Nosawa Rongai

Kazushige Nosawa
Nosawa in 2017
Birth nameKazushige Nosawa
Born (1976-12-17) December 17, 1976 (age 47)
Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)
  • Black Death
  • Black Tiger VII
  • Kazushige Nosawa
  • Nosawa Rongai
  • Nosawa
  • Nosawa Mendoza
  • Noja
  • Nozawa
  • Parka Guerrera
  • Space Lone Wolf
  • Super Cacao
Billed height1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Billed weight86 kg (190 lb)
Billed fromIchikawa, Chiba, Japan
Trained byNegro Casas
Tatsumi Fujinami
Minoru Suzuki
DebutDecember 27, 1995
RetiredFebruary 21, 2023

Kazushige Nosawa (野沢一茂, Nosawa Kazushige), better known by his ring names Nosawa and Nosawa Rongai (NOSAWA論外, Nosawa Rongai), (born December 17, 1976) is a Japanese retired professional wrestler, best known for his appearances in All Japan Pro Wrestling and various independent promotions.

Career

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Early career (1995–2004)

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Nosawa spent most of his early career training and wrestling in Mexico, most notably with Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL). He also spent much of his early career competing on the U.S. independent scene, Nosawa has competed for American promotions such as Ring of Honor (ROH), Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), and Xtreme Pro Wrestling (XPW). Along with Mitsunobu Kikuzawa, Kazuhiko Masada, Minoru Fujita and Katsushi Takemura, Nosawa created the group "Tokyo Gurentai".

In 2004, he would adapt the "Nosawa Rongai" or "Nosawa Out of the Question" ring name as a play off to a comment made by Kaz Hayashi, who had replied "Nosawa is out of the question" when he was asked about whether he was going to allow Kazushige to challenge for the World Junior Heavyweight Championship. By doing this, Nosawa forced a title match against Hayashi, and although he lost, he would decide to keep the name for the rest of his career.

Juggalo Championship Wrestling

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JCW Heavyweight Champion (2003–2007)

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On March 16, 2003, at a Juggalo Championship Wrestling (JCW) event, Nosawa defeated "Ritchie Boy" Breyer Wellington to win the JCW Heavyweight Championship.[1] Later that year, he was featured on JCW Vol. 3 in a match where he again defeated Wellington.[2] In July 2004, Nosawa lost the championship to Kid Kash at the Gathering of the Juggalos.[1] In 2007, he took part in the Pro Wrestling Unplugged/Juggalo Championship Wrestling cross promotional event "Cuffed & Caged: Last Man Standing". Nosawa was featured in the main event War Games match as a member of Team JCW.[3]

SlamTV! (2007)

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In 2007, Nosawa went on tour with JCW to film the Internet wrestling show SlamTV!, where he was one of the main heroes of the program. However, he started off his SlamTV! tour with a string of losses, going 0–5 in his first five matches.[4] After receiving a letter from his storyline mentor The Great Muta, saying that Muta was coming to JCW to check up on his pupil, Nosawa stepped up his game and began a winning streak.[4] At "East Side Wars", The Great Muta teamed with Nosawa to help him defeat the team of Mad Man Pondo and Necro Butcher.[5] By the following week however, The Great Muta had left. Despite this, Nosawa continued his winning streak into episode 14, where he faced and defeated Ron Zombie.[5] During the match, Justin Credible came to the ring and assaulted Nosawa.[5] On the next episode, Nosawa interfered in Credible's match by spitting Asian mist into his eyes. At Bloodymania, Nosawa and The Great Muta teamed up again to defeat Justin Credible and 2 Cold Scorpio.[5]

Juggalo World Order (2007–2008)

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Main article: Juggalo World Order

On October 6, 2007, Corporal Robinson, Scott Hall, and Violent J formed the Juggalo World Order (JWO) at Evansville Invasion.[6] At that year's Hallowicked After Party, on October 31, Shaggy 2 Dope was introduced as a member of the group. After the main event of the night, special guest referee Nosawa ripped off his referee shirt to reveal that he, too, was a member of the JWO.[6] Nosawa appeared in a few matches with the JWO, before returning to Japan.

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2003–2004)

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Nosawa would first gain national U.S. exposure by making appearances for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). He debuted at the 2003 Super X Cup, losing in the first round to Juventud Guerrera; he then reappeared as captain of Team Japan in the 2004 World X Cup, where he ended up placing last by the end of the tournament. Nosawa would go on to make sporadic appearances on the early episodes of TNA Impact, usually teaming up with fellow Japanese rookie Kazushi Miyamoto. The duo even challenged for the NWA World Tag Team Championship at TNA's second Anniversary show in June 2004, but ultimately came up short against America's Most Wanted. The duo's last in-ring appearance for the company would be at Victory Road '04, where both Nosawa and Miyamoto competed in the X-Division Gauntlet match, which was won by Hector Garza.

All Japan Pro Wrestling (2005–2008)

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Nosawa would originally find little success after arriving in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) in the mid-2000s, losing as many matches as he won. On March 20, 2005, he received an opportunity at the World Junior Heavyweight Championship, but would lose to defending champion Taka Michinoku. On July 26, he lost a "Banishment" match to his old friend Mazada, and was forced to leave All Japan. Soon after that, he would reappear as a masked wrestler named Space Lone Wolf (Keiji Mutoh's old alter-ego), finding more success than his previous character. However, by December, Space Lone Wolf would be unmasked and revealed as being Nosawa.

In 2006, Nosawa would begin again wrestling with his old friend Mazada again, and for parts of the year would also team with Brute Issei and Akira. Towards the end of 2006, Nosawa and Mazada began to team up with Minoru Suzuki to form "Minoru Gundan", which landed Nosawa a more prominent role in the promotion. He and Suzuki would go on to wrestle in the World's Strongest Tag Determination League, but unfortunately the team would come in last place.

In 2007, Nosawa promoted several comedy wrestling shows, making fun of Antonio Inoki's Inoki Genome Federation and using both talent from All Japan, as well as freelancers. During the Champion Carnival, Nosawa switched his name to El Nosawa Mendoza and formed a new stable called "Los Mexico Amigos", with Pepe Michinoku (Taka Michinoku) and Miguel Hayashi, Jr (Kaz Hayashi). Nobutaka Araya then joined the team as El Hijo del Araya Segundo after the Carnival's final show. Along with changing their names, the group wore the official colors of the Mexican Flag (Red/Green/White). After multiple bouts against Minoru Suzuki, Nosawa offered Suzuki an invitation into Mexico Amigos, to 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 Araya was kicked out of the group. Later in the year, Mexico Amigos teamed with "Ray Suzuki" to defeat the team of Ryuji Hijikata, Kikutaro, T28 and Ryuji Yamaguchi. After the match, Ray Suzuki revealed himself as Minoru Suzuki. Suzuki stated that starting the next year Mendoza would throw his Amigos tights away and return to the Nosawa Rongai ring name, Suzuki then kidnapped Nosawa to start his "early training". This was followed by Pepe and Miguel announcing they would return to Mexico, while Kaz Hayashi and Taka Michinoku were announced as returning to All Japan come the new year. After one last "Viva Mexico", Los Mexico Amigos disbanded.

Tokyo Gurentai and other promotions (2007–present)

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Main article: Tokyo Gurentai

Since disbanding from Mexico Amigos, Nosawa has rejoined teaming with Mazada and Takemura as the "Tokyo Gurentai". Nosawa, Mazada, and Takemura later align themselves with Minoru Suzuki and Taiyō Kea, and dubbed their new group GURENTAI. Nosawa won a game of Jenga for the group's leadership role, but Suzuki immediately shot down the idea of Nosawa as the leader. Nosawa would later return to All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) and was defeated by Rene Dupree in his return match.

Outside of AJPW, Nosawa performed for companies under the Global Professional Wrestling Alliance (GPWA) banner up until the alliance's demise, sometimes alongside his mentor Keiji Mutoh.

On February 20, 2011, Nosawa was arrested on charges of stealing a taxi and driving it without having a driving license.[7] Two days later Nosawa announced that he was taking an indefinite break from professional wrestling.[8] Nosawa returned from his break on June 25 at a Minoru Suzuki promoted charity event, losing to Suzuki in the main event.

Since September 2013, Tokyo Gurentai, Nosawa included, has worked regularly for Wrestle-1.

Since April 2015, Nosawa joined the newly resurrected Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling, as the leader of Monster-gun, which evolved into W*ING Monster-gun, when Kintaro Kanemura joined the group.

On August 27, 2017, Nosawa, as Black Tiger VII, teamed with Taka Michinoku to defeat Atsushi Aoki and Hikaru Sato for the AJPW All Asia Tag Team Championship.[9] They lost the title to Naoya Nomura and Yuma Aoyagi on September 30.[10]

Nosawa is currently working as the head booker for Pro Wrestling Noah.

Los Perros del Mal de Japón and retirement

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Main article: Los Perros del Mal de Japón

In December 2020, Kotaro Suzuki aligned himself with Rongai and his mystery partner, who later revealed to be Ikuto Hidaka. Over the following months, the trio continued their rivalry with Stinger, while also being joined by Yo-Hey in May 2021 following the disbandment of Full Trottle.[11] The following month, Dragon Gate wrestler Eita, who had previously worked in Mexican wrestling promotions and met Rongai in 2017, was revealed to be the newest member of the group.[12]

On June 27, at Muta The World, the stable's name was revealed to be dubbed Los Perros del Mal de Japón, as a tribute to the Mexican stable Los Perros del Mal after Eita, Rongai and Yo-Hey won against Stinger (Yoshinari Ogawa, Seiki Yoshioka and Yuya Susumu).[13] A brawl began between the two stables with Suzuki and Ikuto Hidaka coming to help them, outnumbering and overwhelming Stinger.[14] Rongai later revealed that relatives of Perro Aguayo Jr., the founders of the Los Perros del Mal, had granted him permission to use the stable's name.[15]

At Grand Square 2021 In Osaka, Eita and Rongai defeated Atsushi Kotoge and Hajime Ohara to win the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.[16]

At Noah The New Year 2023 on January 1, Rongai teamed up with Hiroshi Hase and Sugiura-gun members Kazuyuki Fujita and Kendo Kashin to defeat Kongo (Katsuhiko Nakajima, Masakatsu Funaki, Manabu Soya and Hajime Ohara).[17] At The Great Muta Final "Bye-Bye" on January 22, Nosawa Rongai and Eita teamed up with Yoshinari Ogawa in a losing effort against Junta Miyawaki, Alejandro and Yasutaka Yano.[18] On February 21, 2023, Rongai would have his retirement match where he teamed with Mazada in a losing effort against Bullet Club (Taiji Ishimori and Gedo).[19][20]

Personal life

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Marijuana arrest

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On May 23, 2012, Nosawa and former girlfriend Io Shirai were arrested at the Narita International Airport in Narita, Chiba upon their return from Mexico to Japan under suspicion of trying to smuggle 75 grams of marijuana, hidden inside paintings of the two, into the country.[21][22] On July 9, Mexico-based Japanese wrestler Takuya Sugi held a press conference and confessed to planting the drugs on Shirai and Nosawa.[23][24][25][26][27]

Championships and accomplishments

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Luchas de Apuestas record

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See also: Luchas de Apuestas
Winner (wager) Loser (wager) Location Event Date Notes
Arkangel de la Muerte (mask) NOSAWA (hair) Unknown Live event Unknown
Tigre Blanco (mask) Super Cacao (mask) Mexico City Live event October 19, 1999
Tony Rivera (hair) Super Cacao (hair) Mexico City Live event May 18, 2000 [Note 1]
Ricky Marvin (hair) Super Cacao (hair) Mexico City Live event May 28, 2000 [Note 2]
Mike Segura and Último Vampiro (hair) NOSAWA and MASADA (hair) Naucalpan, Mexico State Live event May 31, 2001
Negro Casas and El Satánico (hair) NOSAWA and MASADA (hair) Mexico City Live event May 16, 2003

Notes

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  1. ^ Lost a Relevos Suicidas match against Brazo de Oro and Fugaz.
  2. ^ Relevos Suicidas match with Marvin and Cacao vs. Fugaz and Tony Rivera.

References

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  1. ^ a b "JCW HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE HISTORY". Jump City Productions. 2004. Retrieved 2008-08-13.
  2. ^ Insane Clown Posse (Wrestlers) (2003). Juggalo Championshxt Wrestling Volume 3 (DVD). Royal Oak, Michigan: Psychopathic Video.
  3. ^ "Pro Wrestling Unplugged". Black Pants, Inc. Retrieved 2008-09-14.
  4. ^ a b JCW SLAM TV, Volume 1 (DVD). Royal Oak, Michigan: Psychopathic Video. 2007-09-18. Retrieved 2008-06-06.
  5. ^ a b c d JCW SLAM TV, Volume 2 (DVD). Royal Oak, Michigan: Psychopathic Video. 2007-10-30. Retrieved 2008-06-06.
  6. ^ a b Creator and Producer: Insane Clown Posse (2007-11-17). "Slam TV: Hallowicked 2007!". SlamTV!. Detroit, Michigan.
  7. ^ Caldwell, James (2011-02-20). "Japan News: MVP's Japanese wrestling debut hits speed bump – tag partner arrested, replacement match announced". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2011-02-20.
  8. ^ "NOSAWA entschuldigt sich und nimmt Auszeit vom Wrestling". Purolove (in German). Archived from the original on 2011-02-26. Retrieved 2011-02-23.
  9. ^ ブラック・タイガー7、Takaみちのく組が新王者. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). 2017-08-28. Retrieved 2017-08-27.
  10. ^ 9.30前橋大会[観衆]352人. All Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). 2017-09-30. Retrieved 2017-09-30.
  11. ^ "5・2後楽園 試合後コメント ノア無観客で「清宮vs田中」サプライズ実現 完勝・田中が稲村狩りも予告". noah.co.jp (in Japanese). 2021-05-03. Retrieved 2021-06-28.
  12. ^ "6・13試合後コメント 三沢さん命日にGHC戦｢丸藤vs杉浦｣決定的に 十三回忌にKENTAからもメッセージ". noah.co.jp (in Japanese). 2021-06-14. Retrieved 2021-06-28.
  13. ^ "PRO WRESTLING NOAH MUTA THE WORLD (JUNE 27) RESULTS AND REVIEW". voicesofwrestling.com. 2021-06-27. Retrieved 2021-06-28.
  14. ^ "6・27試合後コメント 1年ぶり降臨ムタが"ワールド"全開で完勝 炎蹴りトライも拳王魔界に沈む". noah.co.jp (in Japanese). 2021-06-28. Retrieved 2021-06-28.
  15. ^ "Los Perros del Mal resurgieron en la lucha libre de Japón". infobae.com (in Spanish). 2021-06-29. Retrieved 2021-07-02.
  16. ^ "NOSAWA論外＆Eitaが244秒でGHCジュニアタッグ奪取!「NOAHで防衛戦するつもりはない。DRAGONGATEに取り返しに来い」【週刊プロレス】". news.yahoo.co.jp (in Japanese). 2021-10-10. Archived from the original on 2021-10-11. Retrieved 2021-06-28.
  17. ^ Rose, Bryan (January 1, 2023). "NOAH The New Year notes: Jake Lee, Hiroshi Hase, new champions crowned". f4wonline.com. Retrieved January 1, 2023.
  18. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (January 22, 2023). "Great Muta Final Bye-Bye Results (1/22): Great Muta Teams With Sting And Darby Allin". fightful.com. Retrieved January 22, 2023.
  19. ^ "Keiji Mutoh challenges Tetsuya Naito for his retirement match at Tokyo Dome". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. 21 January 2023. Retrieved 2023-01-22.
  20. ^ Fritts, Chick (February 21, 2023). "Keiji Muto Retirement Show live results: Muto vs. Tetsuya Naito NJPW's Kazuchika Okada will take on NOAH's Kaito Kiyomiya". f4wonline.com. Retrieved February 21, 2023.
  21. ^ Meltzer, Dave (May 24, 2012). "Thurs. update: New Rock movie, 2 wrestlers arrested allegedly smuggling pot into Japan, Joint promotional press conference, favorite intl group, Austin back on TV". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on May 28, 2012. Retrieved May 24, 2012.
  22. ^ "Nosawa論外また逮捕、大麻密輸容疑". Sankei Sports (in Japanese). May 24, 2012. Archived from the original on May 27, 2012. Retrieved May 24, 2012.
  23. ^ Dark Angelita (July 10, 2012). "Sugi San confiesa complot en contra de Nosawa". Súper Luchas (in Spanish). Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  24. ^ "Sugi San habría puesto una trampa a Nosawa". MedioTiempo (in Spanish). July 10, 2012. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  25. ^ Alvarez, Bryan (July 11, 2012). "Wed update: UFC On Fuel lineup, TNA Off DirecTV, Sonnen appeal update, new Jericho book, tons more". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on October 2, 2013. Retrieved July 12, 2012.
  26. ^ "Nosawa論外ハメた首謀者が謝罪会見". Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). July 11, 2012. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved July 14, 2012.
  27. ^ "紫雷イオの大麻事件でSugi謝罪". Daily Sports Online (in Japanese). Kobe Shimbun. July 11, 2012. Retrieved July 14, 2012.
  28. ^ "11月24日（木）東京・後楽園ホール". Chō Sentō Puroresu FMW (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2016-10-21. Retrieved 2016-11-25.
  29. ^ "NEVER．9 ～Road to the Super Jr．2Days Tournament Final～". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved 2012-05-25.
  30. ^ "Fujitaが高木に、論外＆Mazadが大阪06に勝利し、ベルトが愚連隊に勢揃い！世界一性格の悪い神の子が降臨！". Battle News (in Japanese). 2013-01-16. Retrieved 2013-01-16.
  31. ^ "「Wrestle-1 Tour 2015 Autumn Bout」". Wrestle-1 (in Japanese). 2015-11-03. Archived from the original on 2015-11-17. Retrieved 2015-11-03.
  32. ^ "「Wrestle-1 Tour 2016 Shining Winter」". Wrestle-1 (in Japanese). 2016-12-09. Retrieved 2016-12-09.
  33. ^ "「Wrestle-1 Tour 2017 Outbreak」". Wrestle-1 (in Japanese). 2017-06-18. Retrieved 2017-06-18.
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