      NJPW 1/4/02 Tokyo Dome COMPLETE Edition
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Title History:
IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title (1):
Tournament History: None won.
Signature Moves: - Musasabi body press
Notes: Initiated into New Japan in March, 1984 ... In January, 1990, left for a learning excursion to Europe, returning in April ... Was an instrumental part of New Japan's junior heavyweight division, having his first and only reign as IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion when he defeated Jushin Thunder Liger on 8/9/91 ... Graduated to the heavyweight division in November, 1991 ... In September, 1993, formed a tag team with Takayuki (Takashi) Iizuka, a team that would remain together until March, 1996, when Akira became a member of the anti-New Japan group, Helsei Ishingun ... Suffered a long-term left eye injury in March, 1998, that would keep him out of action for almost a year ... Returned on 2/5/99, with a new name, look and attitude ... After using his real name, Akira Nogami, for his entire career, he began calling himself AKIRA, dying his hair blond and wearing facepaint, basing his look and persona after the famous animation movie of the same name ... Joined Masahiro Chono's Team 2000 and it was almost like he became a new man ... Developed new moves and ways of doing them, making everything look spectacular ... Despite graduating from the junior division to the heavyweight division many years ago, in recent times he has been spending equal time between both, often teaming with new friends, Jado & Gedo, against New Japan juniors and developing a rivalry with Minoru Tanaka ... Broke away from Chono to join Hiroyoshi Tenzan's breakaway group in October, 2001 ... A very underrated and overlooked wrestler as he spends half of his time acting and as a result, doesn't wrestle full-time ... Incredibly charismatic because of his acting career and most overlooked wrestlers in the world, showing unbelievable grace, speed and fluidity for his age.
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