Ren Narita (成田蓮 ''Narita Ren'', born November 29, 1997) 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 ...

. He is 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), where he is a member of House of Torture and a former member of

Bullet Club , stylized as BULLET CLUB and sometimes shortened to BC, is a professional wrestling Glossary of professional wrestling terms#stable, stable primarily appearing in the Japanese Professional wrestling promotion, promotion New Japan Pro-Wrestling ...

. He is one-third of the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions with Sho and

Yujiro Takahashi , is a Japanese 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. He is one-third of the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions with Ren Narit ...

in their first reign as a team and second for Narita individually. He is a former NJPW World Television Champion.

Early life

Narita has played several sports before becoming a wrestler, including

baseball Baseball is a bat-and-ball games, bat-and-ball sport played between two team sport, teams of nine players each, taking turns batting (baseball), batting and Fielding (baseball), fielding. The game occurs over the course of several Pitch ...

, and

kendo is a modern Japanese martial art, descended from kenjutsu (one of the old Japanese martial arts, swordsmanship), that uses bamboo swords ( shinai) as well as protective armor ( bōgu). It began as samurai warriors' customary swordsmanship ex ...

Professional wrestling career

New Japan Pro Wrestling (2017–present)

Young Lion (2017–2019)

Narita was trained under New Japan Pro-Wrestling's (NJPW) " young lion" system. Narita made his professional wrestling debut for NJPW's developmental territory

Lion's Gate Project Lion's Gate is the developmental branch of professional wrestling promotion New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), which holds events under the banner of Lion's Gate Project. The branch was officially announced on July 18, 2015, and held its first show ...

, where he wrestled Shota Umino to a ten minute time limit draw at the Lion's Gate Project 7 event on July 4, 2017. Later that month, Narita had his second match, teaming with Umino where they lost to El Desperado 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 ...

of Suzuki-gun on day eight of the 2017 G1 Climax tournament. Narita competed in the 11th Young Lion Cup, gaining 1 point after a time limit draw against Tetsuhiro Yagi. During the following year, Narita wrestled several tag team matches with NJPW veterans. In May 2019, after Flip Gordon pulled out of the Best of the Super Juniors 26 tournament, Narita was announced as a last minute replacement. He ended the tournament with a final standing of 0 points. Throughout the Destruction tour in September, Narita took part in the 12th Young Lion Cup. He finished with a record of 5-2. Afterwards, it was announced that he was heading to America for his excursion and joining The LA Dojo.

Excursion to United States (2019–2022)

Narita wrestled his first match in the United States at Fighting Spirit Unleashed Boston, losing to

Lance Archer Lance Hoyt (born February 28, 1977), better known by his ring name Lance Archer, is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where is a member of The Don Callis Family and one-half of The Murder Machines w ...

. Narita earnt his first win in the states, defeating fellow LA Dojo teammate Alex Coughlin, in November at NJPW Showdown in San Jose. In March 2020, New Japan suspended all of its activities, due to the

COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus pandemic and COVID pandemic), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), began with an disease outbreak, outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, in December ...

, causing American-based talent to not be able to travel to compete. Therefore, Narita appeared primarily on New Japan's new American-based show ''

NJPW Strong NJPW Strong is a brand name utilized by Japanese professional wrestling promotion New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and its New Japan Pro-Wrestling of America (NJoA) subsidiary. In its original incarnation, ''NJPW Strong'' was the name of a weekly ...

''. In March 2021, Narita competed in the New Japan Cup USA tournament, defeating Misterioso in the qualifying round. In the first round, Narita lost to eventual winner, Tom Lawlor. In July, Narita teamed with

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 compete in the Tag Team Turbulence tournament, where they defeated Fred Yehi and

Wheeler Yuta Paul Soren Gruber (born October 26, 1996) is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he performs under the ring name Wheeler Yuta and is a member of the Death Riders, formerly known as the Blackpool C ...

, in the first round. In the second round, the duo lost to eventual winners,

the Good Brothers The Good Brothers are a Canadian country, bluegrass and folk music group originating from Richmond Hill, Ontario. The band's core members are Brian Good (guitar), his twin brother Bruce Good (autoharp) and younger brother Larry Good (banjo). ...

. In September, at Autumn Attack, Narita challenged Tom Lawlor for the Strong Openweight Championship, in a losing effort. In November at Battle in the Valley, Narita lost to

Will Ospreay William Peter Charles Ospreay (born 7 May 1993) is an English professional wrestler. , he is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is a former two-time AEW International Champion. He is also known for his eight year tenure with New Japa ...

. After La Dojo head-coach Katsuyori Shibata returned from injury on the finals of the G1 Climax 31, he announced he would compete in a match at Wrestle Kingdom 16 against a mystery opponent. At said event on January 4, 2022, Shibata's opponent was revealed to be Narita, who Shibata defeated. Narita returned to compete on ''NJPW Strong'' until September, defeating

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 ...

in his final match.

"Son of Strong Style" (2022–2023)

Narita returned from his excursion, in October at Declaration of Power, teaming with Robbie Eagles and David Finlay, to defeat Suzuki-gun. Later in the month, Narita competed in a 16-man tournament, to crown the inaugural NJPW World Television Champion, in the first round Narita achieved a shock victory over Tomohiro Ishii. He then went on to defeat established heavyweight wrestlers, such as

Toru Yano is a Japanese Professional wrestling, professional wrestler, trained by and signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he was the KOPW (New Japan Pro-Wrestling), KOPW 2020 and the KOPW (New Japan Pro-Wrestling), KOPW 2021. He is one of the ...

and

Sanada Sanada is a Japanese surname. Notable people with the surname include: * Asami Sanada (born 1977), Japanese voice actress *, Japanese shogi player * Juzo Sanada (1923–1994), Japanese baseball player * Hiroki Sanada (born 1984), Japanese baseb ...

, thus advancing to the finals at Wrestle Kingdom 17, where he would face

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 wrestling, professional wrestler. He is signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). In NJPW, he is the second an ...

. At Wrestle Kingdom, Narita was defeated in the tournament final by Sabre Jr. The night after Wrestle Kingdom, at New Year Dash!! Narita teamed with,

Tomoaki Honma is a Japanese people, Japanese professional wrestler primarily working for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). In NJPW, he is a former List of IWGP Tag Team Champions, one-time IWGP Tag Team Championship, IWGP Tag Team Champion and a two-time G1 Ta ...

and Tiger Mask losing to House of Torture (

Evil Evil, as a concept, is usually defined as profoundly immoral behavior, and it is related to acts that cause unnecessary pain and suffering to others. Evil is commonly seen as the opposite, or sometimes absence, of good. It can be an extreme ...

and

Dick Togo , better known by his ring name , is a Japanese professional wrestling, professional wrestler. Togo is signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he is a member of House of Torture and a former member of Bullet Club. Togo has spent the major ...

). After a post-match beat down by House of Torture, Narita was saved by

Minoru Suzuki (born June 17, 1968) is a Japanese Professional wrestling, professional wrestler and former Mixed martial arts, mixed martial artist, known for his tenure in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he is a former one-time IWGP Intercontinental Ch ...

and El Desperado, which set up a six-man tag-team match between the two teams for the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championships, which were held by House of Torture. On February 11, Narita, Desperado and Suzuki defeated House of Torture (Evil, Takahashi and Sho) to win the Never Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championships, marking Narita's first NJPW Championship. The following month, Narita made his debut in the New Japan Cup tournament, but was eliminated in the first round by Evil. On April 3rd, the trio, now named ''Strong Style'' defeated House of Torture in a rematch to retain their titles. A month later on May 3, Strong Style lost the titles to

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 ...

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 ...

and Tomohiro Ishii, ending the trio's reign at 81 days. In July, Narita made his debut in the annual

G1 Climax The is a professional wrestling tournament held each August by the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) promotion. Though it has sometimes been held as a single-elimination tournament, it is usually – and currently – held as a round-rob ...

tournament, where he would participate in the A Block. Narita finished his tournament with 6 points, failing to advance to the quarterfinal round.

House of Torture (2023–present)

On December 6, Narita attacked his partner in the

World Tag League The World Tag League may refer to any of the following professional wrestling tournaments held in Japan: * World Tag League (JWA), 1970 to 1972, hosted by Japanese Wrestling Association * World Tag League (NJPW), annually since 1991, hosted by New ...

Shota Umino and joined House of Torture, turning

heel The heel is the prominence at the posterior end of the foot. It is based on the projection of one bone, the calcaneus or heel bone, behind the articulation of the bones of the lower leg. Structure To distribute the compressive forces exerted ...

for the first time in his career. On January 4, 2024 at Wrestle Kingdom 18, Narita teamed with fellow House of Torture member

, to defeat Umino and Kaito Kiyomiya. Narita would participate in the 2024 New Japan Cup, where he would defeat Taichi and

, only to be eliminated by

Yota Tsuji is a Japanese professional wrestler signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he is the IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion in his first reign. Tsuji is the winner of the 2024 New Japan Cup and is a one-time NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team ...

in the quarter-final. At Windy City Riot, Narita defeated Minoru Suzuki and appeared later in the show, attacking newly crowned IWGP World Heavyweight Champion

Jon Moxley Jonathan David Good (born December 7, 1985) is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he performs under the ring name Jon Moxley and is the current AEW World Championship, AEW World Champion in his ...

, only to be chased off by Umino. On night 2 of Wrestling Dontaku, Narita unsuccessfully challenged Moxley for the championship. At King Of Pro-Wrestling, Narita defeated Jeff Cobb and

in a three way match to win the NJPW World Television Champion. At Wrestle Kingdom 19, Narita lost the title to El Phantasmo in a four-way match, involving Cobb and Ryohei Oiwa On January 30, 2025, Narita teamed with Sho and

to defeat

and Oleg Boltin to win the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championships for the second time in his career.

All Elite Wrestling (2021)

Narita appeared on the May 12, 2021 edition of

AEW Dynamite ''AEW Dynamite'', also known as ''Wednesday Night Dynamite'' or simply ''Dynamite'', is an American professional wrestling television program produced by the American Professional wrestling promotion, promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW). It air ...

, where he accompanied

for his IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship match vs champion

. On the May 24, 2021 episode of AEW Dark: Elevation, as part of the partnership between New Japan Pro Wrestling and

All Elite Wrestling All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is an American professional wrestling promotion headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. It is owned and operated by Shahid Khan, Shahid and Tony Khan, with the latter serving as President (corporate title), president an ...

(AEW), Narita made his in-ring debut for the promotion defeating Royce Isaacs.

Championships and accomplishments

** NJPW World Television Championship ( 1 time) ** NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship ( 2 times, current) – with El Desperado and

(1) and Sho and

(1, current) *''

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. 182 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 2024

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Narita, Ren 1997 births Living people People from Aomori (city) Japanese male professional wrestlers Martial artists from Aomori Prefecture Bullet Club members NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions NJPW World Television Champions 21st-century male professional wrestlers 21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers