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is a Japanese
professional wrestler Professional wrestling, often shortened to either pro wrestling or wrestling,The term "wrestling" is most often widely used to specifically refer to modern scripted professional wrestling, though it is also used to refer to real-life wrest ...
, signed to
New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) is a Puroresu, Japanese professional-wrestling Professional wrestling promotion, promotion founded on January 13, 1972, by Antonio Inoki, and based in Nakano, Tokyo. It is currently majority owned by card-game company Bushiroad, with TV As ...
(NJPW) under the ring name Master Wato (マスター・ワト ''Masutā Wato''). He was previously on an international learning excursion, working for NJPW's
Mexican Mexican may refer to: Mexico and its culture *Being related to, from, or connected to the country of Mexico, in North America ** People *** Mexicans, inhabitants of the country Mexico and their descendants *** Mexica, ancient indigenous people ...
partner
Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre Co., Ltd. (CMLL; , "World Wrestling Council") is a ''lucha libre'' professional wrestling promotion based in Mexico City. The promotion was previously known as (EMLL) (''Mexican Wrestling Enterprise''). Founded in 1933, it is the oldest profe ...
(CMLL) under the ring name Kawato-San (or Kawato San). He is a former CMLL World Lightweight Champion and competed in the main event of CMLL's 2020 ''
Sin Piedad ''Sin Piedad'' (Spanish for "No Mercy" or "No Pity", not to be confused with a similarly-titled series of PPV's hosted by WWE) is the collective name of a series of annual ''lucha libre'', or professional wrestling major show promoted by Mexican ...
''
supercard In sports, a card lists the matches taking place in a title match combat-sport event. Cards include a main event match and the undercard listing the rest of the matches. The undercard may be divided into a midcard and a lower card, according to ...
show. He was trained in the NJPW Noge Dojo in the Tokyo Prefecture. From 2016 until 2019 he worked as a Young Lion in NJPW, gaining in ring experience while still training. As a Young Lion he mainly faced other trainees early on, moving on to participate in various tournaments such as the 2017
Super Junior Tag Tournament The Super Junior Tag League is a professional wrestling tag team professional wrestling tournament, tournament held by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Established in 2010, but preceded by the G1 Climax Junior Heavyweight Tag League in 2001 (won ...
(with Kushida) and finishing second in the 2017 Young Lion Cup.


Professional wrestling career


New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2016–2018)

Kawato started working for
New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) is a Puroresu, Japanese professional-wrestling Professional wrestling promotion, promotion founded on January 13, 1972, by Antonio Inoki, and based in Nakano, Tokyo. It is currently majority owned by card-game company Bushiroad, with TV As ...
(NJPW) in 2016, training in their dojo for his in-ring career. He started by training as a Young Lion in NJPW's dojo, wearing simple black trunks and boots as he worked with other of NJPW Young Lions and experienced veterans as part of his training. On January 3, 2016, Kawato made his in-ring debut, losing to fellow Young Lion
Yohei Komatsu (born June 25, 1988), better known by his ring name Yoh (stylised in all caps), is a Japanese professional wrestler. He is signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he is a former member of the Chaos stable. He is one-half of the IWGP Ju ...
. Throughout 2016, Kawato spent most of the year working opening and
undercard In sports, a card lists the matches taking place in a title match combat-sport event. Cards include a main event match and the undercard listing the rest of the matches. The undercard may be divided into a midcard and a lower card, according to ...
matches, and primarily fought against fellow Young Lion Teruaki Kanemitsu. On February 9, 2016, Kawato teamed with
Jyushin Thunder Liger , better known as and later , is a Japanese retired professional wrestler and mixed martial artist, signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) as a trainer. He is the longest-tenured member of the NJPW roster, having worked for the company since ...
and
Yuji Nagata is a Japanese Professional wrestling, professional wrestler, and former mixed martial arts, mixed martial artist and amateur wrestling, amateur wrestler signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Considered one of the greatest Japanese wrestlers ...
to defeat the team of Henare,
Tomoyuki Oka , better known by his ring name , is a Japanese professional wrestler signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he is a member of the United Empire stable, the former NJPW World Television Champion in his one time, and the final official ...
and Yoshitatsu in a
six-man tag team match Much like the singles match, tag team professional wrestling matches can and have taken many forms. Just about any singles or melee match type can be adapted to tag teams; for example, hardcore tag team matches are commonplace. Tag team ladder m ...
. David Finlay, Kawato,
Manabu Nakanishi is a Japanese retired Professional wrestling, professional wrestler and former amateur wrestler, who was primarily associated with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He is a one-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, one-time G1 Climax winner and three-t ...
, and
Ryusuke Taguchi is a Japanese Professional wrestling, professional wrestler, trained by and performing for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He is a former List of IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champions, two-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, List of IWGP Junior He ...
defeated
TenCozy Tencozy (occasionally spelled "Ten-Koji") is a professional wrestling tag team that has competed in New Japan Pro-Wrestling and All Japan Pro Wrestling. Regarded as one of the greatest tag teams in New Japan history, They are seven-time tag team c ...
(
Hiroyoshi Tenzan is a Japanese professional wrestler who is signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and is better known by his ring name . With Satoshi Kojima, in 2008, they won the World's Strongest Tag Determination League in All Japan Pro Wrestling and the G1 Tag L ...
and
Satoshi Kojima is a Japanese professional wrestler. He is signed to both New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Major League Wrestling (MLW), where he is a former two-time MLW World Heavyweight Championship, MLW World Heavyweight Champion and former one half of the MLW W ...
), Liger, and Oka in the opening match of the NJPW 45th Anniversary show in
Korakuen Hall is a sports arena in Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan, which has hosted boxing, professional wrestling, kickboxing, mixed martial arts and Lethwei matches. History On April 16, 1962, the Korakuen Hall was officially opened with a capacity of approximat ...
. On April 22, 2016, Kawato won his first singles match when he defeated
Shota Umino is a Japanese professional wrestler. He is signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Early life Umino was born on April 13, 1997, in the special ward of Setagaya in Tokyo, Japan. He is the son of NJPW referee Hiroyuki Umino (also known under h ...
. Kawato and Yoshitatsu defeated
Katsuya Kitamura was a Japanese professional wrestler, bodybuilder and an amateur wrestler trained by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he was the winner of the 2017 Young Lion Cup. Amateur wrestling career Prior to becoming a professional wrestler, Kit ...
and Oka in the
dark match Professional wrestling has accrued a considerable amount of jargon throughout its existence. Much of it stems from the industry's origins in the days of carnival Carnival (known as Shrovetide in certain localities) is a festive season that o ...
of the 2017 Wrestling Dontaku major show, but still did not work on the televised portion of the show. On June 20, Kawato was involved in his first higher card match when he teamed with
Hiroshi Tanahashi is a Japanese professional wrestler, sports executive and Podcast, podcaster. He is signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he serves as the president and representative director of the promotion, and is also an active wrestler. Widel ...
, losing to ''
Los Ingobernables de Japón (Spanish for "The Ungovernables of Japan" and often spelled without the accent as ''Los Ingobernables de Japon'' in English-speaking countries), also shortened to ''L.I.J.'' or ''Los Ingos'', was a Japanese professional wrestling stable, based ...
'' ("The Ungovernables from Japan";
Tetsuya Naito is a Japanese Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is best known for his 20-year run in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he served as the leader of the ''Los Ingobernables de Japon'' stable, and was a multi-time world champion. ...
and
Hiromu Takahashi (born December 4, 1989) is a Japanese professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he is a member of the ''Los Ingobernables de Japón'' stable. Takahashi made his debut for NJPW on Augus ...
). In October, Kawato teamed with Kushida to take part in the 2017
Super Junior Tag Tournament The Super Junior Tag League is a professional wrestling tag team professional wrestling tournament, tournament held by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Established in 2010, but preceded by the G1 Climax Junior Heavyweight Tag League in 2001 (won ...
where they were defeated in the first round by
Roppongi 3K Roppongi 3K was a professional wrestling tag team consisting of Japanese wrestlers Sho (wrestler), Sho and Yoh (wrestler), Yoh, active from 2013 to 2021 in the junior heavyweight tag team division of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). They were mana ...
(
Sho Sho, Shō or SHO may refer to: Music * ''Shō'' (instrument) (笙), a Japanese wind instrument * ''Kane'' (instrument) (鉦), a Japanese percussion instrument * Sho?, a Dubai rock band People * Shō (given name), including ''Sho'' * Shō (su ...
and Yoh). On November 5, 2017, Kawato, alongside
Juice Robinson Joseph Ryan Robinson (born April 10, 1989), better known by his ring name Juice Robinson, is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is a member of the Bang Bang Gang stable. He also wrestles in Ne ...
, Liger, Kushida and
Tiger Mask is a Japanese manga series written by Ikki Kajiwara and illustrated by Naoki Tsuji. The series was first published in Kodansha's ''Bokura Magazine'' from 1968 to 1970 and was later published in ''Weekly Shōnen Magazine'' from 1970 to ...
defeated Suzuki-gun ( El Desperado,
Taichi Taichi is a Japanese given name and surname. Given name Taichi (written: , , , , , or ) is a masculine Japanese given name. People with the given name Notable people with the name include: *, Japanese volleyball player *, Japanese footballe ...
,
Taka Michinoku (born October 26, 1973), better known by his ring name (stylized as TAKA Michinoku), is a Japanese professional wrestling, professional wrestler and former mixed martial artist. He primarily appears for New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he is a me ...
,
Yoshinobu Kanemaru is a Japanese professional wrestler. He is currently signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he is a member of House of Torture and a former member of Bullet Club. He also works as a backstage producer for NJPW. Professional wrestling career ...
and
Zack Sabre Jr. Lucas James Uggles Eatwell (born 24 July 1987), known by his ring name and its abbreviated form ZSJ, is an English-born professional wrestler. He is signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). In NJPW, he is the second and current leader of the ...
) at
Power Struggle A power struggle is situation where two or more people or groups fight to gain dominance over each other. The term is most commonly used in a political context, when parties contend for power or leadership positions, but can also be applied to a ...
. From October 12 to December 21, Kawato took part in the 2017 Young Lion Cup, where he finished second with a record of four wins (defeating Oka,
Shota Umino is a Japanese professional wrestler. He is signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Early life Umino was born on April 13, 1997, in the special ward of Setagaya in Tokyo, Japan. He is the son of NJPW referee Hiroyuki Umino (also known under h ...
,
Ren Narita Ren Narita (成田 蓮 ''Narita Ren'', born November 29, 1997) is a Japanese professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he is a member of House of Torture and a former member of Bullet Club ...
, and Tetsuhiro Yagi) and one loss, to tournament winner Katsuya Kitamura, to end up in second place overall. Kawato competed on all eight days of the 2018
Fantastica Mania ''Fantastica Mania'', sometimes spelled as ''Fantasticamania'', is a series of annual professional wrestling shows co-promoted by Mexican professional wrestling promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) and Japanese New Japan Pro-Wrestling ...
tour, where NJPW and Mexican-based
Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre Co., Ltd. (CMLL; , "World Wrestling Council") is a ''lucha libre'' professional wrestling promotion based in Mexico City. The promotion was previously known as (EMLL) (''Mexican Wrestling Enterprise''). Founded in 1933, it is the oldest profe ...
(CMLL) co-promoted a number of shows in Japan. Each night, Kawato and various tag team partners faced, and lost to, members of ''Los Ingobernables de Japón''. His final match of the tour, and for NJPW at the time, saw him team with Mexican wrestler
Atlantis Atlantis () is a fictional island mentioned in Plato's works '' Timaeus'' and ''Critias'' as part of an allegory on the hubris of nations. In the story, Atlantis is described as a naval empire that ruled all Western parts of the known world ...
as they lost to
Gedo Gedo (, , , or ''Ghedu'') is an administrative region ('' gobol'') in Jubaland, southern Somalia. Its regional capital is Garbahaarreey. The region was formed during 1974 and is bordered by the Ogaden in Ethiopia, the North Eastern Province ...
and
Bárbaro Cavernario Leonardo Moreno Ayala (born November 6, 1993), better known by his ring name Bárbaro Cavernario, is a Mexican ''luchador'' (or professional wrestler), working for Mexican wrestling promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL). He portrays a ...
.


Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (2018–2020)

On January 9, 2018,
CMLL Co., Ltd. (CMLL; , "World Wrestling Council") is a ''lucha libre'' professional wrestling promotion based in Mexico City. The promotion was previously known as (EMLL) (''Mexican Wrestling Enterprise''). Founded in 1933, it is the oldest profe ...
announced on
Twitter Twitter, officially known as X since 2023, is an American microblogging and social networking service. It is one of the world's largest social media platforms and one of the most-visited websites. Users can share short text messages, image ...
that Kawato would begin his excursion with them at the end of the month, and would actively compete in the promotion after taking part in New Japan's
Fantastica Mania ''Fantastica Mania'', sometimes spelled as ''Fantasticamania'', is a series of annual professional wrestling shows co-promoted by Mexican professional wrestling promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) and Japanese New Japan Pro-Wrestling ...
events. While in CMLL he would be billed as "Kawato San" (sometimes written as "Kawato-San"). For his first CMLL match, Kawato teamed up
Misterioso Jr. José Luís Hurtado Soto also known as Misterioso Jr. (Birthdate unknown) is a Mexican '' luchador enmascarado'', or masked professional wrestler, who is also referred to as Misterioso II. Misterioso Jr. is the nephew of Misterioso who wore a s ...
and
Virus A virus is a submicroscopic infectious agent that replicates only inside the living Cell (biology), cells of an organism. Viruses infect all life forms, from animals and plants to microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea. Viruses are ...
, losing to
Audaz Audaz may refer to: * Audaz (wrestler) Audaz (Spanish for "Audacious", born November 27, 1997, in Oaxaca City) is a Mexican ''Lucha libre, luchador wrestling mask, enmascarado'', or masked professional wrestling, professional wrestler working fo ...
,
Pegasso Pegasso (born February 25, 1978) is a Mexican ''Luchador enmascarado'' (or masked professional wrestler) working for the Mexican professional wrestling promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL). Pegasso worked from Asistencia Asesoría y Ad ...
, and
Rey Cometa Mario Alberto González (born March 11, 1983), better known by his ring name Rey Cometa (Spanish language, Spanish for "King Comet"), is a Mexican ''Lucha libre, luchador'' (or professional wrestler), working for the Mexican professional wrestling ...
in a
six-man tag team match Much like the singles match, tag team professional wrestling matches can and have taken many forms. Just about any singles or melee match type can be adapted to tag teams; for example, hardcore tag team matches are commonplace. Tag team ladder m ...
. While he was working for CMLL, they also allowed Kawato San to wrestle on the Mexican
independent circuit In professional wrestling, the independent circuit (often shortened to the indie circuit or the indies) is the collective name of independently owned promotions which are deemed to be smaller and more regionalized than major national promotions. ...
between CMLL shows. His first independent circuit match was on March 11, where he lost to
Ricky Marvin Ricardo Fuentes Romero (born January 8, 1980) is a second-generation Mexican professional wrestler, known by his ring name Ricky Marvin, and is most known for his work in the Japanese promotion Pro Wrestling Noah. Between 2005 and 2007, he al ...
as part of a ''Lucha Memes'' show. In CMLL, he was teamed up with Okumura, CMLL's Japanese liaison, to form a team called ''Eje del Mal'' ("Axis of Evil"), presenting them as a group of "evil foreigners". Their first match as a team saw the two, and Johnny Idol, lose to Guerrero Maya Jr., Rey Cometa, and Stuka Jr. Kawato San was one of twelve wrestlers competing in a ''
torneo cibernetico A ''torneo cibernetico'' is a multi-man professional wrestling elimination match that was created and primarily used in Mexican ''lucha libre'' professional wrestling promotions, especially in Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL). The match format ...
'' elimination match to determine the challenger for CMLL's ''Rey del Inframundo'' ("King of the Underworld") championship, but was eliminated early on. He was also invited to participate in the 2018 ''
Leyenda de Plata The ''Leyenda de Plata'' ( Spanish for "the Silver Legend") is an annual lucha libre tournament held by the Mexican professional wrestling promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) since 1998. The tournament honors El Santo, ''Enmáscarado ...
'' ("Silver Legend"), one of CMLL's most prestigious tournaments. Kawato was the first man eliminated, pinned by Audaz about eight minutes into the match. He also participated in the 2019 '' Reyes del Aire'' ("King of the Air") tournament which took place on January 6 in Mexico City. He was the tenth man eliminated, as Audza pinned him after just over 20 minutes of wrestling. Just over a year after his CMLL debut, Kawato San appeared on his first major CMLL show as he teamed up with
Disturbio Disturbio (born March 30, 1979) is the ring name of Israel Aguilar Alvarez, a Mexico, Mexican ''Lucha libre, luchador'', or professional wrestling, professional wrestler working for the Mexican professional wrestling promotion Consejo Mundial de L ...
and Misterioso Jr. to lose to
Blue Panther Jr. Blue Panther Jr. is the ring name of a Mexican ''luchador enmascarado'', or masked professional wrestler, formerly known as Black Panther. He is working for the Mexican professional wrestling promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) portr ...
,
Black Panther A black panther is the Melanism, melanistic colour variant of the leopard (''Panthera pardus'') and the jaguar (''Panthera onca''). Black panthers of both species have excess black pigments, but their typical Rosette (zoology), rosettes are al ...
and Rey Cometa on the undercard of the 2019 '' Juicio Final''. In June 2019, Kawato San and Audaz outlasted Eléctrico,
El Hijo del Villano III El Hijo del Villano III (Spanish: "The Son of Villano III; born November 26, 1999) is a Mexican ''luchador'' '' enmascarado'' (or masked professional wrestler). He is working for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), where he is one-half of the ...
, Flyer, Príncipe Diamante, Star Jr., Super Astro Jr., and
Halcón Suriano Jr. Halcón Suriano Jr./Stukita (born May 8, 1994) is a Mexican ''luchador enmascarado'', or masked professional wrestler, under contract with the Mexican professional wrestling promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL). Until the fall of 2018 ...
to earn a match for the vacant
CMLL World Super Lightweight Championship The CMLL World Lightweight Championship () is a professional wrestling world championship promoted by the Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), a Mexican ''Lucha Libre'' wrestling promotion (franchise). Originally, CMLL promoted the "Super Ligh ...
. The following week, on June 30, 2019, Kawato San defeated Audaz to become the new champion. Kawato did not wrestle any matches after July 28, 2019, due to what was later revealed to be a knee injury. It was announced on November 6, 2019, that Kawato-San had returned to Mexico after recovering from his knee injury. Kawato was stripped of the CMLL World Lightweight Championship due to the injury. Kawato returned to the ring on November 9, teaming with
El Felino Jorge Luis Casas Ruiz (born March 22, 1964), better known by his ring name El Felino ("The Feline"), is a Mexican '' luchador'' (or professional wrestler) working for Mexican wrestling promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL). Casas start ...
and
Rey Bucanero Arturo García Ortiz (born July 19, 1974) is a Mexican ''luchador'' or professional wrestler best known under the ring name Rey Bucanero. Ortiz, as Rey Bucanero, has worked for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) since 1996. His ring name is S ...
as they lost to Atlantis Jr.,
Ángel de Oro Miguel Ángel Chávez Velasco (born August 18, 1988), better known by his ring name Ángel de Oro (Spanish for "Angel of Gold" or "Golden Angel"), is a Mexican professional wrestler who works for the Mexican wrestling promotion Consejo Mund ...
, and
Niebla Roja Sergio Raymundo Chávez Velasco (born March 20, 1986), better known by his ring name Niebla Roja (Spanish for "Red Mist"), is a Mexican '' luchador'' (or professional wrestler), who works for the Mexican wrestling promotion Consejo Mundial de ...
. Starting in late October, Kawato San and
Dulce Gardenia Javier Márquez Gómez (born January 30, 1992), better known by his ring name Dulce Gardenia, is a Mexican ''luchador'' (or professional wrestler). He is working for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), as a '' técnico'' ("Good guy") wrestling ...
became involved in a storyline feud, with the two facing off in six-man tag team matches throughout November and December. Kawato and Gardenia both agreed to "bet" their hair. The ''lucha de apuestas'' match was the main event of the 2020 ''
Sin Piedad ''Sin Piedad'' (Spanish for "No Mercy" or "No Pity", not to be confused with a similarly-titled series of PPV's hosted by WWE) is the collective name of a series of annual ''lucha libre'', or professional wrestling major show promoted by Mexican ...
'' ("No Mercy") show held on January 1, 2020. Gardenia won the match two-falls-to-one, followed by Kawato San being forced to shave all his hair off. Kawato San was one of 12 wrestlers competing in the 2020 '' Reyes del Aire'' ("Kings of the air") tournament, but was the sixth wrestler eliminated when
Rey Cometa Mario Alberto González (born March 11, 1983), better known by his ring name Rey Cometa (Spanish language, Spanish for "King Comet"), is a Mexican ''Lucha libre, luchador'' (or professional wrestler), working for the Mexican professional wrestling ...
pinned him.


Return to NJPW (2020–present)

On July 3, 2020, Kawato returned to NJPW after a two-year excursion under the name Master Wato. As he was exiting, he was attacked by Suzuki-gun member
Douki , better known by his ring name Douki (stylised in ''all caps'' as DOUKI), is a Japanese professional wrestler signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he is a member of the House of Torture faction and one-half of the current IWGP Junior H ...
. It was later announced that at the
New Japan Cup __NOTOC__ The New Japan Cup (NJC) is an annual single-elimination professional wrestling tournament held by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) since 2005. It is considered the second most prominent heavyweight tournament in NJPW, after the G1 Climax wh ...
Finals in
Osaka-Jo Hall is a Japanese castle in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan. The castle is one of Japan's most famous landmarks and played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century of the Azuchi–Momoyama period. Layout Th ...
, Wato would face Douki in a singles match where he was victorious. He then embarked on a feud with another member of Suzuki-gun,
Yoshinobu Kanemaru is a Japanese professional wrestler. He is currently signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he is a member of House of Torture and a former member of Bullet Club. He also works as a backstage producer for NJPW. Professional wrestling career ...
. The feud ended when Kanemaru pinned Wato at Summer Struggle in Jingu Stadium in August. In November 2020, he entered the
Best of the Super Juniors The Best of the Super Juniors (stylized as the BEST OF THE SUPER Jr. and often abbreviated BOSJ) is an annual professional wrestling tournament held by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), typically in May or June. Originally known as Top of the Supe ...
tournament where he was scheduled for a rematch against Kanemaru, but Kanemaru pulled out injured. Wato finished the tournament with 4 wins and 5 losses, failing to advance to the finals. At
Wrestle Kingdom 15 Wrestle Kingdom 15 in Tokyo Dome was a professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event produced by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). The event took place over two nights, on January 4 and 5, 2021 at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. It was the 30th J ...
, he and Ryusuke Taguchi unsuccessfully challenged Suzuki-gun's El Desperado and Kanemaru for the
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship The is a professional wrestling tag team championship owned by the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) promotion. "IWGP" is the acronym of NJPW's governing body, the . The title was introduced on August 8, 1998, at an NJPW live event. The IWGP Junio ...
. After being pinned by Bushi in a ten-man tag team match at
New Year Dash!! New Year Dash!! is a professional wrestling event held annually by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). It is held every year the day after Wrestle Kingdom, the biggest show of the year for New Japan, starting at Wrestle Kingdom 8 in 2014. There have ...
, the two men feuded on the ''Road To The New Beginning 2021'' tour. At
The New Beginning in Hiroshima The New Beginning in Hiroshima was a professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event promoted by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). The event took place on February 9, 2014, in Hiroshima, Hiroshima at the Hiroshima Sun Plaza Hall. The event featured t ...
, Bushi defeated Wato in a singles match. Wato went on to compete in the 2021 Best of The Super Juniors finishing with a 4–7 record failing to advance. On the preshow of the second night of
Wrestle Kingdom 16 Wrestle Kingdom 16 was a three-day professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event co-produced by the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and Pro Wrestling Noah (Noah) promotions. The event took place on January 4 and 5, 2022, at the Tokyo Dome, in T ...
, Wato would defeat El Desperado in a six man tag match and earn himself a title shot at the
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship The is a professional wrestling world junior heavyweight championship owned by the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) promotion. "IWGP" is the acronym of NJPW's governing body, the . Only wrestlers under the junior heavyweight weight-limit may hold ...
. At NJPW New Years Golden Series on February 11 he would be unsuccessful in his attempt. Eight days later, on February 19, he and Taguchi having formed the team called Six or Nine, would win The IWGP Junior Tag Team Championships in a four-way tag, making that his first championship victory in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Despite being a Junior Heavyweight, Wato competed in the
New Japan Cup __NOTOC__ The New Japan Cup (NJC) is an annual single-elimination professional wrestling tournament held by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) since 2005. It is considered the second most prominent heavyweight tournament in NJPW, after the G1 Climax wh ...
, a heavyweight tournament, where he received a bye to the second round, although here he was defeated by
Kazuchika Okada (born November 8, 1987) is a Japanese professional wrestler. , he is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) where he is a member of the Don Callis Family stable and is the current AEW Continental Champion in his first reign. Known as the , he is b ...
. Six or Nine made their first successful tag team title defense at Hyper Battle, defeating Bullet Club's Cutest Tag Team (
El Phantasmo Riley Vigier (born October 24, 1986) is a Canadian Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he performs under the ring name El Phantasmo (often shortened to ELP) and is the NJPW World Tel ...
and
Taiji Ishimori is a Japanese Professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he is a member of Bullet Club and its List of Bullet Club members#War Dogs, War Dogs sub-group. Ishimori is a three-time IWGP Junio ...
). In May, they made a second successful defense against the Suzuki-gun pairing of Kanemaru and Douki. Later in the month, Wato competed in the annual
Best of the Super Juniors The Best of the Super Juniors (stylized as the BEST OF THE SUPER Jr. and often abbreviated BOSJ) is an annual professional wrestling tournament held by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), typically in May or June. Originally known as Top of the Supe ...
tournament. In the B Block, Wato finished with 8 points, failing to advance to the finals. On the day of the tournament finals, Wato and Taguchi were defeated by
United Empire , originally , is a professional wrestling faction performing in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL). The group was formed in October 2020 by Will Ospreay and Great-O-Khan, when Ospreay turned on his Chaos st ...
's TJP and
Francesco Akira Francesco Akira Begnini (born November 12, 1999), better known by his ring name Francesco Akira, is an Italian professional wrestler working for the Japanese promotion New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He is a part of the Catch 2/2 tag-team alongsid ...
in a non-title match. Due to this loss, Six or Nine defended the titles in a rematch, where they lost the championships to TJP and Akira, ending their reign at 121 days. Six or Nine, failed to win the titles back in a rematch at Burning Spirit. Following this, Wato focused on singles competition leading to Wato successfully defeated reigning IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Taiji Ishimori, in a non-title match on October 10 at Declaration of Power. After the match, Ishimori was confronted by
Hiromu Takahashi (born December 4, 1989) is a Japanese professional wrestling, professional wrestler. He is signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he is a member of the ''Los Ingobernables de Japón'' stable. Takahashi made his debut for NJPW on Augus ...
and El Desperado, who both wanted Junior Heavyweight title shots. This led to Ishimori, declaring that he would defend his championship against Desperado, Takahashi, and Wato in a four-way match at
Wrestle Kingdom 17 Wrestle Kingdom 17 was a two-day professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event co-produced by the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and Pro Wrestling Noah (Noah) promotions. The first day of the event took place on January 4, 2023, at the Tokyo Do ...
. On January 4, 2023, Wato was unsuccessful in capturing the junior heavyweight championship, which was won by Takahashi. In February at The New Beginning in Osaka, Wato lost to Taiji Ishimori. In May, Wato would take part in the 2023
Best of the Super Juniors The Best of the Super Juniors (stylized as the BEST OF THE SUPER Jr. and often abbreviated BOSJ) is an annual professional wrestling tournament held by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), typically in May or June. Originally known as Top of the Supe ...
, where he would compete in the B Block. Wato finished joint top of the block with 14 points, thus advancing to the semi-finals. On May 26, he would defeat Mike Bailey in a semi-final match. Two days later, he defeated Titán to win the tournament. Wato challenged for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship at Dominion 6.4 in Osaka-jo Hall, however he was defeated by the champion Takahashi.


Championships and accomplishments

*
Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre Co., Ltd. (CMLL; , "World Wrestling Council") is a ''lucha libre'' professional wrestling promotion based in Mexico City. The promotion was previously known as (EMLL) (''Mexican Wrestling Enterprise''). Founded in 1933, it is the oldest profe ...
**
CMLL World Lightweight Championship The CMLL World Lightweight Championship () is a professional wrestling World Heavyweight Championship (professional wrestling)#Nomenclature, world championship promoted by the Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), a Mexican ''Lucha Libre'' wres ...
( 1 time) *
New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) is a Puroresu, Japanese professional-wrestling Professional wrestling promotion, promotion founded on January 13, 1972, by Antonio Inoki, and based in Nakano, Tokyo. It is currently majority owned by card-game company Bushiroad, with TV As ...
**
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship The is a professional wrestling tag team championship owned by the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) promotion. "IWGP" is the acronym of NJPW's governing body, the . The title was introduced on August 8, 1998, at an NJPW live event. The IWGP Junio ...
( 2 times, current) – with
Ryusuke Taguchi is a Japanese Professional wrestling, professional wrestler, trained by and performing for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He is a former List of IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champions, two-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, List of IWGP Junior He ...
(1) and Yoh (1, current) **
Best of the Super Juniors The Best of the Super Juniors (stylized as the BEST OF THE SUPER Jr. and often abbreviated BOSJ) is an annual professional wrestling tournament held by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), typically in May or June. Originally known as Top of the Supe ...
(
2023 Catastrophic natural disasters in 2023 included the Lists of 21st-century earthquakes, 5th-deadliest earthquake of the 21st century 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes, striking Turkey and Syria, leaving up to 62,000 people dead; Cyclone Freddy ...
) *''
Pro Wrestling Illustrated ''Pro Wrestling Illustrated'' (''PWI'') is an American professional wrestling magazine that was founded in 1979 by publisher Stanley Weston. ''PWI'' is headquartered in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, and published by Kappa Publishing Group. The maga ...
'' **Ranked No. 436 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''
PWI 500 ''Pro Wrestling Illustrated'' (''PWI'') is an American professional wrestling magazine that was founded in 1979 by publisher Stanley Weston. ''PWI'' is headquartered in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, and published by Kappa Publishing Group. The maga ...
'' in 2022


''Luchas de Apuestas'' record


Footnotes


References


External links

*
Hirai Kawato
s CAGEMATCH profile * {{DEFAULTSORT:Kawato, Hirai 1997 births Living people People from Ikeda, Osaka Japanese male professional wrestlers IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions CMLL World Lightweight Champions 21st-century male professional wrestlers 21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers Best of the Super Juniors winners