Go Shiozaki, Japanese wrestler

Go Shiozaki: The "Burning" Spirit of Japanese Professional Wrestling

Go Shiozaki (潮﨑 豪, Shiozaki Gō), born on January 21, 1982, is a highly accomplished Japanese professional wrestler renowned for his powerful "strong style" offense and unwavering "Burning" spirit. Widely regarded as the legitimate protégé of wrestling legend Kenta Kobashi, Shiozaki has forged a distinguished career primarily within Japan's competitive wrestling landscape, currently excelling under the banner of the Pro Wrestling Noah promotion.

Early Career and Rise in Pro Wrestling Noah

Shiozaki's professional wrestling journey began with Pro Wrestling Noah, where he made his highly anticipated debut in July 2004. He quickly established himself as a future cornerstone of the promotion, known for his intense chops and methodical yet explosive in-ring style. He remained a prominent figure within Noah's roster until the end of 2012, accumulating valuable experience and building a strong foundation for his decorated career.

Forging New Paths: All Japan Pro Wrestling Tenure

In a significant career move, Go Shiozaki transitioned to All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) in January 2013. During his tenure with one of Japan's most historic promotions, he achieved considerable success and further cemented his status as an elite heavyweight competitor. His accomplishments in AJPW include:

• Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion (1-time): This prestigious title is AJPW's top singles championship, formed by unifying the PWF Heavyweight Championship, NWA International Heavyweight Championship, and NWA United National Heavyweight Championship. Winning it signifies a wrestler's undisputed position at the pinnacle of the promotion.
• World Tag Team Champion (2-times): Alongside various partners, Shiozaki captured AJPW's premier tag team championship on two occasions, showcasing his versatility and ability to excel in a team environment.

Shiozaki's impactful run with AJPW concluded in September 2015, when he resigned from the promotion.

The Return Home and Renewed Dominance in Noah

Following his departure from AJPW, Go Shiozaki made a highly anticipated return to his spiritual home, Pro Wrestling Noah. This return marked the beginning of another dominant chapter in his career. In May 2016, he recaptured the coveted GHC Heavyweight Championship for the third time, reaffirming his position as a top-tier competitor and a perennial main event attraction within Noah. The GHC Heavyweight Championship is recognized as Pro Wrestling Noah's premier singles title, representing the pinnacle of achievement in the promotion.

International Recognition and American Exposure

Shiozaki's talents have not been confined solely to the Japanese wrestling scene. He has also ventured into the international arena, competing for prominent American independent wrestling promotions, including Ring of Honor (ROH) and Full Impact Pro (FIP). His overseas endeavors saw him achieve further championship success, specifically winning the FIP World Heavyweight Championship, the top title of Full Impact Pro, demonstrating his ability to adapt and excel globally.

A Leader Within Noah: Chairman of the Wrestlers' Association

Beyond his in-ring prowess, Go Shiozaki has also taken on a significant leadership role within Pro Wrestling Noah. In August 2016, he was appointed the chairman of Noah's wrestlers' association. This position underscores his influence and respect within the locker room, entrusting him with responsibilities that likely involve representing the wrestlers' interests and contributing to the overall welfare and direction of the promotion from an athlete's perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions about Go Shiozaki

What are Go Shiozaki's major championship accomplishments?

Go Shiozaki is a multi-time champion across various promotions. His key titles include the GHC Heavyweight Championship (Pro Wrestling Noah's top singles title, which he has won multiple times), the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship (All Japan Pro Wrestling's premier singles title), the World Tag Team Championship (All Japan Pro Wrestling's top tag team title), and the FIP World Heavyweight Championship (Full Impact Pro's top singles title).

Which major promotions has Go Shiozaki wrestled for?

Go Shiozaki has primarily built his career in Japan with Pro Wrestling Noah and All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW). He has also gained international experience wrestling for American promotions such as Ring of Honor (ROH) and Full Impact Pro (FIP).

What leadership roles has Go Shiozaki held in Pro Wrestling Noah?

In addition to his storied career as an in-ring competitor, Go Shiozaki was appointed the chairman of Pro Wrestling Noah's wrestlers' association in August 2016. This role signifies his influence and involvement in representing the interests of the wrestlers within the promotion.