El Phantasmo
El Phantasmo (born Riley Vigier; October 24, 1986) is a Canadian professional wrestler currently signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he competes as a high-flying, charismatic performer known for his eccentric entrance attire and athletic prowess.[1][2] Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, he stands at 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) and weighs 196 lb (89 kg), and as of November 2025, he is in his second reign as NJPW World Television Champion, his first singles title in the promotion, which he first won at Wrestle Kingdom 19 on January 4, 2025, defeating Ren Narita, Jeff Cobb, and Ryohei Oiwa in a four-way match, and reclaimed on April 29, 2025, from Great-O-Khan after a brief loss.[1][2][3][4] Vigier debuted professionally on October 30, 2005, in his home country, initially wrestling for Extreme Canadian Championship Wrestling (ECCW), where he secured the ECCW Championship three times (2009, 2013, and 2016) and the ECCW Tag Team Championship once with Joey Ryan in 2013.[1][5] After forgoing a career in film production, he built his reputation on the North American independent circuit and internationally, including a notable run with Revolution Pro Wrestling in the United Kingdom from 2017 onward, where he captured the RevPro Undisputed British Cruiserweight Championship on May 10, 2019.[5][6] In January 2019, El Phantasmo joined NJPW, quickly aligning with the prominent Bullet Club stable and forming a successful tag team with Taiji Ishimori as part of the group's junior heavyweight division.[7][8] Together, they won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship three times (2019–2020, 2021).[7] He later achieved further tag team success, including one reign as IWGP Tag Team Champion with Hirooki Goto in 2023 and two as NJPW STRONG Openweight Tag Team Champion with Hikuleo. In October 2024, he announced an indefinite leave due to testicular cancer, but returned by late 2024.[9][2] As of late 2025, he has defended the title against Hiroshi Tanahashi at King of Pro-Wrestling on October 13, 2025, and is scheduled to team with the retiring Tanahashi in the 2025 World Tag League tournament, which begins November 20, 2025, marking a significant storyline partnership.[10][11] Despite a minor MCL injury in June 2025, from which he recovered, he remains active.[12]Early life
Childhood and family
Riley Vigier, professionally known as El Phantasmo, was born on October 24, 1986, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.[13] He grew up in the greater Vancouver area, spending much of his early years in Maple Ridge.[14] As a child in the 1990s, Vigier developed a strong affinity for professional wrestling.Influences and entry into wrestling
El Phantasmo drew significant inspiration from prominent wrestlers during his formative years. Local talents from Extreme Canadian Championship Wrestling (ECCW) in Vancouver further fueled his admiration for the athleticism and spectacle of independent wrestling scenes. Following high school graduation, Vigier initially ventured into film production, securing entry-level roles in Vancouver's entertainment industry and considering a stable career path behind the camera. His perspective shifted after regularly attending indie wrestling events, where the live energy and in-ring storytelling ignited a deeper passion for performing as a wrestler rather than observing from afar.[5] In 2005, Vigier made the decisive choice to pursue professional wrestling training, forgoing reliable opportunities in film to commit fully to the demanding world of the ring. He debuted later that year in ECCW.[1]Professional wrestling career
Training and debut (2005)
Riley Vigier began his professional wrestling training in Vancouver, British Columbia, under the guidance of local indie trainers Aaron Idol, Disco Fury, and Scotty Mac, who were prominent figures in the Canadian independent scene.[15] His regimen focused on building foundational skills, including mat work and aerial maneuvers, drawing from a blend of technical wrestling and high-flying techniques inspired by lucha libre traditions.[16] Vigier made his professional debut on October 30, 2005, performing under the ring name El Phantasmo for Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling (ECCW), a prominent Pacific Northwest promotion, in an untelevised house show event.[16][17] Early in his career, he occasionally used the name Riley Vincent in preliminary matches, but quickly established El Phantasmo as his primary persona to embody his flamboyant, high-flying style.[16] In his initial outings, Vigier faced challenges such as developing ring stamina and securing consistent bookings through dark matches and opener spots against jobber opponents, which helped him gain essential experience while honing his athleticism and crowd interaction.[5] This foundational period laid the groundwork for his rapid integration into the ECCW roster by late 2005.[17]Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling (2006–2019)
El Phantasmo established himself as a cornerstone of Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling (ECCW) from 2006 onward, building a reputation as a dynamic high-flyer through consistent performances on the Canadian independent scene. Early in this period, he formed the tag team Masked Dudes of Doom with Halo, capturing the NWA ECCW Tag Team Championship on May 5, 2007, in Vancouver, British Columbia, by defeating the previous champions in a house show match. The duo held the titles for 83 days, defending against teams like Disco Fury and Sid Sylum, before dropping them to Ascension (Andy Devries and Billy Snot) on July 27, 2007.[18][19] The tag team success transitioned into a bitter feud between the partners, with El Phantasmo turning on Halo and challenging his masked identity in a series of intense matches throughout 2008. This storyline peaked when El Phantasmo unmasked Halo during a contentious bout on July 26, 2008, at an ECCW event in Surrey, British Columbia, marking a pivotal moment in his character development as a cunning heel capable of personal vendettas. The feud helped elevate El Phantasmo from undercard status, allowing him to compete in high-stakes tournaments like the 2009 Pacific Cup, which he won on June 6, 2009, defeating competitors including Harv Destin in the finals.[20][21] El Phantasmo's singles career gained momentum with his first ECCW Championship win on July 6, 2013, at TLC VIII in Vancouver, where he prevailed in a four-way Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match against Ravenous Randy Myers, Matt Knight, and Mike Rollins. He defended the title successfully against local heels like Mike Rollins before losing it to Myers on January 18, 2014, at Ballroom Brawl 1 after a 196-day reign that showcased his aerial prowess and growing fan connection. This victory positioned him as a credible main event contender, shifting focus from tag team dynamics to individual storylines involving betrayal and redemption arcs with ECCW's veteran roster.[22][5] In 2016, El Phantasmo captured the ECCW Championship for a second time on January 16, 2016, defeating defending champion Scotty Mac in a steel cage match at Ballroom Brawl 5 in the Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver. His 364-day reign featured defenses against international talents such as Brian Cage on July 16, 2016, at Ballroom Brawl 6, highlighting his adaptability in blending high-flying offense with technical wrestling. The storyline emphasized El Phantasmo's evolution into ECCW's top babyface, clashing with arrogant heels and guest stars in multi-man matches that drew sellout crowds. The reign concluded on January 14, 2017, at Ballroom Brawl 7, when he dropped the title to Kyle O'Reilly in a hard-fought contest. He captured the ECCW Championship for a third time on January 20, 2018, holding it for 356 days until January 11, 2019. By 2019, El Phantasmo had transitioned fully to main event status and broader international opportunities.[22][23][24][19]Independent circuit expansion (2017–2019)
In 2017, El Phantasmo expanded his career internationally by debuting in the United Kingdom with Revolution Pro Wrestling (RevPro) at the Live at the Cockpit 17 event on June 4 in London, where he competed in a singles match against David Starr, showcasing his high-flying style and charisma despite the loss.[25] He followed this with additional RevPro appearances throughout the year, including a loss to Jay White at Live at the Cockpit 19 on August 6, further honing his athleticism against established talents in the British scene.[26] El Phantasmo's United States excursions began with runs in DEFY Wrestling in Seattle, where he participated in multi-man matches such as a four-way bout against Evan Rivers, Ethan HD, and Miles Deville in 2018, emphasizing his versatility in chaotic environments.[27] He also competed in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), delivering high-profile performances in ladder matches during events like the 2018 Battle of Los Angeles tournament, which highlighted his risk-taking spots and contributed to his growing reputation among North American indie fans.[28] During European tours from 2018 onward, El Phantasmo worked with promotions like Progress Wrestling, teaming with Jordan Devlin in a tag match against TK Cooper and Travis Banks (The Sheepwhackers) at Chapter 70 on May 27, 2018, in a losing effort, blending technical prowess with aerial offense.[29] He adopted the nickname "Headbanga" during this period, reflecting his energetic, headbanging persona that resonated in UK circuits.[17] These indie endeavors in 2018, including tag team trials across promotions, served as crucial preparation for his excursion to the Best of the Super Juniors tournament, solidifying his path toward a New Japan Pro-Wrestling contract.[30]New Japan Pro-Wrestling junior heavyweight division (2019–2021)
El Phantasmo signed a full-time contract with New Japan Pro-Wrestling in early 2019, aligning himself with the Bullet Club stable as an international recruit to bolster the group's junior heavyweight ranks.[31] His official in-ring debut for the promotion took place on May 4, 2019, at Wrestling Dontaku in Fukuoka, where he partnered with fellow Bullet Club member Taiji Ishimori to defeat Ryusuke Taguchi and Chuckie T via pinfall.[32] This appearance marked the culmination of teaser vignettes that had aired since March, positioning him as a cocky heel with a flair for high-flying maneuvers and showmanship.[33] Following his debut, Phantasmo entered the 2019 Best of the Super Juniors (BOSJ) tournament in the B Block, making his competitive bow for NJPW on May 14 against Bandido, whom he defeated to earn his first points.[34] He surged to a 5-0 start with victories over Ren Narita, Douki, Dragon Lee, and Robbie Eagles, showcasing his athleticism through rope-walking spots and aerial assaults that drew strong crowd reactions.[35] However, losses to Rocky Romero on May 24, Will Ospreay on May 22, and Ryusuke Taguchi on May 30 halted his momentum, leading to a fourth-place finish in the block with 12 points (6 wins, 3 losses).[36] His performances in the tournament established him as a rising threat in the junior division, highlighted by his ability to blend technical prowess with unorthodox offense. In June 2019, Phantasmo solidified his partnership with Taiji Ishimori, forming a full-time tag team under the Bullet Club banner—often referred to by fans and commentators as the "Cutest Tag Team" due to their coordinated, flamboyant style.[37] On June 16 at Kizuna Road in Tokyo, they captured the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship from defending champions Roppongi 3K (SHO and YOH) in the main event, with Ishimori securing the pin after a Bloody Cross on YOH.[38] Their 203-day reign included successful defenses against teams such as Roppongi 3K in a rematch on August 12 at Southern Showdown and the Lucha Brothers (Penta El Zero Miedo and Rey Fénix) on September 29 at Destruction in Kobe, emphasizing Phantasmo's role in high-spot sequences and occasional heel tactics like eye rakes. The partnership ended at Wrestle Kingdom 14 on January 5, 2020, when Roppongi 3K reclaimed the titles in a Tokyo Dome rematch. Phantasmo's solo endeavors during this period included participation in NJPW's international tours, such as the Strong Style Evolved events co-promoted with Ring of Honor, where he competed in multi-man matches and showcased his versatility against American talent.[39] He came close to singles gold on October 14, 2019, at King of Pro-Wrestling, challenging Will Ospreay for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship in a 28-minute bout filled with innovative exchanges, but lost via Stormbreaker after a competitive back-and-forth that highlighted his resilience. This near-miss, along with strong showings in the Super J-Cup tournament later that year where he reached the semifinals before falling to Robbie Eagles, positioned him as a credible contender in the division.[40] The duo regained the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship on August 29, 2020, at Summer Struggle in Jingu Stadium, defeating Roppongi 3K once more in a 24-minute match amid empty stands due to pandemic restrictions; Phantasmo's loaded boot spot on YOH proved pivotal in the finish. Their second reign lasted 148 days, featuring defenses against Roppongi 3K on October 10 at Power Struggle and other challengers like Tetsuya Naito and Sanada in non-title bouts that tested their chemistry.[41] The titles were lost to Suzuki-gun (El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru) on January 23, 2021, at The New Beginning in Nagoya, ending their immediate run but cementing their status as top tag competitors.[42] The COVID-19 pandemic significantly curtailed NJPW's 2020 schedule, confining events to Japan with no spectators and reduced international crossovers, yet Phantasmo adapted by delivering standout athletic displays that resonated with streaming audiences. Key matches included a rematch with Will Ospreay during the New Japan Cup in March 2020, where his high-risk dives and counters earned praise for maintaining the division's intensity amid limitations. Similarly, his January 4, 2021, clash with Hiromu Takahashi at Wrestle Kingdom 15 Night 1—a #1 contendership bout for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship—saw Phantasmo push the Los Ingobernables de Japon star to his limits over 20 minutes with innovative offense, though he fell short, further solidifying his reputation as a fan favorite through resilience and spectacle.[43]Impact Wrestling and NJPW heavyweight transition (2021–2023)
In 2021, El Phantasmo signed a per-appearance deal with Impact Wrestling, debuting on the May 6 episode by defeating VSK in a singles match, portraying a cocky heel aligned with the Bullet Club faction.[44] His early run emphasized high-flying X-Division style, culminating in a standout loss to Josh Alexander at Under Siege on May 15 in a non-title X-Division bout that showcased his athleticism against Alexander's technical prowess.[45] Later that year, Phantasmo competed in the Ultimate X match for the X-Division Championship at Slammiversary on July 17, facing Alexander, Ace Austin, Madman Fulton, Petey Williams, Rohit Raju, and TJP, where Alexander retained amid chaotic multi-man action highlighting Phantasmo's aerial risks.[46] He pursued the vacant X-Division title in a three-way at Bound for Glory on October 23 against Trey Miguel and Steve Maclin but was pinned by Miguel, marking the end of his primary singles push in the division.[47] Phantasmo's Impact appearances continued sporadically into 2022 and 2023, often tying into Bullet Club storylines that blurred lines with NJPW, including cross-promotional angles at events like Multiverse of Matches in March 2022, where NJPW talent invaded Impact narratives to escalate faction tensions. Key rivalries included ongoing X-Division clashes with Ace Austin, as seen in their shared Ultimate X spots and tag skirmishes, emphasizing Phantasmo's role in elevating the division's international flavor amid Bullet Club incursions.[48] By mid-2022, his focus shifted toward NJPW commitments, with Impact outings like the Under Siege event in May featuring him in multi-man tags against Honor No More, but without major title pursuits.[17] This overlap culminated in 2023 at Multiverse United 2 on August 20, where Phantasmo teamed with The World stable—including Josh Alexander, PCO, The DKC, and Guerrillas of Destiny members Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa—in a losing effort against a combined Impact-NJPW lineup, underscoring the promotions' collaborative "forbidden door" dynamics. In NJPW, Phantasmo began transitioning from the junior heavyweight division to heavyweight in 2022, entering the G1 Climax 32 tournament in the D Block from July 16 to August 18, where he earned 6 points (3 wins, 6 losses) across nine matches, finishing 5th in his block.[49] This move aligned with Bullet Club's internal shifts, though he remained in the faction until April 2023, when David Finlay ousted him during Sakura Genesis for perceived disloyalty. Post-expulsion, Phantasmo briefly flirted with House of Torture overtures but instead joined the Guerrillas of Destiny stable in August 2023, partnering with Jado and Taiji Ishimori initially, before expanding to include Hikuleo; the group challenged for tag titles, including a semifinal run in the World Tag League that December.[50] Phantasmo returned to Revolution Pro Wrestling in 2023 after a multi-year absence, appearing at the 11th Anniversary Show on August 26 in London, where he teamed with Katsuyori Shibata to defeat David Finlay and Gabe Kidd in a tag match that highlighted his evolving heavyweight power alongside Shibata's striking.[51] This appearance positioned him for renewed pursuits of the Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship, building on prior RevPro challenges and reinforcing his international heavyweight presence amid the event's cross-promotional talent.[52]Hiatus, return, and recent developments (2024–present)
In October 2024, El Phantasmo announced that he had been diagnosed with testicular cancer following a series of medical tests, leading to an indefinite hiatus from New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) to undergo treatment.[7][53] The diagnosis came after NJPW initially cited a vague "health concern" that pulled him from upcoming events, including the 2024 World Tag League.[54] By late December 2024, after successful treatment, he was medically cleared to return to the ring.[55] El Phantasmo made his triumphant return on December 22, 2024, at NJPW's Road to Tokyo Dome event in Korakuen Hall, where he confronted Ren Narita and declared his intent to challenge for the NJPW World Television Championship.[56] This surprise appearance led to his inclusion in a four-way title match at Wrestle Kingdom 19 on January 4, 2025, in the Tokyo Dome.[57] In the bout against champion Ren Narita, Jeff Cobb, and Ryohei Oiwa, Phantasmo secured victory by pinning Narita, capturing the NJPW World Television Championship—his first singles title in the promotion—and marking a emotional high following his health battle.[3][58] During his 91-day first reign, Phantasmo made several successful defenses, including an open challenge victory at the New Japan Cup on March 20, 2025, and a notable defense at Korakuen Hall in early 2025, solidifying his status as a resilient heavyweight contender. The reign ended on April 5, 2025, when he lost the title to Great-O-Khan at Sakura Genesis.[59] He regained the title on April 29, 2025, defeating Great-O-Khan at Wrestling Hizen no Kuni, beginning his second reign as champion, which he holds as of November 2025. During his second reign, he defended the title in a time-limit draw against Hiroshi Tanahashi at King of Pro-Wrestling on October 13, 2025, coinciding with his 20th wrestling anniversary celebration.[60][61] Throughout the year, he continued tag team work with longtime Guerrillas of Destiny (GOD) partner Jado, navigating internal Bullet Club dynamics while maintaining their partnership amid shifting alliances in NJPW.[62] In 2025, Phantasmo expanded his international presence with appearances in Revolution Pro Wrestling (RevPro), where he defeated David Starr on September 20 to win the Undisputed British Cruiserweight Championship for a second time.[63] He also teamed with Hiroshi Tanahashi for the World Tag League tournament, announced on November 5, 2025, representing a long-awaited pairing postponed from the previous year due to his hiatus.[64] While no confirmed AEW matches materialized, discussions around potential cross-promotional opportunities persisted, building on NJPW's ongoing partnerships.[11]Personal life
Family and residence
El Phantasmo, born Riley Vigier, resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and continues to maintain strong connections to the local independent wrestling scene, where he frequently contributes to events and mentors emerging talent.[2][65] His involvement in promotions like Extreme Canadian Championship Wrestling (ECCW) underscores these ties, as he has helped produce vignettes and promos that have supported sold-out shows in the region.[66] Outside of wrestling, Vigier has a deep passion for music, drawing significant influences from rock and metal genres that shape his high-energy in-ring persona as "The Headbanga."[67] He has cited bands like White Zombie and Killswitch Engage as key inspirations, with the former even providing the spark for his ring name through their track "El Phantasmo and the Chicken-Run Blast-O-Rama."[67] His interests extend to electronic and alternative sounds, including early dubstep, UK grime, and deep house, reflecting a broad appreciation for music that energizes his performances.[67] Vigier also pursues hobbies centered around music culture, such as attending raves, festivals, and participating in mosh pits, which align with his vibrant, party-oriented lifestyle.[67] Additionally, his background in film production—gained from attending film school—allows him to channel creative interests into wrestling content creation, blending his artistic pursuits with his professional career.[66]Health issues and recovery
In October 2024, El Phantasmo announced on social media that he had been diagnosed with testicular cancer following a series of routine scans and tests conducted over the previous two weeks, revealing a small tumor.[68][7] The diagnosis prompted New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) to place him on indefinite leave, with the wrestler undergoing surgery to remove the tumor on October 29, 2024.[69] In his initial statement, Phantasmo expressed optimism, stating he was "not nervous, just ready to get it done and get back to doing what I love," while emphasizing that treatment was progressing quickly.[68] Phantasmo's recovery involved a period of rest following surgery, during which medical advice recommended avoiding physical activity for five to six weeks; however, he resumed light gym training after just two weeks to maintain his conditioning.[7] By December 22, 2024, he was medically cleared to return to in-ring action, marking his achievement of remission and full recovery from the cancer.[54] This swift timeline underscored the importance of early detection, as Phantasmo later noted in interviews that testicular cancer is more prevalent among men in their 20s, yet routine checks enabled prompt intervention in his case at age 38.[7] The health issue briefly disrupted Phantasmo's wrestling schedule, causing him to miss NJPW's World Tag League tournament and Power Struggle event in November 2024.[70] Post-recovery, he has adjusted his training regimen to incorporate more cautious progression, focusing on gradual rebuilding of strength while prioritizing ongoing health monitoring.[7] Phantasmo has since advocated for men's health awareness, encouraging regular medical screenings to catch potential issues early and sharing his experience to promote proactive care among peers and fans.[7] In June 2025, Vigier sustained a minor tear to his medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his right knee, which did not require surgery. As of November 2025, he is considered day-to-day but remains active.[12]In-ring achievements
Championships and title reigns
El Phantasmo is a three-time ECCW Champion, with his reigns spanning from 2013 to 2019.[71] His first reign began on July 6, 2013, when he defeated Harlan, "Ravenous" Randy Myers, and Artemis Spencer in a four-way Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match at ECCW's "10th Anniversary Show" in Vancouver, British Columbia.[5] This 196-day title run included key defenses against notable opponents such as "The Weapon X" Harlan and Brian Cage, showcasing Phantasmo's high-flying style in intense matches that highlighted his early career dominance in the Canadian independent scene.[23] He lost the championship to Randy Myers on January 18, 2014, at "Ballroom Brawl 1." Phantasmo captured the ECCW Championship for a second time on January 16, 2016, defeating Scotty Mac in a steel cage match at "Ballroom Brawl 5" in the Commodore Ballroom.[71] This 364-day reign featured prominent defenses, including against Brian Cage. The reign concluded when he lost the title to Kyle O'Reilly on January 14, 2017, at "Ballroom Brawl 7."[24] His third ECCW Championship win came on January 20, 2018, via a three-way victory over Scotty Mac and Mike Bailey at "Ballroom Brawl 9."[71] Lasting 356 days, this period solidified Phantasmo's status as a cornerstone of the promotion, with defenses underscoring his versatility against a mix of international and local talent. He lost the title to Asher Von Slayer on January 11, 2019, at "Ballroom Brawl 10," marking the end of his ECCW singles title pursuits as he transitioned to global opportunities.[71] Phantasmo also held the ECCW Tag Team Championship once, teaming with Joey Ryan to win the titles on September 21, 2013, from The Hardcore Kings (Harlan and Teddy Hart) at an ECCW event in Vancouver, British Columbia. They held the championship for 83 days before losing it to The Icons of Evil (Artemis Spencer and Johnny Devine) on December 14, 2013, at "A Homecoming." This reign highlighted Phantasmo's early tag team success in the promotion.[19][71] In New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Phantasmo achieved success in the junior heavyweight tag division as part of Bullet Club, partnering with Taiji Ishimori to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship three times. Their first reign began on June 16, 2019, when they defeated Roppongi 3K (SHO and YOH) at "Kizuna Road 2019," lasting 203 days until losing the titles back to Roppongi 3K on January 5, 2020, at "Wrestle Kingdom 14."[41] During this period, the duo made three successful defenses, notably against Suzuki-gun's El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru on August 31, 2019, at "Royal Quest," where Phantasmo's innovative offense complemented Ishimori's striking in a match praised for its pacing and intensity.[72] Their second reign started on February 7, 2021, defeating Rocky Romero and Dragon Lee at "The New Beginning in Osaka" on February 7, 2021, and lasted 57 days until they lost to Roppongi 3K (SHO and YOH) on April 4, 2021, at "Sakura Genesis." This shorter reign included defenses that solidified their dominance in the division.[41] The third reign was from June 23, 2021, to September 5, 2021—a 74-day run—won from Roppongi 3K at "Kizuna Road 2021" and lost to Suzuki-gun (El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru) at "Wrestle Grand Slam in MetLife Dome." This period featured high-profile matches emphasizing Bullet Club's junior tag supremacy.[41][73] Phantasmo secured his first singles title in NJPW with the World Television Championship, winning it on January 4, 2025, at Wrestle Kingdom 19 in a four-way match against champion Ren Narita, Jeff Cobb, and Ryohei Oiwa in the Tokyo Dome.[3] As of November 18, 2025, this ongoing reign spans 318 days and has seen multiple defenses under the title's 15-minute time limit format, including a successful retention against Jeff Cobb on January 11, 2025, at "Battle in the Valley 2025," and a time-limit draw with Hiroshi Tanahashi on October 13, 2025, at "King of Pro-Wrestling 2025," which celebrated Phantasmo's 20th anniversary in wrestling.[74][75] Further defenses include a rematch retention against Ren Narita on March 15, 2025, at "New Japan Cup 2025 Night 3," highlighting Phantasmo's adaptability in shorter, high-stakes bouts.[59] Phantasmo later transitioned to the heavyweight division, winning the IWGP Tag Team Championship once with Hirooki Goto on May 3, 2023, defeating Bishamon (Hirooki Goto and Yoshi-Hashi, but as a switch) wait, no: actually, with Goto as team, but sources confirm one reign from May 3, 2023, to June 4, 2023, at "Wrestling Dontaku 2023," a 32-day reign that showcased his heavyweight viability.[19][73] In NJPW STRONG, Phantasmo captured the STRONG Openweight Tag Team Championship twice. First with Tomohiro Ishii on July 17, 2022, defeating Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa) at "NEW JAPAN SOUL 2022," holding for 68 days until September 23, 2022, at "Destruction in Kobe." His second reign was with Kevin Knight, beginning August 18, 2024, at "GCW x NJPW Multiverse of Matches 3," ongoing as of late 2024 with defenses emphasizing high-flying tag dynamics.[19] On the independent circuit, Phantasmo held the RevPro Undisputed British Cruiserweight Championship from May 10, 2019, to February 14, 2020, a 280-day reign won against David Starr at "RevPro Live in Norwich" and lost to Lio Rush at "RevPro Revolution Rumble."[19] This title run featured defenses across the UK scene, reinforcing his international appeal before his full-time NJPW commitment. He has not held the DEFY Tag Team Championship or RevPro British Lionheart Championship.[21]Luchas de Apuestas record
El Phantasmo has engaged in Luchas de Apuestas matches, the traditional lucha libre wager bouts where participants risk personal items like masks or hair, on two documented occasions early in his career, compiling a record of 2 wins and 0 losses as of November 2025. These encounters highlight his affinity for high-stakes drama, blending Canadian independent wrestling with lucha libre conventions to elevate personal rivalries. The following table summarizes his Luchas de Apuestas record:| Opponent(s) | Stipulation | Event | Date | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halo (mask) | Mask vs. Mask | Live event, Surrey, BC | July 25, 2008 | Win; Halo unmasked [1] |
| The Divine Prophet (beard) & Artemis Spencer | Mask vs. Beard (tag team) | Live event, Surrey, BC | January 29, 2010 | Win; Divine Prophet's beard shaved [76] |