HEIGHT
183cm
PK, G2PK, Mushagaeshi, Cobra Twist, Sleeper Hold
A relentless fighter that encapsulates every meaning of the word “hardcore”. Shibata debuted for New Japan in October 1999 and together with Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura he became known as one of the “New Three Musketeers”. In 2005 he fought amongst various pro wrestling organizations and in 2007 turned towards the world of mixed martial arts to hone his skills. Upon his return to NJPW in August of 2012, his growth as a fighter was clear as he utilized sharp blows and targeted submissions.
While his departure from NJPW during a difficult time for the promotion drew a lot of criticism, Shibata was able to reintegrate himself in the hearts and minds of the New Japan roster and fans after a memorable September 2014 bout with Hiroshi Tanahashi and a scintillating rivalry with Tomohiro Ishii.
After nearly four years competing for New Japan in a freelance capacity, Shibata made a long term commitment to NJPW in spring 2016. Propelling himself to new heights, he won the 2017 New Japan Cup, a win that led to a brutal encounter with Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
Injuries sustained during that match would force Shibata to withdraw from in-ring competition. With a passion for NJPW that still burned brightly, Shibata would head to Los Angeles to become the head coach for the LA Dojo, developing the next generation of American talent. Shibata remained inactive until the final of G1 Climax 31, where he engaged in a grappling exhibition with Zack Sabre Jr. in front of a stunned crowd, before his first official match in nearly five years saw him face Ren Narita.
A relentless fighter that encapsulates every meaning of the word “hardcore”. Shibata debuted for New Japan in October 1999 and together with Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura he became known as one of the “New Three Musketeers”. In 2005 he fought amongst various pro wrestling organizations and in 2007 turned towards the world of mixed martial arts to hone his skills. Upon his return to NJPW in August of 2012, his growth as a fighter was clear as he utilized sharp blows and targeted submissions.
While his departure from NJPW during a difficult time for the promotion drew a lot of criticism, Shibata was able to reintegrate himself in the hearts and minds of the New Japan roster and fans after a memorable September 2014 bout with Hiroshi Tanahashi and a scintillating rivalry with Tomohiro Ishii.
After nearly four years competing for New Japan in a freelance capacity, Shibata made a long term commitment to NJPW in spring 2016. Propelling himself to new heights, he won the 2017 New Japan Cup, a win that led to a brutal encounter with Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
Injuries sustained during that match would force Shibata to withdraw from in-ring competition. With a passion for NJPW that still burned brightly, Shibata would head to Los Angeles to become the head coach for the LA Dojo, developing the next generation of American talent. Shibata remained inactive until the final of G1 Climax 31, where he engaged in a grappling exhibition with Zack Sabre Jr. in front of a stunned crowd, before his first official match in nearly five years saw him face Ren Narita.