Biography(references)Suzuki trained in Wrestling since high school, in part inspired by Antonio Inoki and other professional wrestlers, in part to paliate his own physical condition. He won a stateside Wrestling championship in Kanagawa Prefecture, and also finished second nationwide. As an amateur wrestler, Suzuki first met future professional wrestling rival Yuji Nagata. In 1986, when they both were seniors, Suzuki beat Nagata first in a Tokyo high school tournament and again at the Japanese sectionals.
Combat ApproachHe compensates his average size with a highly mobile, position-switching style of freestyle wrestling, specialized in capturing top position and flowing incessantly around his opponent in the search of an opening. Suzuki uses catch moves like headscissors, neck cranks and nelson hold variations to force openings, which he capitalized on with sharp submissions. He is known for his scowling face, which is usually used to strike kayfabe fear in the eyes of his opponents.
Awards & Accolades
All Japan Pro Wrestling: All Asia Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Nosawa Rongai
All Japan Pro Wrestling: Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
All Japan Pro Wrestling: World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Taiyō Kea
All Japan Pro Wrestling: All Asia Tag Team Championship Tournament (2009)
All Japan Pro Wrestling: Champion Carnival (2009, 2010)
All Japan Pro Wrestling: Kokomi Sakura Cup (2010)
New Japan Pro-Wrestling: IWGP Intercontinental Championship (1 time)
New Japan Pro-Wrestling: IWGP Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Yoshihiro Takayama
New Japan Pro-Wrestling: NEVER Openweight Championship (2 times)
New Japan Pro-Wrestling: Provisional KOPW (1 time)
New Japan Pro-Wrestling: G1 Tag League (2011) – with Lance Archer
Nikkan Sports: Match of the Year Award (2010) vs. Masakatsu Funaki on March 21
Nikkan Sports: Outstanding Performance Award (2011)
Nikkan Sports: Fighting Spirit Award (2006)
Nikkan Sports: Technique Award (2004, 2005)
Pro Wrestling Illustrated: Ranked No. 14 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2007
Pro Wrestling Noah: GHC Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
Pro Wrestling Noah: GHC Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Naomichi Marufuji
Pro Wrestling Noah: Global League (2016)
Revolution Pro Wrestling: British Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
Revolution Pro Wrestling: Undisputed British Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Zack Sabre Jr.
Ring of Honor: ROH World Television Championship (1 time)
Tokyo Sports: Best Tag Team Award (2004) with Yoshihiro Takayama
Tokyo Sports: Best Tag Team Award (2008) with Taiyō Kea
Tokyo Sports: MVP Award (2006)
Tokyo Sports: Outstanding Performance Award (2015)
Tokyo Sports: Technique Award (2004)
Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Match of the Year (2012) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi on October 8
Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Match of the Year (2014) vs. A.J. Styles on August 1
Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 2017)
Pancrase: King of Pancrase Openweight Championship (1 time)
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