Tomohiro Ishii

Ishii in May 2022

###

Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan

**Tomohiro Ishii** (石井 智宏 Ishii Tomohiro, born December 10, 1975) is a Japanese professional wrestler, currently signed to the New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) promotion. He is also known for his work with the independent Fighting World of Japan Pro Wrestling (Riki Pro) promotion, where he also worked backstage as the chairman.

Though pushed for most of his career as an undercarder without any major championship wins, Ishii gathered a cult following, and in February 2013 was called "probably [one of the] most underrated guys in the business" by Dave Meltzer of the *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*.

Ishii's status in NJPW finally began rising in early 2013, culminating in him winning his first title in the promotion, the NEVER Openweight Championship, in February 2014. Ishii has since won the title three more times before capturing the IWGP Tag Team Championship for the first time in January 2017 and the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship in January 2018.

Through NJPW's working relationship with the American Ring of Honor (ROH) and British Revolution Pro Wrestling (RevPro) promotion, he won the British Heavyweight and ROH World Television Championships once.

## Professional wrestling career

### Early career (1996–2005)

Ishii made his professional wrestling debut at the age of twenty on November 2, 1996, facing Choden Senshi Battle Ranger Z at an event held by Genichiro Tenryu's Wrestle Association "R" (WAR) promotion in Kushiro, Hokkaido. For the next years, Ishii remained affiliated with WAR, winning his first title on October 12, 1997, when he and Yuji Yasuraoka defeated Gokuaku Umibouzu and Masashi Aoyagi for the WAR International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship. Ishii and Yasuraoka won the title once more on March 1, 1999, eventually becoming the final champions in the title's initial history due to Yasuraoka's retirement in June 1999 and WAR going out of business in 2000. Being forced to become a freelancer, Ishii went on to work for several promotions during the following years, including Toryumon Japan, World Entertainment Wrestling (WEW), and Fighting World of Japan Pro Wrestling (Riki Pro), which he entered as the promotion's founder Riki Choshu's apprentice, later being appointed the chairman of the promotion. In August 2003, Ishii won Riki Pro's Young Magma Tournament. In 2004, Ishii also made appearances for Pro Wrestling Zero1-Max, where he and Tatsuhito Takaiwa won the NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship. Due to his short stature, Ishii had started his career as a junior heavyweight, but in 2005 Choshu recognized his strength and approved his transition into the heavyweight division.

### New Japan Pro Wrestling (2004–present)

Ishii made sporadic appearances for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) in 2004 and 2005, but only began working regularly for the promotion in 2006. In June of that year, Ishii formed the "Heisei no Gokudo Combi" tag team with Toru Yano and together the two took part in the 2006 G1 Tag League. On October 16, Ishii and Yano joined Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Togi Makabe as the newest members of the villainous Great Bash Heel (GBH) stable. From 2006 onwards, several GBH members, including Ishii, Makabe and Yano, also made sporadic appearances for the Apache Pro-Wrestling Army promotion, where Ishii won the WEW Heavyweight Championship on July 12, 2008. Back in NJPW, Ishii worked as one of the lowest-ranked members of GBH until April 2009, when he, along with Yano, Gedo, Giant Bernard, Jado, Karl Anderson and Takashi Iizuka turned on then-GBH leader Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma and went on to form the new Chaos stable under the leadership of Shinsuke Nakamura. While Chaos as a unit was involved in a storyline rivalry with Makabe, Honma and Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Ishii mainly remained outside of the top matches in the rivalry, continuing to work undercard matches, starting his own rivalry with Wataru Inoue. In October 2009, Ishii received some exposure in North America, when he was featured in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's (TNA) *Global Impact 2* program on Spike TV, working in an eight-man tag team main event, where he, Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson and Takashi Iizuka were defeated by Kevin Nash, Kurt Angle, Masahiro Chono and Riki Choshu. The match had been taped during NJPW's Wrestle Kingdom III in Tokyo Dome show the previous January. On January 4, 2010, Ishii was involved in another big eight-man tag team match at Wrestle Kingdom IV in Tokyo Dome, where he, Takashi Iizuka, Toru Yano and Abdullah the Butcher were defeated by Manabu Nakanishi, Masahiro Chono, Riki Choshu and Terry Funk.

In late 2010, Ishii started a storyline rivalry with masked wrestler Tiger Mask, going after his mask on several occasions. This built to a match during the first *Fantastica Mania* weekend on January 23, 2011, where Tiger Mask defeated Ishii in a *Lucha de Apuestas* Mask vs. Hair match; as a result, Ishii was forced to have his head shaved. After the shaving, Ishii once again attacked his rival and unmasked him. During the next NJPW event three days later, Ishii continued his rivalry with Tiger Mask, but was now wearing the mask of Black Tiger, a longtime nemesis of the various Tiger Masks that have appeared in NJPW throughout the years. The rivalry culminated on February 20 at The New Beginning, where Tiger Mask defeated Ishii in a Mask vs. Mask match, taking away his mask and ending the rivalry. Though Ishii worked the entire rivalry under his real name, he was officially recognized by NJPW as the sixth generation Black Tiger, when Kazushige Nosawa debuted in 2012, billed as the seventh generation Black Tiger. In June 2011, Ishii took part in the J Sports Crown Openweight 6 Man Tag Tournament, where he and Chaos stablemates Takashi Iizuka and Toru Yano made it to the semifinals, before losing to Giant Bernard, Jushin Thunder Liger and Karl Anderson.

After having worked for NJPW for eight years, Ishii received his first title shot in the promotion on May 20, 2012, when he unsuccessfully challenged Hirooki Goto for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship in the main event of a show in Osaka. The following November, Ishii took part in a tournament to determine the inaugural NEVER Openweight Champion. After wins over Daisuke Sasaki and Yoshi-Hashi, Ishii was defeated in the semifinals of the tournament by Chaos stablemate Masato Tanaka, who went on to win the entire tournament. The following month, Ishii teamed with Chaos leader Shinsuke Nakamura in the 2012 World Tag League, where they picked up three wins out of their six matches, failing to advance from their round-robin block. In January 2013, Ishii took part in the third *Fantastica Mania* weekend, winning a twelve-man *torneo cibernetico* on January 20. Following the win, Ishii challenged Masato Tanaka to a rematch for the NEVER Openweight Championship. The rematch between the two stablemates took place on February 3 in a main event at Korakuen Hall. Despite having the audience noticeably behind him, Ishii was again defeated by Tanaka, who, as a result, retained his title. The match was later praised by sports journalist Dave Meltzer, though he also expressed concern for the healths of both Ishii and Tanaka following the hard-hitting match. For his fan following, Ishii earned himself the nickname "New Mr. Korakuen". On March 11, Ishii picked up his biggest singles win in his NJPW career, when he defeated multi-time IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Tag Team Champion Satoshi Kojima in the first round of the 2013 New Japan Cup. Six days later, Ishii was defeated in his second round match in the tournament by Hirooki Goto. In early 2013, Ishii also became involved in Chaos' rivalry with Suzuki-gun, NJPW's other major villainous stable, leading to Chaos and Ishii being positioned in a more sympathetic role than usual. On March 23, Ishii teamed with Jado and Shinsuke Nakamura to defeat Suzuki-gun representatives Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer and Taka Michinoku in a six-man tag team match by pinning Michinoku for the win. After the match, Nakamura challenged Archer and his tag team partner Davey Boy Smith Jr. to a match for the IWGP Tag Team Championship, nominating Ishii as his partner for the match. Ishii and Nakamura received their title shot on April 5, but were defeated by Archer and Smith. Ishii then got involved in a heated rivalry with Suzuki-gun leader Minoru Suzuki, which built to a singles match between the two on July 20 at the Kizuna Road 2013 pay-per-view, where Suzuki was victorious.

"Ishii is the ultimate example of a guy who was destined to just be a decent worker on the undercard, who garnered a cult following in Tokyo, which spread to the rest of the country and resulted in him getting a push."

Dave Meltzer on Ishii.

As a sign of his rising status in NJPW, on August 1, Ishii entered the 2013 G1 Climax, his first ever entry into the promotion's premier tournament. Ishii main evented the second night of the tournament in Korakuen Hall, where he picked up a major win over six-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi. On the fourth night of the tournament, Ishii defeated Katsuyori Shibata in a match that received widespread acclaim, including a five-star rating from Dave Meltzer. Ishii's only other win in the tournament came via forfeit over the injured Hirooki Goto, a result that left him at the bottom of block A. Following the tournament, NJPW announced that Ishii would embark on his first tour with Mexican promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) starting September 8. Ishii made his CMLL debut on September 13 at the 80th Anniversary Show in Mexico City, teaming with compatriots Namajague and Okumura to defeat Fuego, Rey Cometa and Stuka Jr. in a six-man tag team match. Ishii remained in CMLL until October 1, working undercard six-man tag team matches. Ishii wrestled his NJPW return match on October 14 at King of Pro-Wrestling, when he was defeated by Katsuyori Shibata in a rematch of their highly acclaimed G1 Climax match. From November 23 to December 7, Ishii and Shinsuke Nakamura took part in the 2013 World Tag League, where they finished with a record of three wins and three losses, with a loss against Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma on the final day costing them a spot in the semifinals.

On January 5, 2014, Ishii started a new storyline rivalry with Tetsuya Naito, announcing his intention of becoming the next NEVER Openweight Champion. The title match between the two took place on February 11 at The New Beginning in Osaka and saw Ishii become the third NEVER Openweight Champion, winning his first title in NJPW. After Naito eliminated Ishii from the 2014 New Japan Cup in their first round match, a rematch for the NEVER Openweight Championship between the two was set for the April 6 Invasion Attack 2014 event, where Ishii made his first successful title defense. Ishii's second successful title defense took place just six days later during NJPW's trip to Taiwan, when he defeated Kushida. On May 3 at Wrestling Dontaku 2014, Ishii made his third successful title defense against Tomoaki Honma and was afterwards challenged by IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Kota Ibushi, with whom he had had sporadic heated encounters since the past year's G1 Climax. The match between the two took place on May 25 at Back to the Yokohama Arena and saw Ishii make his fourth successful title defense. After the match, Ishii was pulled into the rivalry between Chaos and Bullet Club, when he was attacked by former stablemate Yujiro Takahashi, who appointed himself as his next challenger. On June 29, Ishii lost the NEVER Openweight Championship to Takahashi in his fifth defense, following outside interference from Bullet Club. From July 21 to August 8, Ishii took part in the 2014 G1 Climax, where he finished tied fifth in his block with a record of five wins and five losses, working his two final matches with a separated shoulder. Ishii's performance in the tournament was praised, with Mike Sempervive of *Figure Four Online*/*Wrestling Observer* stating that the quality of his matches, his fortitude, popularity and charisma secured him as a "legitimate New Japan star".

On October 13 at King of Pro-Wrestling, Ishii regained the NEVER Openweight Championship from Yujiro Takahashi, becoming the first two-time holder of the title. Ishii made his first successful title defense on November 8 at Power Struggle against Hirooki Goto. From November 23 to December 5, Ishii took part in the 2014 World Tag League, alongside Shinsuke Nakamura. The team finished second in their block with a record of four wins and three losses, narrowly missing the finals of the tournament due to losing to Hirooki Goto and Katsuyori Shibata on the final day. On January 4, 2015, at Wrestle Kingdom 9 in Tokyo Dome, Ishii lost the NEVER Openweight Championship to Togi Makabe in his second defense. On February 14 at The New Beginning in Sendai, Ishii defeated Tomoaki Honma, a late replacement for an ill Togi Makabe, to win the now vacant NEVER Openweight Championship for the third time. Ishii once again lost the title to Makabe in his first defense on April 29 at *Wrestling Hinokuni*. The two faced off in another title match on July 5 at Dominion 7.5 in Osaka-jo Hall, where Makabe was once again victorious. From July 23 to August 15, Ishii took part in the 2015 G1 Climax, where he finished in the middle of his block with a record of five wins and four losses. On October 12 at King of Pro-Wrestling, Ishii defeated Makabe to win the NEVER Openweight Championship for the fourth time. Ishii made his first successful title defense on November 7 at Power Struggle against Tomoaki Honma. Ishii's reign ended in his next defense, when he was defeated by Katsuyori Shibata on January 4, 2016, at Wrestle Kingdom 10 in Tokyo Dome. Ishii received a rematch for the title on February 11 at The New Beginning in Osaka, but was again defeated by Shibata. On February 19, Ishii took part in the NJPW and Ring of Honor (ROH) co-produced Honor Rising: Japan 2016 event, defeating Roderick Strong for the ROH World Television Championship in the main event. A week later, Ishii made his debut for ROH at their 14th Anniversary Show, successfully defending his title in a three-way match against Strong and Bobby Fish. At the following day's *Ring of Honor Wrestling* tapings, Ishii successfully defended the title against Cedric Alexander to return to Japan as the reigning champion.

In early 2016, Chaos entered a rivalry with the *Los Ingobernables de Japón* (L.I.J.) stable. During March's New Japan Cup, Ishii faced two L.I.J. members, first defeating EVIL in the round and then losing to the stable's leader Tetsuya Naito in the quarterfinals, after which he was attacked by Evil. This led to a match on March 20, where Ishii made his third successful defense of the ROH World Television Championship against Evil. When Naito, after winning the 2016 New Japan Cup, defeated Ishii's Chaos stablemate Kazuchika Okada to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Ishii confronted the new champion, which led to NJPW granting him his first-ever shot at the promotion's top title. Ishii received his title shot on May 3 at Wrestling Dontaku 2016, but was defeated by Naito. Five days later, Ishii lost the ROH World Television Championship to Bobby Fish at the NJPW and ROH co-produced Global Wars show. From July 18 to August 12, Ishii took part in the 2016 G1 Climax, where he finished with a record of four wins and five losses. One of Ishii's wins was over CHAOS stablemate and reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada. At the end of the year, Ishii took part in the 2016 World Tag League, teaming with Chaos stablemate Hirooki Goto. The two finished the tournament with a record of four wins and three losses, failing to advance to the finals due to losing to block winners Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma in their final round-robin match.

On January 4, 2017, at Wrestle Kingdom 11 in Tokyo Dome, Ishii and Toru Yano defeated Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga and Tanga Roa) and G.B.H. (Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma) in a three-way match to become the new IWGP Tag Team Champions. They lost the title to Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima on March 6 at NJPW's 45th anniversary event. Later that month, Ishii made it to the semifinals of the 2017 New Japan Cup, before losing to Katsuyori Shibata.

Over the weekend of July 1 and 2 at G1 Special in USA, Ishii took part in an eight-man tournament to crown the inaugural IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion, making it to the finals, before losing to Kenny Omega. Later that month, Ishii entered the 2017 G1 Climax, where he finished with a record of four wins and five losses. On January 4, 2018, Ishii, Beretta, and Toru Yano won a five-team gauntlet match at Wrestle Kingdom 12 in Tokyo Dome to become the new NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions. They lost the titles to them on the following night. On April 6, at Revolution Pro Wrestling's WrestleCon Ishii defeated Zack Sabre Jr. to win the British Heavyweight Championship. He lost the title to Minoru Suzuki on July 1 at Strong Style Evolved UK. During the 2018 G1 Climax on August 4, Ishii picked up a major win over reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega, Omega's first singles defeat since winning the title. Ishii went on to finish fifth in his block with a record of five wins and four losses. On October 14 at Global Wars UK, Ishii defeated Minoru Suzuki to regain the British Heavyweight Championship. From November 17 until December 7, Ishii and Yano took part of the 2018 World Tag League, finishing the tournament with a record of nine wins and four losses, failling to advaneg to the finals, due to losing to Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa in their last round robin match.

On January 4, 2019, at Wrestle Kingdom 13 in Tokyo Dome, Ishii lost the British Heavyweight Championship to Zack Sabre Jr. On May 4, in the second night of Wrestling Dontaku, Taichi challenged Ishii to a match for his NEVER Openweight Championship, due to losing to him in the second round of the 2019 New Japan Cup. On June 9 at Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall, Ishii defeated Taichi to win the NEVER Openweight Championship for the record-breaking fifth time. From July 13 until August 11, Ishii took part in the 2019 G1 Climax, where he finished the tournament with a record of four wins and five losses, failing to advance to the finals of the tournament. On August 12, Ishii teamed with his CHAOS stablemate Yoshi-Hashi and KENTA in a losing effort against Bullet Club (Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga, and Tanga Loa), after KENTA turned on Ishii and Yoshi-Hashi to join the Bullet Club. Afterwards, Ishii vowed revenge against KENTA. The two would face each other on August 31 at Royal Quest, where Ishii lost the NEVER Openweight Championship to KENTA after his Bullet Club stablemates interfered in the match. From November 16 until December 8, Ishii and Yoshi-Hashi took part in the 2019 World Tag League, failing to win the tournament with a record of twelve wins and four losses. From June 16 until July 2, 2020, Ishii took part in the 2020 New Japan Cup, being eliminated from the tournament by IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Hiromu Takahashi in the quarterfinals on July 2. On August 9, Ishii, Hirooki Goto, and Yoshi-Hashi defeated fellow CHAOS stablemates Kazuchika Okada, Toru Yano, and Sho in a tournament final to win NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship. From September 19 until October 16, Ishii took part in the 2020 G1 Climax, finishing the tournament with a record of four wins and five losses, failling to advance to the finals of the tournament. From November 15 until December 6, Ishii and Toru Yano took part in the 2020 World Tag League, finishing the tournament with a record of five wins and four losses, failling advance to the finals of the tournament. In March 2021, Ishii took part in the 2021 New Japan Cup losing to SANADA in the first round. From September 18 to October 18, Ishii took part in the 2021 G1 Climax, where he finished with a record of five wins and four losses, failing to advance to the finals of the tournament. Ishii, Goto and Yoshi-Hashi's reign would break the record for the longest reign as champions at 454 days and the most successful title defenses with 9 defenses, before losing the titles to House of Torture (EVIL, Sho, Yujiro Takahashi) on November 6 at Power Stuggle. On November 13 at Battle in the Valley, Ishii defeated Jay White to win the NEVER Openwight Championship for the record breaking sixth-time. Had Ishii lost, he could never challenged for the NEVER Openweight Championship. On January 4, 2022 on the first night of Wrestle Kingdom 16, Ishii lost the title to EVIL. On February 13, during the New Years Golden Series tour, he was defeated by EVIL in the rematch for the NEVER Openweight Championship, with members of CHAOS and House of Torture acting as lumberjacks. In March, Ishii took part in the 2022 New Japan Cup, losing in the first round to Shingo Takagi. Ishii was announced as a part of the NJPW bracket to qualify for a chance to advance to AEW×NJPW: Forbidden Door to compete in a four-way match for the inaugural AEW All-Atlantic Championship. He defeated Yoshinobu Kanemaru in the first qualifier and Clark Connors in the final qualifier, to qualify for the match at the event. However, it was later reported that Ishii had suffered a left knee injury and was not medically cleared to compete at Forbidden Door, therefore Connors took his place in the four-way match, but failed to win. From July 17 to August 16, Ishii took part in the 2022 G1 Climax, finishing the tournament with a record of two wins and four losses, failing to advance to the semifinals.

On May 3, at Wrestling Dontaku, Ishii, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Kazuchika Okada defeated Strong Style (El Desperado, Minoru Suzuki and Ren Narita) to win the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship. From July 16 to August 9, Ishii took part in the 2023 G1 Climax, where he finished the tournament with a record of two wins and five losses, failing to advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament. From November 25 until December 6, Ishii and Toru Yano took part in the 2023 World Tag League, finishing the tournament with a record of four wins, and three losses, failing to advance to the semifinals of the tournament On January 24, 2024, after successfully defending the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship against TMDK (Kosei Fujita, Mikey Nicholls, Shane Haste), Okada decided to vacate the titles, due to him leaving NJPW, ending their reign at 266 days.

## Other media

In 2016, Ishii starred in the music video for "Darling" by May's.

## In wrestling

* **Finishing moves**
	+ *141 Driller* / *Ishii Driller* (Vertical suplex piledriver) – 2013
	+ Brainbuster
* **Signature moves**
	+ Bridging / Release German suplex
	+ Delayed vertical superplex
	+ Enzuigiri
	+ Headbutt
	+ Lariat
	+ Powerbomb
	+ Powerslam
	+ Sliding lariat, sometimes to the back of the opponent's head
	+ Vertical suplex
* **Nicknames**
	+ "Shin Korakuen Otoko" (Japanese for "New Mr. Korakuen")
	+ "Chaos no Tokkou Yarou"(Japanese for "CHAOS' Tough Bastard")
	+ "Stone Pitbull"
* **Entrance themes**
	+ "This One" by WJ.Rock's
	+ "Domination 1" by Flying Hands
	+ **"Stone Pitbull"** by May's

## Championships and accomplishments

* **Apache Pro-Wrestling Army**
	+ WEW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
* **Fighting World of Japan Pro Wrestling**
	+ Young Magma Tournament (2003)
* **New Japan Pro Wrestling**
	+ IWGP Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Toru Yano
	+ NEVER Openweight Championship (6 times)
	+ NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with Beretta and Toru Yano (1), Hirooki Goto and Yoshi-Hashi (1) and Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi (1)
	+ NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship tournament (2020) - with Hirooki Goto and Yoshi-Hashi
* ***Pro Wrestling Illustrated***
	+ PWI ranked him #**110** of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2015
	+ PWI ranked him #**37** of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2016
	+ PWI ranked Ishii #**74** of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2017
* **Pro Wrestling Zero1-Max**
	+ NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Tatsuhito Takaiwa
* **Revolution Pro Wrestling**
	+ British Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
* **Ring of Honor**
	+ ROH World Television Championship (1 time)
* **Tenryu Project**
	+ Tenryu Project Six-Man Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Arashi and Suwama (1), and Arashi and Genichiro Tenryu (1)
* ***Tokyo Sports***
	+ Outstanding Performance Award (2014)
* **Wrestle Association "R"**
	+ WAR International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Yuji Yasuraoka
* ***Wrestling Observer Newsletter***
	+ 5 Star Match (2013) vs. Katsuyori Shibata on August 4
	+ 5 Star Match (2015) vs. Tomoaki Honma on February 14
	+ Best Brawler (2014, 2015)

## References

1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 *ja:石井 智宏* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 Wrestler  (in Japanese). *Fighting World of Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2008-03-14. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 *ja:田中将斗がヒザ打ち合戦制し王座死守* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2013-02-04). Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 新日本プロレス「Road to The New Beginning」  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2013-02-03). Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
5. ↑ *ja:人気急上昇!! 石井智宏選手"初の単独イベント"に石井ファンが大集結!!（報告）* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2013-04-15). Retrieved on 2013-04-15.
6. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (February 11, 2013). "Feb. 11, 2013 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Sammartino into the WWE Hall of Fame, UFC 156 fallout, TNA moving out of the Impact Zone, next New Japan iPPV, tons more". *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Campbell, California: 30. ISSN 1083-9593. The 2/3 main event saw Masato Tanaka retained the Never Open Weight title pinning Tomohiro Ishii in 23:27 with the Sliding D. That match was said to be as good if not better than any match at the Tokyo Dome. There were reports it was the best match so far this year. It was so good that many of the wrestlers came out of the dressing room to watch it. These are probably the two most underrated guys in the business.
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title . *Puroresu Dojo*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
8. ↑ El Numero Uno  (in Japanese). *Toryumon Japan*. Gaora. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
9. ↑ Premium Live Match  (in Japanese). *Toruymon Japan*. Gaora. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
10. ↑ No Se Por Que  (in Japanese). *Toruymon Japan*. Gaora. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
11. ↑ World Entertainment Wrestling Results  (in German). *Purolove*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
12. ↑ *ja:５・３内藤に挑戦の１７０センチ石井が“史上最小ＩＷＧＰ王者”にこだわり* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2016-04-25). Retrieved on 2016-04-25.
13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 13.6 Tomohiro Ishii . *Strong Style Spirit*. Archived from the original on 2008-08-28. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
14. ↑ ja:10月16日(月)鳥取県立倉吉体育文化会館 (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2007-02-11. Retrieved on 2016-06-17.
15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 World Entertainment Wrestling Heavyweight Title . *Puroresu Dojo*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
16. ↑ Circuit2009 New Japan Brave  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
17. ↑ Golden, Hunter 2009-04-30. Rising Sun Soliloquy Newsletter #22 . *Strong Style Spirit*. Archived from the original on 2012-05-11. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
18. ↑ *ja:レスリングどんたく 2009* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
19. ↑ 蝶野正洋25周年特別興行 Aristrist in 両国国技館  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
20. ↑ *ja:レスリングどんたく2010* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
21. ↑ Dissidence  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
22. ↑ Caldwell, James 2009-01-04. TNA News: Team 3D and Motor City Machineguns capture tag titles; Kurt Angle & Kevin Nash re-create NWO (w/Video) . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
23. ↑ Caldwell, James 2009-09-24. TNA News: TNA announces air-date for their first Spike TV special under the new contract . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
24. ↑ Martin, Adam 2009-03-16. Update on TNA's "Global Impact 2" . *WrestleView*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
25. ↑ Meltzer, Dave. Spike to tape Tokyo Dome show . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Archived from the original on 2014-03-01. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
26. ↑ ユークス Presents レッスルキングダムIV in 東京ドーム  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
27. ↑ Ward, Marshall 2010-05-06. Terry Funk Q&A . *Slam! Sports*. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
28. ↑ 心をひとつにがんばろう！Miyazaki ～口蹄疫に負けるな～  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
29. ↑ Road to Kingdom ～Battle X'mas!～  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
30. ↑ New Japan Live in Akita ～秋田新日本祭り～  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 NJPW Presents CMLL Fantastica Mania 2011  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
32. ↑ New Japan Ism 2011  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
33. ↑ *ja:タイガーマスクが２人　石井バレた* (in Japanese). *Nikkan Sports* (2011-01-27). Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 The New Beginning  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
35. ↑ 『Super Jr.』参戦選手決定! 全日本から "レンタル移籍"のBushi、ロウ・キー、そしてドラゲーの"超・鳥人"Pacが初参戦!!  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2012-05-04). Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
36. ↑ 「J Sports Crown」 ～無差別級6人タッグトーナメント～  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
37. ↑ NJPW 40th anniversary New Japan Live  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
38. ↑ 東京・Shibuya-AX　～初代NEVER無差別級王座決定トーナメント 1st Round～  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
39. ↑ 東京・Shibuya-AX　～初代NEVER無差別級王座決定トーナメント Final～  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
40. ↑ NJPW 40ｔｈ anniversary Tour World Tag League 2012  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 NJPW Presents CMLL Fantastica Mania 2013  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
42. ↑ Road to The New Beginning  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
43. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (February 18, 2013). "Feb. 18, 2013 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: IOC votes to drop wrestling in total shocker, Elimination Chamber line-up and changes, DirecTV survey on WWE Network, tons more". *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Campbell, California: 22–23. ISSN 1083-9593.
44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 *ja:『新日本学園女子イラスト部』今週は、初イベント記念!? 広く。さんによる、"新・後楽園男"石井智宏選手、待ち受け!!* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2013-04-11). Retrieved on 2013-04-12.
45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 New Japan Cup 2013  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
46. ↑ Meltzer, Dave 2013-03-11. Mon. update: Notes on tonight's Raw, Who was flown in, New Japan Cup and Smith scores biggest career win, Hogan lawsuit, Impact, SummerSlam tickets, Dino Bravo, End of U.S. TV's greatest villain, Nash does TV shoot, Marathon of movies from past wrestler . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Archived from the original on 2013-03-13. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
47. ↑ New Japan Cup 2013  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
48. ↑ New Japan Cup 2013  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
49. ↑ New Japan Cup 2013  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
50. ↑ みのる"NJCでChaos皆殺し"  (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2013-03-03). Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
51. ↑ New Japan Cup 2013  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
52. ↑ 4.5後楽園で中邑＆石井がIWGPタッグ王座に挑戦=新日本  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2013-03-24). Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
53. ↑ Caldwell, James 2013-03-25. Japan News: NWA Title to be defended in Japan, U.S. stars in major title matches Apr. 5 & 7, New Japan Cup winner . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
54. ↑ Road to Invasion Attack  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-05.
55. ↑ *ja:ファンの後押しを受けてタッグ王座に挑戦した石井だが、無念の撃沈！荒ぶるデヴィットがシェリーを踏みつける！* (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2013-04-05). Retrieved on 2013-04-06.
56. ↑ *ja:アーチャー＆スミス組がＶ４に成功！ オカダはＩＷＧＰ前哨戦で棚橋に快勝＝新日本プロレス* (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2013-04-06). Retrieved on 2013-04-06.
57. ↑ Dominion 6.22  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-07-20.
58. ↑ 吉野家Presents Kizuna Road 2013  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-07-20.
59. ↑ 59.0 59.1 吉野家Presents Kizuna Road 2013  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-07-20.
60. ↑ 新日本プロレス「Kizuna Road 2013」最終戦  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2013-07-20). Retrieved on 2013-07-20.
61. ↑ Namako, Jason 2013-07-20. 7/20 NJPW iPPV Results: Akita, Japan (Devitt vs. Okada) . *WrestleView*. Retrieved on 2013-07-20.
62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 Meltzer, Dave (January 26, 2015). "Jan. 26, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2014 awards issue w/ results & Dave’s commentary, Conor McGregor, and much more". *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Campbell, California: 13. ISSN 1083-9593.
63. ↑ 63.0 63.1 *ja:『G1 Climax 23』出場メンバー発表!! 飯伏幸太、石井智宏が初出場!! 柴田勝頼が9年ぶりエントリー!!* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2013-07-05). Retrieved on 2013-07-05.
64. ↑ 64.0 64.1 64.2 64.3 ブシモ Presents G1 Climax 23  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-08-02.
65. ↑ *ja:棚橋が連敗！オカダ、中邑も敗戦／新日本* (in Japanese). *Nikkan Sports* (2013-08-03). Retrieved on 2013-08-02.
66. ↑ Meltzer, Dave 2013-08-02. G-1 Climax tournament day two from Korakuen Hall results . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Archived from the original on 2013-08-06. Retrieved on 2013-08-02.
67. ↑ ブシモ Presents G1 Climax 23  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-08-10.
68. ↑ 68.0 68.1 Meltzer, Dave (August 12–13, 2013). "Wrestling Observer Newsletter (Double Issue)". *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Campbell, California: 8. ISSN 1083-9593.
69. ↑ 69.0 69.1 ブシモ Presents G1 Climax 23  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-08-10.
70. ↑ G1はまさにクライマックスの両国2連戦へ...棚橋とオカダがドロー！飯伏と石井が公式戦終了！柴田が思いの丈を叫ぶ！  (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2013-08-10). Retrieved on 2013-08-12.
71. ↑ 8月21日より棚橋弘至選手が、9月8日より石井智宏選手が、メキシコ・CMLLへの遠征が決定!!  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2013-08-12). Retrieved on 2013-08-12.
72. ↑ 棚橋、石井がメキシコCMLLに遠征  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2013-08-12). Retrieved on 2013-08-12.
73. ↑ *ja:Ｇ１準Ｖの棚橋がメキシコ遠征へ* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2013-08-13). Retrieved on 2013-08-13.
74. ↑ Salazar López, Alexis A. 2013-09-14. Resultados Arena México Viernes 13 de Septiembre '13  (in Spanish). *Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre*. Archived from the original on 2013-09-14. Retrieved on 2013-09-14.
75. ↑ Valdés, Apolo 2013-09-14. Averno rapó con trampa a Blue Panther  (in Spanish). *MedioTiempo*. Retrieved on 2013-09-14.
76. ↑ 76.0 76.1 Meltzer, Dave 2013-09-13. CMLL 80th anniversary show live coverage from Arena Mexico – Volador Jr. vs. La Sombra is your mask vs. mask main event . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Archived from the original on 2013-09-21. Retrieved on 2013-09-14.
77. ↑ Atlantis y La Sombra buscan ser retadores al Campeonatos de Parejas  (in Spanish). *MedioTiempo* (2013-09-25). Retrieved on 2013-10-07.
78. ↑ Salazar López, Alexis A. 2013-09-30. Resultados Arena Coliseo Domingo 29 de Septiembre '13  (in Spanish). *Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre*. Archived from the original on 2013-10-07. Retrieved on 2013-10-07.
79. ↑ Salazar López, Alexis A. 2013-10-02. Resultados Arena México Martes 1º de Octubre '13  (in Spanish). *Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre*. Archived from the original on 2013-10-07. Retrieved on 2013-10-07.
80. ↑ King of Pro-Wrestling  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-10-14.
81. ↑ World Tag League 2013  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-12-07.
82. ↑ World Tag League 2013  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-12-07.
83. ↑ New Year Dash !!  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-01-05.
84. ↑ The New Beginning in Osaka  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-02-11.
85. ↑ 新日本プロレス「The New Beginning in Osaka」  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2014-02-11). Retrieved on 2014-02-11.
86. ↑ *ja:３８歳石井が第３代ＮＥＶＥＲ王者に* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2014-02-12). Retrieved on 2014-02-12.
87. ↑ *ja:内藤 ＮＥＶＥＲ王座返り咲き狙う* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2014-03-24). Retrieved on 2014-04-06.
88. ↑ Invasion Attack 2014  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-04-06.
89. ↑ Caldwell, James 2014-04-06. Caldwell's NJPW PPV results 4/6: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of "Invasion Attack 2014" – Nakamura regains IC Title, A.J. Styles big angle, new NWA tag champions, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2014-04-06.
90. ↑ *ja:石井ＮＥＶＥＲ王座初防衛！Ｖ２戦は台湾か* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2014-04-07). Retrieved on 2014-04-07.
91. ↑ Wrestling World 2014 in 台湾  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-04-12.
92. ↑ *ja:レスリングどんたく 2014* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-05-03.
93. ↑ Namako, Jason 2014-05-03. 5/3 NJPW iPPV Results: Fukoka, Japan (Okada/Styles) . *Wrestleview*. Retrieved on 2014-05-03.
94. ↑ Meltzer, Dave 2013-08-10. G-1 Climax series finals live coverage 8–11 Tokyo Sumo Hall . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Archived from the original on 2014-05-03. Retrieved on 2014-05-03.
95. ↑ Road to Tokyo Dome  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-05-03.
96. ↑ Back to the Yokohama Arena  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-05-25.
97. ↑ Caldwell, James 2014-05-25. Caldwell's NJPW iPPV results 5/25: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live show featuring Styles vs. Okada for IWGP World Title, MOTY Contender, NWA Tag Titles, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2014-05-25.
98. ↑ *ja:石井ＮＥＶＥＲ王座Ｖ４も裕二郎の襲撃受ける* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2014-05-26). Retrieved on 2014-05-26.
99. ↑ Kizuna Road 2014  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-06-29.
100. ↑ *ja:裕二郎がＮＥＶＥＲ王座強奪！バレットクラブが新日のヘビー級全王座独占* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2014-06-30). Retrieved on 2014-06-30.
101. ↑ Dominello, Zach 2014-06-30. PPV results – 6/29 New Japan "Kizuna Road" in Tokyo: Takahashi captures NEVER Title, Bullet Club vs. Chaos, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2014-06-30.
102. ↑ バディファイトPresents G1 Climax 24  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-08-08.
103. ↑ Namako, Jason 2014-08-08. 8/8 NJPW G-1 Climax Day 11 recap (Okada/Suzuki) . *Wrestleview*. Retrieved on 2014-08-08.
104. ↑ Meltzer, Dave 2014-08-06. Wed. update: Final day of G-1, Ex-UFC fighter arrested on numerous charges in violent attack, WWE ads, UFC announcer gets NFL gig, New UFC fights, Bully Ray talks, Potential Hall of Fame, Rock, Ventura . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Archived from the original on 2014-08-14. Retrieved on 2014-08-08.
105. ↑ 105.0 105.1 105.2 Sempervive, Mike 2015-07-18. The Big Audio Nightmare's Guide to the annual New Japan G1 Climax . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Archived from the original on 2015-07-22. Retrieved on 2015-08-15.
106. ↑ King of Pro-Wrestling  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-10-13.
107. ↑ PPV results - 10/13 New Japan in Tokyo, Japan: Styles drops IWGP World Hvt. Title to Tanahashi, more title changes, former WWE star returns to New Japan, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch* (2014-10-13). Retrieved on 2014-10-13.
108. ↑ *ja:石井が無骨にＮＥＶＥＲ王座奪還* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2014-10-14). Retrieved on 2014-10-14.
109. ↑ Power Struggle  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-11-08.
110. ↑ Show results: 11/8 New Japan "Power Struggle" - Nakamura vs. Shibata main event, ROH tag champs capture Tag Titles, new Bullet Club member, Styles vs. Yoshi Tatsu, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch* (2014-11-08). Retrieved on 2014-11-08.
111. ↑ 『World Tag League 2014』出場チーム＆公式戦が決定！ 棚橋はヨシタツとタッグ結成！ 桜庭、AJ、柴田、ROH、NWAも参戦!  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2014-11-11). Retrieved on 2014-12-05.
112. ↑ World Tag League 2014  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-12-05.
113. ↑ Wrestle Kingdom 9 in 東京ドーム  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2015-01-04.
114. ↑ Caldwell, James 2015-01-04. Caldwell's NJPW Tokyo Dome show results 1/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Wrestle Kingdom PPV - Tanahashi vs. Okada, Bullet Club, Nakamura, Jim Ross, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2015-01-04.
115. ↑ *ja:【新日１・４東京ドーム】真壁が石井を倒しＮＥＶＥＲ奪取* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2015-01-05). Retrieved on 2015-01-05.
116. ↑ The New Beginning in Sendai  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2015-02-14.
117. ↑ Show results - 2/14 New Japan "New Beginning" Night 2: Nakamura defends IC Title in main event, new NWA World champion, new NEVER champion, Bullet Club loses, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch* (2015-02-14). Retrieved on 2015-02-14.
118. ↑ *ja:石井がＮＥＶＥＲ“暫定”王者に* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2015-02-16). Retrieved on 2015-02-16.
119. ↑ *ja:レスリング火の国* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2015-04-29.
120. ↑ *ja:真壁ＮＥＶＥＲ王座奪還の裏に浜ちゃんあり* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2015-04-30). Retrieved on 2015-04-30.
121. ↑ Rose, Bryan 2015-04-29. New Japan Pro Wrestling 4-29-15 house show report: Togi Makabe vs. Tomohiro Ishii highlights three title matches . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Archived from the original on 2015-05-18. Retrieved on 2015-04-30.
122. ↑ Dominion 7.5 in Osaka-jo Hall  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2015-07-05.
123. ↑ Meltzer, Dave 2015-07-04. New Japan Dominion live coverage from Osaka Jo Hall - Styles vs. Okada for IWGP title, Nakamura vs. Goto for IC title and notes on biggest event since the Tokyo Dome, plus all G-1 main events . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Archived from the original on 2015-09-19. Retrieved on 2015-07-05.
124. ↑ *ja:【新日・大阪城決戦】真壁がＮＥＶＥＲ初防衛　名勝負の石井を称賛* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2015-07-06). Retrieved on 2015-07-06.
125. ↑ *ja:バディファイトPresents G1 Climax 25* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2015-08-15.
126. ↑ King of Pro-Wrestling  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2015-10-12.
127. ↑ Meltzer, Dave 2015-10-11. NJPW King of Pro Wrestling 10-11: Kazuchika Okada vs. A.J. Styles for IWGP heavyweight title . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2015-10-12.
128. ↑ *ja:真壁撃破！石井がＮＥＶＥＲ王座返り咲き* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2015-10-13). Retrieved on 2015-10-13.
129. ↑ Power Struggle  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2015-11-07.
130. ↑ Meltzer, Dave 2015-11-06. NJPW Power Struggle live results 2015: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Karl Anderson for IC title . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2015-11-07.
131. ↑ *ja:Wrestle Kingdom 10 in 東京ドーム* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2016-01-04.
132. ↑ Meltzer, Dave 2016-01-03. Wrestle Kingdom 10 live results: Kazuchika Okada vs Hiroshi Tanahashi . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2016-01-04.
133. ↑ Meltzer, Dave 2016-02-11. NJPW Beginnings live results: IWGP Heavyweight championship Kazuchika Okada vs Hirooki Goto . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2016-02-11.
134. ↑ *ja:【新日】V１柴田　ＮＥＶＥＲ王座防衛ロードに第3世代視野* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2016-02-12). Retrieved on 2016-02-12.
135. ↑ 135.0 135.1 Caldwell, James 2016-02-19. ROH "Honor Rising" in Japan – new ROH TV champion . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Archived from the original on 2016-02-19. Retrieved on 2016-02-19.
136. ↑ *ja:石井がＲＯＨ世界ＴＶ王座奪取* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2016-02-20). Retrieved on 2016-02-20.
137. ↑ Rose, Bryan 2016-02-26. ROH 14th Anniversary live results: Jay Lethal vs. Kyle O'Reilly vs. Adam Cole . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2016-02-26.
138. ↑ ROH TV Taping spoiler News & Notes, including injury angle . *Pro Wrestling Torch* (2016-02-28). Retrieved on 2016-02-28.
139. ↑ *ja:【WD16】4月23日（土）＆24 日（日）後楽園2連戦・全カード決定！ L・I・JvsChaos、本隊vsBullet軍が全面戦争！6人タッグ選手権、Sanada＆Bushi組も実現！* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2016-04-13). Retrieved on 2016-04-13.
140. ↑ Tees, David 2016-03-03. New Japan Cup 2016 day one coverage . *Pro Wrestling Insider*. Retrieved on 2016-04-13.
141. ↑ Rose, Bryan 2016-03-04. New Japan Cup quarterfinals results: Naito headlines against Ishii . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2016-04-13.
142. ↑ *ja:【新日ＮＪＣ】内藤が洋央紀の滝行を“浅い！”と糾弾* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2016-03-05). Retrieved on 2016-04-13.
143. ↑ 3/20 New Japan Invasion Attack Results – ROH TV Title main event, Bullet Club defends trios tag titles, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch* (2016-03-20). Retrieved on 2016-03-21.
144. ↑ *ja:石井がEvil返り討ち!ROH世界TV王座1度目の防衛* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2016-03-21). Retrieved on 2016-03-21.
145. ↑ ja:【WD16】5月3日（火・祝）福岡大会・全カード！メインは内藤vs石井！セミはオカダvsSanada！Kushidavsライガー！オスプレイ、Yバックスも参戦！ (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2016-04-13). Archived from the original on 2016-04-13. Retrieved on 2016-04-13.
146. ↑ Rose, Bryan 2016-05-03. NJPW Wrestling Dontaku results: Super Juniors lineups; IWGP champ Naito vs. Ishii . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2016-05-03.
147. ↑ *ja:【レスリングどんたく】内藤が３０分超死闘制しＩＷＧＰ初防衛　Ｖ２戦はオカダ決定的* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2016-05-04). Retrieved on 2016-05-04.
148. ↑ Meltzer, Dave 2016-05-08. ROH Global Wars 2016 live results: Jay Lethal vs. Colt Cabana; loads of NJPW stars . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2016-05-08.
149. ↑ 149.0 149.1 2016 New Japan G1 Climax Results . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2016-08-12.
150. ↑ Meltzer, Dave 2016-11-07. NJPW reveals full World Tag League lineup, four Wrestle Kingdom matches . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2016-12-08.
151. ↑ *ja:戦国炎舞 -Kizna- Presents World Tag League 2016* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2016-12-08.
152. ↑ 152.0 152.1 NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 11 live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2017-01-03). Retrieved on 2017-01-04.
153. ↑ Rose, Bryan 2017-03-19. New Japan Cup semifinals results: Katsuyori Shibata vs. Tomohiro Ishii . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2017-03-19.
154. ↑ *ja:【新日本】柴田勝頼　トップ戦線返り咲きへ「男の根性見せてやる」* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2017-03-20). Retrieved on 2017-03-20.
155. ↑ NJPW G1 Special live results: The first IWGP US Champion is crowned . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2017-07-02). Retrieved on 2017-07-02.
156. ↑ 2017 New Japan G1 Climax Standings, Results, Viewing Guide . *Pro Wrestling Torch* (2017-08-12). Archived from the original on 2017-08-13. Retrieved on 2017-08-12.
157. ↑ 157.0 157.1 Renner, Ethan 2018-01-03. NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12 live results: Okada-Naito, Omega-Jericho . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2018-01-04.
158. ↑ *ja:石井智宏がMV初出演！May's 新曲「ダーリン」MVが2月8日(月)解禁！* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2016-02-08). Retrieved on 2016-02-08.
159. ↑ 159.0 159.1 159.2 Macklin, Matthew 2014-10-28. New Japan primer: Tomohiro Ishii . *Pro Wrestling Insider*. Retrieved on 2015-02-16.
160. ↑ 160.0 160.1 160.2 160.3 Tomohiro Ishii . *Puroresu Central*. Retrieved on 2016-01-06.
161. ↑ Meltzer, Dave 2014-07-20. G-1 Climax night one live from Sapporo . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Archived from the original on 2014-12-18. Retrieved on 2014-11-07.
162. ↑ Namako, Jason 2014-08-03. 8/1 NJPW G-1 Climax Day 7 recap (Nakamura/Ishii) . *Wrestleview*. Retrieved on 2014-11-07.
163. ↑ Radican, Sean 2014-08-03. Radican's G1 Climax 24: Night 8 report 8/3 - show of the year contender, Honma-Shibata, Styles-Archer, Tanahashi-Nakamura . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2014-11-07.
164. ↑ Radican, Sean 2014-08-09. Radican's NJPW G1 Climax: Night 11 report 8/8 - Smith-Tanahashi, Ishii-Nagata MOTYC, Okada-Suzuki . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2014-11-07.
165. ↑ 165.0 165.1 *ja:石井智宏選手の新入場曲が12.18後楽園大会で初お披露目！会場には作曲したMay'sさんが来場！* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2015-12-29). Retrieved on 2015-12-29.
166. ↑ NEVER open weight class  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2016-01-04.
167. ↑ Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2015 . *The Internet Wrestling Database*. Retrieved on 2015-10-05.
168. ↑ NWA International Light Tag Team Title . *Puroresu Dojo*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
169. ↑ World 6-man Tag Team Title . *Puroresu Dojo*. Retrieved on 2013-04-01.
170. ↑ *ja:【プロレス大賞：殊勲賞】全身全霊ファイトの石井は昭和プロレスの体現者* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2014-12-09). Retrieved on 2014-12-09.
171. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (February 23, 2015). "Feb. 23, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: UFC announces new drug testing plans, WWE Q4 2014 report, Samoa Joe leaves TNA, deaths of Tony Charles & Willem Ruska, major show reports, and more". *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Campbell, California: 8. ISSN 1083-9593.
172. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (January 25, 2016). "January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue". *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Campbell, California: 19. ISSN 1083-9593.