KAI

KAI in March 2022

###

Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan

**Atsushi Sakai** (境 敦史, *Sakai Atsushi*, born May 20, 1983) is a Japanese professional wrestler better known under the ring name **KAI** (stylized in all capital letters), currently working for Dragon Gate (DG), where he is a one-third of the Open The Triangle Gate Champions in his second reign, while also being a former three-time Open The Twin Gate Champion and a former one-time Open The Dream Gate Champion.

He is best known for his work in the All Japan Pro Wrestling promotion, KAI is an accomplished junior heavyweight wrestler, having won the World Junior Heavyweight Championship twice and the Junior League also twice (2008 and 2011), while he and Kaz Hayashi also won the 2011 Junior Tag League. In August 2012, KAI announced that he was ending his junior heavyweight days and becoming a heavyweight wrestler. After taking a seven-month break from in-ring action, KAI returned to All Japan in March 2013, now working as a heavyweight wrestler. However, the following July, KAI quit All Japan following a change in the promotion's management and joined the new Wrestle-1 promotion. In March 2015, KAI won the promotion's top title, the Wrestle-1 Championship. He went on to win the title two more times, before quitting Wrestle-1 in December 2016 to become a freelancer.

Afterwards, KAI became a freelancer before signing with Dragon Gate in 2019, where he was part of the Tribe Vanguard stable. During the "Generation War", KAI turned on former partner YAMATO and joined the villainous R.E.D stable. During his year-long feud with YAMATO, he began consolidating his place into the Open The Dream Gate Championship picture, winning the title in December 2021. In February 2022, KAI took over the leadership of Z-Brats, after the later replaced R.E.D.

## Professional wrestling career

### Training

After three and a half years of initial training under Animal Hamaguchi, Sakai passed an audition in 2006 to enter Keiji Mutoh's All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) affiliated Mutohjuku training school, where he continued training under Mutoh and Kaz Hayashi.

### All Japan Pro Wrestling

#### Junior heavyweight (2007–2012)

In 2007, All Japan Pro Wrestling sent Sakai on a learning excursion to Mexico, where he made his in-ring debut on February 22, 2007, in a tag team match, where he, performing under the ring name KAI, and Yamato faced *Los Traumas* (Trauma I and Trauma II). KAI finally returned to his native country and All Japan Pro Wrestling in February 2008. He was quick to achieve his first accomplishment in his home promotion by winning the 2008 Junior League the following August. As a result of his win, KAI earned his first shot at the World Junior Heavyweight Championship, but was defeated in the title match on August 31 by the defending champion, Ryuji Hijikata. For his first years in All Japan, KAI teamed regularly with Hiroshi Yamato and in late 2008 the two joined forces with Satoshi Kojima and Zodiac to form the "F4" (Friend, Fight, Fan and Future) stable, with Kojima being positioned as the leader of the group. On October 13, KAI made his debut for New Japan Pro Wrestling at Destruction '08, teaming with Kojima and Yamato in a six man tag team match, where they were defeated by Great Bash Heel (Togi Makabe, Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano). In All Japan, F4 mainly feuded with the Voodoo Murders stable.

On September 6, 2009, KAI returned to Mexico to work events held by the Alianza Universal de Lucha Libre (AULL) and International Wrestling Revolution Group (IWRG) promotions. On January 30, 2010, KAI made his American debut for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) in Los Angeles, California as part of WrestleReunion 4. He teamed with The Great Muta in a tag team match, where they defeated The Dynasty (Joey Ryan and Scott Lost). Back in All Japan, KAI received another shot at the World Junior Heavyweight Championship on March 21, 2010, but was again defeated by the defending champion, this time Kaz Hayashi. The following August, KAI made it to the finals of the 2010 Junior League, before losing to Jimmy Yang. In November 2010, KAI worked a tour of France with the American Wrestling Rampage (AWR) promotion.

In April 2011, KAI teamed up with former opponent, Kaz Hayashi, to win the 2011 Junior Tag League. On May 15, KAI defeated Hayashi to become the number one contender to the World Junior Heavyweight Championship. After the reigning champion, Minoru, was suspended, the World Junior Heavyweight Championship was vacated, leading to a match on June 19, where KAI defeated Shuji Kondo in a decision match to finally win the title for the first time. KAI made his first successful title defense on July 31, defeating the returning Minoru, who was now working under his real name Minoru Tanaka. KAI's second defense took place on August 13, when he defeated former tag team partner Hiroshi Yamato. On September 25, KAI defeated Koji Kanemoto in the finals to win the 2011 Junior League. However, an earlier round-robin loss against Kenny Omega led to KAI offering him the next shot at his title. This led to a match on October 23, where KAI lost the World Junior Heavyweight Championship to Omega, ending his reign at two successful defenses and 126 days. KAI, however, ended his year on a high note, when he and Seiya Sanada won the 2011 World's Strongest Tag Determination League by defeating Masakatsu Funaki and Masayuki Kono in the finals on December 4. They were, however, defeated in their match for the World Tag Team Championship on January 3, 2012, by the defending champions, Dark Cuervo and Dark Ozz. On May 27, KAI defeated Kenny Omega to regain the World Junior Heavyweight Championship. On June 1, KAI returned to the United States, teaming with The Great Muta to defeat Anthony Nese and Sami Callihan at a Pro Wrestling Syndicate (PWS) internet pay-per-view in Rahway, New Jersey. At another PWS event the following day, KAI wrestled Nese to a fifteen-minute time limit draw. KAI's second World Junior Heavyweight Championship reign lasted just 77 days as he lost the title to Hiroshi Yamato in his first defense on August 12. On August 27, All Japan announced that KAI would be taking an indefinite break from in-ring competition as he was getting ready bulk up and leave the junior heavyweight division and become a heavyweight wrestler.

#### Heavyweight (2013)

On February 23, 2013, All Japan Pro Wrestling announced that KAI would be making his return to the ring and his debut as a heavyweight on March 17 against Seiya Sanada in Ryōgoku Kokugikan. On March 17, KAI defeated Sanada in his heavyweight debut match. On April 18, KAI entered his first Champion Carnival, losing to Masakatsu Funaki in his opening round-robin match. After one more loss and two wins, KAI finished his round-robin portion of the tournament with a win over Joe Doering on April 27 and, as a result, managed to finish second in his block, advancing to the semifinals. On April 29, KAI defeated Go Shiozaki to advance to the finals of the tournament, where he was defeated by Jun Akiyama. On June 2, KAI dislocated his left elbow during a match with Masayuki Kono. Though an MRI revealed no abnormalities in the bone or ligaments, KAI had suffered biceps damage, which would take three months to heal, sidelining him from in-ring action. While KAI was out with his injury, Nobuo Shiraishi took over as the new president of All Japan, leading to former owner Keiji Mutoh, as well as several wrestlers loyal to him, quitting the promotion. On July 1, Shiraishi officially confirmed the resignations of nine wrestlers, including KAI.

### Wrestle-1 (2013–2016)

On July 10, 2013, Keiji Mutoh held a press conference to announce the foundation of his new Wrestle-1 promotion, announcing KAI as part of its roster. KAI returned from his injury during the promotion's inaugural event on September 8, when he defeated his surprise opponent Seiya Sanada in a singles match. Following the match, KAI announced that he was going to become the "ace" of Wrestle-1, repeating a claim he had made at the previous day's press conference. KAI and Sanada had a rematch in the main event of Wrestle-1's second show on September 15; this time Sanada was victorious. The two continued working against each other for the rest of the September tour, splitting victories. KAI and Sanada concluded their five match series on October 6 in the main event of Wrestle-1's first-ever show in Korakuen Hall with KAI picking up the win to take the series 3–2. Post-match, he once again proclaimed himself the ace of Wrestle-1. However, despite the seemingly decisive win and KAI announcing that he wanted the match series to end, he was successfully provoked by Sanada into resuming the series, after being pinned by his rival in a tag team match on October 8. KAI and Sanada were finally split away from each other during the November tour, when the singles match series between the two was tied at 4–4 and the tag team match series 1–1. In January 2014, KAI found himself at odds with new on-screen matchmaker Manabu Soya, who claimed that KAI was not worthy of the title of Wrestle-1 ace, after he had been defeated by Minoru Tanaka on January 12, and instead named Seiya Sanada his own ace candidate. KAI then went on a losing streak, which included losses against Tanaka in a rematch, Masakatsu Funaki, and the debuting Yuji Hino.

Because of his losing streak, Soya originally did not pick KAI as a participant in the TNA World Heavyweight Championship number one contender's tournament, however, when Seiya Sanada opted not to enter the tournament in order to instead chase the TNA X Division Championship, KAI was allowed to take his place. On February 15, KAI ended his losing streak, when he first defeated Minoru Tanaka in a first round match and then Masakatsu Funaki in the finals to win the tournament and earn a shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. KAI received his title shot on March 2 at Kaisen: Outbreak, but was defeated by the defending champion, Magnus. In light of KAI's loss and Seiya Sanada's TNA X Division Championship win, Manabu Soya now felt he had been vindicated in his view of Sanada as the Wrestle-1 ace and began taunting KAI as a "fake ace". The rivalry between KAI and Soya led to a main event grudge match between the two on March 13, where KAI was victorious. On March 22, KAI teamed up with Masayuki Kono and René Duprée, two members of the villainous Desperado stable, to take on Soya, Kaz Hayashi and Shuji Kondo in a six-man tag team match, which ended with KAI scoring another pinfall win over Soya, however, only after he had first been hit with a steel chair by Kono. KAI, however, assured he was not joining Desperado, but on April 17 accidentally cost himself, Hayashi and Kondo a six-man tag team match, where they faced Desperado. Post-match, KAI tried to apologize to his partners, but was again taunted by Soya, which led to a brawl between the two and KAI issuing a challenge for a match, where if Soya lost he would lose his job as the matchmaker, while if KAI lost he could no longer compete in main event matches, effectively surrendering his claim to being the Wrestle-1 ace. On May 4, KAI defeated Soya, forcing him out of the matchmaker position.

Following the match, as KAI once again declared himself the ace of Wrestle-1, he was attacked by Yuji Hino, who had earlier made his own claim for the title. After Hino had left the ring, Masayuki Kono entered, but instead of continuing the assault, the Desperado leader helped KAI backstage. This led to a match on May 22, where KAI defeated Hino, handing him his first direct loss in Wrestle-1. Post-match, KAI once again turned down an offer to join Desperado and was as a result attacked by the stable, only to be saved by Manabu Soya. KAI and Kono faced off in a grudge match on July 6 at Shōgeki: Impact, where KAI's hair and Desperado's future were on the line. In the end, KAI was defeated following outside interference from Desperado and, as a result, was forced to have his head shaved. From July 21 to 30, KAI took part in Pro Wrestling Zero1's 2014 Fire Festival tournament, where he finished at the top of his round-robin block with a record of three wins, one draw and one loss, advancing to the knockout stage. On August 3, KAI defeated Daemon Ueda to advance to the finals of the tournament, where he was defeated by Ryoji Sai later that same day.

On September 22, KAI entered a tournament to crown the first Wrestle-1 Champion, defeating Manabu Soya in his first round match. The following day, KAI defeated Minoru Tanaka to advance to the semifinals of the tournament. On October 8, KAI defeated Shuji Kondo in the semifinals to advance to the finals of the tournament, where, later that same day, he was defeated by Masayuki Kono. On November 15, KAI entered the First Tag League Greatest tournament, set to determine the inaugural Wrestle-1 Tag Team Champions, alongside Ryota Hama under the team name Akatenrou ("Red Sirius"). After losing their opening match against Hiroshi Yamato and Seiya Sanada, Akatenrou came back to win their three other matches, winning their block and advancing to the semifinals. On November 30, Akatenrou was eliminated from the tournament in the semifinals by the eventual tournament winners, Team 246 (Kaz Hayashi and Shuji Kondo).

After admitting at the end of 2014 that he was not qualified to challenge for the Wrestle-1 Championship, KAI announced his goal for 2015; becoming a champion in Wrestle-1. He began the year with two big singles wins over Masakatsu Funaki on January 11 and Masayuki Kono on January 30, starting his climb towards a future title match. After picking up a major win over Pro Wrestling Zero1 representative Masato Tanaka on February 13, KAI announced he was now ready to challenge Keiji Mutoh for the Wrestle-1 Championship. On March 8, KAI defeated Mutoh to become the third Wrestle-1 Champion. KAI's reign ended only 24 days later on April 1, when he was defeated by freelancer Hideki Suzuki in his first title defense. KAI received his rematch against Suzuki on July 12 and defeated him to regain the title and become the first two-time Wrestle-1 Champion. Despite defeating an outsider to regain the title, KAI's win was largely met with boos from the Korakuen Hall audience. On August 2, KAI entered the inaugural Wrestle-1 Grand Prix, which was billed as Wrestle-1's premier tournament, but suffered an upset loss in his opening match against Jiro Kuroshio and was immediately eliminated from the tournament. Afterwards, Keiji Mutoh suggested a fan voting on whether KAI should get to keep his newly won Wrestle-1 Championship. On September 21, KAI lost the Wrestle-1 Championship to the winner of the 2015 Wrestle-1 Grand Prix, Manabu Soya, again ending his reign at his first defense.

Afterwards, KAI adopted Atsushi Onita's "Street Fight Style" by starting to wrestle in a tank top and jeans, while also incorporating hardcore wrestling into his repertoire. On April 6, KAI defeated Masayuki Kono to become the number one contender to the Wrestle-1 Championship, held by Yuji Hino. In the win, KAI debuted a new finishing maneuver, the Gannosuke Clutch. However, since he had not gotten Mr. Gannosuke's blessing to use the hold, he dubbed it *Shōtakōnin Gannosuke Clutch* ("Shōta Certified Gannosuke Clutch") after another wrestler affiliated with Gannosuke's home promotion, Guts World. On April 24, KAI took part in a Guts World event and used the hold to win a six-man tag team match, which also included Mr. Gannosuke. Afterwards, Gannosuke agreed to teach the hold to KAI, who now renamed it *Honkekōnin Gannosuke Clutch* ("Originator Certified Gannosuke Clutch"). On May 4, KAI used the hold to defeat Yuji Hino and win the Wrestle-1 Championship for the third time. After his win, KAI dubbed himself a "free" champion, stating he would defend the title all over Japan and the world. As part of being a "free" champion, KAI then announced he was taking the title on a tour of promotions such as Big Japan Pro Wrestling (BJW), Ganbare☆Puroresu, Guts World and women's wrestling promotion Ice Ribbon. KAI made his first title defense on June 8 by defeating Shotaro Ashino. On July 3, KAI and Ken Ohka won the DDT Pro-Wrestling promotion's KO-D Tag Team Championship by defeating Daisuke Sasaki and Shuji Ishikawa. On August 11, KAI lost the Wrestle-1 Championship to Daiki Inaba in his second defense. On August 28, KAI and Ohka lost the KO-D Tag Team Championship to Harashima and Yuko Miyamoto in their first defense at DDT's biggest event of the year, *Ryōgoku Peter Pan 2016*. On September 18, KAI received a rematch for the Wrestle-1 Championship, but was again defeated by Inaba. On December 18, KAI and Yusaku Obata defeated Akebono and Shogun Okamoto in the finals to win Pro Wrestling Zero1's 2016 Furinkazan Tag Tournament. On December 20, it was announced that KAI would be leaving Wrestle-1 and becoming a freelancer at the end of the year.

### Freelancing (2017–2019)

KAI wrestled his first match as a freelancer at a Pro Wrestling Zero1 event on January 1, 2017, where he defeated Hartley Jackson. The following day, KAI returned to All Japan Pro Wrestling, announcing he would again start wrestling for the promotion in February with the goal of obtaining the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship. On February 3, KAI received a shot at Zero1's World Heavyweight Championship, but the match against defending champion Kohei Sato ended in a thirty-minute time limit draw. KAI's AJPW return match took place on February 17, when he and Ryoji Sai defeated Joe Doering and Suwama. On March 2, KAI and Yusaku Obata unsuccessfully challenged Akebono and Shogun Okamoto for the NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship. On March 20 KAI defeated the reigning Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship with his new finishing move Meteor Impact. In April, KAI took part in AJPW's 2017 Champion Carnival, where he finished with a record of three wins and three losses. On May 21 KAI and Kengo Mashimo defeated Zeus and The Bodyguard to win the World Tag Team Championship. Later on the same day KAI with Yusaku Obata defeated Kohei Sato and Hideki Suzuki to win the Zero1's NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship, in the process becoming a triple crown champion. On June 11 KAI and Mashimo lost the World Tag Team Champions back to The Big Guns. On August 27, KAI replaced an injured Jake Lee and teamed with Naoya Nomura in an attempt to regain the World Tag Team Championship, but the two were defeated by Daisuke Sekimoto and Yuji Okabayashi in a match for the vacant title. Three days later, KAI and Obata were stripped of the NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship due to Zero1 being unable to book a title defense for the two because of scheduling conflicts. On October 31, KAI took part in Atsushi Onita's retirement match.

### Dragon Gate (2018–present)

#### Debut and Tribe Vanguard (2018-2019)

KAI made his debut for Dragon Gate in August 2018, teaming with former partner Hiroshi Yamato to defeat Kagetora and Yosuke♥Santa Maria. KAI slowly began aligning himself with YAMATO and the Tribe Vanguard stable. On December 19, YAMATO and BxB Hulk were forced to vacant the Open The Twin Gate Championship due to Hulk suffering a neck injury. Since January 2019, Tribe Vanguard suffered three casualties with Hulk and Maria, being injured and Flamita in Mexico, YAMATO had to ask KAI to join Tribe Vanguard, which he accepted. In February 10, 2019, KAI and U-T defeated Big Ben, after their R.E.D stablemate Eita cost them the match. After the match, KAI and U-T challenged them to a title match. Shimizu accepted the challenge and warned Eita to not interfere in the match. On March 3, KAI and U-T unsuccessfully challenged Big Ben (Big R Shimizu and Ben-K) for the Open the Twin Gate Championship.

On February 5, tensions would come ahead between Tribe Vanguard and all the stables in Dragon Gate. agreeing to a match on March 7. At the event on March 7, Tribe Vanguard won the four-way eight-man tag team elimination match, due to an error by R.E.D. General Manager Takayuki Yagi capitalized on the opportunity and announced the rules for the Steel Cage Survival match, as well multiple tag team matches between members of the respective units to decide, which member would enter in the match. Leading to the event, YAMATO joked that he would kick out Maria, leading him to return from his injury. YAMATO and U-T defeated Kagetora and KAI, with YAMATO pinning Kagetora to represent Tribe Vanguard in the match. On April 28, YAMATO and KAI defeated Ben-K and Big R Shimizu to win the Open the Twin Gate Championship, after Eita cost Ben-K and Shimizu the match. On May 6 at Dead or Alive, Hulk returned from his injury as Darkside Hulk helping YAMATO to escape the "Bonds" steel cage survival five-way match. After the match, YAMATO decided that no one would be no one kicked out of the stable. From May 9 to June 8, KAI took part in the 2019 King of Gate, finishing the tournament with a record of three wins and one loss and one draw, leading him to advance to the semifinals of the tournament. On June 6, KAI was defeated by Eita in the semifinals of the tournament.

In June 9, KAI and YAMATO faced Naruki Doi and Kaito Ishida for the Open The Twin Gate Champions, during the match, Eita and Big R Shimizu, interfered in the match, while also claiming to be the next challengers. Tribe Vanguard and MaxiMuM weren't satisfied with the conclusion of the match and all teams wanted to face each other in a rematch, leading General Manager Takayuki Yagi making the match official of the event. On July 21, at Kobe Pro-Wrestling Festival, YAMATO and KAI lost the Open The Twin Gate Championship to Eita and Shimizu in a three-way match also involving Doi and Ishida.

#### Dragon Gate Generation (2020)

On December 18, 2019, BxB Hulk turned on YAMATO to join the villainous stable R.E.D, revealing himself to be the Red Masked Demon. Afterwards, YAMATO was joined by Ben-K and Natural Vibes' leader Kzy, who decided to form an alliance, making way for a temporary cease-fire between some stables in Dragon Gate such as Natural Vibes and Tribe Vanguard, suspending the respective stables to unite all wrestlers from the Dragon Gate Generation, with the goal of surpassing the Toryumon generation and establish themselves as the future of the promotion. Ben-K, Kzy, and YAMATO were joined by various Dragon Gate wrestlers that were trained by the promotion, leading also Mochizuki Dojo and Strong Machines to be suspended in order to join stable. Afterwards, Dragon Gate began a "Generation War" against Toryumon and R.E.D. On December 22, YAMATO forfeited his half of the Open The Twin Gate Championship, leading to Hulk protest against the decision. Afterwards, General Manager Takayuki Yagi declared the titles vacated, with the new champions being crown in a tournament in January. KAI would announce his entrance to the tournament, with the purpose of preventing Hulk from regaining the Open The Twin Gate Championship and avenging his betrayal of Tribe Vanguard. In January, KAI and Strong Machine J participated in the tournament to crown the new Open The Twin Gate Champions, KAI and Machine J were defeated by the tournament winners BxB Hulk and Kazma Sakamoto. Later that month, KAI, YAMATO and Kzy took part in the 2020 Ashiyanikki Cup 6 Man Tag Team Tournament. In the first round of the tournament, YAMATO, KAI and Kzy were defeated after Hulk helped Eita, Ishida and Shimizu to defeat the Dragon Gate trio, leading KAI to get his revenge and cost Hulk, Sakamoto and Yoshida's match against Ben-K, Strong Machine J and Dragon Dia. From May 15 to June 7, KAI took part in the B Block of the 2020 King of Gate, KAI made into the second round before being eliminated by finalist Naruki Doi.

#### Heel turn (2020-Present)

Following the tournament, KAI and YAMATO became part of a feud between BxB Hulk, Big R Shimizu, Eita and Masato Yoshino, after YAMATO mocked Hulk for being Eita's servant after Hulk helped Eita defeating YAMATO during the 2020 King of Gate semifinals and later Yoshino for his retirement, leading Dragon Gate General Manager Takayuki Yagi announcing them as part of the six-way steel cage survival match, during which if KAI would be forced to leave Dragon Gate if he had lost, and join R.E.D if he escaped first. On September 21, at Dangerous Gate, during the six-way steel cage survival match, KAI turned heel by turning on YAMATO and Dragon Gate, before retrieving the first flag of the match, leading him to join R.E.D as part of the match's stipulation. Afterwards, Hulk was the second wrestler to escape the match, after retrieving the second flag, following the help from KAI. On November 3, at Gate of Destiny, YAMATO defeated KAI after Hulk interfered on KAI's behalf, causing the referee to disqualify KAI. Later that night, KAI and Hulk attacked Jason Lee and Kota Minoura and challenged them to a title match at Kobe Pro-Wrestling Festival. The card underwent changes due to issues that arose related to the ongoing pandemic, where multiple participants were pulled a precautionary measure due to registering a high fever. Due to Lee missing the event, the Open The Twin Gate Championships was declared vacated, with YAMATO replacing Lee, in the match to crown the new champions. At the event, Hulk and KAI defeated YAMATO and Minoura to win the vacant Open The Twin Gate Championship. After the match, KAI and Hulk began attacking Minoura and YAMATO, until their Dragon Gate stablemate Kzy made the save. Afterwards, Kzy and also on YAMATO's behalf challenged KAI and Hulk to a title match at Gate of Origin. On November 28, at the event, Hulk and KAI defeated YAMATO and Kzy to retain the titles. On December 20, at Final Gate, R.E.D forced Toryumon to disband, after defeating them in a No Disqualification Losing Unit Disbands match. Shortly after, Dragon Gate also decided to disband, leading R.E.D to stand victorious in the "Generation War". On March 7, Hulk and KAI lost the Open The Twin Gate Champions to Masaaki Mochizuki and Takashi Yoshida.

During this time in January, KENTo and KAI were involved in a feud with Dragon Kid and YAMATO, after on January 13, KAI and KENTo attacked them after their match. Afterwards, KAI reminded that YAMATO was alone, after deciding to disband the Dragon Gate stable. However, Dragon Kid decided to form a team with YAMATO, in order to avenge Toryumon, which R.E.D had forced to disband. Their feud with Kid and YAMATO to a match on February 5, where KAI and KENTo faced YAMATO and Kid. The match ended by disqualification after KENTo removed Kid's mask. However, dissatisfied with the outcome of the match, Kid and YAMATO faced KAI and KENTo in a rematch, which Kid pinned KENTo. On March 4, as part of their feud with High-End, KENTo faced Kid in a winning effort. Afterwards, YAMATO attacked him, until KAI appeared, which led to YAMATO facing KAI in a losing effort. After the match, YAMATO kept attacking KAI, until Dragon Gate's General Manager Takayuki Yagi announced that KAI would be forced to team with YAMATO against Kid and KENTo in a *Mask vs. Hair* Steel cage survival tag team match on May 5, at Dead or Alive. At Dead or Alive, KAI was the first wrestler to escape the match. Later that night, after Dragon Kid escaped, KENTo allowed YAMATO to escape and win the match for his team, in order to face Kid in the *Mask vs. Hair* match, which he lost, leading KENTo to be forced to shave his hair. During his feud with YAMATO, the two faced each other in a No Ropes Lumberjack match on July 9, where YAMATO was victorious. On November 27 at Gate of Origin, KAI challenged YAMATO to a title match for the Open The Dream Gate Championship, after YAMATO had sucessfully defended the title against Ben-K. Following a victory in a tag team match, between High-End and R.E.D, YAMATO stated that KAI "was not qualified to wear the title belt", despite KAI's intentions to become the best wrestler in the promotion. On December 26 at Final Gate, KAI defeated YAMATO to win the Open The Dream Gate Championship, ending their year-long feud.

On February 5, 2022, after Eita was kicked out of R.E.D, H.Y.O and SB KENTo decided to renamed the stable to Z-Brats. The following day, KAI was named the leader of the stable. In May, KAI took part in the 2022 King of Gate, being eliminated in the first round to Shuji Kondo. After Yuki Yoshioka won the King of Gate, KAI granted a title match for the Open The Dream Gate Championship to Shuji Kondo instead of Yoshioka. On July 7, the title match between KAI and Kondo, ended in a no contest, after Kota Minoura attacked both wrestlers with a chair. After Minoura won a three-way number one contender match, it was agreed that KAI would defend his title against Yoshioka in the first night of Kobe Pro-Wrestling Festival, with the winner facing Minoura in the second night. At the event, on July 30, KAI lost the Open The Dream Gate Championship to Yuki Yoshioka. On November 6 at Gate of Destiny, KAI, Shun Skywalker and ISHIN defeated M3K (Masaaki Mochizuki, Mochizuki Junior and Susumu Mochizuki) to win the Open The Triangle Gate Championship. On December 2, KAI and Hulk defeated Dragon Dia and Madoka Kikuta to win the Open The Twin Gate Championship. They lost the titles to Big Boss Shimizu and Kzy on December 4.

On January 22, 2023, KAI, ISHIN and Skywalker lost the Open The Triangle Gate Championship to Ben-K, BxB Hulk, and Kota Minoura. in February, KAI and Skywalker took part in the 2023 Rey de Parejas, finishing the tournament with a record of four wins and one loss, advancing to the semifinals of the tournament. On March 2, KAI and Skywalker were defeated by Yuki Yoshioka and Madoka Kikuta in the semifinals. On December 24 at Final Gate, KAI, ISHIN and Z-Brats' newest member Yoshiki Kato defeated YAMATO, Dragon Kid and Punch Tominaga to win the Open Triangle Gate Championship.

## In wrestling

* **Finishing moves**
	+ *Meteor Impact* (Samoan driver) - 2017–present
	+ *Meteor Impact Kai* (Modified one-handed side electric chair driver) - 2020-present
	+ *Facelock F* (Standing double chickenwing facelock) – 2013
	+ *Authorized/Honkekonin/Shotakonin/Shota Authorized* *Gannosuke Clutch* (Gannosuke clutch) – 2016–present; adopted from Mr. Gannosuke
	+ Jumping one shoulder powerbomb – 2013–present
	+ *KAI Clutch* (Oklahoma roll)
	+ *LAT* (Cross-legged sitout scoop slam piledriver)
	+ *Splash Plancha* (Frog splash)
* **Signature moves**
	+ *Buster BT* (Double knee backbreaker)
	+ Double underhook piledriver
	+ Enzuigiri
	+ Lariat
	+ Superkick
* **Nicknames**
	+ "Cool & Hot"
	+ **"King of Freedom"**
* **Entrance themes**
	+ "Bang Bang Shoot" by Akihiko Matsumoto
	+ "Magi OST-18 Eye of the Dragon" by Shiro Sagisu
	+ **"Meteo Drive"** by KATAMALI

## Championships and accomplishments

* **All Japan Pro Wrestling**
	+ World Junior Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
	+ World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Kengo Mashimo
	+ Junior League (2008, 2011)
	+ Junior Tag League (2011) – with Kaz Hayashi
	+ World's Strongest Tag Determination League (2011) – with Seiya Sanada
	+ January 2 New Year's Heavyweight Battle Royal (2018)
* **DDT Pro-Wrestling**
	+ KO-D Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Ken Ohka
* **Dragon Gate**
	+ Open The Dream Gate Championship (1 time)
	+ Open The Triangle Gate Championship (2 times, current) – with Shun Skywalker and ISHIN (1) and ISHIN and Yoshiki Kato (1, current)
	+ Open The Twin Gate Championship (3 times) – with YAMATO (1) and BxB Hulk (2)
	+ Best Tag Team Award (2020) – with BxB Hulk
	+ Sixteenth Triple Crown Champion
* ***Pro Wrestling* Illustrated**
	+ PWI ranked him #**186** of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2015
* **Pro Wrestling Zero1**
	+ Furinkazan Tag Tournament (2016) – with Yusaku Obata
	+ NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Yusaku Obata
* **Wrestle-1**
	+ Wrestle-1 Championship (3 times)
	+ TNA World Heavyweight Championship Challenger Tournament (2014)
* ***Wrestling Observer Newsletter***
	+ Rookie of the Year (2008)

### Luchas de Apuestas record

1 **^**  This was an Open The Dream Gate Championship match, where if Susumu lost the match, he would be forced to leave Natural Vibes and revert into his real name Susumu Mochizuki.

## 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 Kai . *Puroresu Spirit*. Archived from the original on 2012-02-11. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 Kai  (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2013-09-22. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 Kai  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1*. Retrieved on 2013-08-27.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 スランプのKaiが「原点」浜口ジム訪問で復活  (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2014-02-13). Retrieved on 2014-02-13.
5. ↑ 同期対決!　Kaivs.大和の世界ジュニア戦決定=8.12全日本 カズと近藤は『週刊プロレス』に宣戦布告  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2012-07-31). Retrieved on 2014-02-13.
6. ↑ 全日本プロレス「2008 プロレスLove in 両国 Vol.5」  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2008-08-31). Archived from the original on 2009-01-01. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 小島、Kai、大和が合同合宿で結束強化＝全日本プロレス - スポーツナビ  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2010-01-26). Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
8. ↑ Destruction'08  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
9. ↑ Reyes Ruíz, Eduardo 2009-09-06. Los Porros, no ganarón, perdieron e hicieron perder, Nosawa, Campeón Internacional X-LAW.  (in Spanish). *Estrellas del Ring*. Blogger. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
10. ↑ Pacheco, Manuel 2009-09-06. Bobby Lee Jr, ganador de la Copa High Power.  (in Spanish). *Estrellas del Ring*. Blogger. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
11. ↑ Fleeman, Luke 2010-01-31. 1/30 WrestleReunion/PWG show in Los Angeles: RVD main-events, Jushin Liger, Great Muta, Paul London & Brian Kendrick vs. Young Bucks . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
12. ↑ Kurt Russellreunion . *Pro Wrestling Guerrilla*. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
13. ↑ 全日本プロレス「2010プロレスLove in 両国 vol.9」  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2010-03-21). Archived from the original on 2010-03-25. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
14. ↑ 2010 Summer Action Series  (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2010-12-12. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
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16. ↑ Varini, Celian 2010-11-24. AWR tour results featuring Scott Steiner, Haas and Benjamin, Booker T and more . *Pro Wrestling Insider*. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 ～カプリチョーザ presents～ 2011 Growin' Up  (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2011-08-27. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
18. ↑ Rise Up Tour 2011  (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2011-09-19. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
19. ↑ 『2011 プロレスLove in 両国 Vol.12』  (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2011-09-06. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
20. ↑ 2011 Summer Action Series  (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2011-09-19. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
21. ↑ Summer Impact 2011  (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2013-07-23. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 『2011Flashing Tour～富士急 presents 2011 ジュニア・ヘビー級リーグ戦～』  (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2013-12-24. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
23. ↑ ja:10・23両国追加カード！世界ジュニア選手権試合決定!! (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling* (2011-09-27). Archived from the original on 2012-03-29. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
24. ↑ 『プロレスLove in 両国 vol.13』  (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2013-12-03. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 ja:2011世界最強タッグ決定リーグ戦 (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2011-12-31. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
26. ↑ 40th　Anniversary　Year　2012新春シャイニングシリーズ  (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2012-10-31. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
27. ↑ 40th Anniversary year Rise Up Tour 2012  (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2012-10-31. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 ムタとKaiがアメリカPWSの5周年記念大会に参戦！初日のタッグではムタの閃光魔術が炸裂！2日目はKaiがシングルマッチで痛み分け  (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2012-06-05). Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
29. ↑ 40th Anniversary Year Summer Impact 2012  (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2012-10-31. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
30. ↑ Kai選手、無期限で欠場のお知らせ  (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling* (2012-08-27). Archived from the original on 2012-10-31. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
31. ↑ 武藤&フライ組実現!!高山、Kai参戦!!「2013 プロレスLove in 両国～Basic&Dynamic～」一部対戦カード決定のお知らせ  (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling* (2013-02-23). Archived from the original on 2013-10-29. Retrieved on 2013-02-23.
32. ↑ 全日本3・17両国大会でドン・フライと高山がタッグ対決！Kaiの復帰戦も決定！6・30には今年2度目の両国大会開催  (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2013-02-24). Retrieved on 2013-02-23.
33. ↑ 高山vs.フライの伝説バトルが再び！＝３.１７全日本プロレス  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2013-02-24). Retrieved on 2013-02-23.
34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 2013 プロレスLove in 両国～Basic&Dynamic～  (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2013-09-27. Retrieved on 2013-03-17.
35. ↑ 全日本プロレス「2013 プロレスLove in 両国～Basic&Dynamic～」  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2013-03-17). Retrieved on 2013-03-17.
36. ↑ *ja:船木を下して三冠王座を奪取した諏訪魔が、世界タッグを奪取したバーニングに宣戦布告！話題のアノ人がリング上へ...* (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2013-03-18). Retrieved on 2013-03-17.
37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 全日Kai　肉体改造の成果いまだ発揮できず  (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2013-03-27). Retrieved on 2013-03-27.
38. ↑ Gaora Special 2013 チャンピオン・カーニバル  (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2013-10-29. Retrieved on 2013-04-18.
39. ↑ ja:諏訪魔と潮崎が壮絶ドロー　船木、秋山は白星発進＝全日本ＣＣ開幕戦 (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2013-04-19). Archived from the original on 2013-05-11. Retrieved on 2013-04-18.
40. ↑ いまだ騒ぎが収まらない中、チャンピオン・カーニバル開幕！諏訪魔は潮崎とドロー、Kensoは黒星スタート！  (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2013-04-19). Retrieved on 2013-04-18.
41. ↑ Gaora Special 2013 チャンピオン・カーニバル  (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2013-10-29. Retrieved on 2013-04-27.
42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 Gaora Special 2013 チャンピオン・カーニバル  (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2013-10-29. Retrieved on 2013-04-29.
43. ↑ ja:秋山が10度目にして悲願のチャンカー初優勝＝全日本 (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2013-04-30). Archived from the original on 2013-05-30. Retrieved on 2013-04-29.
44. ↑ 【全日ＣＣ】準Ｖ　Kai大健闘  (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2013-04-30). Retrieved on 2013-04-30.
45. ↑ Kai選手、欠場のお知らせ  (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling* (2013-06-04). Archived from the original on 2013-10-23. Retrieved on 2013-06-04.
46. ↑ Kaiが左肘脱臼で全治3カ月！次期シリーズ全戦および6・30両国国技館大会を欠場することに  (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2013-06-04). Retrieved on 2013-06-04.
47. ↑ 全日本プロレス・Kaiが次期シリーズ＆両国大会を欠場  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2013-06-04). Retrieved on 2013-06-04.
48. ↑ Kai上腕二頭筋損傷で全日両国大会欠場  (in Japanese). *Nikkan Sports* (2013-06-04). Retrieved on 2013-06-04.
49. ↑ *ja:武藤が全日会長辞任　新社長と折り合わず* (in Japanese). *Nikkan Sports* (2013-06-02). Retrieved on 2013-07-01.
50. ↑ *ja:武藤新団体に船木が合流へ* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2013-06-17). Retrieved on 2013-07-01.
51. ↑ *ja:全日９人が退団届　次期Ｓは厳しい陣容* (in Japanese). *Daily Sports Online*. Kobe Shimbun (2013-07-01). Retrieved on 2014-03-08.
52. ↑ 武藤敬司が新団体『Wrestle-1』を旗揚げ  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2013-07-10). Archived from the original on 2013-08-22. Retrieved on 2013-07-10.
53. ↑ 武藤が新団体「Wrestle-1」設立  (in Japanese). *Nikkan Sports* (2013-07-10). Retrieved on 2013-07-10.
54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 Kaiが武藤新団体に合流　結婚も公表  (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2013-07-10). Retrieved on 2013-07-10.
55. ↑ W-1旗揚げツアー  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2013-09-08). Retrieved on 2013-09-08.
56. ↑ 武藤新団体「Wrestle-1」旗揚げ戦  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2013-09-08). Retrieved on 2013-09-08.
57. ↑ 武藤新団体Wrestle-1旗揚げ戦にサップ、桜庭、柴田、真田らが参戦！謀反を起こした河野はZero1勢と結託！  (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2013-09-08). Retrieved on 2013-09-08.
58. ↑ W-1旗揚げツアー  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2013-09-15). Retrieved on 2013-09-15.
59. ↑ フリー戦士・真田が「同期」Kaiを撃破  (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2013-09-16). Retrieved on 2013-09-16.
60. ↑ W-1旗揚げツアー  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2013-09-21). Retrieved on 2013-09-21.
61. ↑ W-1旗揚げツアー  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2013-09-22). Retrieved on 2013-09-22.
62. ↑ Wrestle-1 ～ First Trip  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2013-10-06). Retrieved on 2013-10-06.
63. ↑ 全カード未発表だったW-1初の後楽園大会は、船木のピンチを武藤＆JJが救ったり、無差別級のシングル3連戦などテンコ盛り！  (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2013-10-06). Retrieved on 2013-10-06.
64. ↑ Takagi, Hiromi 2013-10-06. W-1初後楽園のメーンはKaiが真田に勝利！武藤はTNA創始者ジャレットと豪華コラボ  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo!. Archived from the original on 2013-10-12. Retrieved on 2013-10-06.
65. ↑ Kai選手より今後の闘いに向けコメントのお知らせ  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2013-10-23). Retrieved on 2013-10-24.
66. ↑ 66.0 66.1 ja:試合結果 (in Japanese). *Nikkan Sports*. Archived from the original on 2013-10-12. Retrieved on 2013-10-12.
67. ↑ Wrestle-1 ～ First Trip  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2013-10-08). Retrieved on 2013-10-12.
68. ↑ Wrestle-1 ～ First Trip  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2013-10-09). Retrieved on 2013-10-12.
69. ↑ Wrestle-1 ～ First Trip  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2013-10-10). Retrieved on 2013-10-12.
70. ↑ TNA王者AJに肉薄した真田だが惜敗！助っ人として現れた小島と"そっくりタッグ"を組んだ中之上が、Desperadoに一矢報いる！  (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2013-11-16). Retrieved on 2013-11-24.
71. ↑ Wrestle-1 ～ First Trip  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2013-11-24). Retrieved on 2013-11-24.
72. ↑ Wrestle-1 ～ First Trip  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2013-10-12). Retrieved on 2013-11-24.
73. ↑ Wrestle-1 ～ First Trip  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2013-10-14). Retrieved on 2013-11-24.
74. ↑ 【Wrestle-1】の"マッチメーカー"征矢 学選手（フリー）が会見を実施。  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2014-01-15). Retrieved on 2014-01-15.
75. ↑ *ja:「マッチメーカー征矢」が暴走の兆し* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2014-01-17). Retrieved on 2014-01-17.
76. ↑ Wrestle-1 Sunrise Tour 2014  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2014-01-19). Retrieved on 2014-01-31.
77. ↑ Wrestle-1 Sunrise Tour 2014  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2014-01-25). Retrieved on 2014-01-31.
78. ↑ Wrestle-1 Sunrise Tour 2014  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2014-01-31). Retrieved on 2014-01-31.
79. ↑ Wrestle-1「Sunrise Tour 2014」最終戦  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2014-01-31). Retrieved on 2014-01-31.
80. ↑ 80.0 80.1 【Wrestle-1】田中稔デビュー20周年記念試合  (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2014-01-31). Retrieved on 2014-01-31.
81. ↑ 81.0 81.1 Wrestle-1 Tour 2014 West Side Story  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2014-02-15). Retrieved on 2014-02-15.
82. ↑ 【Wrestle-1】TNA三大タイトル挑戦者決定戦  (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2014-02-15). Retrieved on 2014-02-15.
83. ↑ KaiがTNA世界戦へ「エースは俺だ」  (in Japanese). *Nikkan Sports* (2014-02-15). Retrieved on 2014-02-15.
84. ↑ TNAヘビー級挑戦へ！Kaiが師匠・浜口氏に奪取誓う  (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2014-02-16). Retrieved on 2014-02-16.
85. ↑ Fighting Entertainment Wrestle-1 「開戦～Outbreak～」  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2014-03-02). Retrieved on 2014-03-02.
86. ↑ Wrestle-1「開戦～Outbreak～」  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2014-03-02). Retrieved on 2014-03-02.
87. ↑ *ja:真田、エリーズ破り日本人初ＴＮＡ王者* (in Japanese). *Daily Sports Online*. Kobe Shimbun (2014-03-03). Retrieved on 2014-03-28.
88. ↑ 88.0 88.1 Takagi, Hiromi 2014-03-22. 真田が新鋭・吉岡を下し初防衛に成功 TNA　Ｘディビジョン選手権＝Ｗ−１  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo!. Retrieved on 2014-03-28.
89. ↑ Wrestle-1 2014 Tour After Outbreak  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2014-03-13). Retrieved on 2014-03-13.
90. ↑ 【Wrestle-1】真田vsダニエルズのXディビジョン戦、チャンス・コントラ・チャンス  (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2014-04-17). Retrieved on 2014-04-18.
91. ↑ 「Wrestle-1 Tour 2014 Cherry blossom」  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2014-04-17). Retrieved on 2014-04-18.
92. ↑ 征矢 Kaiに敗れたらマッチメーカー辞職  (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2014-04-19). Retrieved on 2014-04-19.
93. ↑ Wrestle-1 Tour 2014 Cherry blossom  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2014-05-04). Retrieved on 2014-05-04.
94. ↑ Wrestle-1「Tour 2014 Cherry bloossom～final～」  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2014-05-04). Retrieved on 2014-05-04.
95. ↑ 【Wrestle-1】Kaivs征矢、ムタ＆TajirivsTNA、藤波親子参戦  (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2014-05-04). Retrieved on 2014-05-04.
96. ↑ Wrestle-1 Tour 2014 Triumph  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2014-05-22). Retrieved on 2014-05-22.
97. ↑ Wrestle-1「Tour 2014 Triumph」  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2014-05-22). Retrieved on 2014-05-22.
98. ↑ 【Wrestle-1】Kaivs火野、元相撲取りレスラー組vs高山＆愚連隊、Leona参戦  (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2014-05-22). Retrieved on 2014-05-22.
99. ↑ Fighting Entertainment Wrestle-1 「衝撃～Impact～」  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2014-07-06). Retrieved on 2014-07-06.
100. ↑ 【Wrestle-1】真田vsムタ、Kaivs河野、耕平vs船木、米・独・英3大選手権  (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2014-07-06). Retrieved on 2014-07-06.
101. ↑ "自称エース"Kai哀れ…惨敗で中途半端に丸坊主  (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2014-07-07). Retrieved on 2014-07-07.
102. ↑ W－1火祭り試合結果＆仙台大会直前情報  (in Japanese). *Pro Wrestling Zero1* (2014-07-22). Retrieved on 2014-08-02.
103. ↑ Kai＆デーモンの準決勝行きが決定！7.30　火祭り　新潟大会　試合結果  (in Japanese). *Pro Wrestling Zero1* (2014-07-30). Retrieved on 2014-08-02.
104. ↑ 【Zero1】火祭り2014、耕平vs和樹、崔vs関本、準決勝、決勝戦、タマvs鈴木のUN戦  (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2014-08-03). Retrieved on 2014-08-03.
105. ↑ *ja:第１４回　真夏の祭典　火祭り決勝戦試合結果* (in Japanese). *Pro Wrestling Zero1* (2014-08-04). Retrieved on 2014-08-04.
106. ↑ Wrestle-1 Tour 2014 初代王者決定トーナメント  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2014-09-22). Retrieved on 2014-09-22.
107. ↑ Wrestle-1「Wrestle-1 Tour 2014 初代王者決定トーナメント」  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2014-09-22). Retrieved on 2014-09-22.
108. ↑ Wrestle-1 Tour 2014 初代王者決定トーナメント  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2014-09-23). Retrieved on 2014-09-23.
109. ↑ Wrestle-1 Tour 2014 初代王者決定トーナメント  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2014-10-08). Retrieved on 2014-10-08.
110. ↑ Wrestle-1「Wrestle-1 Tour 2014 初代王者決定トーナメント」優勝決定戦  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2014-10-08). Retrieved on 2014-10-08.
111. ↑ Lions, Phil 2014-10-08. Alberto Del Rio heading to Japan and more Wrestle-1 news . *Pro Wrestling Insider*. Retrieved on 2014-10-08.
112. ↑ いよいよ明日開幕！「First Tag League Greatest～初代タッグ王者決定リーグ戦～」出場各チーム名称決定!!  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2014-11-14). Retrieved on 2014-11-28.
113. ↑ *ja:Ｗ―１初代タッグ王座決定リーグ戦出場チーム決定* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2014-11-04). Retrieved on 2014-11-28.
114. ↑ Wrestle-1 Tour 2014 First Tag League Greatest ～初代タッグ王者決定リーグ戦～  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2014-11-15). Retrieved on 2014-11-28.
115. ↑ 「First Tag League Greatest ～初代タッグ王者決定リーグ戦～」公式戦全日程終了！11月30日（日）東京・後楽園ホール（18時試合開始）大会での決勝トーナメント組み合わせ決定のお知らせ  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2014-11-28). Retrieved on 2014-11-28.
116. ↑ Wrestle-1 Tour 2014 First Tag League Greatest ～初代タッグ王者決定リーグ戦～  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2014-11-30). Retrieved on 2014-11-30.
117. ↑ W-1 11.30後楽園大会　初代タッグ王者決定リーグ優勝決定戦、W-1王座＆EWPインターコンチW前哨戦  (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2014-11-30). Retrieved on 2014-11-30.
118. ↑ W-1 11.1両国大会　武藤敬司デビュー30周年記念大会のメインで武藤が河野の持つW-1王座に挑戦  (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2014-11-01). Retrieved on 2015-02-02.
119. ↑ 119.0 119.1 Takagi, Hiromi 2015-01-11. *ja:Ｗ−１王者・武藤が征矢にギブアップ負け チーム２４６が若手コンビ下しＶ３に成功* (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo!. Retrieved on 2015-02-02.
120. ↑ W-1 1.30後楽園大会　武藤vs.征矢のW-1チャンピオンシップ、246vs.Kazma＆土肥のタッグチャンピオンシップ  (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2015-01-30). Retrieved on 2015-01-30.
121. ↑ Wrestle-1「Wrestle-1 Sunrise Tour 2015」最終戦  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2015-01-30). Retrieved on 2015-01-30.
122. ↑ Wrestle-1 Tour 2015 West Side Story  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2015-02-13). Retrieved on 2015-02-13.
123. ↑ チーム246がタッグV5　田中越えKaiが武藤に挑戦状=W-1  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2015-02-13). Retrieved on 2015-02-13.
124. ↑ Kaiが武藤のW―1王座挑戦者に名乗り  (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2015-02-14). Retrieved on 2015-02-14.
125. ↑ 125.0 125.1 Wrestle-1 Tour 2015 Trans Magic  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2015-03-08). Retrieved on 2015-03-08.
126. ↑ W-1王者・武藤、Kaiに敗れて王座陥落…シングル戦３年ぶり黒星  (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2015-03-08). Retrieved on 2015-03-08.
127. ↑ Caldwell, James 2015-03-08. Japan news: Great Muta loses W-1 title, full line-up for Sunday's New Japan Cup Night 2 . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2015-03-08.
128. ↑ Wrestle-1 Tour 2015 Cherry blossom  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2015-04-01). Retrieved on 2015-04-01.
129. ↑ *ja:Ｗ－１王座を奪取した鈴木秀樹が武藤戦を熱望* (in Japanese). *Sports Navi*. Yahoo! (2015-04-01). Retrieved on 2015-04-01.
130. ↑ *ja:鈴木秀樹がＷ－１王座奪取* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2015-04-02). Retrieved on 2015-04-02.
131. ↑ 131.0 131.1 Wrestle-1 Tour 2015 Symbol  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2015-07-12). Retrieved on 2015-07-12.
132. ↑ W-1 7.12後楽園大会　鈴木vs.KaiのW-1チャンピオンシップ、246vs.new Wild orderのタッグ王座戦、稔vs.吉岡のクルーザー級王座戦  (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2015-07-12). Retrieved on 2015-07-12.
133. ↑ 新王者Kaiに異例のブーイング  (in Japanese). *Daily Sports Online*. Kobe Shimbun (2015-07-12). Retrieved on 2015-07-12.
134. ↑ *ja:Kai王座奪取もブーイング…武藤がトーナメント開催提案* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2015-07-13). Retrieved on 2015-07-13.
135. ↑ *ja:Kai王座返上 ファン投票で決定か* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2015-08-03). Retrieved on 2015-08-03.
136. ↑ 「Wrestle-1 Tour 2015 2nd Anniversary」  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2015-09-21). Retrieved on 2015-09-21.
137. ↑ *ja:征矢学がＷ-１王者に輝き２冠王* (in Japanese). *Daily Sports Online*. Kobe Shimbun (2015-09-21). Retrieved on 2015-09-21.
138. ↑ ja:「もっと狂わないとダメだ」というKaiに葛西が「本物のハードコアを教えてやる」 (in Japanese). *Yahoo! Japan* (2015-12-25). Archived from the original on 2016-02-11. Retrieved on 2016-02-11.
139. ↑ 139.0 139.1 139.2 *ja:W-1　4･6後楽園大会　【タッグチャンピオンシップ】火野＆Kazumavs征矢＆Akira　【クルーザーディビジョン】鼓太郎vsTajiri* (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2016-04-07). Retrieved on 2016-04-06.
140. ↑ *ja:W-1 Kai自我解放で復権王手* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2016-04-07). Retrieved on 2016-04-07.
141. ↑ 141.0 141.1 ja:ガッツワールドvol.96 武骨勝負2016 (in Japanese). *Guts World*. Archived from the original on 2016-05-04. Retrieved on 2016-05-04.
142. ↑ 142.0 142.1 142.2 「Wrestle-1 Tour 2016 Triumph」  (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2016-05-04). Retrieved on 2016-05-04.
143. ↑ *ja:火野の快進撃止めた！Kaiが王座奪取* (in Japanese). *Daily Sports Online*. Kobe Shimbun (2016-05-04). Retrieved on 2016-05-04.
144. ↑ *ja:Wrestle-1新王者のKaiが他団体を放浪！？ガッツ、アイスリボン、大日本、ガンプロに参戦決定！* (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2016-05-06). Retrieved on 2016-05-22.
145. ↑ *ja:5･21　アイスリボン道場マッチ　世羅りさ＆Kaivs藤田あかね＆三富政行　ベーター・ノワールvs雪妃真矢* (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2016-05-22). Retrieved on 2016-05-22.
146. ↑ *ja:6･8　Wrestle-1後楽園ホール大会　【W-1王座】Kaivs芦野　【W-1タッグ】火野＆Kazumavs中之上＆岡林　【UWA6人タッグ】Tajiri＆カズ＆稔vs河野＆Yasshi＆村瀬　【クルーザーディビジョン】鼓太郎vsAkira* (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2016-06-09). Retrieved on 2016-06-09.
147. ↑ *ja:Wrestle-1王者KaiがV1* (in Japanese). *Daily Sports Online*. Kobe Shimbun (2016-06-09). Retrieved on 2016-06-09.
148. ↑ 148.0 148.1 *ja:DDTスーパースターレーン2016* (in Japanese). *DDT Pro-Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2016-07-03.
149. ↑ *ja:「プロレスLove in Yokohama」* (in Japanese). *Wrestle-1* (2016-08-11). Retrieved on 2016-08-11.
150. ↑ *ja:両国ピーターパン2016～世界でいちばん熱い夏～* (in Japanese). *DDT Pro-Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2016-08-28.
151. ↑ *ja:【ＤＤＴ両国】Harashima、宮本組がＫＯ―Ｄタッグ王者に* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2016-08-29). Retrieved on 2016-08-29.
152. ↑ *ja:稲葉がＷ－１王座Ｖ１！「ボクらが引っ張る」若手軍がベテラン連合軍と５対５戦* (in Japanese). *Daily Sports Online*. Kobe Shimbun (2016-09-18). Retrieved on 2016-09-18.
153. ↑ *ja:【Ｗ－１】世代闘争本格化　王者・稲葉とベテランがにらみ合い* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2016-09-19). Retrieved on 2016-09-19.
154. ↑ 154.0 154.1 ja:12/18新木場大会　試合結果 (in Japanese). *Pro Wrestling Zero1* (2016-12-18). Archived from the original on 2016-12-18. Retrieved on 2016-12-18.
155. ↑ *ja:【会見】自由に目覚めたKaiがWrestle-1を退団しフリーに！武藤は「ピンと来ない」* (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2016-12-20). Retrieved on 2016-12-20.
156. ↑ *ja:【Ｗ‐１】Kaiが「自由になります」と退団発表　武藤社長「頑張ってほしい」とエール* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2016-12-20). Retrieved on 2016-12-20.
157. ↑ ja:1月1日(日)後楽園ホール「謹賀新年」試合結果 (in Japanese). *Pro Wrestling Zero1* (2017-01-01). Archived from the original on 2017-01-02. Retrieved on 2017-01-02.
158. ↑ *ja:Wrestle-1を退団したKaiが全日本プロレスのリングに登場！* (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2017-01-03). Retrieved on 2017-01-02.
159. ↑ *ja:2.3後楽園大会　試合結果* (in Japanese). *Pro Wrestling Zero1* (2017-02-04). Retrieved on 2017-02-04.
160. ↑ *ja:【ゼロワン】耕平 無念の引き分けＶ３* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2017-02-04). Retrieved on 2017-02-04.
161. ↑ *ja:2.17東京・後楽園ホール大会[観衆**1138人*] (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2017-03-02.
162. ↑ *ja:プロレスリングZero1後楽園大会『新生Zero１　ドリーム・シリーズ　～誕生の陣～』* (in Japanese). *Pro Wrestling Zero1*. Retrieved on 2017-03-02.
163. ↑ *ja:2017 チャンピオン・カーニバル 星取表【最終得点状況】* (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling* (2017-04-29). Retrieved on 2017-04-29.
164. ↑ Rise Up Tour 2013  (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2013-09-03. Retrieved on 2013-05-30.
165. ↑ 大一番を前に激しさを増す全日本vsバーニング！アジアタッグは35分を超す激闘に！中之上と真田は変われるのか？  (in Japanese). *Battle News* (2013-05-19). Retrieved on 2013-05-19.
166. ↑ ja:プロレス (in Japanese). *Nikkan Sports*. Archived from the original on 2016-05-04. Retrieved on 2016-05-04.
167. ↑ 2013 プロレスLove in 沖縄  (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2013-09-03. Retrieved on 2013-03-20.
168. ↑ Golden, Hunter 2009-08-05. Rising Sun Soliloquy Newsletter #35 . *Wrestleview*. Archived from the original on 2011-09-28. Retrieved on 2013-01-17.
169. ↑ 169.0 169.1 169.2 169.3 Kai  (in Japanese). *All Japan Pro Wrestling*. Archived from the original on 2013-01-19. Retrieved on 2013-04-18.
170. ↑ Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2015 . *The Internet Wrestling Database*. Retrieved on 2015-10-05.
171. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (January 26, 2011). "Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue". *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Campbell, CA: 1–40. ISSN 1083-9593.