Trained by pro wrestling legends Genichiro Tenryu and Riki Choshu, Ishii is renowned for his dogged determination and toughness. Known in NJPW as a no-nonsense workhorse able to produce amazing matches night after night, he takes the brunt of any opponent’s attacks head-on and returns the favor in kind. His short stature belies his explosive strength, which he uses to inflict brutal chops and head butts. 

Ishii’s take no prisoners approach has earned him the IWGP Tag Team Championships, RPW’s British Heavyweight Championship twice and six NEVER Openweight Championship reigns, as well as NEVER Openweight 6 Man gold alongside Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi. Still a powerful gatekeeper for New Japan Pro-Wrestling, he remains a target for anyone stepping into the cerulean blue.