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The gimmick is a variation of The Great Muta gimmick which relies on bloody and evil tactics in a match, using mannerisms and imagery that differ from the person's normal ways. This gimmick also uses many wrestling moves that are regulars in The Great Muta's move set, such as the [[Asian mist]].
The gimmick is a variation of The Great Muta gimmick which relies on bloody and evil tactics in a match, using mannerisms and imagery that differ from the person's normal ways. This gimmick also uses many wrestling moves that are regulars in The Great Muta's move set, such as the [[Asian mist]].


On June 16, 2012, at [[Dominion 6.16]], Liger made a rare appearance as Kishin Liger, when he and [[Tiger Mask IV|Tiger Mask]] defeated [[Suzuki-gun]] ([[Taichi Ishikari|Taichi]] and [[Taka Michinoku]]) to win the vacant [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]], Liger's first New Japan title in four years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=584|title=Dominion 6.16|accessdate=June 16, 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> The change was brought on by Taichi tearing Liger's mask to pieces.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=584&c=4343|title=Dominion 6.16|accessdate=June 16, 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> They lost the title to [[Forever Hooligans]] ([[Alex Koslov]] and [[Rocky Romero]]) on July 22.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=593|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour Kizuna Road|accessdate=July 28, 2013|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese}}</ref>
On June 16, 2012, at [[Dominion 6.16]], Liger made a rare appearance as Kishin Liger, when he and [[Tiger Mask IV|Tiger Mask]] defeated [[Suzuki-gun]] ([[Taichi Ishikari|Taichi]] and [[Taka Michinoku]]) to win the vacant [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]], Liger's first New Japan title in four years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=584|title=Dominion 6.16|accessdate=June 16, 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> The change was brought on by Taichi tearing Liger's mask to pieces.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=584&c=4343 |title=Dominion 6.16 |accessdate=June 16, 2012 |work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=Japanese |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619045237/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=584&c=4343 |archivedate=June 19, 2012 |df= }}</ref> They lost the title to [[Forever Hooligans]] ([[Alex Koslov]] and [[Rocky Romero]]) on July 22.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=593 |title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour Kizuna Road |accessdate=July 28, 2013 |work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]] |language=Japanese |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730073154/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=593 |archivedate=July 30, 2012 |df= }}</ref>


====Heavyweight Division (2000)====
====Heavyweight Division (2000)====
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====2010–2011====
====2010–2011====
Liger returned to CMLL in June 2010 for a long tour of the company. As the CMLL World Middleweight Championship he earned entry into the [[CMLL Universal Championship (2010)|2010 Universal Championship]]. On the [[CMLL Super Viernes (August 2010)#August 6, 2010|August 6, 2010 Super Viernes]] show Liger won Block B by defeating Negro Casas, [[Héctor Garza]] and [[La Mascara (wrestler)|La Máscara]] to earn a spot in the finals.<ref name=LuchasAugust6>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.net/2010/08/07/resultados-arena-mexico-6-agosto-2010-%c2%a1liger-segundo-finalista-por-el-campeonato-universal-mistico-vs-psicosis-%c2%bfantes-de-lo-esperado/ | title= Resultados Arena México (6 agosto 2010): ¡Liger, segundo finalista por el Campeonato Universal! Místico vs. Psicosis, ¿antes de lo esperado? | author= Velazquez, Israel | date= August 7, 2010 | accessdate= August 5, 2010|work=SuperLuchas|language=Spanish}}</ref> On the [[CMLL Super Viernes (August 2010)#August 13, 2010|August 13, 2010 Super Viernes]] Liger defeated [[La Sombra (wrestler)|La Sombra]] to win the 2010 Universal Championship.<ref name=CMLLUniversal/> On August 16, 2010 it was announced that Liger was one of 14 men putting their mask on the line in a ''[[Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|Luchas de Apuestas]]'' [[steel cage match]], the main event of the [[CMLL 77th Anniversary Show]].<ref name=CageMatch>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.net/2010/08/15/liger-atlantis-mr-niebla-y-ultimo-guerrero-entran-al-juicio-final-del-cmll/ | title= Liger, Atlantis, Mr. Niebla y Ultimo Guerrero entran al Juicio final del CMLL | date= August 15, 2010 | accessdate= August 16, 2010 | author= Ruiz Glez, Alex|work=SuperLuchas|language=Spanish}}</ref> Liger was the seventh man to leave the steel cage, keeping his mask safe. The match came down to [[La Sombra (wrestler)|La Sombra]] pinning [[Olímpico]] to unmask him.<ref name=Aniversario77Live>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.net/2010/09/03/cobertura-cmll-el-juicio-final-lxxvii-aniversario-de-la-empresa-mexicana-de-lucha-libre/ | title= Cobertura CMLL: El Juicio Final. LXXVII Aniversario de la Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre | author= Ocampo, Jorge | date= September 3, 2010 | accessdate= September 4, 2010|work=SuperLuchas|language=Spanish}}</ref> During the same tour, Liger also made his first successful defense of the CMLL World Middleweight Championship, defeating La Sombra on September 27.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.net/2010/09/30/arena-puebla-resultados-27-de-septiembrejushin-%E2%80%9Cthunder%E2%80%9D-liger-se-va-con-el-campeonato-mundial-medio-del-cmll-a-japon/ | title= Arena Puebla (resultados 27 de septiembre)Jushin "Thunder" Liger se va con el campeonato mundial medio del CMLL a Japón | author= Ruiz Glez, Alex | date= September 30, 2010 | accessdate= May 3, 2011|work=SuperLuchas|language=Spanish}}</ref> On January 4, 2011, at New Japan's ''[[January 4 Dome Show#Wrestle Kingdom V in Tokyo Dome|Wrestle Kingdom V in Tokyo Dome]]'' event, Liger wrestled in a CMLL showcase match, where he and Héctor Garza were defeated by La Sombra and [[Máscara Dorada]], when Sombra pinned Liger, setting up a CMLL World Middleweight Championship match for CMLL's ''[[Fantastica Mania 2011]]'' show on January 22 in [[Tokyo|Tokyo, Japan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=132|title=レッスルキングダムV in 東京ドーム|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|accessdate=January 12, 2011|language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1294158810 |title=1/4 TNA-NJPW Results: Tokyo, Japan |last=Gerweck |first=Steve |date=January 4, 2011 |accessdate=January 12, 2011 |publisher=Wrestleview |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107121731/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1294158810 |archivedate=January 7, 2011 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2501|title=NJPW/CMLL cards announced, Tanahashi's first challenger to be determined on 1/30, Okada news|date=January 5, 2011|accessdate=January 12, 2011|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> At ''Fantastica Mania'' Liger defeated La Sombra to retain the CMLL World Middleweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://superluchas.net/2011/01/22/resultados-fantasticamania-cmllnjpw-en-japon-los-mexicanos-perdieron-todos-los-duelos-por-campeonatos/ | title= Resultados "Fantasticamanía" – CMLL/NJPW en Japón – Los mexicanos perdieron todos los duelos por campeonatos | author=Flores, Manuel |date= January 22, 2011 | accessdate= January 22, 2011|work=SuperLuchas}}</ref> On May 3, Liger made his third successful defense of the title, defeating Máscara Dorada at New Japan's [[Wrestling Dontaku 2011]] show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=173|script-title=ja:レスリングどんたく 2011|publisher=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|accessdate=May 3, 2011|language=Japanese}}</ref> Liger returned to Mexico on September 15, 2011, announcing his intention of working as a ''[[Face (professional wrestling)|technico]]'' for the first time during his run with CMLL.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=6330|title="世界の獣神"が"第ニの故郷"メキシコ上陸! 今度はライガーのCMLL遠征がスタート!!|publisher=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|date=September 15, 2011|accessdate=September 16, 2011|language=Japanese}}</ref> On September 30 at CMLL's [[CMLL 78th Anniversary Show|78th Anniversary Show]], Liger defeated eleven other men in a ''[[torneo cibernetico]]'' to advance to the finals of the [[Leyenda de Plata#2011 Leyenda de Plata|2011 Leyenda de Plata]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.record.com.mx/luchalibre/2011-10-01/lyger-por-la-leyenda-de-plata |title=Lyger por la Leyenda de Plata |author=González, Fernando |date=October 1, 2011 |accessdate=October 1, 2011 |work=[[Récord]] |language=Spanish |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003204803/http://www.record.com.mx/luchalibre/2011-10-01/lyger-por-la-leyenda-de-plata |archivedate=October 3, 2011 |df= }}</ref> On October 7, Liger was defeated in the finals of the tournament by [[Volador Jr.]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.record.com.mx/luchalibre/2011-10-08/volador-jr-se-llevo-la-plata | title= Volador Jr. se llevó la plata | author=Rodríguez, Édgar | date=October 8, 2011 | accessdate=October 8, 2011 | work=[[Récord]] | language=Spanish}}</ref> On October 24, Liger made his fourth successful defense of the CMLL World Middleweight Championship, defeating [[El Texano Jr.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=6542|title=またも獣神旋風! メヒコでCMLL世界ミドル級選手権、ライガーがテハノ・ジュニアに防衛!!|date=October 25, 2011|publisher=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|accessdate=October 25, 2011|language=Japanese}}</ref> On November 18, Liger lost the title to [[Dragón Rojo Jr.]], ending his reign at 564 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.record.com.mx/tmf/2011-11-19/dragon-rojo-jr-nuevo-campeon-peso-medio-del-cmll |title=Dragón Rojo Jr., nuevo Campeón peso Medio del CMLL |author=González, Fernando |date=November 19, 2011 |accessdate=November 20, 2011 |work=[[Récord]] |language=Spanish |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019133442/http://www.record.com.mx/tmf/2011-11-19/dragon-rojo-jr-nuevo-campeon-peso-medio-del-cmll |archivedate=October 19, 2013 |df= }}</ref> Liger's three-month stint in CMLL ended on December 9, with a loss against Último Guerrero.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://estrellasdelring.blogspot.com/2011/12/regresan-los-martinetes-de-panther.html | title=Regresan los Martinetes de Panther. | author=Salazar López, Alexis A. | date=December 9, 2011 | accessdate=December 11, 2011 | work=Estrellas del Ring | language=Spanish}}</ref>
Liger returned to CMLL in June 2010 for a long tour of the company. As the CMLL World Middleweight Championship he earned entry into the [[CMLL Universal Championship (2010)|2010 Universal Championship]]. On the [[CMLL Super Viernes (August 2010)#August 6, 2010|August 6, 2010 Super Viernes]] show Liger won Block B by defeating Negro Casas, [[Héctor Garza]] and [[La Mascara (wrestler)|La Máscara]] to earn a spot in the finals.<ref name=LuchasAugust6>{{cite web|url=http://superluchas.net/2010/08/07/resultados-arena-mexico-6-agosto-2010-%c2%a1liger-segundo-finalista-por-el-campeonato-universal-mistico-vs-psicosis-%c2%bfantes-de-lo-esperado/ |title=Resultados Arena México (6 agosto 2010): ¡Liger, segundo finalista por el Campeonato Universal! Místico vs. Psicosis, ¿antes de lo esperado? |author=Velazquez, Israel |date=August 7, 2010 |accessdate=August 5, 2010 |work=SuperLuchas |language=Spanish |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125050350/http://superluchas.net/2010/08/07/resultados-arena-mexico-6-agosto-2010-%C2%A1liger-segundo-finalista-por-el-campeonato-universal-mistico-vs-psicosis-%C2%BFantes-de-lo-esperado/ |archivedate=November 25, 2010 |df= }}</ref> On the [[CMLL Super Viernes (August 2010)#August 13, 2010|August 13, 2010 Super Viernes]] Liger defeated [[La Sombra (wrestler)|La Sombra]] to win the 2010 Universal Championship.<ref name=CMLLUniversal/> On August 16, 2010 it was announced that Liger was one of 14 men putting their mask on the line in a ''[[Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|Luchas de Apuestas]]'' [[steel cage match]], the main event of the [[CMLL 77th Anniversary Show]].<ref name=CageMatch>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.net/2010/08/15/liger-atlantis-mr-niebla-y-ultimo-guerrero-entran-al-juicio-final-del-cmll/ | title= Liger, Atlantis, Mr. Niebla y Ultimo Guerrero entran al Juicio final del CMLL | date= August 15, 2010 | accessdate= August 16, 2010 | author= Ruiz Glez, Alex|work=SuperLuchas|language=Spanish}}</ref> Liger was the seventh man to leave the steel cage, keeping his mask safe. The match came down to [[La Sombra (wrestler)|La Sombra]] pinning [[Olímpico]] to unmask him.<ref name=Aniversario77Live>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.net/2010/09/03/cobertura-cmll-el-juicio-final-lxxvii-aniversario-de-la-empresa-mexicana-de-lucha-libre/ | title= Cobertura CMLL: El Juicio Final. LXXVII Aniversario de la Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre | author= Ocampo, Jorge | date= September 3, 2010 | accessdate= September 4, 2010|work=SuperLuchas|language=Spanish}}</ref> During the same tour, Liger also made his first successful defense of the CMLL World Middleweight Championship, defeating La Sombra on September 27.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.net/2010/09/30/arena-puebla-resultados-27-de-septiembrejushin-%E2%80%9Cthunder%E2%80%9D-liger-se-va-con-el-campeonato-mundial-medio-del-cmll-a-japon/ | title= Arena Puebla (resultados 27 de septiembre)Jushin "Thunder" Liger se va con el campeonato mundial medio del CMLL a Japón | author= Ruiz Glez, Alex | date= September 30, 2010 | accessdate= May 3, 2011|work=SuperLuchas|language=Spanish}}</ref> On January 4, 2011, at New Japan's ''[[January 4 Dome Show#Wrestle Kingdom V in Tokyo Dome|Wrestle Kingdom V in Tokyo Dome]]'' event, Liger wrestled in a CMLL showcase match, where he and Héctor Garza were defeated by La Sombra and [[Máscara Dorada]], when Sombra pinned Liger, setting up a CMLL World Middleweight Championship match for CMLL's ''[[Fantastica Mania 2011]]'' show on January 22 in [[Tokyo|Tokyo, Japan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=132|title=レッスルキングダムV in 東京ドーム|work=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|accessdate=January 12, 2011|language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1294158810 |title=1/4 TNA-NJPW Results: Tokyo, Japan |last=Gerweck |first=Steve |date=January 4, 2011 |accessdate=January 12, 2011 |publisher=Wrestleview |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107121731/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1294158810 |archivedate=January 7, 2011 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2501|title=NJPW/CMLL cards announced, Tanahashi's first challenger to be determined on 1/30, Okada news|date=January 5, 2011|accessdate=January 12, 2011|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> At ''Fantastica Mania'' Liger defeated La Sombra to retain the CMLL World Middleweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://superluchas.net/2011/01/22/resultados-fantasticamania-cmllnjpw-en-japon-los-mexicanos-perdieron-todos-los-duelos-por-campeonatos/ | title= Resultados "Fantasticamanía" – CMLL/NJPW en Japón – Los mexicanos perdieron todos los duelos por campeonatos | author=Flores, Manuel |date= January 22, 2011 | accessdate= January 22, 2011|work=SuperLuchas}}</ref> On May 3, Liger made his third successful defense of the title, defeating Máscara Dorada at New Japan's [[Wrestling Dontaku 2011]] show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=173 |script-title=ja:レスリングどんたく 2011 |publisher=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]] |accessdate=May 3, 2011 |language=Japanese |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508211138/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=173 |archivedate=May 8, 2011 |df= }}</ref> Liger returned to Mexico on September 15, 2011, announcing his intention of working as a ''[[Face (professional wrestling)|technico]]'' for the first time during his run with CMLL.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=6330|title="世界の獣神"が"第ニの故郷"メキシコ上陸! 今度はライガーのCMLL遠征がスタート!!|publisher=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|date=September 15, 2011|accessdate=September 16, 2011|language=Japanese}}</ref> On September 30 at CMLL's [[CMLL 78th Anniversary Show|78th Anniversary Show]], Liger defeated eleven other men in a ''[[torneo cibernetico]]'' to advance to the finals of the [[Leyenda de Plata#2011 Leyenda de Plata|2011 Leyenda de Plata]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.record.com.mx/luchalibre/2011-10-01/lyger-por-la-leyenda-de-plata |title=Lyger por la Leyenda de Plata |author=González, Fernando |date=October 1, 2011 |accessdate=October 1, 2011 |work=[[Récord]] |language=Spanish |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003204803/http://www.record.com.mx/luchalibre/2011-10-01/lyger-por-la-leyenda-de-plata |archivedate=October 3, 2011 |df= }}</ref> On October 7, Liger was defeated in the finals of the tournament by [[Volador Jr.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.record.com.mx/luchalibre/2011-10-08/volador-jr-se-llevo-la-plata |title=Volador Jr. se llevó la plata |author=Rodríguez, Édgar |date=October 8, 2011 |accessdate=October 8, 2011 |work=[[Récord]] |language=Spanish |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009005955/http://www.record.com.mx/luchalibre/2011-10-08/volador-jr-se-llevo-la-plata |archivedate=October 9, 2011 |df= }}</ref> On October 24, Liger made his fourth successful defense of the CMLL World Middleweight Championship, defeating [[El Texano Jr.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=6542|title=またも獣神旋風! メヒコでCMLL世界ミドル級選手権、ライガーがテハノ・ジュニアに防衛!!|date=October 25, 2011|publisher=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|accessdate=October 25, 2011|language=Japanese}}</ref> On November 18, Liger lost the title to [[Dragón Rojo Jr.]], ending his reign at 564 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.record.com.mx/tmf/2011-11-19/dragon-rojo-jr-nuevo-campeon-peso-medio-del-cmll |title=Dragón Rojo Jr., nuevo Campeón peso Medio del CMLL |author=González, Fernando |date=November 19, 2011 |accessdate=November 20, 2011 |work=[[Récord]] |language=Spanish |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019133442/http://www.record.com.mx/tmf/2011-11-19/dragon-rojo-jr-nuevo-campeon-peso-medio-del-cmll |archivedate=October 19, 2013 |df= }}</ref> Liger's three-month stint in CMLL ended on December 9, with a loss against Último Guerrero.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://estrellasdelring.blogspot.com/2011/12/regresan-los-martinetes-de-panther.html | title=Regresan los Martinetes de Panther. | author=Salazar López, Alexis A. | date=December 9, 2011 | accessdate=December 11, 2011 | work=Estrellas del Ring | language=Spanish}}</ref>


====2013====
====2013====
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Liger made his [[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]] (PWG) debut in [[Los Angeles, California]] on January 30, 2010, as part of [[WrestleReunion#WrestleReunion 4|WrestleReunion 4]]. He defeated [[El Generico]] via pinfall after a brainbuster.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2010/show0109.html|title=Kurt Russellreunion|date=January 30, 2010|accessdate=October 11, 2011|work=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]}}</ref>
Liger made his [[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]] (PWG) debut in [[Los Angeles, California]] on January 30, 2010, as part of [[WrestleReunion#WrestleReunion 4|WrestleReunion 4]]. He defeated [[El Generico]] via pinfall after a brainbuster.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2010/show0109.html|title=Kurt Russellreunion|date=January 30, 2010|accessdate=October 11, 2011|work=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]}}</ref>


On May 22, 2010, Liger made his debut for American promotion [[Jersey All Pro Wrestling]] (JAPW), losing to [[Homicide (wrestler)|Homicide]] in the main event of the evening.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=47756&p=2|title=Complete JAPW live coverage: Homicide vs. Jushin Liger for the first time, one hell of a classy moment to close the show and more|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=May 22, 2010|accessdate=December 12, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> He would return to the promotion seven months later on December 10, when he defeated [[Federico Palacios|Azrieal]], Bandido Jr., [[B-Boy]], El Generico and [[Kenny Omega]] in a six–way elimination match to win the [[JAPW Light Heavyweight Championship]].<ref name=JAPWAnniversary2010>{{cite web|url=http://www.japw.net/main/news/viewnews.php?a=266|title=News: Results from JAPW's Anniversary Show Weekend|date=December 12, 2010|accessdate=December 12, 2010|publisher=[[Jersey All Pro Wrestling]]}}</ref> The following day he would successfully defend the title against [[Mike Quackenbush]].<ref name=JAPWAnniversary2010/> Liger would lose the title to Kenny Omega in his second defense on May 15, 2011, in [[Philadelphia|Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]], during the [[NJPW Invasion Tour 2011|Invasion Tour 2011]], New Japan's first ever tour of the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1305557577 |title=5/15 New Japan Pro Wrestling Results: Philly, PA |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=May 16, 2011 |accessdate=May 16, 2011 |publisher=Wrestleview |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610122633/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1305557577 |archivedate=June 10, 2011 |df= }}</ref>
On May 22, 2010, Liger made his debut for American promotion [[Jersey All Pro Wrestling]] (JAPW), losing to [[Homicide (wrestler)|Homicide]] in the main event of the evening.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=47756&p=2|title=Complete JAPW live coverage: Homicide vs. Jushin Liger for the first time, one hell of a classy moment to close the show and more|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=May 22, 2010|accessdate=December 12, 2010|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> He would return to the promotion seven months later on December 10, when he defeated [[Federico Palacios|Azrieal]], Bandido Jr., [[B-Boy]], El Generico and [[Kenny Omega]] in a six–way elimination match to win the [[JAPW Light Heavyweight Championship]].<ref name=JAPWAnniversary2010>{{cite web|url=http://www.japw.net/main/news/viewnews.php?a=266 |title=News: Results from JAPW's Anniversary Show Weekend |date=December 12, 2010 |accessdate=December 12, 2010 |publisher=[[Jersey All Pro Wrestling]] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314194227/http://www.japw.net/main/news/viewnews.php?a=266 |archivedate=March 14, 2012 |df= }}</ref> The following day he would successfully defend the title against [[Mike Quackenbush]].<ref name=JAPWAnniversary2010/> Liger would lose the title to Kenny Omega in his second defense on May 15, 2011, in [[Philadelphia|Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]], during the [[NJPW Invasion Tour 2011|Invasion Tour 2011]], New Japan's first ever tour of the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1305557577 |title=5/15 New Japan Pro Wrestling Results: Philly, PA |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=May 16, 2011 |accessdate=May 16, 2011 |publisher=Wrestleview |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610122633/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1305557577 |archivedate=June 10, 2011 |df= }}</ref>


On March 24, 2013, it was announced that Liger would return to the United States the following month, making his debut for [[Extreme Rising]] on April 4, Pro Wrestling Syndicate (PWS) on April 5 and [[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]] on April 6, all during the [[WrestleCon]] weekend in [[New Jersey]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9234|script-title=ja:獣神サンダー・ライガー選手欠場のお知らせ|date=March 24, 2013|accessdate=March 24, 2013|publisher=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> After the cancellation of the Extreme Rising event,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://extremereunion.net/extreme-rising-cancels-wrestlemania-weekend-events-april-4-5-6/|title=Extreme Rising cancels WrestleMania weekend events April 4, 5, 6|date=March 27, 2013|accessdate=April 5, 2013|publisher=[[Extreme Rising]]}}</ref> Liger ended up taking part in another PWS event on April 4, during which he defeated [[Davey Richards]] and [[Tony Nese]] in a three-way match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/roh-indy-wrestling-news/40738-4-4-pws-ippv-results-metuchen-new-jersey|title=4/4 PWS iPPV Results: Metuchen, New Jersey|last=Namako|first=Jason|date=April 5, 2013|accessdate=April 5, 2013|publisher=Wrestleview}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/p-bt-tp0-20130406-1108385.html|script-title=ja:ライガー米参戦!ブレーンバスター炸裂|date=April 6, 2013|accessdate=April 6, 2013|work=[[Nikkan Sports]]|language=Japanese}}</ref><ref name=Wrestlecon2013NJPW/> The following day, Liger was defeated by former [[WWE]] wrestler [[John Morrison (wrestler)|John Morrison]] in what was billed as an "International Dream Match".<ref name=Wrestlecon2013NJPW>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9338|script-title=ja:獣神サンダー・ライガー選手がアメリカ遠征! 3連戦の結果は? レジェンドたちと再会!!|date=April 11, 2013|accessdate=April 11, 2013|publisher=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> Liger finished his American tour by teaming with Mike Quackenbush to defeat [[Jigsaw (wrestler)|Jigsaw]] and The Shard in the main event of the Chikara show.<ref name=Wrestlecon2013NJPW/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chikarapro.com/results.php |title=Past results |accessdate=April 6, 2013 |publisher=[[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017033657/http://www.chikarapro.com/results.php |archivedate=October 17, 2013 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_69823.shtml|title=Show results – 4/6 Chikara at WrestleCon: Record crowd sees Jushin Liger & Quackenbush, Chikara Title match, Jannetty dances|last=Zimmerman|first=Zack|date=April 6, 2013|accessdate=April 6, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
On March 24, 2013, it was announced that Liger would return to the United States the following month, making his debut for [[Extreme Rising]] on April 4, Pro Wrestling Syndicate (PWS) on April 5 and [[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]] on April 6, all during the [[WrestleCon]] weekend in [[New Jersey]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9234|script-title=ja:獣神サンダー・ライガー選手欠場のお知らせ|date=March 24, 2013|accessdate=March 24, 2013|publisher=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> After the cancellation of the Extreme Rising event,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://extremereunion.net/extreme-rising-cancels-wrestlemania-weekend-events-april-4-5-6/|title=Extreme Rising cancels WrestleMania weekend events April 4, 5, 6|date=March 27, 2013|accessdate=April 5, 2013|publisher=[[Extreme Rising]]}}</ref> Liger ended up taking part in another PWS event on April 4, during which he defeated [[Davey Richards]] and [[Tony Nese]] in a three-way match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/roh-indy-wrestling-news/40738-4-4-pws-ippv-results-metuchen-new-jersey |title=4/4 PWS iPPV Results: Metuchen, New Jersey |last=Namako |first=Jason |date=April 5, 2013 |accessdate=April 5, 2013 |publisher=Wrestleview }}{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/p-bt-tp0-20130406-1108385.html|script-title=ja:ライガー米参戦!ブレーンバスター炸裂|date=April 6, 2013|accessdate=April 6, 2013|work=[[Nikkan Sports]]|language=Japanese}}</ref><ref name=Wrestlecon2013NJPW/> The following day, Liger was defeated by former [[WWE]] wrestler [[John Morrison (wrestler)|John Morrison]] in what was billed as an "International Dream Match".<ref name=Wrestlecon2013NJPW>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9338|script-title=ja:獣神サンダー・ライガー選手がアメリカ遠征! 3連戦の結果は? レジェンドたちと再会!!|date=April 11, 2013|accessdate=April 11, 2013|publisher=[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> Liger finished his American tour by teaming with Mike Quackenbush to defeat [[Jigsaw (wrestler)|Jigsaw]] and The Shard in the main event of the Chikara show.<ref name=Wrestlecon2013NJPW/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chikarapro.com/results.php |title=Past results |accessdate=April 6, 2013 |publisher=[[Chikara (professional wrestling)|Chikara]] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017033657/http://www.chikarapro.com/results.php |archivedate=October 17, 2013 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_69823.shtml|title=Show results – 4/6 Chikara at WrestleCon: Record crowd sees Jushin Liger & Quackenbush, Chikara Title match, Jannetty dances|last=Zimmerman|first=Zack|date=April 6, 2013|accessdate=April 6, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>


On July 9, 2016, PWG announced that Liger would be returning to the promotion on September 2 to take part in the [[Battle of Los Angeles (professional wrestling)#2016|2016 Battle of Los Angeles]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/indies/pwg-rounds-out-2016-bola-lineup-jushin-liger-will-ospreay-216121|title=PWG rounds out 2016 BOLA lineup with Jushin Liger, Will Ospreay|last=Currier|first=Joseph|date=July 9, 2016|accessdate=July 10, 2016|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> He was eliminated from the tournament in the first round by [[Chris Hero]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/indies/pwg-battle-los-angeles-night-one-results-bola-begins-220006|title=PWG Battle of Los Angeles night one results: BOLA begins|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=September 3, 2016|accessdate=September 3, 2016|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>
On July 9, 2016, PWG announced that Liger would be returning to the promotion on September 2 to take part in the [[Battle of Los Angeles (professional wrestling)#2016|2016 Battle of Los Angeles]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/indies/pwg-rounds-out-2016-bola-lineup-jushin-liger-will-ospreay-216121|title=PWG rounds out 2016 BOLA lineup with Jushin Liger, Will Ospreay|last=Currier|first=Joseph|date=July 9, 2016|accessdate=July 10, 2016|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> He was eliminated from the tournament in the first round by [[Chris Hero]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/indies/pwg-battle-los-angeles-night-one-results-bola-begins-220006|title=PWG Battle of Los Angeles night one results: BOLA begins|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=September 3, 2016|accessdate=September 3, 2016|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>
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**World Heavy Middleweight Championship (2 times)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/world/world-hm.html|title=World Heavy-Middleweight Title (U.K.)|publisher=Puroresu Dojo|accessdate=February 25, 2010}}</ref>
**World Heavy Middleweight Championship (2 times)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/world/world-hm.html|title=World Heavy-Middleweight Title (U.K.)|publisher=Puroresu Dojo|accessdate=February 25, 2010}}</ref>
*'''[[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]]'''
*'''[[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]]'''
**[[CMLL Universal Championship]] ([[CMLL Universal Championship (2010)|2010]])<ref name=CMLLUniversal>{{cite web|url=http://superluchas.net/2010/08/14/resultados-arena-mexico-13-agosto-2010-%C2%A1liger-campeon-universal-%C2%BF14-luchadores-a-la-jaula-del-3-de-septiembre/|title=Resultados Arena México (13 agosto 2010): ¡Liger, Campeón Universal! ¿14 luchadores a la jaula del 3 de septiembre?|author=Rivera, Manuel|date=August 14, 2010|accessdate= August 15, 2010|work=SuperLuchas|language=Spanish}}</ref>
**[[CMLL Universal Championship]] ([[CMLL Universal Championship (2010)|2010]])<ref name=CMLLUniversal>{{cite web|url=http://superluchas.net/2010/08/14/resultados-arena-mexico-13-agosto-2010-%C2%A1liger-campeon-universal-%C2%BF14-luchadores-a-la-jaula-del-3-de-septiembre/ |title=Resultados Arena México (13 agosto 2010): ¡Liger, Campeón Universal! ¿14 luchadores a la jaula del 3 de septiembre? |author=Rivera, Manuel |date=August 14, 2010 |accessdate=August 15, 2010 |work=SuperLuchas |language=Spanish |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100817144858/http://superluchas.net/2010/08/14/resultados-arena-mexico-13-agosto-2010-%C2%A1liger-campeon-universal-%C2%BF14-luchadores-a-la-jaula-del-3-de-septiembre/ |archivedate=August 17, 2010 |df= }}</ref>
**[[CMLL World Middleweight Championship]] ([[List of CMLL World Middleweight Champions|1 time]])<ref name=CMLLMiddle>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.net/2010/05/03/jushin-liger-nuevo-campeon-mundial-medio-del-cmll-nakamura-pierde-el-titulo-iwgp/ | title= Jushin Liger, nuevo campeón mundial medio del CMLL – Nakamura pierde el título IWGP | author= Flores, Manuel | date= May 3, 2010 | accessdate= May 3, 2010|work=SuperLuchas|language=Spanish}}</ref>
**[[CMLL World Middleweight Championship]] ([[List of CMLL World Middleweight Champions|1 time]])<ref name=CMLLMiddle>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.net/2010/05/03/jushin-liger-nuevo-campeon-mundial-medio-del-cmll-nakamura-pierde-el-titulo-iwgp/ | title= Jushin Liger, nuevo campeón mundial medio del CMLL – Nakamura pierde el título IWGP | author= Flores, Manuel | date= May 3, 2010 | accessdate= May 3, 2010|work=SuperLuchas|language=Spanish}}</ref>
**[[CMLL World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of CMLL World Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – with [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]]<ref name=KizunaRoad2013/>
**[[CMLL World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of CMLL World Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – with [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]]<ref name=KizunaRoad2013/>

Revision as of 03:23, 26 May 2017

Jushin Thunder Liger
Liger in November 2015
Birth nameKeiichi Yamada[1][2]
Born (1964-11-30) November 30, 1964 (age 59)[1]
Hiroshima, Japan[1]
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)C.T.U Ranger Yellow[3]
Fuji Yamada[4][5]
Jushin Liger[4][5]
Jushin Thunder Liger[4][5]
Keiichi Yamada[4][5]
Kishin Liger[4][5]
Billed height1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)[6][7][8]
Billed weight95 kg (209 lb)[7]
Billed fromTokyo, Japan[8]
Trained byKotetsu Yamamoto[1]
Tatsumi Fujinami[4][5]
Yoshiaki Fujiwara[9]
Stu Hart[2]
DebutMarch 3, 1984
vs. Shunji Kosugi[4][5]

Keiichi Yamada (山田恵一, Yamada Keiichi, born November 30, 1964),[1][2] better known as Jushin Liger (獣神ライガー, Jūshin Raigā) and later Jushin Thunder Liger (獣神サンダー・ライガー, Jūshin Sandā Raigā) is a Japanese professional wrestler who primarily works for New Japan Pro Wrestling. He has wrestled and beaten many of the top wrestlers in both Japan and the United States, and is frequently cited as one of the greatest and most revolutionary junior heavyweights of all time.[citation needed]

Professional wrestling career

Training and early career (1984–1986)

Keiichi Yamada was an amateur wrestler during his high school years.[2] In his senior year, he lost to Toshiaki Kawada in the finals of a national championship tournament. After graduating high school in the early 1980s, he would apply to New Japan Pro Wrestling's (NJPW) dojo in the hope of becoming a professional wrestler.[2] He was not accepted because he did not meet the height requirements the dojo had at that time.[2] Yamada, determined not to give up his dream of becoming a professional wrestler, left for Mexico and began his training there.[2] By his own account, he was almost starving while studying in Mexico, due to this NJPW officials who were visiting took pity on him and asked him to come back to Japan to train in their dojo.[2] In the NJPW dojo, he trained alongside the likes of Keiji Mutoh, Masahiro Chono and Shinya Hashimoto.[2] While continuing his training, he had his debut match in March 1984 at the age of 19, wrestling against Shunji Kosugi.[1][2] He began studying various martial arts styles because he wanted to add something new and different to his wrestling style, which is how he learned his Abisegeri kick. In 1985, Yamada participated in the Young Lion Cup and got to the final of the tournament before being defeated by Shunji Kosugi. In the beginning of 1986, Yamada participated in the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship League but lost to Black Tiger. On July 19, 1986, Yamada faced Nobuhiko Takada in a losing effort in his first of many IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship matches.

All-Star Wrestling (1986–1987, 1989)

After winning the Young Lion Cup in March 1986,[2] he went on an excursion of Europe, where he wrestled for All Star Wrestling in England, under the name "Flying" Fuji Yamada.[2][11] He won the World Heavy Middleweight Championship twice, once in September 1986 and once in March 1987, both times defeating "Rollerball" Mark Rocco and both times losing it back to him, the last of these title changes being televised on ITV.[1] Yamada would later visit All Star again in 1989, with tag partner Flying Funaki.[12]

Stampede Wrestling (1987, 1989)

Yamada went on an excursion in Canada, around May 1987, where he wrestled in Stu Hart's Stampede Wrestling in Calgary under his real name.[2] He also trained under Hart in the legendary "Dungeon".[2] His experiences there led him to refer to Hart as a "very, very tough man." He would return to Calgary in January 1989.

New Japan Pro Wrestling

Return and character change (1987–1988)

After returning to Japan in August 1987, Yamada debuted his Shooting Star Press in a match against Masakatsu Funaki, for which he had gotten the idea from reading the manga Fist of the North Star. Throughout 1987 and 1988, Yamada improved with each match, occasionally getting shots at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, most notably against Owen Hart on June 10, 1988, and against Shiro Koshinaka on December 9, 1988. He would also take part in the first ever Top of the Super Juniors where he earned 31 points, not enough to progress to the final. Within months of his second Canadian excursion, NJPW called him back, as they needed him for a gimmick based on an extremely popular anime superhero, Jushin Liger, created by manga artist Go Nagai.[2][8] NJPW had done this previously with Tiger Mask, which had become a huge success. Yamada was given a superhero-like full body costume and a demonic looking mask, resembling the superhero type featured in tokusatsu and anime programs.

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion (1989–2000)

Liger in 2007

Yamada as "Jushin Liger" returned to New Japan Pro Wrestling on April 24, 1989, at the Tokyo Dome.[1] In the character's debut match, he defeated Kuniaki Kobayashi.[2] He has also wrestled all the Black Tigers to date (from Mark Rocco in 1989 to Tatsuhito Takaiwa in 2009). The Liger character underwent changes in conjunction with the Go Nagai anime progressing and its hero powering up. In January 1990, Liger was renamed "Jushin Thunder Liger", a name he continues to use to this day.[7] He quickly became one of NJPW's top junior heavyweights, eventually capturing the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship eleven times,[8] between May 25, 1989 and December 6, 1999, among numerous other titles and accolades while wrestling around the world. When appearing without his mask on, Yamada blocks his appearance by covering his face with one hand.

Early in his career, Yamada's style mostly consisted of high flying. Years later, he started adapting more power moves and started focusing more on grappling and telling a story in the ring; part of this change was due to the fact that Liger had to reduce the stress he was putting on his body after undergoing brain tumor surgery in August 1996, which explained why he lost his match to Último Dragón in the first round of the J-Crown tournament.[2] He also had the opportunity to wrestle "Macho Man" Randy Savage on July 17, in which he lost.

Liger has won two Super J-Cup tournaments in 1995 and 2000.[1]

Kishin Liger (1996–2013)

On October 20, 1996, The Great Muta faced off in a match with Liger. As the match progressed, Muta resorted to his underhand tactics that had become his style over the years. He tore at Liger's mask and eventually ripped it off, but Liger kept his face down on the mat. After grabbing a chair outside the ring, Muta entered the ring but before he could hit Liger with it, Liger stood up and revealed his face to be painted pale white with red writings and spit mist into Muta's face (another Muta trademark). He tore off his bodysuit and revealed a painted chest, then proceeded to fight more aggressively the rest of the match, despite losing the match to Muta.

On July 30, 2006, Liger revived the "Kishin Liger" gimmick and faced off with rival Bad Boy Hido in New Japan Pro Wrestling.[13] The story was that Hido had cut a piece of Liger's hair and Liger vowed revenge, so he transformed into Kishin Liger. Liger won the match with a brainbuster onto a steel chair.

The gimmick is a variation of The Great Muta gimmick which relies on bloody and evil tactics in a match, using mannerisms and imagery that differ from the person's normal ways. This gimmick also uses many wrestling moves that are regulars in The Great Muta's move set, such as the Asian mist.

On June 16, 2012, at Dominion 6.16, Liger made a rare appearance as Kishin Liger, when he and Tiger Mask defeated Suzuki-gun (Taichi and Taka Michinoku) to win the vacant IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, Liger's first New Japan title in four years.[14] The change was brought on by Taichi tearing Liger's mask to pieces.[15] They lost the title to Forever Hooligans (Alex Koslov and Rocky Romero) on July 22.[16]

Heavyweight Division (2000)

During 2000, as booker Riki Choshu decided to de-emphasize the junior heavyweight division (a costly decision that diminished its credibility), Liger wrestled heavyweights without wearing the upper part of his bodysuit or his mask horns (the first time he wore that attire was on February 24, 1994, against Shinya Hashimoto in a non-title match between the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and the IWGP Heavyweight Champion).[17]

Control Terrorism Unit (2001–2007)

From 2001–2007, Liger was the leader of the NJPW heel stable Control Terrorism Unit (CTU) along with Hirooki Goto, Minoru Tanaka, Black Tiger IV, Gedo, Jado, Prince Devitt and briefly James Gibson.[13]

Legend (2007–2010)

CTU was disbanded in August 2007, when Liger decided CTU would disband while at the top of NJPW, Liger would then join Masahiro Chono's Legend stable.[1] The Legend stable would disband in February 2010, after Chono, Choshu and Akira's departures.

World Championship Wrestling

1991–1992

Liger made appearances with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) during the 1990s. He made his debut in December 1991. He feuded with Brian Pillman over the WCW World Light Heavyweight Championship. He defeated Pillman on December 25 for the title at a house show in Atlanta, Georgia.[1] He would hold onto the title for over two months, before losing it back to Pillman at SuperBrawl II.[18] Liger left WCW in December 1992 after Starrcade, teaming with Erik Watts in a losing effort to "Dr. Death" Steve Williams and Sting in a Lethal Lottery match.

1995–1999

Upon his return to WCW in 1995, Liger had the distinction of appearing in the first ever match on the inaugural WCW Monday Nitro held at the Mall of America on September 4 where he lost to Brian Pillman. He returned to WCW in September 1995; he would go on to face many other opponents such as Chris Benoit, Pillman, Dean Malenko, Rey Mysterio Jr., and Juventud Guerrera, as well as unsuccessfully challenging Konnan for the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship at Slamboree '96.[1]

Liger was met with controversy around late-November/early-December 1999 while wrestling a short tour in WCW as the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion when he lost the championship on an episode of Monday Nitro to Juventud Guerrera via a blow to the head from a tequila bottle.[2] Liger regained his title the following week from Psicosis, who was substituting for Guerrera because he broke his arm. However, the scripting of these title changes was viewed as embarrassing for New Japan Pro Wrestling and the company chose not to acknowledge or release any information about the title changes. In turn, none of the Japanese sports media outlets reported the two title changes as well.[6] New Japan didn't recognize Guerrera's reign until 2007.[19] Liger was also referred to as a 10 time champion until this time.[20]

Ring of Honor

2004–2010

On November 5, 2004, Liger debuted in Ring of Honor (ROH), headlining their back-to-back "Weekend of Thunder" shows to huge acclaim. ROH selected Bryan Danielson as Liger's special opponent for that weekend. For Night 1, the two faced each other in a singles match, with Liger winning the highly competitive bout after a super brainbuster.[21] On November 6, 2004 Night 2 would see a "dream tag-team" match in the main event. Liger chose then-ROH Champion Samoa Joe as his partner out of respect for Joe's accomplishments as ROH World Champion, and Danielson selected Low Ki to negate Joe. Liger again came out on top, pinning Danielson with a Liger Bomb to win the match.[22] On January 29, 2010 at ROH's debut show in Los Angeles, California as part of WrestleReunion 4, Liger lost a non-title match to ROH World Champion Austin Aries via pinfall after a brainbuster.[23] It was Liger's first ROH match in over five years.

2014–2015

In May 2014, Liger returned to ROH as part of a tour co-produced by NJPW and ROH. On May 17 at War of the Worlds, Liger unsuccessfully challenged Adam Cole for the ROH World Championship.[24] On March 27, 2015, Liger returned to ROH at the Supercard of Honor IX event, unsuccessfully challenging Jay Lethal for the ROH World Television Championship.[25] Liger returned to ROH the following May to take part in the ROH/NJPW co-produced War of the Worlds '15 and Global Wars '15 events.[26]

2016

Liger returned to ROH on December 2, 2016, at Final Battle, where he was defeated by Silas Young.[27]

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2005–2006)

Liger debuted in the American Total Nonstop Action Wrestling promotion on October 23, 2005 as part of their Bound for Glory pay-per-view, losing to Samoa Joe.[28]

He was scheduled to face off against Christopher Daniels at TNA Lockdown 2006 on April 23, 2006. He had been unaware that the match was to be held in a Steel Cage, something in which he had never participated before. When he heard of this he cancelled the match. One of TNA's bookers Scott D'Amore has speculated that he didn't want to participate in the match due to it being in a new environment, fearing it would have hampered his performance. According to D'Amore, Liger had been unhappy with his previous TNA match against Joe which was cut short due to communication problems, and wanted his next TNA match to be better. D'Amore has also denied the rumor that communication issues between TNA and NJPW had caused the match to be cancelled. Liger was not double booked to two events at the same time, as had been publicly speculated.

Liger was the captain of the New Japan team in the TNA 2006 World X Cup Tournament and defeated Team Canada's Captain Petey Williams at TNA Sacrifice on May 14, 2006 using a Crash Thunder Buster after Williams was distracted by the rest of Team Japan, who draped the flag over Williams after Liger's victory. Liger was eliminated in the X-Cup Gauntlet later that night and Team Japan was unable to gain any points in the match as it was won by Team Canada with Team Mexico as runners up.[29]

Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre

2007–2010

Liger tearing at Último Guerrero's mask during a CMLL match

In 2007 Liger made a short visit to Mexico, working for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre, NJPW's Mexican associate. He took part in the 2007 CMLL International Gran Prix as the captain of a team of non-Mexican wrestlers. Liger was the last man eliminated from the match by winner Último Guerrero.[30] Liger returned to CMLL in September 2009 for a longer tour, teaming with Okumura, Naito and Yujiro as La Ola Amarilla ("The Yellow Wave" in Spanish). At the CMLL 76th Anniversary Show La Ola Amarilla defeated Team Mexico (Último Guerrero, Atlantis, Black Warrior and Héctor Garza) in one of the featured matches on the show.[31] The following week, at the 2009 Gran Alternativa show Liger unsuccessfully challenged for Último Guerrero's CMLL World Heavyweight Championship.[32] He also failed to regain the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship from Místico before returning to Japan in October 2009.[33] On May 3, 2010, at Wrestling Dontaku 2010, Liger defeated Negro Casas at a New Japan show in Fukuoka, Japan, to win the CMLL World Middleweight Championship.[34]

2010–2011

Liger returned to CMLL in June 2010 for a long tour of the company. As the CMLL World Middleweight Championship he earned entry into the 2010 Universal Championship. On the August 6, 2010 Super Viernes show Liger won Block B by defeating Negro Casas, Héctor Garza and La Máscara to earn a spot in the finals.[35] On the August 13, 2010 Super Viernes Liger defeated La Sombra to win the 2010 Universal Championship.[36] On August 16, 2010 it was announced that Liger was one of 14 men putting their mask on the line in a Luchas de Apuestas steel cage match, the main event of the CMLL 77th Anniversary Show.[9] Liger was the seventh man to leave the steel cage, keeping his mask safe. The match came down to La Sombra pinning Olímpico to unmask him.[37] During the same tour, Liger also made his first successful defense of the CMLL World Middleweight Championship, defeating La Sombra on September 27.[38] On January 4, 2011, at New Japan's Wrestle Kingdom V in Tokyo Dome event, Liger wrestled in a CMLL showcase match, where he and Héctor Garza were defeated by La Sombra and Máscara Dorada, when Sombra pinned Liger, setting up a CMLL World Middleweight Championship match for CMLL's Fantastica Mania 2011 show on January 22 in Tokyo, Japan.[39][40][41] At Fantastica Mania Liger defeated La Sombra to retain the CMLL World Middleweight Championship.[42] On May 3, Liger made his third successful defense of the title, defeating Máscara Dorada at New Japan's Wrestling Dontaku 2011 show.[43] Liger returned to Mexico on September 15, 2011, announcing his intention of working as a technico for the first time during his run with CMLL.[44] On September 30 at CMLL's 78th Anniversary Show, Liger defeated eleven other men in a torneo cibernetico to advance to the finals of the 2011 Leyenda de Plata.[45] On October 7, Liger was defeated in the finals of the tournament by Volador Jr.[46] On October 24, Liger made his fourth successful defense of the CMLL World Middleweight Championship, defeating El Texano Jr.[47] On November 18, Liger lost the title to Dragón Rojo Jr., ending his reign at 564 days.[48] Liger's three-month stint in CMLL ended on December 9, with a loss against Último Guerrero.[49]

2013

On July 5, 2013, during a New Japan event, Liger teamed with Hiroshi Tanahashi to defeat Tama Tonga and El Terrible for the CMLL World Tag Team Championship.[50] They lost the title to Tonga and Rey Bucanero on September 14.[51]

North American independent promotions (2007–present)

Liger made his Canadian return after 18 years on May 25 and 26, 2007, in Mississauga, Ontario and competed in UWA Hardcore Wrestling. On night one he teamed with Puma and defeated the team of Último Dragón and Kazuchika Okada, after Liger hit the Liger Bomb on Okada.[1] On night two, Liger teamed with Último Dragón and defeated The Murder City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) after a Liger Bomb / Dragon Sleeper combo.[1]

Liger made his Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) debut in Los Angeles, California on January 30, 2010, as part of WrestleReunion 4. He defeated El Generico via pinfall after a brainbuster.[52]

On May 22, 2010, Liger made his debut for American promotion Jersey All Pro Wrestling (JAPW), losing to Homicide in the main event of the evening.[53] He would return to the promotion seven months later on December 10, when he defeated Azrieal, Bandido Jr., B-Boy, El Generico and Kenny Omega in a six–way elimination match to win the JAPW Light Heavyweight Championship.[54] The following day he would successfully defend the title against Mike Quackenbush.[54] Liger would lose the title to Kenny Omega in his second defense on May 15, 2011, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the Invasion Tour 2011, New Japan's first ever tour of the United States.[55]

On March 24, 2013, it was announced that Liger would return to the United States the following month, making his debut for Extreme Rising on April 4, Pro Wrestling Syndicate (PWS) on April 5 and Chikara on April 6, all during the WrestleCon weekend in New Jersey.[56] After the cancellation of the Extreme Rising event,[57] Liger ended up taking part in another PWS event on April 4, during which he defeated Davey Richards and Tony Nese in a three-way match.[58][59][60] The following day, Liger was defeated by former WWE wrestler John Morrison in what was billed as an "International Dream Match".[60] Liger finished his American tour by teaming with Mike Quackenbush to defeat Jigsaw and The Shard in the main event of the Chikara show.[60][61][62]

On July 9, 2016, PWG announced that Liger would be returning to the promotion on September 2 to take part in the 2016 Battle of Los Angeles.[63] He was eliminated from the tournament in the first round by Chris Hero.[64]

WWE NXT (2015)

On July 16, 2015, WWE announced that Liger would wrestle a match at the NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn WWE Network special event on August 22, 2015, against Tyler Breeze.[65] According to NJPW, WWE had approached them about bringing Liger in for the event as a special guest.[66] At the event, Liger was victorious over Breeze.[67]

Mixed martial arts career

On November 30, 2002, Liger was booked as a replacement for a mixed martial arts match in the Pancrase organization against Minoru Suzuki due to his planned opponent, Kensuke Sasaki, being forced to pull out due to injury. In what would be Liger's only MMA match, and Suzuki's last non-worked match, Liger was easily beaten by Suzuki via rear naked choke at 1:48 into the first round.[68] After a failed attempt at an Abisegeri, Liger was quickly mounted and hit with Suzuki's ground and pound until the choke was applied, forcing Liger to tap out. Liger wore a modified version of his mask during the bout.

In wrestling

Liger preparing to perform a frankensteiner on Minoru
Liger holding Sho Tanaka in a surfboard in July 2015

Championships and accomplishments

1 Despite winning the championship, the win and reign aren't recognized by WWE. No reign with the championship is recognized by the company prior to December 1997.[93]

Luchas de Apuestas record

Winner (wager) Loser (wager) Location Event Date Notes
Jushin Thunder Liger (mask) Pegasus Kid (mask) Fukuoka, Japan Summer Struggle 1991 July 4, 1991 [94]
Jushin Thunder Liger (mask) Tiger Mask III (mask) Tokyo, Japan Battlefield January 4, 1994 [95]

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
1 match 0 wins 1 loss
By knockout 0 0
By submission 0 1
By decision 0 0
By disqualification 0 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 0–1 Minoru Suzuki Submission (rear naked choke) Pancrase: Spirit 8 November 30, 2002 1 1:48 Yokohama, Kanagawa

See also

References

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