Tetsuya Naito, a highly acclaimed Japanese professional wrestler, has made a significant impact in the world of sports entertainment, currently plying his trade with the esteemed New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) organization. Throughout his illustrious career, he has garnered an impressive array of accolades, with the most notable being his record-tying second reign as the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, a prestigious title that is the pinnacle of achievement for any wrestler.
In addition to his individual success, Naito has also risen to prominence as the leader of the formidable Los Ingobernables de Japón stable, a collective of talented wrestlers who share his unwavering commitment to excellence and unrelenting passion for the sport. As the figurehead of this powerful faction, Naito has consistently demonstrated his ability to inspire and motivate his teammates, leading by example with his unshakeable confidence, unyielding determination, and unparalleled skill in the ring.
Naito's professional wrestling odyssey commenced in the year 2000, as he embarked on a rigorous training regimen under the expert guidance of the illustrious Animal Hamaguchi.
Subsequently, he joined New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 2004, where he continued to refine his skills and hone his craft. Throughout his illustrious career, Naito has amassed an impressive array of championship titles, including the prestigious NEVER Openweight Championship, as well as the coveted IWGP Tag Team and IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships.
Notably, Naito achieved these accolades in partnership with his former No Limit colleague, the accomplished Yujiro Takahashi. Furthermore, he has held the IWGP Tag Team Championship on two distinct occasions, once in conjunction with the talented Sanada.
Kazuchika Naito's remarkable career is marked by numerous impressive achievements, including a string of victories in prestigious tournaments that have cemented his status as one of the all-time greats in professional wrestling.
Among his many accolades, Naito has emerged victorious in the G1 Climax, New Japan Pro-Wrestling's premier singles tournament, on no less than three occasions: in 2013, 2017, and 2023. Furthermore, he has also claimed the coveted New Japan Cup title in 2016, a testament to his exceptional skills and unwavering dedication to his craft.
Naito's remarkable performances have not gone unnoticed, with Tokyo Sports, one of Japan's most respected and prestigious sports publications, recognizing his outstanding achievements by awarding him the MVP Award, their highest honor, on a staggering four separate occasions: in 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2023.
This impressive array of accolades is a testament to Naito's enduring excellence and his ability to consistently deliver captivating performances that have earned him widespread recognition and admiration from fans and peers alike.
Tetsuya Naito's remarkable 2020 marked a groundbreaking moment in professional wrestling history as he etched his name in the annals of time by becoming the first-ever individual to simultaneously hold both the esteemed IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships, a feat he accomplished not once, but twice, thereby cementing his status as a three-time IWGP Heavyweight and six-time IWGP Intercontinental Champion.
His impressive achievement has earned him widespread recognition as one of the most illustrious and beloved professional wrestlers in the storied history of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).
