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Taguchi Japan

Taguchi Japan is a in the Japanese promotion (NJPW), founded in 2017 by veteran wrestler as a babyface counterpart to antagonistic groups like (L.I.J.). The faction originated the night after , initially comprising Taguchi, , and , with its name derived from Taguchi's signature blue sunglasses and his eccentric, prankster persona often centered around comedic antics and . The group employs an open-door policy, allowing wrestlers to join or depart fluidly, which has led to a rotating membership that emphasizes fun-loving teamwork over rigid hierarchy. Over the years, Taguchi Japan has expanded to include prominent talents such as , David Finlay, , KUSHIDA, , , and more recently El Desperado, blending established NJPW stars with international guest wrestlers to create a versatile unit known for its underdog spirit and humorous storylines. The has been particularly successful in the midcard division, securing multiple reigns with the NEVER 6-Man , NJPW's title for three-person teams emphasizing hardcore and technical styles; notable victories include Taguchi, , and capturing the belts on January 30, 2019, and holding them for 340 days until losing them on January 5, 2020. Additionally, members like Taguchi and won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight during their association with the group. As of 2025, Taguchi Japan remains active, with core members , (on his retirement tour), and El Desperado teaming regularly in high-profile matches, including a September 2025 challenge for the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship against champions , , and YOH at NJPW's Road to Destruction event. The faction's enduring popularity is reflected in official NJPW merchandise, including T-shirts and apparel featuring group-themed designs for wrestlers like Taguchi, Tanahashi, and Desperado.

History

Formation (2017)

Following Hiroshi Tanahashi's defeat by for the at on January 4, 2017, the stable known as Taguchi Japan was formed as a direct counter to the rising dominance of (LIJ). The group debuted the next day at on January 5, 2017, when Tanahashi teamed with and leader to defeat LIJ's , , and SANADA, capturing the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship in the process. This victory marked the official birth of Taguchi Japan, with the trio positioning themselves as defenders of NJPW's traditional values against LIJ's rebellious influence. The stable's initial purpose was to challenge LIJ's control over key titles, including the held by Naito and the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship they had just dethroned. In the weeks following the debut, Taguchi Japan expanded its roster quickly, adding in the heavyweight division, along with junior heavyweights David Finlay and , to strengthen their presence across weight classes and prepare for ongoing confrontations with LIJ. The name Taguchi Japan derives from stable leader Ryusuke Taguchi's surname, embodying a theme of fun, patriotic unity among Japanese wrestlers to rally against external faction threats within NJPW.

Growth and Major Feuds (2017–2020)

Following its formation, Taguchi Japan expanded its roster in 2017 with the addition of , a former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, and , an American high-flyer who brought international flair to the group. This strengthened the stable's junior heavyweight presence, allowing for more versatile booking across divisions. aligned with the group during the tournament, teaming with Taguchi and others in multi-man matches against rivals, while 's inclusion was solidified when he joined Taguchi and to capture the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship from (LIJ) on April 4, 2017, during the Road to Sakura Genesis 2017 tour (Night 8). The stable's primary feud during this period was with LIJ, marked by intense multi-man tag matches and title pursuits that highlighted the contrast between Taguchi Japan's patriotic, sports-themed unity and LIJ's rebellious style. The rivalry culminated in several high-profile clashes, including the April 2017 title win, but Taguchi Japan dropped the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship back to LIJ (, , and Sanada) on May 3, 2017, at Wrestling Dontaku. In early 2018, joined Taguchi Japan, strengthening the heavyweight lineup, as the stable continued its rivalry with LIJ through multi-man tag matches and other confrontations. In 2018, Taguchi Japan bolstered its heavyweight division by bringing in veterans and , both former multi-time tag champions known for their brawling style, to provide stability and power alongside Tanahashi and Nakanishi. Makabe began regularly teaming with the group in late 2017, while Kojima joined in May 2018 as a temporary replacement for an injured Tanahashi, participating in key defenses and challenges. This addition allowed for balanced lineups in NEVER division bouts, as seen in tags against LIJ and other groups. Title successes extended to the junior tag division when Funky Future—Taguchi and —defeated (Matt and Nick Jackson) to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship on August 13, 2017, at the 27 finals. The pair held the titles for 57 days before losing them to (Sho and Yoh) on October 9 at King of Pro-Wrestling, showcasing the stable's ability to compete across weight classes. Taguchi Japan also engaged in rivalries with Bullet Club subgroups, including defenses against The Elite (The Young Bucks and others) and the Firing Squad (Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and Bad Luck Fale), often in chaotic 8-man or 10-man tags that emphasized the stable's underdog resilience. These conflicts, spanning 2017 to 2020, frequently involved cross-promotional elements during tours like the ROH/NJPW joint events, where Taguchi Japan members clashed with in non-title matches to build momentum for major shows. The blend of veterans like Tanahashi and Nakanishi with juniors such as Taguchi, Kushida, and created dynamic internal synergies, enabling storylines that spanned junior, heavyweight, and NEVER divisions without favoring one over the other. This structure facilitated multi-generational matches and allowed for fluid booking, where juniors could elevate veterans in tag scenarios or vice versa. However, by 2020, mounting challenges—including repeated title losses to LIJ and —and emerging internal tensions over booking priorities contributed to a period of instability, setting the stage for roster shifts.

Evolution and Recent Activities (2021–Present)

Following the retirement of on February 22, 2020, at a dedicated NJPW event in Korakuen Hall, Taguchi Japan experienced a significant decline in its core membership, as Nakanishi's departure left a void in the 's heavyweight presence. This was compounded by the exit of , whose NJPW contract expired on April 30, 2022, leading him to sign with (AEW) shortly thereafter, further reducing the active roster and shifting the group's dynamics amid post-COVID roster adjustments. Despite these losses, the stable saw a key addition in 2021 with joining on August 7, during NJPW's Summer Struggle tour, where he quickly paired with leader to form the 6 or 9 , injecting fresh energy into junior heavyweight efforts. Reformation efforts in the ensuing years were sporadic, with the group mounting challenges against rivals like House of Torture for the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship, including notable confrontations in 2023 that highlighted ongoing tensions but did not result in title success. By 2025, activities reflected a looser alliance rather than a rigid stable structure, exemplified by a high-profile but unsuccessful bid for the NEVER titles on September 13 at Road to Destruction in Korakuen Hall, where Taguchi teamed with El Desperado and Hiroshi Tanahashi against champions Master Wato, YOH, and Toru Yano, falling short in a 21-minute match that underscored cross-divisional collaborations. Later that year, Taguchi partnered with Dragon Dia in the Super Junior Tag League's A Block starting October 28, achieving a 3-2 record with victories such as over Templario and Jakob Austin Young, though they were eliminated from contention. This fluid configuration has positioned Taguchi Japan as a between NJPW's and divisions, facilitating hybrid matchups in the main event scene while adapting to broader roster evolutions post-pandemic, often aligning with Hiroshi Tanahashi's veteran influence to mentor emerging talents.

Group Characteristics

Concept and Naming

Taguchi Japan emerged as a babyface in (NJPW), embodying a patriotic theme of unity among NJPW wrestlers as a flexible defending the promotion's strong style and spirit against antagonistic factions like (L.I.J.) and . This thematic foundation drew inspiration from real-world "Team Japan" motifs in international sports, adapting the idea of national unity and resilience to the for a sense of collective pride and home-field advantage. The naming of the stable directly derives from its leader, Ryusuke Taguchi, combined with "Japan" to underscore its nationalistic identity and role as NJPW's representative force. Taguchi, known for his eccentric personality, was appointed leader shortly after the group's inception in early 2017, infusing the faction with a blend of seriousness and levity that broadened its appeal. Initially formed as a direct counter to L.I.J. following a key title victory, the theme evolved to incorporate Taguchi's comedic elements, such as playful antics and cosplay, transforming it from a straightforward rivalry unit into a more entertaining, inclusive entity with an open-door policy for temporary alliances. Visually, Taguchi Japan's branding revolves around a color scheme symbolizing positivity and Taguchi's signature "Inspiration Blue" , which became an for the group. Merchandise often features these alongside subtle flag-inspired elements, reinforcing the patriotic aesthetic while tying into Taguchi's resilient, fun-loving . This visual identity helped distinguish the as approachable and motivational, appealing to fans through its lighthearted yet determined portrayal of wrestling heritage.

Style and Gimmicks

Taguchi Japan's in-ring style blends technical junior action with powerhouse maneuvers from its members, creating a dynamic hybrid approach that highlights teamwork in multi-man matches. Wrestlers like and contribute agile, high-speed sequences, while and provide strong-style and spots, allowing the group to adapt to various opponents in faction warfare. The group's gimmicks revolve around Taguchi's funky, comedy-infused persona, featuring post-match dances and humorous spots that inject levity into matches, in contrast to Tanahashi's serious "ace" archetype as NJPW's top star. Group entrances often include synchronized poses and crowd chants of "Japan," fostering a patriotic, unified vibe, with the "Samurai Blue" theme symbolizing national pride similar to Japan's soccer team. Signature collective moves emphasize collaboration, such as variations of the "Taguchi Tombstone" piledriver adapted for tags and high-flying double-team sequences like the Super 69, where partners execute an elevated for quick pins in chaotic brawls. Over time, the stable's presentation has evolved from intense, brawl-heavy confrontations in its early years to more character-driven, humorous angles, including comedy teamings in 2025 events that play up Taguchi's eccentric antics for fan engagement. Members unify visually through blue-accented gear, with Taguchi's star-shaped serving as a recurring to tie into the group's thematic identity.

Roster

Current Members

Taguchi Japan, as of November 2025, is led by , who has served as the stable's comedic core and primary driver in the junior heavyweight division since its . Taguchi's entertaining style emphasizes humorous antics and athletic prowess, exemplified by his partnership with Dragon Dia in the 2025 Super Jr. Tag League, where the duo combined experience with youthful energy to compete effectively in block matches. Hiroshi Tanahashi remains a foundational figure and veteran leader, lending heavyweight credibility and strategic guidance to the group. His ongoing involvement underscores the stable's blend of seniority and resilience, particularly highlighted in a key NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship challenge alongside Taguchi and El Desperado in September 2025. The stable maintains an open-door policy, resulting in a highly fluid roster with occasional team-ups rather than fixed affiliates. Recent matches, such as Taguchi's November 8, 2025, bout teaming with young lions Shota Umino and Yuya Uemura, reflect this versatile, underdog approach without a large consistent membership. In terms of roles, Tanahashi acts as the primary strategist, guiding major storylines, while Taguchi embodies the entertainer, injecting levity into feuds to complement the group's fun-loving teamwork.

Former Members

Juice Robinson served as a prominent member of Taguchi Japan from its formation in 2017 until 2022, where he played a crucial role in the stable's early successes, particularly as part of the acclaimed duo with David Finlay, winning the IWGP World Tag Team Championship in 2019 and competing in high-profile international cross-promotional matches. His tenure helped solidify Taguchi Japan's presence in both heavyweight and junior heavyweight divisions through versatile booking in multi-man tags and tournaments. Robinson departed following the expiration of his contract extension, with his final match occurring at Windy City Riot on April 16, 2022, after which he transitioned to (AEW) as part of the Gang stable. KUSHIDA joined Taguchi Japan upon its inception in 2017 and remained until early 2019, contributing significantly to the stable's involvement in junior heavyweight feuds, including defenses of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship alongside members like and . His technical prowess and high-flying style added depth to the group's undercard matches against rivals such as . KUSHIDA left NJPW at the end of January 2019 when his contract expired without renewal, citing a desire for new opportunities; he subsequently signed with WWE's NXT brand, where he performed until 2022 before returning to NJPW independently. Manabu Nakanishi was one of the founding members of Taguchi Japan in 2017, providing veteran stability and mentorship to younger talents through his experience as a former IWGP Champion and multi-time participant. His role emphasized the stable's emphasis on teamwork and resilience in undercard bouts. Nakanishi retired from in-ring competition on February 22, 2020, at a dedicated event in Korakuen Hall, concluding a 27-year career marred by injuries in his later years; post-retirement, he remained under contract with NJPW in a non-wrestling capacity. Ricochet had a short-term with Taguchi Japan in 2017 as part of the Funky Future with leader , leveraging his aerial acrobatics to challenge for and briefly hold junior tag titles earlier in the decade while aligning with the stable's anti-authority feuds. This stint highlighted Taguchi Japan's ambitions, including multi-man title defenses. Following a title loss at King of Pro-Wrestling in October 2017, effectively departed by taking responsibility for the defeat in a post-match promo, interpreted as a farewell; he left NJPW entirely in early 2018 to pursue opportunities with . Michael Elgin joined Taguchi Japan in 2017, bringing heavyweight power to complement the stable's diverse roster and participating in key events like the and tag title pursuits against groups such as . His addition strengthened the group's midcard presence amid ongoing rivalries. Elgin departed NJPW in 2019 after his contract expired on March 31, with the two sides mutually agreeing to part ways following discussions; he later competed in promotions like Impact Wrestling before controversies led to further booking issues. David aligned with Taguchi Japan starting in 2017 as a young , contributing to efforts including the 2019 victory with under the 's banner, which elevated the group's international profile. His technical style and growing prominence helped bridge junior and heavyweight elements. Finlay left the around 2018 to pursue solo opportunities but maintained loose ties until fully transitioning in 2023 by joining as its leader, marking a turn and shift away from Taguchi Japan's babyface alignment. Togi Makabe and Satoshi Kojima became semi-active members of Taguchi Japan post-2017, with Kojima joining as a replacement in multi-man lineups and Makabe added in 2018 to bolster the heavyweight core through their veteran brawling styles in feuds against Suzuki-gun. Both contributed to the stable's endurance in long-term storylines, including NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship reigns. By 2019, they shifted primarily to solo careers and freelance bookings across promotions like All Japan Pro Wrestling, reducing their involvement and leading to a more streamlined Taguchi Japan roster. Master Wato joined Taguchi Japan in 2021, contributing a mystical and high-flying flair that enhanced the stable's junior division dynamics through his collaboration with Taguchi under the 6 or 9 banner, focused on tag title opportunities. His tenure added aerial spectacles until mid-2025, after which he transitioned to independent alignments, including opposition in NEVER division matches. El Desperado had a temporary association with Taguchi Japan in September 2025 for a NEVER 6-Man Championship , teaming with Taguchi and Tanahashi in high-profile challenges and providing intense junior heavyweight matchups. The alliance concluded shortly thereafter, with Desperado returning to solo pursuits. Dragon Dia served as a tag partner for Taguchi in the October 2025 Super Jr. Tag League, combining youthful energy with Taguchi's experience in block matches, but without full membership status. His involvement was limited to this . The cumulative departures of these members, particularly the exits of KUSHIDA and in 2019 followed by Robinson in 2022 and Nakanishi's retirement in 2020, resulted in significant roster shrinkage for Taguchi Japan, diminishing its depth from over a dozen affiliates to a core group and prompting internal reforms by 2021 to refocus on leader Ryusuke Taguchi's vision amid NJPW's evolving faction landscape. This evolution allowed remaining members to adapt to new rivalries but highlighted the stable's transition from a large anti-Bullet Club force to a more boutique unit.

Affiliated Teams

Current Teams

As of 2025, Taguchi Japan's active tag and multi-man teams emphasize flexible pairings that blend veteran leadership with junior heavyweight flair, often highlighting underdog narratives and comedic elements in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) events. The core junior tag team within the stable remains 6 or 9, consisting of leader Ryusuke Taguchi and Master Wato, which has been active since 2021 and continues to pursue opportunities in the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship division. Known for their high-flying aerial combinations, such as synchronized dives and quick tags, the duo maintains a presence in NJPW's junior division through occasional multi-man matches, including a six-man tag victory in May 2025 alongside Kevin Knight. Their partnership underscores Taguchi Japan's focus on resilient, entertaining teamwork against more dominant factions like Los Ingobernables de Japon. In the 2025 Super Jr. Tag League, Taguchi formed an ad-hoc junior tag unit with Dragon Dia, pairing his experience with Dia's youthful athleticism for a colorful entry that advanced through block matches with dynamic offense. The team, billed as 'Skateboard Bros,' finished with 6 points (3 wins, 2 losses) in A Block, not advancing to the finals won by DOUKI and on November 2, 2025. This temporary alliance exemplifies the stable's strategy of cross-generational pairings to build momentum in tournament formats, emphasizing comedy-driven spots like Taguchi's signature hip attacks integrated with Dia's acrobatics. For multi-man competition, Taguchi joined and El Desperado in a short-term challenging for the NEVER 6-Man Championship in September 2025, where their underdog challenge against champions , YOH, and highlighted intergenerational dynamics and humorous banter. Although unsuccessful in capturing the titles, the unit's formation reflected Taguchi Japan's ongoing emphasis on collaborative efforts in heavyweight-leaning divisions, fostering storylines of perseverance amid rivalries. These recent activities illustrate the stable's evolution toward adaptive, event-specific teams that prioritize narrative-driven comedy over rigid structures.

Former Teams

Funky Future was a short-lived tag team formed by leader and high-flying specialist in 2017, representing Taguchi Japan's junior heavyweight division. The duo captured the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship on August 13, 2017, defeating the reigning champions in the semi-main event of the 27 finals at Ryogoku Kokugikan in . Their reign lasted nearly two months, marked by high-energy matches that highlighted Ricochet's aerial prowess and Taguchi's technical versatility, before they dropped the titles to (SHO and YOH) on October 9 at King of Pro-Wrestling. The team disbanded following Ricochet's departure from NJPW in late 2017 to pursue opportunities in other promotions. FinJuice, comprising David Finlay and , emerged as one of Taguchi Japan's most successful from 2017 to 2022, blending Finlay's agile strikes with Robinson's power-based offense. The pair secured multiple championships, including a pivotal win over the ( and ) on January 4, 2020, at in the , fulfilling their momentum from the 2019 World Tag League victory. They defended the titles successfully twice before losing them in February 2020, and later added the Impact World Tag Team Championship in their crossover appearances. The partnership contributed significantly to Taguchi Japan's tag division dominance during this period but concluded in early 2022 when Robinson became a and transitioned to (AEW), shifting focus to singles competition. War Machine, the heavyweight duo of (Todd Smith) and Raymond Rowe, provided a brief but impactful addition to Taguchi Japan as its first prominent heavyweight tag unit from 2017 to 2018. Joining amid the stable's open-door policy, they debuted prominently in NJPW's tag division, challenging for the and aligning with Taguchi Japan's anti-Bullet Club stance. Their tenure included high-profile matches, such as a title challenge against the at 6.11 on June 11, 2017, which marked GoD's win of the , and their final NJPW appearance in the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship gauntlet at on January 4, 2018. The team departed abruptly in late 2017 after signing with , informing NJPW management of their exit and concluding their run with the stable. Early six-man units in Taguchi Japan emphasized multi-generational pairings, with one notable combination featuring , , and capturing the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship on January 30, 2019, through victories over rivals like . This lineup leveraged Makabe's brawling intensity, Taguchi's versatility, and Yano's antics to stabilize the stable's midcard presence amid roster flux. The unit contributed to Taguchi Japan's NEVER division success but dissolved after 2019 as members pursued individual storylines and new alliances.

Championships and Accomplishments

Collective Achievements

Taguchi Japan played a pivotal role in NJPW's post-Wrestle Kingdom 11 recovery narratives, forming immediately after the event on January 5, 2017, to challenge the entrenched dominance of Los Ingobernables de Japón (LIJ). The stable engaged in sustained feuds with LIJ, positioning itself as a resilient counterforce through multi-man tag matches that highlighted group cohesion and elevated undercard stakes. These rivalries culminated in key victories, including the capture of the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship from LIJ members BUSHI, EVIL, and SANADA at New Year Dash!!, marking an early milestone in disrupting LIJ's multi-title hold across junior and midcard divisions. The group's tournament participations underscored their competitive depth, particularly in 2017–2018 events. In the 2017 , secured second place in Block A with a 6-3 record and 12 points, narrowly missing the finals while advancing the stable's heavyweight presence. contributed in with notable upsets, including a win over , though he finished at 4-5 for 8 points. In the World Tag League, Taguchi Japan representatives like and (as Death Juice) posted a 4-3 record in 2017, securing a second-place finish in their block that built momentum for crossover tag dynamics. The 2018 edition saw Robinson pair with David Finlay (as ) for another solid showing, finishing with 16 points and emphasizing the stable's versatility without reaching the finals. By blending junior heavyweights like Ryusuke Taguchi and KUSHIDA with s such as and , Taguchi Japan facilitated innovative junior-heavyweight crossovers in NJPW booking, promoting hybrid matches that blurred division lines and enriched midcard storytelling during a transitional period. This approach contributed to broader factional balance, allowing juniors to compete in NEVER and heavyweight contexts while maintaining divisional integrity. In 2025, Taguchi Japan experienced a centered on the NEVER division, reuniting core members for a high-profile title challenge that reinvigorated midcard relevance. On September 13 at Road to Destruction, , El Desperado, and mounted a strong bid for the NEVER 6-Man Championship against champions , YOH, and , delivering a 21-minute thriller that fell just short but sparked renewed interest in veteran-led undercard pushes. This outing highlighted the stable's enduring appeal in sustaining NEVER storylines amid NJPW's evolving roster dynamics.

Individual and Team Titles

Taguchi Japan members have secured several team championships during the stable's active period from 2017 to 2020, highlighting their collective strength in both junior and heavyweight divisions. The group's first NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship came on January 5, 2017, at New Year Dash!!, won by Hiroshi Tanahashi, Ryusuke Taguchi, and Manabu Nakanishi by defeating Los Ingobernables de Japón (Bushi, EVIL, and Sanada); this 37-day reign ended on February 11, 2017. A second reign followed on April 4, 2017, at Road to Sakura Genesis, where Tanahashi, Taguchi, and Ricochet defeated Los Ingobernables de Japón (Bushi, EVIL, and Sanada). This 29-day reign ended without defenses on May 3, 2017, at Wrestling Dontaku 2017, in a loss to Los Ingobernables de Japón (Bushi, Hiromu Takahashi, and Tetsuya Naito). The stable achieved its longest reign with the title later, as Taguchi, Togi Makabe, and Toru Yano captured the belts on January 30, 2019, defeating Bullet Club (Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and Taiji Ishimori), holding them for 340 days until losing on January 5, 2020, at Wrestle Kingdom 14. Later that year, Funky Future—consisting of Ryusuke Taguchi and Ricochet—captured the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship on August 13, 2017, at G1 Climax 27, defeating The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) in Tokyo. Their 57-day reign included one successful defense before losing the titles to Roppongi 3K (Sho and Yoh) on October 9, 2017, at King of Pro-Wrestling. In the heavyweight division, David Finlay and Juice Robinson, performing as FinJuice and aligned with Taguchi Japan through 2019 before semi-affiliated status post-2018, achieved a notable IWGP Tag Team Championship reign. They won the titles on January 4, 2020, at Wrestle Kingdom 14 in Tokyo Dome, defeating the Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa) following their World Tag League victory in December 2019. This 28-day reign ended without defenses on February 1, 2020, in a rematch loss to the Guerrillas of Destiny at The New Beginning in Osaka. These team title reigns—spanning multiple NEVER Openweight 6-Man, IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team, and IWGP Tag Team Championships—represent the core hardware successes attributed to Taguchi Japan. On the individual front, stable leader captured the on June 9, 2018, at 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall, defeating to begin his seventh reign as champion. This 121-day title run, which aligned with key Taguchi Japan storylines, featured five successful defenses, including victories over and , before Tanahashi lost the belt to on October 8, 2018, at King of Pro-Wrestling. Additionally, KUSHIDA, who joined Taguchi Japan in early 2019, won the on January 4, 2019, at , defeating in his third reign overall. Ryusuke pursued several high-profile challenges for the during the stable's peak, including a loss to KUSHIDA in the 2019 finals, underscoring his role as a perennial contender in the junior division.

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