Genichiro Tenryu, Japanese wrestler

Genichiro Shimada (嶋田 源一郎, Shimada Gen'ichirō), born on February 2, 1950, is widely celebrated under his iconic ring name, Genichiro Tenryu (天龍 源一郎, Tenryū Gen'ichirō). He is a towering figure in the history of Japanese professional wrestling, renowned both as a formidable competitor in the ring and a successful promoter. His illustrious career spans decades, marked by a unique blend of athleticism, fierce intensity, and innovative promotional ventures.

From Sumo Doho to Puroresu Legend: Tenryu's Early Career

Before his unparalleled success in professional wrestling, Genichiro Tenryu embarked on a demanding journey in the ancient sport of sumo. At the tender age of 13, he dedicated himself to sumo wrestling, training within the prestigious Futagoyama-beya stable. He spent 13 rigorous years in the sumo world, reaching the rank of Komusubi, a respectable achievement within the Makuuchi division, demonstrating his inherent strength and discipline. His future ring name, "Tenryu," was his shikona, a professional fighting name in sumo, which reportedly derived from the Tenryu River, signifying power and fluidity. Following his departure from sumo in 1976, Tenryu transitioned to Western-style professional wrestling, bringing with him the legitimate toughness and stoicism forged during his sumo career. This background endowed his wrestling style with an authentic, hard-hitting legitimacy that resonated deeply with fans.

The Reign of "Mr. Puroresu": Dominance in All Japan Pro Wrestling

Genichiro Tenryu's professional wrestling career truly blossomed through two significant stints with All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), where he spent the vast majority of his active wrestling years. Under the tutelage of the legendary Giant Baba, Tenryu evolved into one of AJPW's cornerstone figures. He quickly became known for his "strong style" approach, characterized by stiff strikes, powerful suplexes, and a willingness to engage in brutal, realistic exchanges that captivated audiences. His rivalry with Jumbo Tsuruta is often cited as one of the greatest and most pivotal in Japanese wrestling history, defining the landscape of AJPW in the late 1980s. Tenryu's impact extended beyond just his in-ring prowess; he helped define the identity of AJPW during its golden era.

Major Championship Accolades

Tenryu's championship record reflects his status as a legitimate main event talent across various promotions. He is recognized as a five-time professional wrestling world champion, a testament to his consistent top-tier performance:

• Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship (3 times): The most prestigious title in All Japan Pro Wrestling, solidifying his status as a legendary figure within the promotion.
• IWGP Heavyweight Championship (1 time): The top title of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), making him one of the very few wrestlers to hold both AJPW's Triple Crown and NJPW's premier championship.
• GHC Heavyweight Championship (1 time): The top title of Pro Wrestling Noah, further cementing his legacy as one of the few "grand slam" champions of Japanese professional wrestling, having held the top titles of the three major puroresu promotions.

Pioneering Promoter: SWS, WAR, and Tenryu Project

Beyond his in-ring achievements, Genichiro Tenryu was also a significant professional wrestling promoter, leaving an indelible mark on the industry's landscape. His ventures often challenged the traditional promotional structures of Japanese wrestling:

Super World of Sports (SWS)

Founded in 1990 with significant financial backing from the eyewear chain Megane Super, SWS was a controversial promotion that caused a notable split in All Japan Pro Wrestling's roster. Though relatively short-lived (1990-1992), it attracted major international stars and generated considerable buzz, signaling a shift in the dynamics of Japanese wrestling.

Wrestle Association R (WAR)

Following the collapse of SWS, Tenryu established Wrestle Association R (WAR) in 1992. WAR proved more stable and successful, becoming renowned for its pioneering inter-promotional matches, most notably against New Japan Pro-Wrestling. These cross-promotional battles were highly anticipated and helped break down traditional barriers between rival organizations.

Tenryu Project

In his later years, Tenryu continued his promotional work with Tenryu Project. This venture focused on showcasing veteran talent alongside promising young wrestlers, serving as a platform for his continued involvement in the industry until his full retirement.

A Legacy Defined: "One of the Biggest Native Stars"

Upon his retirement in October 2015, professional wrestling journalist and historian Dave Meltzer, a highly respected authority in the field and editor of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, offered profound praise for Tenryu's career. Meltzer stated that "one could make a strong case [that Tenryu was] between the fourth and sixth biggest native star" in the rich history of Japanese professional wrestling. This assessment places Tenryu in an elite pantheon alongside legendary figures such as Rikidozan, Antonio Inoki, Giant Baba, and Mitsuharu Misawa, highlighting his immense drawing power, influence, and enduring impact on puroresu. Tenryu's legacy is characterized by his uncompromising in-ring style, his pivotal role in numerous iconic rivalries, and his entrepreneurial spirit in shaping the promotional landscape of Japanese wrestling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Genichiro Tenryu

Who is Genichiro Tenryu?

Genichiro Tenryu is a retired Japanese professional wrestler and promoter, widely regarded as one of the most influential and significant figures in Japanese professional wrestling history. He is known for his hard-hitting "strong style" and successful promotional ventures.

What was Genichiro Tenryu's background before professional wrestling?

Before entering professional wrestling, Genichiro Tenryu was a sumo wrestler for 13 years, reaching the rank of Komusubi. His sumo background heavily influenced his legitimate and intense wrestling style.

What major championships did Genichiro Tenryu win?

Genichiro Tenryu is a five-time world champion, holding the AJPW Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship (3 times), the NJPW IWGP Heavyweight Championship (1 time), and the NOAH GHC Heavyweight Championship (1 time), making him one of the few wrestlers to capture the top titles of Japan's three major promotions.

What wrestling promotions did Genichiro Tenryu run?

Genichiro Tenryu was the founder and promoter of Super World of Sports (SWS), Wrestle Association R (WAR), and Tenryu Project, all of which played significant roles in the evolution and landscape of Japanese professional wrestling.