Tetsuya Naito's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Tetsuya Naito. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

2004: "Takeda Dojo Submission" Tournament Win

In 2004, Naito won the "Takeda Dojo Submission" tournament, earning him a contract with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).

May 29, 2008: Victory in Zero1

On May 29, 2008, Naito and Takahashi, as No Limit, defeated Osamu Namiguchi and Shito Ueda in Zero1, marking a special sixth match in their series.

October 13, 2008: IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Win

On October 13, 2008, at Destruction '08, Naito and Takahashi, as No Limit, won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship by defeating Devitt and Minoru.

February 14, 2010: IWGP Tag Team Title Defense

On February 14, 2010, No Limit successfully defended the IWGP Tag Team Championship against El Texano Jr. and El Terrible.

December 11, 2010: Victory over The Motor City Machine Guns

On December 11, 2010, No Limit achieved a significant victory by defeating The Motor City Machine Guns, the TNA World Tag Team Champions, in a non-title match.

2010: Tokyo Sports Award

Since 2010, the Tokyo Sports MVP award in Japanese professional wrestling has been consistently won by either Hiroshi Tanahashi or Kazuchika Okada.

2013: G1 Climax Winner

In 2013, Tetsuya Naito won the G1 Climax, NJPW's premier singles tournament, marking a significant achievement in his career.

2016: New Japan Cup Winner

In 2016, Tetsuya Naito won the New Japan Cup, adding another achievement to his wrestling career.

2016: MVP Award by Tokyo Sports

In 2016, Tokyo Sports awarded Tetsuya Naito with the MVP Award, the publication's highest honor, recognizing his popularity and contributions.

2016: Tokyo Sports MVP Award

In 2016, Tokyo Sports named Tetsuya Naito as the MVP in all of Japanese professional wrestling. Naito decisively won the award in the first round of voting, receiving 18 of 21 votes, surpassing Kazuchika Okada and Kenny Omega.

January 4, 2017: Wrestle Kingdom 11

On January 4, 2017, at Wrestle Kingdom 11, Tetsuya Naito successfully defended the IWGP Intercontinental Championship against Hiroshi Tanahashi.

2017: 2017 G1 Climax Winner

In 2017, Tetsuya Naito won his block in the G1 Climax with a record of seven wins and two losses. On August 13, Naito defeated Kenny Omega in the finals to win his second G1 Climax.

2017: Second MVP Award

Tokyo Sports awarded Naito his second MVP Award in 2017, reaffirming his status as a top wrestler.

April 29, 2018: Wrestling Hinokuni

On April 29, 2018, at Wrestling Hinokuni, Tetsuya Naito defeated Minoru Suzuki to win the IWGP Intercontinental Championship for the second time.

January 4, 2020: Wrestle Kingdom 14 - Night 1

On January 4, 2020, during the first night of Wrestle Kingdom 14, Tetsuya Naito defeated Jay White to win the IWGP Intercontinental Championship as part of the "Double Gold Dash".

2020: Double Championship Win and MVP Award

In 2020, Tetsuya Naito became the first person to simultaneously hold both the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships, and he also received his third MVP Award from Tokyo Sports.

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.

July 11, 2021: IWGP Tag Team Championship win

On July 11, 2021, at Summer Struggle in Sapporo, Naito and his Los Ingobernables de Japón stablemate Sanada defeated Dangerous Tekkers (Taichi and Zack Sabre Jr.) to win the IWGP Tag Team Championship. This marked Naito's first tag title reign since 2010.

2023: Third G1 Climax Victory

In 2023, Tetsuya Naito achieved his third G1 Climax win, cementing his legacy in New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

2023: Fourth MVP Award

In 2023, Tetsuya Naito was honored with his fourth MVP Award by Tokyo Sports, highlighting his continued success and impact in NJPW.

January 4, 2024: IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Win

On January 4, 2024, at Wrestle Kingdom, Naito defeated Sanada to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, ending Sanada's reign. Naito closed the show with his signature roll-call, after being cut off by KENTA four years prior, with Sanada requesting a rematch.

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.