Kaz Hayashi

Kazuhiro Hayashi
Kazuhiro Hayashi
Born	January 2, 1973 (age 51); Setagaya, Tokyo,; Japan
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)	Kaz Hayashi; Shiryu; Kazu Hayashi; El Gringo; The Great Hayashi; Kazu Hayashi; Miguel Hayashi, Jr.
Billed height	1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
Billed weight	86 kg (190 lb)
Trained by	Último Dragón
Debut	November 19, 1992

Kazuhiro "Kaz" Hayashi (born May 18, 1973 in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese professional wrestler currently working for All Japan Pro Wrestling.

Career

For much of his early career, Hayashi wrestled in Michinoku Pro under a mask, using the name Shiryu (Growing Dragon in Japanese). As Shiryu, he was part of the memorable rudo group, Kaientai Deluxe, which waged war with Michinoku Pro's Sekigun for many years, producing some classic matches. In June, 1997, he left for Mexico and Promo Azteca, before joining WCW in America in October of that year.

World Championship Wrestling

After unmasking, Hayashi joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1998. Early on, he was relegated to a jobber and comedy character. He would be taken under the management of Sonny Onoo. In late 1999, Vince Russo and Ed Ferrara began booking WCW programs and Hayashi was paired with La Parka. During interviews, the two would speak in their native languages which would be humorously dubbed over by charismatic English speakers, calling him names such as "The Kaz Master" and "Kazanova." This ended shortly when La Parka became upset and tossed the microphone down as Ferrera was speaking.

In mid 2000, Hayashi formed the stable Jung Dragons along with Jamie-San and Yang. Primarily feuding with 3 Count, the Jung Dragons consisted of high-flying cruiserweight talent and gained considerable popularity until the group's demise the following year.

Hayashi's contract was bought by World Wrestling Federation (WWF) when WCW folded in early 2001. He made his WWF debut during the Invasion storyline as a member of The Alliance, making only one appearance before heading back to Japan.

All Japan Pro Wrestling

After returning to Japan, Hayashi eventually decided to join All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) due to his friendship with Keiji Muto and established himself as one of their top stars, winning the AJPW World Junior Heavyweight Championship and both the AJPW Unified World Tag Team Championship and the AJPW All-Asia Tag Team Championship with Satoshi Kojima. In 2006, Hayashi won the 2006 Junior Heavyweight Singles League Championship.

Now under the name Miguel Hayashi Jr., Hayashi, PEPE Michinoku, and El NOSAWA Mendoza formed a team during the AJPW Champions Carnival called Mexico Amigos. Nobutaka Araya joined the team after Six-Man Action between Mexico Amigos and Araya/Fuchi/Hirai at the Carnival’s final show.

After multiple bouts against Minoru Suzuki, Nosawa offered Suzuki an invitation into Mexico Amigos, which he declined. This resulted in the group changing multiple assets. Their name was changed to Mexico Amigos Black, the previous worn Mexican Flag attire became Black and Gold attire, and Nobutaka Araya was kicked out of the group. The groups is currently in a heated rivalry with Mazada's Samurai New Japan group, Minoru Suzuki, and Voodoo Murders.

At the AJPW's 12, 16, 2007 "FAN APPRECIATION DAY" show, The Mexico Amgios teamed with Ray Suzuki and defeated Ryuji Hijikata, Kikutaro, T28 and Ryuji Yamaguchi. After the match, Ray Suzuki reveled himself as Minoru Suzuki and stated that starting next year he would throw his Amigos tights away and return to NOSAWA Rongai, then kidnapped him to start early training. This lead to Pepe and Miguel stating they would return to Mexico, but Kaz and Taka would return come the new year. After one last "Viva Mexico", the Mexico Amgios disbanded.