Jump to content

Sanada (wrestler)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from SANADA)
Sanada
Sanada as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion in April 2023
Birth nameSeiya Sanada
Born (1988-01-28) January 28, 1988 (age 36)[1][2][3]
Niigata, Japan[1][2][3]
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)The Great Sanada[4]
Kiyonari Sanada
Seiya Sanada
Sanada
Billed height1.82 m (5 ft 11+12 in)[1][2][3]
Billed weight100 kg (220 lb)[3]
Trained byTaiyō Kea
Kaz Hayashi[5]
Keiji Muto[6]
Osamu Nishimura[5]
Satoshi Kojima[5]
Kohei Suwama[5]
DebutMarch 13, 2007[1][2][3]

Seiya Sanada (真田 聖也, Sanada Seiya, born January 28, 1988),[1][2] better known by his mononymous ring name Sanada (stylized in all caps), is a Japanese professional wrestler. He is signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he is a member of Bullet Club and its War Dogs sub-group. He is a former and longest-reigning IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.

As part of NJPW, Sanada is mostly known for his tag team with Evil as a part of Los Ingobernables de Japón, with whom he is a two-time IWGP Tag Team Champion, two-time World Tag League winner, and a three-time NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champion (alongside Bushi). He also had a short reign as IWGP Tag Team Champion with Tetsuya Naito. He won his first NJPW singles title, the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship, in early 2022, and won the 2023 New Japan Cup, which led to him winning the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. He is also known for his work in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), where he was the first Gaora TV Champion, a two-time All Asia Tag Team Champion, a one-time World Tag Team Champion, and the winner of the 2011 World's Strongest Tag Determination League tournament. Sanada is also known for his time in the Japanese Wrestle-1 (W-1) and American Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) promotions. Through the W-1/TNA working relationship, Sanada became a one time TNA X Division Champion, winning the title at the collaborative Kaisen: Outbreak.

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

In 2005, Sanada tried to earn a training spot in the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) dojo, but failed to pass an introductory test. Sanada took the test alongside future NJPW wrestlers Tetsuya Naito and Yoshi-Hashi.[7] Afterwards, Sanada began looking to other promotions for a training school.[8]

All Japan Pro Wrestling (2007–2013)

[edit]

Sanada was eventually trained by Keiji Muto's All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) affiliated Mutohjuku school[6] and turned pro on March 13, 2007, in a losing effort teaming with Ryuji Hijikata against Katsuhiko Nakajima and T28. Within a few months into his career, Sanada won his first honor when he teamed with Kensuke Sasaki and Nakajima to win the Samurai! TV Triple Arrow Tournament on May 29, 2007.[6] Following the tournament victory, Sanada spent the next two years in opening match wrestling other up-and-comers and began teaming with Manabu Soya.[9] By 2009, Sanada began moving up the card as he took part in his first Champion Carnival but finished last with no points.[10] Later in the year, Sanada broke up with Soya and briefly teamed up with Osamu Nishimura with the two entering the 2009 World's Strongest Tag Determination League with Sanada even getting a pinfall victory over the tag team champions: Taiyō Kea and Minoru Suzuki but the team's run ended when Sanada suffered the flu and had to withdraw from the tournament.[9]

Sanada in 2011

In 2010, Sanada once again entered the Champion Carnival but the results were the same as he finished last in his block with no points.[11] By the spring, Sanada helped form the New Generation Force stable with Suwama, Masayuki Kono, Ryota Hama, and Manabu Soya. On August 29, 2010 at Pro Wrestling Love in Ryogoku Vol. 10, Sanada and Soya defeated Taru and Big Daddy Voodoo to win the All Asia Tag Team Championship.[12] Sanada and Soya entered the 2010 World's Strongest Tag Determination League in the fall where they finished in 6th place with 7 points.[13] Sanada and Soya would lose the All Asia Tag Team Championship to Daisuke Sekimoto and Yuji Okabayashi on March 21, 2011. During the year 2011, Sanada reached his full potential by reaching the final against Yuji Nagata, but loss to him in the final. He also entered in 2011 World's Strongest Tag Determination League with Kai and won the tournament by defeating Masayuki Kono and Masakatsu Funaki in the final. They then challenged the All Japan World Tag Team Champions Dark Cuervo and Dark Ozz for a title shot but came up short. They then faced each other in a singles match, which led to Sanada winning that match. After the match they both had an interview and Sanada decided that they should part ways and move on with their Tag Team which Kai also agreed on. In 2012 he then challenged All Japan ace Suwama to a 60-minute match but also fell short in that match. He then challenged his former trainer Satoshi Kojima to match but also fell short after a Lariat by Kojima, during the Match he sustained a right knee injury but still wrestled and took a little time off to heal his knee. He then participated in 2012's Champion Carnival and lost to his former tag partner Manabu Soya. But he then won his first match against Soya's brother Takumi Soya and debuted a new finisher called "This Is It". On May 20, 2012, Sanada and Joe Doering defeated Soya and Takao Omori to win the World Tag Team Championship.[14] Sanada and Doering lost the title back to Soya and Ōmori on June 17.[15] On October 7, 2012, Sanada defeated Yasufumi Nakanoue in a tournament final to become the inaugural Gaora TV Champion.[16] After reaching the semifinals of the 2013 Champion Carnival, All Japan announced on May 1, 2013, that Sanada would be leaving on a learning excursion to Moncton, Canada, where he would train under Emile Duprée.[17][18] During the excursion, Sanada lost the Gaora TV Championship to René Duprée on May 27.[19]

Wrestle-1 (2013–2015)

[edit]

On July 1, while still in Canada, Sanada announced his resignation from All Japan, taking part in a mass exodus caused by Nobuo Shiraishi becoming the promotion's new president.[20] Following his resignation, Sanada traveled to Mexico on his own expense to continue his training.[21] Though Sanada was not announced as part of Keiji Muto's splinter promotion Wrestle-1, he did make a surprise appearance at the promotion's inaugural event on September 8, losing to Kai in a singles match.[22] Sanada and Kai had a rematch in the main event of Wrestle-1's second show on September 15; this time Sanada was victorious.[23] On September 24, Wrestle-1 announced that Sanada had signed a contract with the promotion.[24][25] Sanada wrestled his first match under a Wrestle-1 contract on October 6, losing to Kai in the main event of the promotion's first event in Korakuen Hall. As a result, Kai won the series between him and Sanada 3–2.[26][27] On November 16, Sanada unsuccessfully challenged visiting American wrestler A.J. Styles for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.[28]

Sanada in January 2015

In early 2014, Sanada was offered an opportunity to earn another shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, but he instead opted to go for the TNA X Division Championship. On February 15, Sanada defeated nineteen other men in a battle royal to become the number one contender to the title.[29] On March 2 at Kaisen: Outbreak, Sanada defeated Austin Aries to become the new TNA X Division Champion.[30] The following day, Wrestle-1 announced Sanada would be leaving Japan to work for TNA indefinitely.[31] Sanada continued making sporadic appearances for Wrestle-1, defending his X Division Championship against Seiki Yoshioka on March 22 and against Christopher Daniels on April 17,[32][33] while also losing to The Great Muta in the main event of Wrestle-1's second Ryōgoku Kokugikan event, Shōgeki: Impact, on July 6.[34][35] The following day, Wrestle-1 and Sanada held a press conference to announce that he had signed a contract with TNA, giving him a dual contract between Wrestle-1 and the American promotion.[36][37]

Sanada returned to working for Wrestle-1 full-time in October 2014, when TNA went inactive for the rest of the year.[38] The following month, Sanada teamed up with Hiroshi Yamato for the First Tag League Greatest tournament, set to determine the inaugural Wrestle-1 Tag Team Champions. The team finished their block with a record of one win, two draws and one loss, narrowly missing advancement to the semifinals.[39] On December 22, Sanada unsuccessfully challenged Muto for the Wrestle-1 Championship.[40] On May 13, 2015, Sanada held a press conference in Japan, where he announced that he was leaving Wrestle-1 once his contract expired two days later, so he could continue working in the United States full-time as a freelancer.[41][42]

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2014–2015)

[edit]

Sanada made his TNA debut on March 9 at Lockdown, where he, working under just his family name, teamed with The Great Muta and Yasu to defeat Chris Sabin and Bad Influence (Christopher Daniels and Kazarian) in a six-man tag team steel cage match.[43] Four days later, Sanada made his Impact Wrestling debut, teaming with Tigre Uno to defeat TNA World Tag Team Champions The BroMans (Jessie Godderz and Robbie E), in a non-title match.[44] As a result, the two received a shot at the TNA World Tag Team Championship the following week, but were defeated in a three-way match, which also included The Wolves (Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards).[45] Sanada and Tigre Uno were then put against each other in a "best of three" match series for the TNA X Division Championship.[46] On April 27 at Sacrifice, Sanada defeated Uno to win the series 2–1 and retain the X Division Championship.[47] On June 15 at Slammiversary XII, Sanada defeated Crazzy Steve, Davey Richards, Eddie Edwards, Manik and Tigre Uno in a six-way ladder match to retain the X Division Championship.[48] On the July 10 episode of Impact Wrestling, Sanada lost the X Division Championship back to Austin Aries.[49]

On the July 24 Impact Wrestling, Sanada took part in an angle, where he turned on his mentor The Great Muta, hitting him with a steel chair and a moonsault, after initially saving him from James Storm.[50] The following week at Destination X, Storm introduced Sanada as his new protégé, before he defeated Brian Cage and Crazzy Steve to advance to the final of a tournament for the vacant X Division Championship.[51] On the August 7 Impact Wrestling, Sanada was defeated by Samoa Joe in the final of the tournament, which also included Low Ki.[52] After signing a one-year contract with TNA,[53] Sanada debuted the new ring name "The Great Sanada" and a look inspired by The Great Muta on the August 27 Impact Wrestling, defeating Austin Aries with help from Storm.[4] Sanada and Storm were eventually joined by Abyss and Manik to form a stable named The Revolution.[54] On October 12, Sanada main evented TNA's Bound for Glory event in Tokyo, teaming with Storm in a tag team match, where they were defeated by The Great Muta and Tajiri.[55] On the April 10, 2015 Impact Wrestling, Storm dismissed Sanada from The Revolution, stating that Sanada had let him down one too many times.[56] Sanada's departure from TNA was officially confirmed by the promotion on April 16.[57]

Independent circuit (2014–2016)

[edit]

On September 20, 2014, Sanada, using his villainous Great Sanada persona, made his debut for American independent promotion Chikara, entering the annual Rey de Voladores tournament. After defeating Amasis, A. R. Fox and Orlando Christopher in his opening four-way elimination match,[58] Sanada was defeated in the final of the tournament the following day by Shynron.[59] After leaving TNA in April 2015, Sanada began working more regularly on the American independent circuit.[60] On May 6, Global Force Wrestling (GFW) announced Sanada as part of their roster.[61] He made his debut for the promotion on July 11, teaming with Takaaki Watanabe in a tag team match, where they were defeated by Bullet Club (Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson).[62] Though now living in the United States, in July Sanada flew back to Japan to take part in a WWE tryout held by William Regal.[63] In August 2016, Sanada teamed with Minoru Fujita and Mazada to defeat the team of Harashima, Kotaro Suzuki and Masato Tanaka at a Tokyo Gurentai event.[64]

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2016–present)

[edit]

Teaming with Evil (2016–2019)

[edit]
Sanada in May 2016, shortly after joining Los Ingobernables de Japón

On April 10, 2016, Sanada, sporting a new look including a mohawk, made a surprise debut for NJPW at Invasion Attack 2016 by interfering in the main event and helping Tetsuya Naito defeat Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, joining Naito's Los Ingobernables de Japón (L.I.J.) stable in the process.[65] The following day, NJPW announced Sanada's new ring name; SANADA, his family name stylized in all capital letters.[66] Though he started working for NJPW full-time, Sanada remained a freelancer.[67] Sanada wrestled his first NJPW match on April 17, when he and his L.I.J. stablemates Naito, Bushi and Evil defeated Gedo, Hirooki Goto, Okada and Tomohiro Ishii, with him submitting Gedo for the win.[68] Sanada's first big match in NJPW took place on May 3 at Wrestling Dontaku 2016, where he was defeated by Okada.[69] On July 18, Sanada entered the 2016 G1 Climax, opening his tournament by scoring a major win over Hiroshi Tanahashi.[70] He finished the tournament on August 12 with a record of four wins and five losses.[71] At the end of the year, Sanada took part in the 2016 World Tag League, teaming with stablemate Evil. The two finished second in their block with a record of five wins and two losses, tied with block winners Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma, but failed to advance to the final due to losing the head-to-head match against Makabe and Honma.[72]

On January 4, 2017, at Wrestle Kingdom 11, Sanada, Bushi and Evil won a four-team gauntlet match to become the new NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions.[73] They lost the title to Tanahashi, Manabu Nakanishi and Ryusuke Taguchi the next day,[74] before regaining it on February 11 at The New Beginning in Osaka.[75] They lost the title to Tanahashi, Taguchi and Ricochet in their second defense on April 4,[76] before regaining it on May 3 at Wrestling Dontaku 2017.[77] During the summer, Sanada took part in the 2017 G1 Climax, where he finished with a record of four wins and five losses.[78] In December, Sanada and Evil won their block in the 2017 World Tag League with a record of five wins and two losses, advancing to the final of the tournament.[79] On December 11, they defeated Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa) in the final to win the tournament.[80] Six days later, Sanada, Bushi and Evil lost the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship to Guerrillas of Destiny and Bad Luck Fale in their fourth defense.[81]

On January 4, 2018, at Wrestle Kingdom 12, Evil and Sanada defeated the Killer Elite Squad (Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Lance Archer) to win the IWGP Tag Team Championship for the first time.[82] The following day at New Year Dash!! in a post-show interview, Sanada challenged Kazuchika Okada to an IWGP Heavyweight Championship match at The New Beginning in Osaka. At the event, he lost to Okada.[83] In April at Wrestling Hinokuni 2018, Evil and Sanada defeated Killer Elite Squad for their second successful defense. At Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall, Evil and Sanada lost the IWGP Tag Team Championship to the Young Bucks. The rematch was set on July 7, at G1 Special in San Francisco, but they were unsuccessful in regaining the title. During the summer, Sanada took part in the 2018 G1 Climax, where he finished with a record of four wins and five losses, failing to advance from his block.[84] He also got a huge win against Kota Ibushi in the tournament. In December, Evil and Sanada took part in 2018 World Tag League. Team first qualified to the final and then defeated Guerrillas of Destiny to win the tournament.[85] On January 4, 2019, at Wrestle Kingdom 13, Evil and Sanada defeated both Guerrillas of Destiny and Young Bucks to win the IWGP Tag Team Championship for the second time.[86] The following day at New Year Dash!!, Suzuki-gun attacked Los Ingobernables de Japón. Minoru Suzuki and Zack Sabre Jr. challenged Evil and Sanada for the IWGP Tag Team Championship. At The New Beginning in Sapporo, they retained their titles.[87] At Honor Rising: Japan 2019, Evil and Sanada lost the titles in their second defense against Guerillas of Destiny.

Championship pursuits (2019–2023)

[edit]
Sanada in October 2019

Sanada was announced to take part in 2019 New Japan Cup and faced Hirooki Goto in the first round. After defeating Goto, Sanada went on to defeat Minoru Suzuki, Colt Cabana and then Hiroshi Tanahashi to make it to the final. Sanada lost in the final against Kazuchika Okada. On March 28, Dave Meltzer rated this match 5 stars, which was the first match that Sanada got this rating.[88] On May 4, the second night of Wrestling Dontaku 2019, Sanada unsuccessfully challenged Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Sanada entered the G1 Climax, where he finished with a record of 4 wins and 5 losses, ending the tournament with 8 points. One of Sanada's wins in the tournament came against Okada, who was still IWGP Heavyweight Champion at the time. It was after NJPW Royal Quest, where Okada successfully defended the championship against Suzuki, when Sanada once again challenged Okada for the Championship. However, at King of Pro-Wrestling, Sanada lost to Okada. On the second night of Wrestle Kingdom 14, Sanada challenged Zack Sabre Jr. for the British Heavyweight Championship, but was unsuccessful. The following night at New Years Dash!!! Sanada teamed with stablemate, and new IWGP Intercontinental Champion and IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Tetsuya Naito to defeat Bullet Club's Jay White and Kenta. White would then go on to challenge Sanada to a special singles match at The New Beginning in Osaka, where White would defeat Sanada. Sanada was then announced to be participating in the New Japan Cup, facing Mikey Nicholls in the first round. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all New Japan Cup and further events were cancelled. Following NJPW's return to producing shows, Sanada entered the rescheduled 2020 New Japan Cup. He defeated Ryusuke Taguchi, Sho, and Taichi before losing to Evil in the semi-finals. Following Evil's betrayal and departure from L.I.J. after winning the 2020 New Japan Cup, it was announced that the NEVER 6-Man titles would be vacated and that new champions would be crowned in a tournament. Sanada would occupy Evil's previous spot and team with Bushi and Shingo Takagi in the tournament, defeating Suzuki-gun in the first round but then losing to Chaos in the semi-finals.

Sanada would then enter the inaugural KOPW 2020 tournament, defeating Sho once again in a submission match, but failed to capture the trophy in a fatal four way against El Desperado, Toru Yano and Okada at Jingu Stadium. Sanada then participated in the G1 Climax 30 where he would lose his first three matches, but then go on to win six in a row (including matches against stablemate and IWGP double champion Naito, and former partner Evil) to win his first ever G1 Climax block, before losing to Kota Ibushi in the longest G1 Climax final match in history. At Wrestle Kingdom 15, Sanada defeated Evil. On February 11 at The New Beginning in Hiroshima, he unsuccessfully challenged Ibushi for the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships. He then went on to compete in the 2021 New Japan Cup where defeated Tomohiro Ishii In the first round and defeated Yuji Nagata in the second round before being eliminated by Will Ospreay in the quarter final.[89][90][91][92] On July 11 at Summer Struggle in Sapporo night 2, Sanada and Naito defeated Dangerous Tekkers (Taichi and Zack Sabre Jr.) to win the IWGP Tag Team Championship for the first time as a team. They would lose the championship at Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome, ending their reign at just 14 days.

Sanada in February 2023

At New Years Golden Series on February 19, Sanada would beat Tanahashi for the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship, marking his first singles championship victory in New Japan Pro-Wrestling since his debut in April 2016.[93] Sanada would compete in that years New Japan Cup, where he received a bye to the second round. He defeated Aaron Henare in the second round, but lost to Ospreay in the third round. The match ended in a referee stoppage. Later, it was revealed Sanada had suffered a fractured orbital bone. Sanada vacated the championship at Hyper Battle, ending his reign at 49 days.[94] Sanada returned from injury on June 12 at Dominion 6.12 in Osaka-jo Hall, where he faced Ospreay for the vacant US title, as former champion Juice Robinson was forced to vacate due to suffering from appendicitis. At the event, Ospreay once again defeated Sanada.[95] Also at the event, Sanada was announced to be a part of the G1 Climax 32 tournament in July, where he would compete in the B Block.[96] He finished with 6 points, failing to advance to the semi-finals.[97] In October, Sanada competed in a tournament to crown the first NJPW World Television Champion, defeating Taichi in the opening round.[98] Sanada then defeated Kenta in the following round.[99] In the semi-final round, Sanada lost to Ren Narita, ending his tournament campaign.[100] The following month, Sanada teamed with Naito in the World Tag League, however, the group failed to reach the finals, after ending the tournament with 12 points.[101] At Wrestle Kingdom 17, Sanada teamed with Naito and Bushi, losing to Tanahashi, Shota Umino and Keiji Muto, in a six-man tag team match, which was Muto's NJPW retirement match.[102] On Night 2 on January 21, Sanada lost to former tag team partner Manabu Soya, in a series of matches between Los Ingobernables de Japón and the Kongo stable.[103]

IWGP World Heavyweight Champion (2023–2024)

[edit]

In March, Sanada entered the New Japan Cup, defeating Taichi and Kenta in the first two rounds.[104][105] In the quarterfinal round, Sanada defeated Los Ingobernables de Japón stablemate and leader, Tetsuya Naito. After the match, Sanada was joined in the ring by Taichi, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Taka Michinoku and Douki, where they all shook hands. This led to L.I.J. members, Hiromu Takahashi, Bushi and Shingo Takagi coming to ringside. Sanada then stated that he could not achieve further success in L.I.J., Michinoku and Taichi, then confirmed Sanada was the newest member of the Just 4 Guys stable, thus making it Just 5 Guys. Sanada then told the LIJ members to leave, confirming his departure from the stable.[106][107] In the semi-final round, Sanada, now sporting jet-black, shorter hair and a clean shave, defeated Mark Davis.[108] In the tournament final, Sanada defeated David Finlay, winning the New Japan Cup, his first singles tournament, and setting himself up to face Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Sakura Genesis.[109][110] On April 8 at the event, Sanada defeated Okada for the title, winning his first World Championship in his career.[111]

Following his title win, Sanada was confronted by his former L.I.J. stablemate Hiromu Takahashi, who challenged him for the World Championship. Sanada accepted on the basis that Kanemaru would be able to challenge for Takahashi's IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, which Takahashi similarly accepted. Following Takahashi retaining the title against Kanemaru, he faced Sanada at Wrestling Dontaku, where Sanada retained the World title.[112] Following the match, Sanada and the remainder of Just 5 Guys were attacked by the returning Yota Tsuji, who challenged Sanada for his title.[113] The title match was made official for Dominion. On June 3 at the press conference the day before the event, Tsuji officially joined L.I.J.[114] The day after at the event, Sanada retained his title against Tsuji.[115] On June 25, Sanada made his third title defence on June 25 at Forbidden Door, defeating "Jungle Boy" Jack Perry.[116][117] The following month, Sanada entered the annual G1 Climax tournament, participating in the A Block.[118] Sanada finished the tournament with a perfect record, defeating all A Block participants to finish with 14 points, being the only man in the tournament to do so and thus finishing top of the block and advancing to the quarterfinal round.[119] In the quarterfinal round, Sanada was defeated by former tag-team partner Evil, thus eliminating him from the tournament.[120]

The loss to Evil caused Sanada to defend the World Championship against the latter, with the title match being scheduled as a Lumberjack match for Destruction in Ryōgoku on October 9.[121] On September 24 at Destruction in Kobe, Kanemaru betrayed Just 5 Guys, joining Evil's House of Torture stable, reverting Just 5 Guys back to Just 4 Guys.[122] On October 9, Just 4 Guys reverted to Just 5 Guys, when Yuya Uemura returned from excursion and joined the stable.[123] In the show's main event, Sanada defeated Evil to retain the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, in his fourth successful defence. Following the victory, Naito, the G1 Climax winner and former stablemate, confronted Sanada about their upcoming title match at Wrestle Kingdom 18.[124] On January 4, 2024 at Wrestle Kingdom 18, Sanada was defeated in the main event by Naito, ending his record reign at 271 days.[125] On February 24 at The New Beginning in Sapporo: Night 2, Sanada unsuccessfully attempted to regain the championship from Naito.

Bullet Club (2024–present)

[edit]

On November 4 at Power Struggle, Sanada betrayed Taichi and assisted Bullet Club leader David Finlay retain his IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship, joining Bullet Club and its War Dogs sub-group in the process.[126]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]
Sanada is a one-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion...
As well as a three-time IWGP Tag Team Champion...
...and a three-time NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champion, as he was here with Bushi and Evil in February 2017

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h 真田 聖也. All Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2013-04-02. Retrieved 2013-04-23.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h 真田 聖也. Wrestle-1 (in Japanese). Retrieved 2013-09-24.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Sanada". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  4. ^ a b Carapola, Stuart (2014-08-27). "Complete Impact Wrestling report: The Great Sanada is revealed, Sgt Chris Melendez is welcomed to the TNA roster, the tag team title series begins, and more". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2014-08-28.
  5. ^ a b c d Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Sanada".
  6. ^ a b c d 青春ハリケーン 真田 聖也. All Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2008-10-24. Retrieved 2014-07-28.
  7. ^ 6.19大阪城ホールでタッグ激突!「Sanadaに何度負けても、ボクには諦める気持ちがまったくないんです」Yoshi-Hashiに直撃インタビュー!【DM16】. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). 2016-06-14. Retrieved 2016-06-14.
  8. ^ "Best of the Super Jr.XXIII". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2016-05-22.
  9. ^ a b "Seiya Sanada".
  10. ^ "Champion Carnival 2009". Purolove.
  11. ^ "Champion Carnival 2010". Purolove.
  12. ^ "All Japan Pro-Wrestling - "Summer Impact 2010"". Purolove.
  13. ^ "Real World Tag League 2010". Purolove.
  14. ^ "40th Anniversary year Rise Up Tour 2012". All Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2012-05-01. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  15. ^ "40th Anniversary year Cross Over 2012". All Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2012-06-04. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  16. ^ "40th Anniversary Tour 2012" (in Japanese). All Japan Pro Wrestling. Archived from the original on December 24, 2013. Retrieved October 21, 2012.
  17. ^ 真田がカナダ武者修行へ. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). 2013-05-02. Retrieved 2013-05-02.
  18. ^ 真田「絶対に成長して帰って来ます」~海外遠征に向け真田聖也、会見. All Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). 2013-05-01. Archived from the original on 2013-05-03. Retrieved 2013-05-02.
  19. ^ Caldwell, James (2013-05-31). "WWE News: McMahon's Friday tweet - anti-smoking, Stephanie introduces NXT Women's Title (w/Pic), Cena check-in, Ross new blog, Dupree wins title". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2013-05-31.
  20. ^ 全日本プロレス・真田がツイッターで退団を示唆. Sports Navi (in Japanese). Yahoo!. 2013-07-02. Archived from the original on 2013-07-22. Retrieved 2013-07-02.
  21. ^ W―1入団の真田 トホホな肉体改造法. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). 2013-10-03. Retrieved 2013-10-03.
  22. ^ "武藤新団体「Wrestle-1」旗揚げ戦". Sports Navi (in Japanese). Yahoo!. 2013-09-08. Archived from the original on 2013-09-11. Retrieved 2013-09-08.
  23. ^ "W-1旗揚げツアー". Wrestle-1 (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2013-09-23. Retrieved 2013-09-15.
  24. ^ "真田聖也選手のWrestle-1入団並びに10月6日(日)後楽園ホール大会出場選手発表記者会見". Wrestle-1 (in Japanese). 2013-09-24. Retrieved 2013-09-24.
  25. ^ "真田聖也が10月1日付でWrestle-1に正式入団!10・6後楽園ホール大会の出場選手が決定!". Battle News (in Japanese). 2013-09-24. Retrieved 2013-09-24.
  26. ^ "Wrestle-1 ~ First Trip". Wrestle-1 (in Japanese). 2013-10-06. Archived from the original on 2013-10-13. Retrieved 2013-10-06.
  27. ^ "W-1初後楽園のメーンはKaiが真田に勝利!武藤はTNA創始者ジャレットと豪華コラボ". Sports Navi (in Japanese). Yahoo!. 2013-10-06. Retrieved 2013-10-06.
  28. ^ "Wrestle-1 Tour 2013". Wrestle-1 (in Japanese). 2013-11-16. Archived from the original on 2013-10-19. Retrieved 2013-11-16.
  29. ^ "【Wrestle-1】TNA三大タイトル挑戦者決定戦". Battle News (in Japanese). 2014-02-15. Retrieved 2014-02-15.
  30. ^ a b "Fighting Entertainment Wrestle-1 「開戦~Outbreak~」". Wrestle-1 (in Japanese). 2014-03-02. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
  31. ^ TNA王者・真田が無期限米遠征へ. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). 2014-03-04. Retrieved 2014-03-04.
  32. ^ "Wrestle-1 2014 Tour After Outbreak". Wrestle-1 (in Japanese). 2014-03-22. Archived from the original on 2014-03-27. Retrieved 2014-03-22.
  33. ^ Caldwell, James (2014-04-17). "TNA news: X Division Title match result in Japan". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2014-04-19.
  34. ^ "Fighting Entertainment Wrestle-1 「衝撃~Impact~」". Wrestle-1 (in Japanese). 2014-07-06. Archived from the original on 2014-07-02. Retrieved 2014-07-06.
  35. ^ Caldwell, James (2014-07-06). "TNA news: Result from Tag Title match in Japan, plus Muta vs. Sanada, TNA heel duo in tag action". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2014-07-06.
  36. ^ W1真田がTNAと契約「ムタ超えたい」. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). 2014-07-07. Retrieved 2014-07-07.
  37. ^ Lions, Phil (2014-07-07). "New TNA signing". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2014-07-07.
  38. ^ Meltzer, Dave (November 3, 2014). "Nov 3 2014 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE direction leading to WrestleMania, Hell in a Cell review and analysis, tons more". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California. p. 29. ISSN 1083-9593.
  39. ^ "「First Tag League Greatest ~初代タッグ王者決定リーグ戦~」公式戦全日程終了!11月30日(日)東京・後楽園ホール(18時試合開始)大会での決勝トーナメント組み合わせ決定のお知らせ". Wrestle-1 (in Japanese). 2014-11-28. Retrieved 2014-11-28.
  40. ^ "Gaora presents Wrestle-1 Tour 2014 Final". Wrestle-1 (in Japanese). 2014-12-22. Archived from the original on 2014-12-22. Retrieved 2014-12-22.
  41. ^ "真田聖也、Wrestle-1退団". Daily Sports Online (in Japanese). Kobe Shimbun. 2015-05-13. Retrieved 2015-05-13.
  42. ^ 真田聖也選手に関してのご報告. Wrestle-1 (in Japanese). 2015-05-13. Retrieved 2015-05-13.
  43. ^ Meltzer, Dave (2014-03-09). "TNA Lockdown live PPV coverage from Miami". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2014-03-10.
  44. ^ Caldwell, James (2014-03-13). "Caldwell's TNA Impact results 3/13: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Lockdown fall-out, plus Three Stars of the Show". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2014-03-14.
  45. ^ Caldwell, James (2014-03-20). "Caldwell's TNA Impact results 3/20: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Orlando Impact - TNA Title match, Tag Title match, more Lockdown fall-out". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2014-03-21.
  46. ^ Caldwell, James (2014-04-03). "Impact news: Dixie Carter returning to TV, TNA Title match result, X Title series, Tag Titles, King of the Night". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2014-04-04.
  47. ^ Caldwell, James (2014-04-27). "Caldwell's TNA Sacrifice PPV results 4/27: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV from Orlando - Eric Young defends TNA Title, two title changes, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2014-04-28.
  48. ^ Caldwell, James (2014-06-15). "Caldwell's TNA Slammiversary PPV results 6/15: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Eric Young defending TNA Title in cage match, Texas Death Match, Cowboys, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2014-06-16.
  49. ^ Caldwell, James (2014-06-21). "TNA spoilers: Key results & developments from Friday night's TV taping for July Impact episodes". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2014-06-21.
  50. ^ Lunn, Scott (2014-06-26). "TNA news: Impact spoilers 7/17 & 7/24 - full results from Night 1 in New York City with summer TV developments". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2014-06-26.
  51. ^ Johnson, Mike (2014-06-26). "The rest of the 7/24 Impact, TNA Destination X spoilers from NYC and more". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2014-06-27.
  52. ^ Scherer, Dave (2014-06-27). "Complete TNA spoilers from New York City including reprisal of famous tag team feud". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2014-06-28.
  53. ^ Caldwell, James (2014-07-23). "TNA news: TNA announces three new talent contracts". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2014-07-23.
  54. ^ "Impact Results: New Tag Team Champions? Samoa Joe Makes Major Announcement, James Storm's Revolution and more!". Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Retrieved 2015-04-14.
  55. ^ McNeish, Greg (2014-10-12). "TNA Bound for Glory PPV Results - 10/12/14 (From Tokyo, Japan)". Wrestleview. Retrieved 2014-10-13.
  56. ^ Howell, Nolan (2015-04-10). "Impact: Angle defies odds against Young, Lashley". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 24, 2017. Retrieved 2015-04-14.
  57. ^ Johnson, Mike (2015-04-16). "Another TNA departure". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2015-04-17.
  58. ^ Radican, Sean (2014-10-15). "Radican's Chikara King of Trios 2014: Night 2 report 9/20 - Rey De Voladores mini-tournament begins, Spud, Sanda, Tatsu in action, Flood-Colony main event". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2014-12-02.
  59. ^ Radican, Sean (2014-11-08). "Radican's King of Trios 2014: Night 3 report 9/21 - annual Tag Gauntlet match, KOT & Rey De Volodores winners determined, epic pose with Submission Squad & Gentleman's Club". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2014-12-02.
  60. ^ Johnson, Mike (2015-04-18). "TNA news and notes". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2015-04-18.
  61. ^ "Notes from GFW press conference (updated with more names)". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. 2015-05-06. Retrieved 2015-05-06.
  62. ^ Litzinger, Mike (2015-07-12). "Johnny Gargano vs. Eric Young: second Global Force Wrestling 7/11 results from Eastlake, Ohio". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 2015-07-12.
  63. ^ Meltzer, Dave (July 13, 2015). "July 13, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Dusty Rhodes bio part 2, back to back major shows in Japan, & more". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California. p. 67. ISSN 1083-9593. The reason Regal was in Japan . . . was due to doing the tryout session. They had six men and two women at the session, which included . . . Seiya Sanada, who still lives in the U.S. but flew to Japan to get a tryout. . . .
  64. ^ "Tokyo Gurentai Tokyo Carnival 2016". cagematch.net. 2016-08-25.
  65. ^ Caldwell, James (2016-04-10). "4/10 NJPW "Invasion Attack 2016" PPV Report – Okada vs. Naito, Ospreay's debut, more big title matches". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2017-07-27.
  66. ^ "【WD16】4 月29日(金・祝)熊本大会・主要カード!ケニーvsエルガン、棚橋vsファレ、柴田vs永田のNEVER王座戦! Jr.タッグ再戦!". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). 2016-04-11. Retrieved 2016-04-11.
  67. ^ "Sanada豪語「オカダを踏み台にする」". Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). 2016-04-15. Retrieved 2016-04-15.
  68. ^ "Road to レスリングどんたく 2016". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2016-04-17.
  69. ^ レスリングどんたく 2016. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2016-05-03.
  70. ^ Meltzer, Dave (2016-07-17). "NJPW G1 Climax 26 opening night live results: Tanahashi vs. Sanada; Okada vs. Marufuji". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2016-07-18.
  71. ^ "バディファイト Presents G1 Climax 26". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2016-08-12.
  72. ^ 戦国炎舞 -Kizna- Presents World Tag League 2016. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2016-12-08.
  73. ^ a b Rose, Bryan; Currier, Joseph (2017-01-03). "NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 11 live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2017-01-04.
  74. ^ 戦国炎舞 -Kizna- Presents New Year Dash !!. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved January 5, 2017.
  75. ^ a b Rose, Bryan (February 10, 2017). "NJPW New Beginning in Osaka live results: Naito vs. Elgin". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
  76. ^ 戦国炎舞-Kizna- Presents Road to Sakura Genesis 2017. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved April 4, 2017.
  77. ^ a b Rose, Bryan (May 2, 2017). "NJPW Wrestling Dontaku live results: Okada faces Bad Luck Fale". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
  78. ^ "2017 New Japan G1 Climax Standings, Results, Viewing Guide". Pro Wrestling Torch. August 12, 2017. Archived from the original on August 13, 2017. Retrieved August 12, 2017.
  79. ^ "鉄拳Presents World Tag League 2017". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved December 8, 2017.
  80. ^ a b "鉄拳Presents World Tag League 2017". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved December 11, 2017.
  81. ^ "JRA presents Road to Tokyo Dome". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved December 17, 2017.
  82. ^ a b Renner, Ethan (January 3, 2018). "NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12 live results: Okada-Naito, Omega-Jericho". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  83. ^ "NJPW New Beginning in Osaka 2018 results for Saturday, February 10: Okada vs. SANADA, EVIL vs. Goto, and more". Cageside Seats. February 10, 2018. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
  84. ^ "戦国炎舞 -KIZNA- Presents G1 CLIMAX 28". August 10, 2018. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  85. ^ "鉄拳Presents World Tag League 2018". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved December 9, 2018.
  86. ^ "NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 13 results for Friday, January 4: Omega vs. Tanahashi, Okada vs. White, Jericho vs. Naito and more". Cageside Seats. January 4, 2019. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
  87. ^ "NJPW New Beginning in Sapporo 2019 results for Sunday, February 3: Naito vs. Taichi and more". Cageside Seats. February 3, 2019. Retrieved February 3, 2019.
  88. ^ "NJPW New Japan Cup 2019 - Tag 12". CageMatch.
  89. ^ NJPW. "2020.06.22 NJPW WORLD Special NEW JAPAN CUP 2020 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". NJPW. Retrieved 2020-07-06.
  90. ^ NJPW. "2020.07.01 NJPW WORLD Special NEW JAPAN CUP 2020 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". NJPW. Retrieved 2020-07-06.
  91. ^ NJPW. "2020.07.03 NJPW WORLD Special NEW JAPAN CUP 2020 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". NJPW. Retrieved 2020-07-06.
  92. ^ NJPW. "2020.07.02 NJPW WORLD Special NEW JAPAN CUP 2020 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING". NJPW. Retrieved 2020-07-06.
  93. ^ "SANADA Wins IWGP US Championship at NJPW Golden Series". 18 February 2022.
  94. ^ "SANADA vacates IWGP United States title at NJPW Hyper Battle". 9 April 2022.
  95. ^ "NJPW Dominion 6.12 Results: Jay White Defeats Kazuchika Okada to Win IWGP World Heavyweight Championship (06/12)". 12 June 2022.
  96. ^ "Field announced for NJPW G1 Climax 32". 12 June 2022.
  97. ^ "NJPW G1 Climax 32 block winners determined, semifinals set". 16 August 2022.
  98. ^ "NJPW Battle Autumn 2022 - Day 3 at Aore Nagaoka Arena wrestling results - Internet Wrestling Database".
  99. ^ "411Mania".
  100. ^ "2022.11.05 Battle Autumn '22 | New Japan Pro-Wrestling".
  101. ^ "NJPW World Tag League & Super Junior Tag League winners crowned". 14 December 2022.
  102. ^ "1/4 NJPW WRESTLE KINGDOM 17 REPORT: Radican's results and analysis of entire card including Ospreay vs. Omega, White vs. Okada". 5 January 2023.
  103. ^ "2023.01.21 WRESTLE KINGDOM 17 in YOKOHAMA ARENA | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING".
  104. ^ "SANADA Leaves LIJ, Joins Just 4 Guys". 17 March 2023.
  105. ^ "2023.03.10 New Japan Cup 2023 | New Japan Pro-Wrestling".
  106. ^ "SANADA Leaves LIJ, Joins Just 4 Guys". 17 March 2023.
  107. ^ "Four become Five Guys as SANADA leaves LIJ to join Taichi group | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING".
  108. ^ "2023.03.19 New Japan Cup 2023 | New Japan Pro-Wrestling".
  109. ^ "New Japan Cup finals live results: SANADA vs. David Finlay". 21 March 2023.
  110. ^ Pollock, John (22 March 2023). "NJPW releases card for Sakura Genesis on 4/8". Post Wrestling | Wwe Aew NXT NJPW Podcasts, News, Reviews.
  111. ^ "NJPW Sakura Genesis live results: Okada vs. SANADA IWGP title match". 8 April 2023.
  112. ^ "2023.05.03 Wrestling Dontaku 2023 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING".
  113. ^ "Yota Tsuji returns to NJPW at Wrestling Dontaku, takes out Just 5 Five Guys". 3 May 2023.
  114. ^ "Yota Tsuji Joins los Ingobernables de Japon Ahead of NJPW Dominion". 3 June 2023.
  115. ^ "NJPW Dominion live results: Seven title matches". 4 June 2023.
  116. ^ Valdez, Nick (June 25, 2023). "AEW Forbidden Door: "Jungle Boy" Jack Perry Finally Turned Heel and AEW Fans Love It". ComicBook.com. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  117. ^ Tessier, Colin (June 25, 2023). "Jack Perry Turns On HOOK After Losing To SANADA At AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door". Fightful. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  118. ^ "NJPW G1 CLIMAX 33 PARTICIPANTS, BLOCKS AND FULL SCHEDULE".
  119. ^ "New Japan's G1 Climax 33 quarterfinals are set".
  120. ^ Fritts, Chick (August 10, 2023). "NJPW G1 Climax 33 night 17 live results: Quarterfinals". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  121. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (August 18, 2023). "SANADA vs. EVIL, David Finlay vs. Tama Tonga, More Announced For NJPW Destruction In Ryogoku". Fightful. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  122. ^ Powell, John (September 24, 2023). "KANEMARU FOOLS EVERYONE AT DESTRUCTION". Slam Wrestling. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  123. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (October 9, 2023). "Yuya Uemura Joins Just Five Guys At NJPW Destruction In Ryogoku". Fightful. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  124. ^ Fritts, Chick (October 9, 2023). "NJPW Destruction in Ryogoku live results: SANADA vs. EVIL lumberjack match". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  125. ^ Fritts, Chick (January 4, 2024). "NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 live results: SANADA vs. Naito, Okada vs. Danielson". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  126. ^ "SANADA Joins Bullet Club War Dogs At NJPW Power Struggle | Fightful News". www.fightful.com. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  127. ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2023 - the Internet Wrestling Database".
  128. ^ 【プロレス大賞】オカダ・カズチカ 貫禄のMVP&ベストバウト2冠「五輪に負けないぐらい盛り上げたい」. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). 2019-12-11. Retrieved 2019-12-11.
  129. ^ Alvarez, Bryan (March 15, 2018). "WOR: 2017 WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER AWARDS DISCUSSION AND MORE!". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
  130. ^ Meltzer, Dave. "February 26, 2024 Observer Newsletter: 2023 Observer Awards issue". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
[edit]