DEVELOPING: Kamiyu Coming Through…For The Final Time

Surprise TJPW news today, we’re soon going to be without The Casual Beauty gracing us. At a presser today, Yuki Kamifuku announced she is retiring at the end of the year. Kamifuku stated it was solely her decision and she thought “maybe she was the coolest one”, and thus decided it was time. But she is leaving on good terms and TJPW is giving it the usual “graduation” treatment. TJPW President Tetsuya Koda and TJPW owner/CyberFight executive Sanshiro Takagi were also in attendance. Her final event will be on 12/26 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo but she will produce her own event before that on 11/27 at Korakren followed by one final hometown event on 12/10 at Shonandai Cumtural Center in Fujisawa City.

Kamifuku, who at 5’8” is the tallest wrestler in TJPW and also is/was a model (hence her “The Casual Beauty” moniker), debuted in 2017 and is a former Princess Tag Team Champion, most recently earlier this year with Wakana Uehara as the popular Ober Eats duo. Earlier this month she challenged for the Princess Of Princess Championship for the first time, losing to Yuki Arai. She stated there probably will be no more title matches before she retires as she wants to focus on having fun matches. No thoughts about post-retirement yet beyond perhaps focusing more on gamily and her dog (she also has been doing YouTube more lately).

DDT News: Money In The Bank Returns

For the last couple years DDT has been doing a variant of the WWE “Money In The Bank” gimmick that gives the holder a title shot anytime, anywhere they want. It’s back for this year but with some changes from last year’s memorable series, which culminated in Kazuki Hirata becoming KO-D Openweight Champion (and making one successful defense). Here’s the plan for this year:
Last year there were 3 such title shot rights awarded. This year there will be just 2.
This year they can be cashed in only for a KO-D Openweight Championship match. Last year it was for any DDT title.
They will again be defended and lost like last year, meaning if a rights holder is beaten in a single match, or is pinned/submitted/DQ’d/etc in a tag match, whoever beat them gets the rights.
They will be awarded on 7/15 and 7/16. On 7/15 there will be a 5-way for the first one involving Daisuke Sasaki, Chris Brookes, Kazuma Sumi, MAO & Shunma Katsumata. On 7/16 there will be a 4-way Blondfolded Breast-Hide Deathmatch for the second one involving Yuki Ueno, Kazuki Hirata, Junta Miyawaki & Masami Inahata.

Keep in mind that Ueno is already scheduled to defend the title against MAO on 8/11 so, especially with both in matches for the rights, card subject to change.

Sumo-July 2026 Banzuke Announced

With France done and an even month about over- it’s that time again-the Japan Sumo Association has announced the updated Banzuke (rankings) for the July 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament. Here are the full rankings for the top 2 tiers and other notes:

Makuuchi (top tier):
Yokozuna-Hoshoryu, Onosato
Ozeki-Kirishima, Kotozakura
Sekiwake-Atamifuji, Kotoshoho, Wakatakakage (May Tournament Champion), Aonishiki
Komusubi-Yoshinofuji, Oho
Maegashira 1-Fujinokawa, Takanosho
Maegashira 2-Gonoyama, Churanoumi
Maegashira 3-Hiradoumi, Hakunofuji
Maegashira 4-Daieisho, Ichiyamamoto
Maegashira 5-Ura, Oshoma
Maegashira 6-Shodai, Fujiseiun
Maegashira 7-Kotoeiho, Takayasu
Maegashira 8-Wakamotoharu, Roga
Maegashira 9-Fujiryoga, Tobizaru
Maegashira 10-Asanoyama, Chiyoshoma
Maegashira 11-Wakanosho, Mitakeumi
Maegashira 12-Asahakuryu, Abi
Maegashira 13-Nishikifuji, Takerufuji
Maegashira 14-Kinbozan, Shishi
Maegashira 15-Onokatsu, Kazuma (May Juryo Champion)
Maegashira 16-Daiseizan, Asakoryu
Notes: Both Yokozuna will hopefully be at full strength after being active in Paris and Onosato said he is “Definitely In” for July after sitting out May due to a shoulder injury. At Ozeki, Kirishima is on Yokozuna Watch meaning a championship or another playoff appearance, ideally with at least 12 wins, would give him a chance at promotion while Kotozakura is on kadoban status and must win at least 8 matches to avoid demotion. 4 Sekiwake results from Aonishiki being demoted from Ozeki due to missing May, with a chance at quick re-promotion if he wins at least 10 matches, and Wakatakakage moving up from Komusubi after his second Emperor’s Cup in May. That allows Yoshinofuji to make his Sanyaku debut at Komusubi alongside the returning Oho. 2 debuts highlight the bottom as Kazuma is promoted up for the first time after winning the Juryo championship, making 4 Kise men in the top tier, and Daiseizan finally gets up to the top tier as well. Takerufuji also returns to the top tier after a while down due to injury, slotting alongside stablemate Nishikifuji at M13 to keep Aomori’s Iron Man streak going. But what’s missing takes us to…

Juryo:
Juryo 1-Asasuiryu, Kyokukaiyu
Juryo 2-Tokihayate, Sadanoumi
Juryo 3-Ryuden, Dewanoryu
Juryo 4-Tomokaze, Toshinofuji
Juryo 5-Kitanowaka, Oshoumi
Juryo 6-Shonannoumi, Kazekeno
Juryo 7-Tamawashi, Meisei
Juryo 8-Midorifuji, Hatsuyama
Juryo 9-Shirokuma, Nishinoryu
Juryo 10-Hitoshi, Tamashoho
Juryo 11-Kagayaki, Enho
Juryo 12-Tohakuryu, Kayo
Juryo 13-Arashifuji, Hakuyozan
Juryo 14-Toachitaikai, Nishikigi
Notes: …J7?!? I figured Tamawashi would be demoted after a 2-13 May, but all the way down to J7? Much bigger drop than I expected. But The Iron Man has no intent of retiring so his streak will keep going even though his top tier one ended. Asasuiryu slots in at J1 after possibly missing the top tier by a win alongside Kyokukaiyu, looking to be the first Oshima man to get back to the top in some time. Despite only finishing 8-7 after a 7-1 start Enho moved up a little more than expected to J11 while the only Shin-Juryo this time, Arashifuji, slots in at J13. No Sai-Juryo which allowed Nishikigi to hang on to Juryo and salary one more time.

Lower tier notes: May Makushita Champion Ikarigata didn’t make as big a move up as usual for a champion, in part due to a 6-1 championship, only going from Ms20 to Ms7. The big story of course is unbeaten Arashifuji, who after 3 championships in 3 career tournaments zooms up to Ms11. That gives him a chance at Juryo in September if he wins the championship. Last time’s Juryo debutant Okaryu took a hard fall after a 3-12 debut, falling to Ms8. The man who Asahifuji beat the last 2 tournaments in championship playoffs, Kiryuko, continues his rapid climb back up to Juryo as he moves way up to Ms53. The Sandanme is at the now-usual 80 ranks with 160 wrestlers. The Jonidan has shrunk down to 99 ranks and 198 wrestlers, while the Jonokuchi has 20 ranks with 40 wrestlers.

The July Tournament is July 12-26 at IG Arena in Nagoya, the second year it is being held at the new venue that replaced Aichi Prefectural Gym. All tickets are sold out for all days.

Forbidden Door 2026 NEAR LIVE Results (Updated)

New Japan & Stardom are in the US for this year’s AEW Forbidden Door event, also featuring CMLL. Results will be posted below as they become available.

Today’s event will be held at SAP Center in San Jose, CA and can be watched LIVE as a PPV on New Japan World IN JAPAN ONLY and on participating cable/satellite providers and-for subscribers-on HBO Max in the US (additional purchase required). You can also watch the pre-show FOR FREE on YouTube.

Pre-show:
Match 1: Drilla Moloney beat Daniel Garcia.
Match 2: Maika beat Skye Blue. As a result, Maika will be in a match for the vacant AEW TBS Championship this Wednesday. She also will miss Tuesday’s Stardom event in Tokyo but she was not on the card and was previously announced as being absent.
Match 3: AEW Women’s Tag Team Champions Megan Bayne & Lena Kross beat Thunder Rosa & Olympia to retain the titles. Kross pinned Rosa.

PPV:
Match 1: Matt & Nick Jackson beat Mistico & Mascara Dorada and Shingo Takagi & Titan in a 3-way when the Jacksons pinned Titan.

Match 2: Kenny Omega beat Zack Sabre Jr.

Match 3: AEW Continental Champion Jon Moxley beat Bandido to retain the title.

Match 4: IWGP Global Champion Shota Umino beat Pac to retain the title. V1 for Umino.

Match 5: AEW Women’s Champion Thekla beat Starlight Kid to retain the title.

Match 6: AEW Tag Team Champions Adam Copeland & Christian Cage beat David Finlay & Clark Connors to retain the titles. Copeland pinned Finlay after a spear following Jay White interference.

Not counting Konosuke Takeshita participation, the New Japan & Stardom portion of the event is now complete. All AEW for the last 3 scheduled matches.

Match 7: Owen Hart Cup Women’s Finals: Mercedes Mone beat Maya World to win the tournament.

Match 8: In a steel cage match, Mark Briscoe, Darby Allin, Konosuke Takeshita, Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly beat MJF, Kevin Knight, Kyle Fletcher, Kazuchika Okada, Jake Doyle & Andrade El Idolo. Briscoe pinned Foyle after Jay Driller.

Main Event: Owen Hart Cup Men’s Finals: Will Ospreay beat Swerve Strickland to win the tournament.

End Show. After another 6 hour ultra-marathon.

For New Japan, the next event is Thursday at Tokorozawa Citizen Gym in Saitama. There will be no live or on demand broadcast. Also, it has been decided that the 7/11 G1 CLIMAX 36 opening event in Chicago WILL NOT be a PPV. It will be LIVE on New Japan World for all paying monthly subscribers.

UPDATE: Next up for Umino: Gabriel Kidd. That match will happen on 7/6 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo. The injured Boltin Oleg will also return on 7/6.

Stardom 6/28/2026 NEAR LIVE Results

Stardom concludes this weekend’s house show slate today in Toyama. NEAR LIVE results will be posted below as they become available.

Today’s event will be held at Toyama Industrial Hall in Toyama and will be available on demand on Stardom World at a later date. There is no live broadcast.

Updates below should begin at or around 9:30 PM PT/12:30 AM ET. The event will begin at 9 PM PT/midnight ET.

9:20 PM PT UPDATE: NEAR LIVE results updates begin now.

The paid attendance may or may not be announced after the event.

Match 1: Bea Priestley beat Anne Kanaya.

Match 2: AZM, Mei Seira, Miyu Amasaki & Ema Maishima beat Natsupoi, Yuna Mizumori, Ami Sohrei & Hina. AZM pinned Mizumori after Azumi Sushi.

Match 3: Momo Watanabe & Konami beat Aya Sakura & Sayaka Kurara. Watanabe pinned Kurara after One Man Driver.

Match 4: Hanan, Saya Iida & Matoi Hamabe beat Syuri, Lady C & Ranna Yagami. Hamabe pinned Yagami.

Match 5: Hazuki, Koguma & Utami Hayashishita beat Suzu Suzuki, Akira Kurogame & HANAKO. Hayashishita pinned Kurogame with a German suplex hold.

Main Event: Natusko Tora, Saya Kamitani & Ruaka beat Maki Itoh, Kikyo Furusawa & Rian. Kamitani pinned Rian after Star Crusher.

The next event is Tuesday at Korakuen hall in Tokyo. Live streaming on Stardom World will begin at 2:30 AM PT/5:30 AM ET.

Dragon Gate 6/27/2026 Results

Dragon Gate ran the last event featuring Shun Skywalker in Osaka today before he leaves the promotion next month.

Today’s event was held at Umeda Stellar Hall in Osaka and can be watched on demand on DRAGONGATE NETWORK.

The paid attendance has not yet been announced.

Match 1: Hyo & Mochizuki Junior beat Susumu Yokosuka & BxB Hulk. Hyo pinned Hulk.

Match 2: El Cielo, Ryu Fuda & Ho Ho Lun beat KAI, ISHIN & Jason Lee. Cielo pinned Lee after Cielo Cuarto.

Match 3: Flamita beat Riiita.

Match 4: Madoka Kikuta & Yoshiki Kato beat Masaaki Mochizuki & Don Fujii in 88 seconds. Kikuta pinned Fujii after a rolling lariat.

Match 5: Strong Machine J. Kzy, U-T & GuC beat YAMATO, Dragon Kid, KAGETORA & Naruki Doi (Independent/Freelancer). Kzy pinned KAGETORA after a running elbow smash.

Main Event: Shun Skywalker, Kota Minoura & Ryoya Tanaka beat Yuki Yoshioka, Luis Mante & Homare. Tanaka pinned Homare after Cross Saber.

The next event is tomorrow at Kobe Sambo Hall in Kobe. Live streaming on DRAGONGATE NETWORK will begin at 1 AM PT/4 AM ET.

DDT Pro Wrestling 6/28/2026 LIVE Results

DDT finishes up their June schedule today with the monthly signature Tokyo event. The main event will be a KO-D Openweight Championship match as Yuki Ueno looks to keep his reign going towards his upcoming 10th Anniversary event, today defending against former champion Shinya Aoki. The rest of the card is highlighted by what may be the first-ever No Referee Match between Sanshiro Takagi & MAO. So how will a winner be decided, you ask? By the fans. The fans will act as referees and a majority will be required to count a pinfall to win. No DQ’s no countouts, no submissions, but if the majority can’t decide? Well…Pro Wrestling, Everybody!

Today’s event will be held at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo and can be watched LIVE on WRESTLE UNIVERSE in Japanese. Comedian Yui Yoshida will be a special guest on commentary. There is a pre-show match planned before the event begins, so taking that and time limits into account this will be on the slightly longer end of a normal Korakuen event with a running time or probably just under 3 hours.

Today’s lineup:
Pre-show:
Junta Miyawaki & Viente Maligno vs. Akito & Miles Karu

Main show:
Takao Soma & Naomi Yoshimura vs. Yukio Naya & Yuki Ishida
Minoru Suzuki, Danshoku Dieno & Kazuki Hirata vs. Jun Akiyama, Rukiya & Masami Inahata
KANON & Yuki Iino vs. Shunma Katsumata & To-y
Takeshi Masada, Yuya Koroku & Daichi Sato vs. Kazuma Sumi, Yuni & O-MENZ Kumadori
MAO vs. Sanshiro Takagi in a No Referee Match. No DQs, no countouts, win by pinfall with a majority of the fans making the 3 count
Chris Brookes, HARASHIMA, Antonio Honda & Hinata Kasai vs. Daisuke Sasaki, MJ Paul, Hideki Okatani & Illusion
KO-D Openweight Champion Yuki Ueno vs. Shinya Aoki for the title

Refresh this page occasionally for the latest results.

Updates below will begin at 7 PM PT/10 PM ET. The pre-show match is scheduled to begin at 7:10 PM PT/10:10 PM ET. The main show is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM PT/10:30 PM ET.

*Assuming nothing changes beforehand, Katsumata will be coming into this match as the DDT Iron Man Heavymetalweight Champion. If that is the case, if Katsumata is the one beaten whoever beats him, or anyone else who may manage to do so, will win the title. Which could even be KIMIHIRO or YUZUKI. Or anyone else.

7 PM PT UPDATE: The live stream has begun. We should be going to the venue in 10 minutes.

7:09 PM PT UPDATE: Live updates begin now.

We are LIVE from Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan. Your hosts are Haruo Murata & Kagehiro Osano.

The paid attendance will not be announced after the event. Not close to a sellout, there were plenty of same-day tickets available.

Pre-show match: Junta Miyawaki & Viente Maligno (Correction-he is now Viento Levante. Just heard/saw that for the first time now) vs. Akito & Miles Karu (Malaysia Pro Wrestling). 15 minute time limit
Result: Junta Miyawaki & Viento Levante beat Akito & Miles Karu. Miyawaki pinned Karu after Sunshine Driver.

Updates will resume at 7:30 PM PT/10:30 PM ET.

The matches begin at 7:35 PM PT/10:35 PM ET. Yui Yoshida joins now as the guest on commentary.

Match 1: Takao Soma & Naomi Yoshimura vs. Yukio Naya & Yuki Ishida. 15 minute time limit
Result: Yukio Naya & Yuki Ishida beat Takao Soma & Naomi Yoshimura. Naya pinned Soma after The World’s Largest Backdrop.

Your new host (for now) is Satoshi Dairaku.

Match 2: Minoru Suzuki, Danshoku Dieno & Kazuki Hirata vs. Jun Akiyama, Rukiya & Masami Inahata. 15 minute time limit
Result: Jun Akiyama, Rukiya & Masami Inahata beat Kazuki Hirata in 8 seconds. Hirata didn’t even wait for the others. Akiyama pinned Hirata after a lariat. GM Imabayashi immediately with microphone EN FUEGO. We know where this is going. Imabayashi somehow restraining Hirata from going after the others again. Lots of comedy between them. Which lewd to…
Match 2 (again): Minoru Suzuki, Danshoku Dieno & Kazuki Hirata vs. Jun Akiyama, Rukiya & Masami Inahata. 15 minute time limit
Result: Jun Akiyama, Rukiya & Masami Inahata beat Kazuki Hirata in a few seconds (again). Akiyama pinned Hirata (again). While Dieno came out…
Result: Jun Akiyama, Rukiya & Masami Inahata beat Kazuki Hirata (again). Inahata beat Hirata with a Boston Crab. Which led to…
Match 2 (yet again): Minoru Suzuki, Danshoku Dieno & Kazuki Hirata vs. Jun Akiyama, Rukiya & Masami Inahata. 15 minute time limit
Result: Jun Akiyama, Rukiya & Masami Inahata beat Minoru Suzuki, Danshoku Dieno & Kazuki Hirata. Rukiya beat Hirata with a camel clutch.

Quick break for the opening announcements. A surprise development during these as GM Imabayashi brings out Dragon Gate wrestler YAMATO. It’s related to WRESTLE PETER PAN, DDT’s annual biggest event of the year, in August at Ryogoku Kokugikan. And we might have a clue what the deal is when Dieno comes out. And just like that, it’s now official. Danshoku Dieno vs. YAMATO.

Match 3: KANON & Yuki Iino vs. Shunma Katsumata & To-y. 30 minute time limit
Result: KANON & Yuki Iino beat Shunma Katsumata & To-y. Iino pinned To-y after a lariat. Iino wore a watch cap to conceal his odd mostly bald hairstyle for appearances in Pro Wrestling NOAH (which is starting to grow back). Which led to…
KIMIHIRO beat DDT Iron Man Heavymetalweight Champion Shunma Katsumata to win the title. KIMIHIRO becomes the 1836th champion. In an apparent rap-off or somethign not involving wrestling. Surprisingly none of SLC tried to take it away.

Match 4: Takeshi Masada, Yuya Koroku & Daichi Sato vs. Kazuma Sumi, Yuni & O-MENZ Kumadori. 30 minute time limit
Result: Takeshi Masada, Yuya Koroku & Daichi Sato beat Kazuma Sumi, Yuni & O-MENZ Kumadori. Sato pinned Yuni after a rolling elbow strike. Afterawrds, Sumi with microphone. He talked about apparently defending the DDT Universal Championship elsewhere when the lights went out…when they came back on, New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Eyusuke Taguchi was in the ring as was Akito. As the assistant GM, Akito makes it official. Title match at WRESTLE PETER PAN. The Funky Weapon Formerly Known As Dropkick Master is actually a perfect fit for DDT.

Your host once again is Haruo Murata.

Match 5: MAO vs. Sanshiro Takagi in a No Referee Match. No DQs, no countouts, win by pinfall with a majority of the fans making the 3 count. 30 minute time limit. Before the match, GM Imabayashi has Yuki Ishida & Hinata Kasai do a demonstration so the crowd can practice
Result: MAO beat Sanshiro Takagi

Match 6: Chris Brookes, HARASHIMA, Antonio Honda & Hinata Kasai vs. Daisuke Sasaki, MJ Paul, Hideki Okatani & Illusion. 30 minute time limit
Result: Daisuke Sasaki, MJ Paul, Hideki Okatani & Illusion beat Chris Brookes, HARASHIMA, Antonio Honda & Hinata Kasai. Sasaki beat Kasai with a crossface. Afterwards, Sasaki reveals his mystery partner for a tag match against Honda and TBA at WRESTLE PETER PAN…he too went to New Japan to get his partner. DOUKI.

Main Event: KO-D Openweight Champion Yuki Ueno vs. Shinya Aoki for the title. 1 Hour time limit
Result: KO-D Openweight Champion Yuki Ueno beat Shinya Aoki by submission to retain the title. V8 for Ueno. Afterwards, GM Imabayashi with microphone. Next up: TBA. It’ll be at WRESTLE PETER PAN. But Ueno called out MAO. Sounds like we’re about to have our main event for that event. After the promos, back to Imabayashi…and it’s now official. Which means, regardless, it’s going to end with The37Kamiina still on top and thus a Heave Wave WER!!

The next event is CHARISMANIA 4, the next Daisuke Sasaki Produced event, Thursday at Shinjuku Face. Live streaming on WRESTLE UNIVERSE will begin at 3 AM PT/6 AM ET.

DDT 6/27/2026 Results

Despite the effects of severe weather (typhoons/hurricanes moving through Japan), DDT went ahead with a special mini-event today in Tokyo, but it was moved indoors instead of being outdoors as planned.

Today’s event was held at Gran Hammer in Tokyo and will be available on demand on WRESTLE UNIVERSE Wednesday. There was no live broadcast.

The paid attendance was not announced.

Match 1: Takeshi Masada, Yuya Koroku & Daichi Sato beat Yukio Naya, Yuki Ishida & Masami Inahata. Masada pinned Inahata.

Match 2: In a Falls Count Anywhere Match, Shunma Katsumata & Yuni beat Danshoku Dieno & DDT Iron Man Heavymetalweight Champion Kazuki Hirata when Katsumata pinned Hriata to win the title. Katsumata becomes the 1835th Champion.

Main Event: In a Falls Count Anywhere Match, Yuki Ueno, Minoru Suzuki & To-y beat Chris Brookes, HARASHIMA & Antonio Honda and MAO, KANON & Viente Maligno in a 3-way when Ueno pinned Honda. Afterwards, the wretslers stuck around for champagne with the fans until HARASHIMA said it was over, of course, Because He’s Training!

The next event is tomorrow at Korakuen Hall. Live streaming on WRESTLE UNIVERSE will begin TONIGHT at 7 PM PT/10 PM ET.

Stardom 6/27/2026 NEAR LIVE Results

Stardom continues the weekend house show slate with an event today in Fukui. NEAR LIVE results will be posted below as they become available.

Today’s event will be held at Echizen City Art Museum in Fukui and will be available on demand on Stardom World at a later date. There is no live broadcast. The event is a legit advance sellout.

The event is scheduled to begin at 9 PM PT/midnight ET. Updates below should begin at or around 9:30 PM PT/12:30 AM ET.

9:30 PM PT UPDATE: NEAR LIVE results updates begin now.

The announced paid attendance was 417, a legit advance sellout.

Match 1: Hanan, Saya Iida, Matoi Hamabe & Utami Hayashishita beat AZM, Mei Seira, Miyu Amasaki & Ema Maishima. Hamabe pinned Maishima.

Match 2: Momo Watanabe, Konami & Ruaka beat Maki Itoh, Kikyo Furusawa & Rian. Ruaka pinned Rian.

Match 3: Hazuki & Koguma beat Aya Sakura & Anne Kanaya. Hazuki pinned Kanaya.

Match 4: Natsupoi, Yuna Mizumori & Sayaka Kurara beat Syuri, Lady C & Ranna Yagami. Natsupoi pinned C after Fairy Magic.

Match 5: Saya Kamitani & Bea Priestley beat Xena & HANAKO. Kamitani pinned Xena after Star Crusher.

Main Event: Suzu Suzuki & Akira Kurogame beat Ami Sohrei & Hina. Suzuki pinned Hina after Tequila Shot.

The next event is tomorrow at Sangyo Exhibition Hall in Toyama. There will be no live broadcast.

BREAKING: Obituary-Joe Doering Dies (Updated)

Some sad news just coming out to pass along-Joe Doering, who competed in All-Japan in the 2010s and was a 2-time Triple Crown Champion, has died after a valiant battle with brain cancer. He was only 44. The announcement came from Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling and its owner, former TNA Wrestling President Scott D’Amore. Doering had reportedly just entered hospice care earlier this week.

A giant by Japanese wrestling standards at 6’8”, 275 lbs, Doering became the 50th All-Japan Triple Crown Champion in 2014, making 3 successful defenses in his first reign that lasted just over 5 months. He would win the Triple Crown back in October 2017 and become the 59th Champion, again making 3 successful defenses in a reign that lasted 5 months. He was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2016 and made his final in-ring appearance in 2022 for TNA.

He definitely was one of the most successful big man foreigners in Japan this century and was loved by the Japanese fans as well. I join the wrestling world in sending deepest condolences on the loss of another brother, taken from us way too soon.

RIP and GOD BLESS, Joe.

UPDATE: All-Japan has now posted a statement on their official website:
https://www.all-japan.co.jp/news/news/12593/