Katsuyori Shibata

A relentless fighter that encapsulates every meaning of the word "hardcore". Shibata debuted for New Japan in October 1999 and together with Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura he became known as one of the "New Three Musketeers". In 2005 he fought amongst various pro wrestling organizations and in 2007 turned towards the world of mixed martial arts to hone his skills. Upon his return to NJPW in August of 2012, his growth as a fighter was clear as he utilized sharp blows and targeted submissions. While his departure from NJPW during a difficult time for the promotion drew a lot of criticism, Shibata was able to reintegrate himself in the hearts and minds of the New Japan roster and fans after a memorable September 2014 bout with Hiroshi Tanahashi and a scintillating rivalry with Tomohiro Ishii. After nearly four years competing for New Japan in a freelance capacity, Shibata made a long term commitment to NJPW in spring 2016. Propelling himself to new heights, he won the 2017 New Japan Cup, a win that led to a brutal encounter with Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Injuries sustained during that match would force Shibata to withdraw from in-ring competition. With a passion for NJPW that still burned brightly, Shibata would head to Los Angeles to become the head coach for the LA Dojo, developing the next generation of American talent. Once his old friend KENTA expressed interest in wrestling in a New Japan ring, Shibata vouched for him with NJPW officials and introduced him to the fans at Dominion in June 2019. However, KENTA turned his back on his former friend on the last night of the G1 Climax 29 and joined BULLET CLUB, prompting a furious Shibata to accost him in the ring. In unbelievable scenes, Shibata unleashed his fury on KENTA as well as other BULLET CLUB interlopers but numbers eventually overwhelmed him.