Challenges in the Life of Tetsuya Naito in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Tetsuya Naito's life and career.

Tetsuya Naito is a prominent Japanese professional wrestler currently signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He gained significant popularity as the leader of the Los Ingobernables de Japon (LIJ) stable, known for its rebellious and charismatic persona. Naito's in-ring style blends technical skill with a captivating showmanship, contributing to his status as a major draw in the world of professional wrestling. He has held multiple championships in NJPW, solidifying his legacy as one of the company's top stars.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2007: Best of the Super Juniors Tournament

In 2007, Tetsuya Naito participated in the Best of the Super Juniors tournament, finishing last in Block B with four points.

May 2008: "No Limit Generation Smash" Series

In May 2008, Naito and Takahashi participated in the "No Limit Generation Smash", a five-match series against top tag teams in New Japan, losing all five matches.

January 4, 2009: Loss of IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship

On January 4, 2009, at Wrestle Kingdom III, The Motor City Machine Guns defeated Naito and Takahashi to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.

December 4, 2009: Sin Salida Loss

On December 4, 2009, at CMLL's Sin Salida show, No Limit lost a Lucha de Apuesta hair vs. hair match to El Texano Jr. and El Terrible, resulting in both Naito and Takahashi being shaved bald.

May 3, 2010: Loss of IWGP Tag Team Championship

On May 3, 2010, at Wrestling Dontaku 2010, Naito and Takahashi lost the IWGP Tag Team Championship to Yuji Nagata and Wataru Inoue in a three-way match.

January 4, 2011: TNA World Heavyweight Championship Challenge

On January 4, 2011, at Wrestle Kingdom V, Naito unsuccessfully challenged Jeff Hardy for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.

May 2011: Invasion Tour 2011 and No Limit Dissolution

In May 2011, Naito participated in New Japan's Invasion Tour 2011 in the United States and on May 26, back in Japan, Takahashi turned on Naito, effectively dissolving No Limit.

2011: G1 Climax Finals Loss

In 2011, Naito won his block in the G1 Climax, but ultimately lost in the finals to Shinsuke Nakamura.

January 4, 2012: Wrestle Kingdom VI Loss to Keiji Muto

On January 4, 2012, at Wrestle Kingdom VI, Naito faced Keiji Muto from All Japan Pro Wrestling and was defeated.

January 4, 2014: Wrestle Kingdom 8

On January 4, 2014, at Wrestle Kingdom 8, Tetsuya Naito challenged Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship but was ultimately unsuccessful in his title bid.

May 2015: NJPW/ROH co-produced tour

In May 2015, Tetsuya Naito participated in the NJPW/Ring of Honor (ROH) co-produced tour of the United States and Canada. During this tour, he unsuccessfully challenged Jay Lethal for the ROH World Television Championship at Global Wars '15.

January 4, 2016: Wrestle Kingdom 10

On January 4, 2016, at Wrestle Kingdom 10, Tetsuya Naito faced Hirooki Goto, with whom Los Ingobernables de Japón had been feuding. Naito was defeated by Goto in this match.

January 4, 2018: Wrestle Kingdom 12

On January 4, 2018, at Wrestle Kingdom 12, Tetsuya Naito faced Kazuchika Okada in the main event, but was defeated.

June 9, 2018: Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall

On June 9, 2018, at Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall, Chris Jericho defeated Tetsuya Naito to win the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, ending Naito's reign at 41 days.

2019: G1 Climax 29

In 2019, Naito participated in the G1 Climax and finished second with a 5-4 record, losing to Jay White. This loss led to a match between them at Destruction in Kobe, where Naito lost the IWGP Intercontinental Championship.

2020: Losing and regaining championships

In 2020, Tetsuya Naito was attacked by Evil, who defected from Los Ingobernables de Japón. Naito lost both championships to Evil at Dominion in Osaka-jo Hall on July 12, but he won them back at Summer Struggle in Jingu.

January 4, 2021: Wrestle Kingdom 15 - Night 1

On January 4, 2021, during the first night of Wrestle Kingdom 15, Tetsuya Naito lost the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships to Kota Ibushi, ending both his reigns after 128 days.

2022: G1 Climax 32 Tournament and World Tag League Participation

In 2022, Naito competed in the New Japan Cup, reaching the finals but losing to Zack Sabre Jr. He also participated in the G1 Climax 32 tournament, advancing to the semi-finals before losing to Will Ospreay. From November 22 until December 14, 2022, Naito and Sanada teamed up for the World Tag League, but failed to advance to the finals.

2023: New Japan Cup and Sanada's Departure

In March 2023, Naito participated in the New Japan Cup, being knocked out by Sanada in the quarterfinal. After the match on March 17, Taichi approached Naito as Sanada left Los Ingobernables de Japón to join Just 5 Guys.

2024: World Tag League and IWGP Tag Team Championship

In 2024, Naito teamed with Hiromu Takahashi for the World Tag League, winning their block and then defeating Gabe Kidd and Sanada in the finals. Despite winning the World Tag League, due to the IWGP Tag Team Championships being vacant, Naito and Takahashi faced each other at Wrestle Kingdom 19 in a singles match, which Naito won. On February 11 at The New Beginning in Osaka, Naito and Takahashi defeated The Young Bucks to win the IWGP Tag Team Championships, but lost the titles on April 4 at Sakura Genesis to Callum Newman and Jeff Cobb. It was also announced that Naito will be leaving NJPW after fulfilling his dates at the Wrestling Dontaku series in April 2024.