elgin and Juice Robinson. However, Naito's disdain for the Intercontinental Championship became a recurring theme. After NJPW announced the creation of the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship and Tanahashi's injury, Naito publicly criticized the company's decision-making and violently smashed the Intercontinental Championship belt against a ring post multiple times, damaging it. This behavior garnered strong reactions from fans, with some showing displeasure, but many more cheering his defiant actions. He lost the Intercontinental Championship to Tanahashi at Dominion 6.11 in Osaka-jo Hall in June, afterward making statements that suggested he was stepping away from the Intercontinental title scene.

In July, Naito participated in the tournament to crown the inaugural IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion, but was eliminated in the first round by Tomohiro Ishii. The following month, Naito won his second G1 Climax by defeating Kenny Omega in the finals. His victory was praised by wrestling legends like Genichiro Tenryu, who noted Naito's growth in reading crowd reactions. Naito successfully defended his IWGP Heavyweight Championship challenge certificate against Ishii at King of Pro-Wrestling, securing his first-ever main event spot at Wrestle Kingdom 12. Tokyo Sports recognized his exceptional year by naming him MVP for the second consecutive year. On January 4, 2018, Naito headlined Wrestle Kingdom 12, achieving a childhood dream of competing in the Tokyo Dome main event for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. However, he was defeated by Kazuchika Okada. After the match, Naito revealed a new ambition: to achieve a "6 Dome Tour" (main eventing six major domes), indicating his continued drive for the top.

The following night, Naito was unexpectedly attacked by Chris Jericho, sparking a heated rivalry. This culminated in a match on April 29, 2018, at Wrestling Hinokuni, where Naito defeated Minoru Suzuki to win the IWGP Intercontinental Championship for the second time. However, Jericho continued his attacks, leading to a championship match at Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall on June 9, where Jericho defeated Naito for the title. Naito would later regain the IWGP Intercontinental Championship from Jericho at Wrestle Kingdom 13 on January 4, 2019, securing his third reign.

In the 2018 G1 Climax, Naito finished with a strong record but missed the finals due to tie-breaker rules, allowing Kota Ibushi to advance. Naito introduced Shingo Takagi as the newest member of Los Ingobernables de Japón in October 2018. He successfully defended his IWGP Intercontinental Championship against Taichi at The New Beginning in Sapporo in February 2019. Naito's reign ended when he lost the title to Kota Ibushi at G1 Supercard in April. However, he quickly regained the title from Ibushi at Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall in June, marking his fourth IWGP Intercontinental Championship reign. In the 2019 G1 Climax, Naito started with two losses but rallied, ultimately losing to Jay White in the final B Block match, missing out on the finals. White then defeated Naito for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship at Destruction in Kobe in September.

2.5. Dual Championship Reign and EVIL's Betrayal (2019-2022)

Following his loss of the IWGP Intercontinental Championship to Jay White, Tetsuya Naito initiated a new goal: to become the first wrestler to hold both the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and the IWGP Intercontinental Championship simultaneously. This led to the "Double Gold Dash" storyline, culminating in a fan vote that determined matches for both championships would headline Wrestle Kingdom 14. On Night 1 (January 4, 2020), Naito defeated Jay White to regain the IWGP Intercontinental Championship for a record fifth time. The following night (January 5), he defeated Kazuchika Okada, who had successfully defended the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Kota Ibushi on Night 1, to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. This historic achievement made Naito the first "Dual Champion" in NJPW history, fulfilling a long-held ambition and captivating the audience. However, as he attempted his signature roll-call to close the show, he was attacked by KENTA, foreshadowing his next major feud.

Naito successfully defended both titles against KENTA at The New Beginning in Osaka in February, despite interference from Jay White. Naito then challenged his stablemate Hiromu Takahashi to a match, which was unfortunately canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak. When NJPW resumed operations in July, a dramatic turn occurred. After winning the 2020 New Japan Cup, Evil attacked Naito, aligning himself with Bullet Club and defecting from Los Ingobernables de Japón. This shocking betrayal led to Evil defeating Naito for both championships at Dominion in Osaka-jo Hall on July 12, ending Naito's historic dual reign.

However, Naito swiftly reclaimed both titles at Summer Struggle in Jingu on August 29, becoming a three-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and a record six-time IWGP Intercontinental Champion. This made him the only wrestler to regain both titles after losing them. He continued to defend both titles, including a successful defense against Evil at Power Struggle in November. Naito's second dual championship reign ended on January 4, 2021, at Wrestle Kingdom 15, when he lost both championships to Kota Ibushi. He received a rematch for the Intercontinental Championship at Castle Attack in February but was defeated.

In July 2021, Naito teamed with fellow L.I.J. member Sanada to defeat Dangerous Tekkers (Taichi and Zack Sabre Jr.) for the IWGP Tag Team Championship, marking Naito's first tag title reign since 2010. Their reign was short-lived, as they lost the titles back to Dangerous Tekkers just 14 days later at Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome. In September, Naito suffered a knee injury during his G1 Climax 31 opening match against Zack Sabre Jr., forcing him to withdraw from the tournament. He returned two months later, again teaming with Sanada in the 2021 World Tag League, but they failed to advance to the finals.

In 2022, Naito challenged Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at NJPW New Years Golden Series but was unsuccessful. He participated in the 2022 New Japan Cup, defeating formidable opponents like Jeff Cobb and Hiroshi Tanahashi to reach the semi-finals, where he defeated Okada before ultimately losing to Zack Sabre Jr. in the finals. Naito received another IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match against Okada at Wrestling Dontaku 2022, but was again defeated. He competed in the G1 Climax 32 in July, reaching the semi-finals before losing to Will Ospreay. He and Sanada also participated in the 2022 World Tag League but did not advance to the finals.

2.6. IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Era (2023-2024)

On January 4, 2023, at Wrestle Kingdom 17, Naito teamed with Bushi and Sanada in Keiji Muto's final NJPW match, where they lost to Muto, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Shota Umino. On January 21, at Wrestle Kingdom 17 in Yokohama Arena, Naito main evented the NJPW vs. Noah series, defeating Kenoh in a singles match, securing a 3-2 victory for L.I.J. against Kongo and a 5-4 victory for NJPW in the overall series. After the match, Keiji Muto, from the commentary booth, challenged Naito to be his final opponent in his retirement match at Keiji Muto Grand Final Pro-Wrestling "Last" Love, which Naito accepted, calling it an honor to be the "kaishaku" (second) for Muto's final act. On February 21, Naito defeated Muto in the main event of his retirement show at the Tokyo Dome, expressing profound gratitude and fulfillment, remarking, "There's no other wrestler as happy as I am."

In March, Naito entered the 2023 New Japan Cup, defeating El Phantasmo and Chase Owens before losing to his stablemate Sanada in the quarterfinals. Following this match, Sanada betrayed Los Ingobernables de Japón, leaving the stable to join Just 5 Guys. This development created a new rivalry for Naito.

In July, Naito competed in the G1 Climax 33. Despite his right knee still being significantly swollen and painful from previous excursions and not bending past 162 °F ^{(90 °C)} degrees, Naito managed to win his block. In the quarterfinals, he defeated Hikuleo, and in the semi-finals, he defeated Will Ospreay in a critically acclaimed match. On August 13, Naito won the tournament for the third time, defeating Kazuchika Okada in the finals, earning him an IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match at Wrestle Kingdom 18. This victory, achieved despite his physical struggles and the backdrop of his contemplation of retirement, reinforced his position as a dominant force in NJPW.

Following his G1 victory, Naito was automatically granted a main event slot at Wrestle Kingdom 18, breaking the tradition of having to defend a "contract" for the title shot, a change NJPW had implemented the previous year. This led Naito to sarcastically question the lack of "stakes" and even threaten to "lie down in five seconds" in his matches. In response to this fabricated controversy, NJPW eventually arranged for Naito to defend a handmade "contract" and "briefcase." He successfully defended this against Jeff Cobb at Destruction in Kobe in September. In October, after Sanada successfully defended his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Evil at Destruction in Ryōgoku, Naito confronted him, confirming their match at Wrestle Kingdom 18.

On January 4, 2024, at Wrestle Kingdom 18, Tetsuya Naito defeated Sanada in the main event to win his first IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, ending Sanada's 271-day reign. After the match, despite an attempted interference by House of Torture that was thwarted by Sanada, Naito was finally able to perform his signature roll-call with the Tokyo Dome crowd, fulfilling a childhood dream that had been cut short by KENTA four years prior. Sanada immediately requested a rematch. Naito successfully defended the title against Sanada at The New Beginning in Sapporo in February and against Yota Tsuji at Sakura Genesis in April. After the latter match, he was confronted by Jon Moxley, setting up a title defense at Windy City Riot. On April 12, Naito lost the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship to Jon Moxley at Windy City Riot, ending his reign at 99 days. At Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall, Naito challenged Moxley to a rematch at Forbidden Door, which Moxley accepted. On June 30, Naito defeated Moxley at Forbidden Door to regain the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship for his second reign. He then participated in the 2024 G1 Climax, narrowly missing advancement to the playoffs after a loss to Great-O-Khan on the final day. On October 14 at King of Pro-Wrestling, Naito lost the title to G1 Climax winner Zack Sabre Jr., ending his second reign at 106 days.

2.7. All Elite Wrestling Appearances (2023-2024)

Tetsuya Naito made his debut for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) on the June 24, 2023, episode of AEW Collision, where he was revealed as the mystery partner for Darby Allin and Sting at Forbidden Door. At the event on June 25, Naito's team defeated Le Suzuki Gods (Chris Jericho, Sammy Guevara, and Minoru Suzuki), with Naito pinning Suzuki. Following the match, Jericho attempted to assault Naito, referencing their past rivalry, but Sting intervened to save him.

Naito returned to AEW on the June 26, 2024, episode of AEW Dynamite, engaging in a brawl with Jon Moxley to promote their upcoming match at Forbidden Door.

2.8. Tag Team with Hiromu Takahashi (2024-present)

For the 2024 World Tag League, Tetsuya Naito formed a tag team with fellow Los Ingobernables de Japón member Hiromu Takahashi. They dominated their block, finishing with 10 points, and went on to defeat Bullet Club War Dogs' Gabe Kidd and Sanada in the grand finals. Despite winning the tournament, as the IWGP Tag Team Championship was vacant at the time, Naito and Takahashi decided to face each other in a singles match at Wrestle Kingdom 19 instead. At Wrestle Kingdom 19, Naito defeated Takahashi. The following night at Wrestle Dynasty, Naito and Takahashi unsuccessfully challenged for the vacant IWGP Tag Team Championships in a three-way tag team match, which was won by The Young Bucks. However, on February 11 at The New Beginning in Osaka, Naito and Takahashi defeated The Young Bucks to win the IWGP Tag Team Championships, marking Naito's third reign with the title.

4.1. Hobbies and Fandom

Naito has been a fervent fan of New Japan Pro-Wrestling since childhood, having been a member of its official fan club, "Tohkon Senshi." Uniquely, he continues his fan club membership as a professional wrestler, stating his desire to remain a fan first and foremost. He was deeply influenced by Keiji Muto early in his life, meticulously studying Muto's matches from videos to perfect his imitations during childhood play-wrestling. He even considered pursuing Judo in high school, following Muto's path. While he initially admired Muto, Naito famously called him "a man of the past" in 2012, asserting his own generation's dominance. However, after being Muto's final opponent in 2023, Naito expressed profound respect and gratitude, stating that he was happy to have become a wrestler inspired by Muto.

Naito's admiration also extended to Hiroshi Tanahashi. He was deeply impressed by Tanahashi's debut match in 1999 and became a dedicated fan. Naito recounted how Tanahashi's presence in NJPW prevented his wrestling passion from fading after Muto's departure to All Japan Pro Wrestling. Naito felt it was his destiny to dethrone Tanahashi from the top. After defeating Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom 11 in 2017, Naito symbolically punched Tanahashi's chest and bowed, later sending a message: "Hurry up and come back to me," echoing Tanahashi's own challenge to him years prior.

Beyond wrestling, Naito is an avid fan of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp baseball team. He often wears red, the team's primary color, in his wrestling attire, and Carp fans are known to chant his wrestling theme song at games. He switched his allegiance to the Carp in 1996, after his childhood hero Tatsunori Hara of the Yomiuri Giants retired. Naito remains an active fan club member, regularly attends games even during his wrestling tours, and dreams of moving to Hiroshima after retirement to buy season tickets at Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima. He has collaborated with the Carp on merchandise and participated in their 2017, 2018, and 2019 versions of the team's official song video, "Sore Ike Carp." In 2017, Naito threw the ceremonial first pitch at a Carp game, and the Carp's current cheer song incorporates a section of Naito's entrance theme.

4.2. Connection to Mexico

Mexico holds a profound significance in Tetsuya Naito's professional and personal journey. Initially, Naito had a negative perception of foreign countries and was reluctant to embark on his first Mexican excursion in May 2009. He rarely ventured outside his living quarters for the first few months. However, a reunion with his friend Bushi (who was also on excursion) prompted Naito to start exploring Mexico City. This gradually changed his perspective, allowing him to enjoy his time there. His successful run in CMLL, particularly his victory in a Luchas de Apuestas hair vs. hair match at Arena México, dramatically raised his profile. He became widely recognized on the streets, leading to a period of personal and professional fulfillment.

His adoption of Spanish phrases in his promos, which became a hallmark of his "ungovernable" persona, began spontaneously upon his return to Japan in 2015. He has stated that the consistent appearance of Spanish words was due to how immersed he became in the language during his time in Mexico, remarking that he was "so fulfilled that Spanish words would accidentally come out even in Japan."

4.3. Other Anecdotes and Media Appearances

Tetsuya Naito is known for several personal quirks, including his "venue mania" hobby, where he enjoys exploring sports arenas, particularly their exteriors and various internal spaces. He often shares photos of venues on his social media. He is also famously forgetful, having once forgotten his IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship belt just five days after winning it in 2008, and even his wrestling costume two weeks later, forcing him to borrow black short tights from a Young Lion for a match.

Naito is part of the "Showa 57-kai" group, a collective of professional wrestlers born in 1982, including Kota Ibushi and Shingo Takagi. He is known for his picky eating habits, preferring to eat familiar foods. On international tours, he frequently seeks out Subway restaurants, sometimes eating there for all three meals, citing his aversion to trying new dishes. Naito is also a big fan of the Toy Story movie series. His personal life includes regular "family restaurant summons," where he invites Tokyo Sports reporters, expresses his grievances, and then departs, leaving the reporters to pay the bill. This recurring anecdote has become a known quirk of his personality.

Naito has made various media appearances, including:

• Video Games:** He appeared as a member of the gang "Justis" in the 2016 video game Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, alongside other NJPW wrestlers.
• Anime:** He appears in the anime Tiger Mask W.
• Manga:** He is featured in the Japanese manga "HIGHER AND HIGHER! Shinnichi Gakuen," which is based on his pro-wrestling career.
• Television:** He was featured in the documentary series Professional: Shigoto no Ryūgi (Work Style) on NHK in 2018. He also made guest appearances in the drama series 99.9 Criminal Lawyer (2018) and Fire Leon (2013).

5.1. Title Reigns

• New Japan Pro-Wrestling
  • IWGP World Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
  • IWGP Heavyweight Championship (3 times)
  • IWGP Intercontinental Championship (6 times) - (record)
  • NEVER Openweight Championship (1 time)
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Yujiro Takahashi
  • IWGP Tag Team Championship (3 times, current) - with Yujiro Takahashi (1), Sanada (1) and Hiromu Takahashi (1, current)

5.2. Tournament Victories

• New Japan Pro-Wrestling
  • G1 Climax (2013, 2017, 2023)
  • New Japan Cup (2016)
  • World Tag League (2024) - with Hiromu Takahashi

5.3. Other Awards and Recognition

• New Japan Pro-Wrestling
  • New Japan Pro-Wrestling Best Bout (2016) vs. Kenny Omega on August 13
  • New Japan Pro-Wrestling MVP (2016)
• Nikkan Sports
  • MVP Award (2016)
  • Match of the Year Award (2016) vs. Kenny Omega on August 13
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • Ranked No. 5 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2020 and 2024
• Sports Illustrated
  • Ranked No. 4 of the top 10 wrestlers in 2020
• Tokyo Sports
  • Best Bout Award (2020) vs. Kazuchika Okada on January 5 at Wrestle Kingdom 14
  • MVP Award (2016, 2017, 2020, 2023)
  • Technique Award (2018)
• Television Asahi
  • TV Asahi Big Sports Award World Pro-Wrestling Award (52nd edition)
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  • Most Charismatic (2017, 2018)
  • Best Gimmick (2017) - Los Ingobernables de Japón
  • Japan MVP (2020)
  • Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (2022)

5.4. Luchas de Apuestas Record

Luchas de Apuestas are "betting matches" in professional wrestling, common in Lucha Libre tradition, where the loser typically loses their hair or mask.

6.1. Positive Impact and Contributions

Naito is widely credited with playing a pivotal role in boosting NJPW's popularity, especially during the mid-2010s when the company was establishing its global presence. His innovative "Tranquilo" persona, born from his Mexican excursions, captivated audiences by offering an alternative to the traditional earnest hero. This anti-establishment character, initially met with mixed reactions, eventually gained overwhelming fan support, particularly in Japan. He effectively demonstrated that a wrestler didn't need to be a conventional "good guy" to be the most popular figure in the company, challenging long-standing fan expectations.

Naito's rise coincided with NJPW's increased international exposure, and his distinct character resonated with fans worldwide, contributing to the expansion of professional wrestling's global fanbase. His ability to connect with audiences, despite (or perhaps because of) his defiant attitude, proved instrumental in drawing new viewers to NJPW. His historic achievement of being the first "Dual Champion" elevated the prestige of both the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships and set a new standard for top-tier accomplishments in the company. His repeated MVP awards and critical acclaim underscore his significant contributions to the sport's artistic and commercial success.

6.2. Criticisms and Controversies

Despite his immense popularity, Tetsuya Naito's career has not been without criticisms and controversies, often stemming from his "ungovernable" persona and actions. One of the most notable instances of fan displeasure, particularly from the traditional NJPW fanbase, was the 2014 fan vote for the Wrestle Kingdom 8 main event. Despite being the G1 Climax winner, Naito's IWGP Heavyweight Championship match was relegated to the semi-main event slot in favor of the IWGP Intercontinental Championship match, a decision Naito himself viewed as a significant setback and a sign of the company's lack of faith in him at the time. This perceived slight contributed to his later rebellious character, but it also highlighted a period where a segment of the audience had grown tired of his earnest "Stardust Genius" act.

His treatment of championship belts has been a consistent source of controversy. Naito's repeated act of casually tossing, stepping on, or even deliberately damaging the IWGP Intercontinental Championship belt (famously smashing it against a ring post) was seen by some as disrespectful to the title's history and the company. While his supporters viewed this as a bold statement against the establishment and a reflection of his "ungovernable" persona, critics argued it undermined the perceived prestige of the championships he held. These actions, along with his general defiance of backstage etiquette and authority, often generated heated debate among fans and industry observers alike, contributing to his polarizing yet undeniably impactful legacy.