The Green Guide to the Pro Wrestling Noah Roster (March 2018)
Introduction
Hello and welcome to "The Green Guide to the Pro Wrestling Noah Roster (March 2018)". I hope this guide will give new fans and idea of who is who and who does what and who came from where, and for the older fans it either serve as a refresher, an update should they be coming back to Noah after a period of time and may not recognize new faces, or just as a simple read.
I want to concentrate more on who is who on the roster, so I have left out any mention of current feuds or past or present title holders (who might not be relevant when this guide is finished and as this is going to be a yearly occurrence, will not need updating).
I have also left out people who have made an appearance in Noah in March (i.e. KENSO, Hideki Suzuki), but kept in the gaijin wrestlers and the regular freelancers.
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| Akitoshi Saito |
Akitoshi Saito
Veteran wrestler (best known for being in W*NG and New Japan in the early nineties), who has been with the company since 2000, although he wasn't part of the mass walkout from All Japan.Background in karate and competitive swimming.
Usually works the lower card matches or as a filler for upper card matches in tag teams when a body is needed and usually takes the fall in such matches.
Finishers & special moves: Death Brand
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| Atsushi Kotoge |
Arrived in Noah in May 2012 from Osaka Pro. During his high school days he played soccer, he had never had any fighting sports experience when he went to a training session run by the Osaka Wrestling promotion and caught the bug.
Mid carder, although has been known to main event in the past. Alter-ego is "Mr. Koto", a man who wears a fake black curly wig and dresses like Leisure Suit Larry and dances (usually at New Year).
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| "Mr. Koto". Hajime Ohara completely lost it. Everyone else found it amusing. Watch Kenoh to the left as the camera pans out.... |
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| Cody Hall to the far right (with Yuko Miyamoto to the left and Mitsuya Nagai in the middle) |
Came to Noah in March 2017 following a spell in New Japan for a couple of years, prior to that he had been working in the American indies since 2012. He was trained by his father, Scott Hall, Larry Zbyszko and Diamond Dallas Page.
Usually found on the mid to lower card, can be a very entertaining comedy wrestler, especially with LEONA with whom he seems to have a small feud going. Popular tag with Jay Bradley, nicknamed by fans as "The Gaijin Twin Towers". Makes good use of his size and strength and is an effective brawler.
Finishers & special moves: Razor's Edge
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| Daisuke Harada in March 2018 |
Daisuke Harada
Originally from Osaka Pro, Daisuke Harada signed with Noah in May 2013. Became interested in wrestling by playing Toukon Ratsuden (a computer game), and attending the 1998 Power Hall show at the Tokyo Dome (he would compete in the show twenty years later in 2018).
Background in High School amateur wrestling.
Usually works on the upper mid card, has main-evented smaller shows before. Solid strong worker and very talented wrestler who is known for putting on stellar matches and has rarely had a bad one. Has shown the ability to do both strong style wrestling and some high flying maneuvers. Has increased his body mass in recent months, probably due to the fact that he wishes to compete in the heavyweight division.
Finishers & special moves: Katayama German Suplex Hold
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| Go Shiozaki using "machine gun" chops on Kaito Kiyomiya |
Go Shiozaki
Noah born. Originally he wanted to be a policeman like his father (but did not pass the exams). He was inspired to become a professional wrestler after hearing Mitsuharu Misawa on television say "anyone can be a professional wrestler if he is brave enough". He passed the physical exam at the Noah dojo, and later became dorm leader. Graduated from the Noah dojo in 2003, (the only person in his class to do so and at that time the youngest on the roster), and stayed with the company until 2013 when he walked out in protest over the firing of his teacher, Kenta Kobashi. Returned in May 2016. Chairman of Noah's Wrestlers Association.Background in baseball and basketball.
Upper carder and main eventer. Has picked up (probably subconsciously and consciously) a lot of the mannerisms of his teacher, Kenta Kobashi and like Kobashi seems to be suffering problems with nerve damage in his elbows due to the rapid motion of the machine gun chops (at times he appears to show symptoms of numbness in his hands) and the elbows are always either heavily bandaged or with athletic supports. As one of the seniors of Noah, he has taken on a mentoring role to Kaito Kiyomiya.
Finishers & special moves: Go Flasher, lariat, machine gun chops
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| HAYATA |
Worked as a freelancer in Noah in December 2016, before signing with the promotion the following September, formerly had been working on the Indies, Dove-Pro, Osaka Pro and spent time in All Japan.
Background in amateur wrestling and baseball.
Mid carder. Part of the RATELS group with Daisuke Harada, Tadasuke and YO-HEY (who he teams with). Referred to by YO-HEY as "the wife" or "the bride" (as he doesn't let YO-HEY shake hands with anyone, and they are a pair who usually go everywhere together). Says nothing unless prodded into it by someone, (usually YO-HEY), and even then says either "same" or three or four other words in a short sentence. Noah seem to be pushing him as a singles competitor recently.
Finishers & special moves: Headache (two joint moves with YO-HEY, double superkick and Wheelbarrow\Face cutter combination)
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| Hajime Ohara |
Signed with Noah in 2013 following work for promotions such as Zero-1, Smash and Wrestling New Classic. Has also done MMA in the past (last done in 2010).
Qualified chef and volunteer fireman, is also studying currently physiotherapy.
Lower to mid carder. Very good people person, especially with children and the elderly. Part of "The Backbreakers" tag-team with Hitoshi Kumano, which sadly Noah have not done much with. Very good technical wrestler. Until January 2018 had never missed time with injury in thirteen years, when he missed a few days with bruised kidneys.
Finishers & special moves: Muy Bien, Finnish Forearm
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| Hi69 |
Worked extensively on the Japanese indies, a severe back injury gained in Apache Army in 2007 caused two years of rehabilitation and a hiatus from wrestling. He signed with Noah in late 2014.
Partner of Taiji Ishimori in XX. Unlike Ishimori he is not in as good shape and tends to be a little overweight (I believe this is to do with his awful injury a couple of years ago, although he has stated it is one of his goals this year to lose some) which is why he wrestles in a t-shirt (which may also be because he doesn't want to draw attention to the scars on his back from injury), has not been very active in singles competitions since teaming with Ishimori. Although his ring name is "Hi69", commentators and crowd refer to him by his real name "Hiroki"
Finishers & special moves: Stuka Splash
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| Hitoshi Kumano attempting to lift and slam Cody Hall |
Hitoshi Kumano
Noah born. Inspired to become a wrestler after playing "King of Collseum 2" on the PS2. Entered Noah's dojo in 2012 and debuted for the promotion in February 2013.Background in High School amateur wrestling.
Qualified sports trainer, also attended business school while training.
Stocky build at 5'7, but very strong, was able to hold his own against Go Shiozaki, although he was defeated. Currently Noah seem to be building a small rivalry between himself and Kaito Kiyomiya (as Kiyomiya has beaten him in two single matches). Not really ready for any big belt yet, will no doubt become a heavyweight of the future.
Finishers & special moves: Fisherman Suplex (no special move as of yet)
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| Jay Bradley with the Muso on Hitoshi Kumano |
Came to Noah following the injury of DJZ in January 2018 following work with WWE, Wrestle-1, Ohio Valley, and TNA in America, which would prove fortuitous. Currently a freelancer. Team with Cody Hall known as "The Gaijin Twin Towers" among fans.
Came to Noah with a very humble attitude towards the promotion and its history, which was immediately noticed and appreciated by fans. Strong in ring presence, very agile for a man of 6'4 and 260 lb, and not afraid to give strong style back as strong as it is dished out. Rivalry budding with Go Shiozaki.
Finishers & special moves: Muso, Boomstick
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| Junta Miyawaki |
Junta Miyawaki
Noah born. Entered the Noah dojo in April 2016, debuted on 12th August 2017.Background in judo.
Lower card. Not even reached his one year anniversary yet, Miyawaki is yet to get his first win, but was granted his own entrance theme four months after his debut in December 2017. Not touted as the "future of Noah" unlike fellow trainee, Kaito Kiyomiya, Miyawaki will no doubt play an important part in the company in years to come.
Finishers & special moves: None as of the time of writing
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| Kaito Kiyomiya |
Kaito Kiyomiya
Noah born. Entered the Noah dojo in 2015, made his debut in December 9 2015 against Hitoshi Kumano. Inspired to become a wrestler by Mitsuharu Misawa, who he saw on television as a child.
Upper card. Known as "the future of Noah" or "the child of a turbulent era" (or simply "the child") among fans. Since returning from excursion suddenly in December 2017, Kiyomiya was trialed in singles matches which didn't really work, so Noah put him with Go Shiozaki who has mentored him and bought him along very well. Kiyomiya appears to have now resolved his issues with confidence
(early footage shows him either shaking, gulping or taking deep breaths) and seems a lot happier. Rivalry with Kenoh will run for years, although Kenoh will not see him as a threat until Kiyomiya beats him, until then he will be "this green boy".
Finishers & special moves: Tiger Suplex, Misawa Rope Feint
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| "The Aggression" Masa Kitamiya (left) and Katsuhiko Nakajima (right) |
Katsuhiko Nakajima
Signed with Noah in January 2016. Very well known to the promotion beforehand having worked in Kensuke Office\Diamond Ring, and also with experience in New Japan, All Japan and several other Japanese promotions.Background in Karate.
Mid to upper card. A very good GHC Junior or GHC Heavyweight tag champion, Nakajima did not make a convincing GHC Heavyweight champion, but he connects well with the fans otherwise. He has appeared in Noah since he was in his teens. Known for very stiff gunshot sounding kicks.
Finishers & special moves: Vertical Spike
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| Kenoh holding the GHC Heavyweight Championship belt in Naomichi Marufuji's face |
Kenoh
Studied Nippion Kempo (a Japanese form of martial arts) since he was three years old. He signed with Michinoku Pro in 2007. Entered Noah as a freelancer in 2014, and was signed to the promotion in March 2015.Qualified and licensed social studies teacher.
Upper card. Despite the foul mouth, despite the constant petulant scowl, and despite referring to his fans\the audience as "you bastards", Kenoh is a big part of Noah's future. A rivalry is developing with Kaito Kiyomiya, which will endure for years to come, it is in its infancy now, but has already generated a lot of interest which will be the Ace in Noah's deck. Kenoh has promised to bring Noah back to the Budokan, and although the road will be long, there is no doubt that in the end he will no doubt do it.
Finishers & special moves: Diving foot stomp from the top turnbuckle
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| LEONA |
Freelancer. Son of Tatsumi Fujinami. Although his debut was with his fathers promotion, Dradition, he appears in Noah on the undercard. While continuing his training, he is also studying to be a lawyer.
Lower card. LEONA has improved massively in the last year, although he will never be anything like his father sadly. He has also shown an aptitude for comedy wrestling.
Finishers & special moves: None
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| Masa Kitamiya |
Joined Noah officially in April 2016, following the closure of Diamond Ring (Kensuke Office). Had been competing in Noah since 2012.
Background in high school and college amateur wrestling, he was the captain of the team in college.
Mid card. One of Noah's powerhouses, very strong (and known for being very hairy). Good heavyweight tag team wrestler, but not quite ready for the GHC Heavyweight Championship yet, (fans have a tendency to view him with humor), but in the future he no doubt will be given a run with the belt.
Finishers & special moves: Saito suplex, Prison lock
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| Masao Inoue |
Veteran, known for playing the bumbling old vet in comedy matches. He has been a part of Noah since 2000 when he walked out with Mitsuharu Misawa. Mainly works as a freelancer, dividing his time between Noah and All Japan, although as of 2018 he appears to have been in Noah a lot.
Background in Hand Ball.
Lower card. Comedy wrestling is not everybody's thing, but Inoue is beloved for it. He can always be guaranteed to raise laughter with his clownish antics (like his wind up arm which his opponents get bored of, or his slipping from the turnbuckle and missing his opponent). In matches when he doesn't do comedy he is a good worker and seems happy to work the opening matches despite his age and status.
Finishers & special moves: Million Dollar Buster, Blockbuster
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| Maybach Taniguchi (behind) with Mitsuya Nagai (front) |
Noah born. Joined the dojo in May 2005 and debuted that December.
Background in amateur wrestling and judo, also joined the Japan Self-Defense Forces where he represented them in the wrestling team and became highly decorated.
Mid card. Good brawler, not overly technical in motion and relies a lot on size and strength, however he is a good solid wrestler and can always be relied upon to deliver.
Finishers & special moves: Maybach Bomb Zwei
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| Minoru Tanaka |
Minoru Tanaka
Freelancer. Primary background is in shootboxing.Regular feature in Noah, you would not think that he is approaching fifty as he has a body in comparable shape to the much younger Taiji Ishimori. Normally works the mid card, but seems happy when asked to work the opener. Noah have granted him two title shots so far in 2018. Very technical wrestler with a good lucha component added.
Finishers & special moves: Fireball Splash, Minoru Special
Mitsuya Nagai
Freelancer. Extensive background in MMA and kickboxing.
Usually to be found on the mid card, he is the closest thing that Noah has to heel in a promotion that has never been overly gimmicky with a strong division between good and bad wrestlers. Nagai says he likes to be booed.
Finishers & special moves: Plum Stretch, Hyper Knee Kuga, Hyper Knee Tiger
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| Mohammed Yone |
Joined Noah in 2000 when he walked out with Mitsuharu Misawa from All Japan; prior to this he had been a freelancer working for Big Japan, FMW, WAR and Michinoku Pro.
Mid card. Flamboyant wrestler, although it has been said that he has not really progressed much in his technique over the years and is still punch and kick, but it doesn't matter, if there are complaints about his style then there are certainly none about his ring presence. Very charismatic, and he describes himself at forty-three as "a middle aged man with an afro"; Yone, with his love of disco, occupies a soft spot in many fans hearts (if not his opponents, some of whom don't seem to appreciate his "Disco Fever" pose).
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| Masa Kitamiya. Not a fan. |
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| RATELS. Too goth for disco. |
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| Yone's novel rope break |
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| HALT! |
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| Naomichi Marufuji |
Naomichi Marufuji
Entered the All Japan dojo in 1997, walked out with Mitsuharu Misawa in 2000. Has remained with the promotion ever since, although he has made appearances for other companies (sometimes holding championships of theirs). Vice president of Noah.
Background in high school amateur wrestling.
Noah born. Upper card. It can be said that although he may not be the face of Noah as much anymore, he is still a symbol. Growing close to forty when he says he will probably retire, he has taken a quieter role in recent months to allow the next generation of Noah to flourish.
Finishers & special moves: Shiranui, Hook kick, chop attack
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| 50 Funky Powers - Mohammed Yone (left) and Quiet Storm (right) |
Made his debut in his home town of New York in September 1998. Worked in K-DOJO and Osaka Pro. Signed with Noah in 2014.
Mid card. Power house wrestler, not overly technical, but very good brawler with a strong ground attack. Known for his 50cm arms. Despite his name, there is nothing quiet about him, leading Yone once to put his finger in his ear during a promo.
Finishers & special moves: 50 CM Arm Lariat
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| Tadasuke taunting Daisuke Harada |
Tadasuke
Signed with Noah in September 2017, following work overseas in Texas, and at home in Japan such as Apache Pro, Big Japan and Osaka-Pro.Background in judo and soccer.
Mid card. Tadasuke has the ability to play the smarmy sneaky villain to the hilt without losing fans. Nicknamed "mother" by YO-HEY due to the fact that it is Tadasuke who usually seconds the others in RATELS (and once carried HAYATA from the ring), Tadasuke always manages to give the impression that he is just biding his time...
Finishers & special moves: OutKast
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| Taiji Ishimori |
Became a full time member of Noah in 2007, having worked as a freelancer there from 2006, prior to this he had worked for All Japan, New Japan and most famously, Toryumon.
Background in Judo.
Mid to upper middle card. Probably the closest and only member of the roster who can wrestle lucha (in his own words). Into bodybuilding. Amazing resilience when it comes to grueling schedules. Most visible member of Noah on the IMPACT roster.
Finishers & special moves: Superstar Elbow
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| Takashi Sugiura |
Takashi Sugiura
Noah born. Part of the All Japan walkout with Mitsuharu Misawa, Sugiura made his debut in December 2000.Background in judo, qualified self-defense instructor, Japan Self-Defense Forces and has dabbled in MMA.
Upper card. One of the oldest members of the roster (there are only about three left from the All Japan dojo in Noah now), Sugiura is much respected in Noah and much loved by its fans who have nicknamed him "Sugi"; reporters and interviewers might be a different matter as they tend to be told that either they are bald, or that they are fools. Outside of the ring, Sugiura maintains a position on the Noah board of directors, a seat on the Noah Wrestlers Association and is known for his sense of humor (even if this does involve photographing Masao Inoue at the urinal); as he tells people who do not know who he is and comment on his awesome physique, that he is a porn star.
Finishers & special moves: Olympic slam
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| YO-HEY'S beautiful "Bamboo Butterfly" |
YO-HEY
Joined Noah as a full time member in September 2016. Originally worked for Dragongate from 2008-2009 when an ill judged action (he made a fake blog and claimed the animals, specifically the monkey at the dojo was being abused, which in reality they weren't), which caused him to take a hiatus for a year from wrestling. He returned in 2011 and worked for Smash, Wrestling New Classic, All Japan, Doutonbori Pro Wrestling and Dove Pro.Background in Judo, Baseball, Soccer and Shorinji Kempo (a form of Japanese shaolin Kung-Fu).
Mid card. A better tag wrestler than he is a singles wrestler, YO-HEY is part of the RATELS group and tends to side with HAYATA in inter-group conflicts. Known for his brightly dyed hair and loud and colorful style, use of the word "peron" (which has no English equivalent), and amazing aerial attacks.
Finishers & special moves: Bamboo Dragonfly, Ganmen G
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| Yoshinari Ogawa demonstrating one of his many nasty submission holds |
Veteran, having debuted in All Japan in 1985. Walked out with Mitsuharu Misawa in 2000 and has been with the company ever since.
Background in baseball.
Lower to mid carder. Highly respected in the locker room, highly respected in the ring (he knows many nasty submission moves and can always be counted on to play dirty), he seems to have had no problems in working the opening matches with the younger wrestlers for years, many of whom he has helped to bring up to where they are now.
Finishers & special moves: Bridging belly to back suplex, various submission moves
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